An Explanation of How and Why Our Love for Gatlinburg Changed Us

As another year comes to a close, I want to reflect on a time when my mind wasn’t consumed with Gatlinburg. And now flash forwarding the impact the town and surrounding area now has on my family. Thirteen years ago we were planning our very first trip to the tourist town, and while we were excited, we didn’t quite realize what was to come. The following is the story of how it came to fruition and why it keeps us coming back.

The year was 2010, and we were overdue for a real vacation. The trips to Columbus every October for our anniversary were fine, but they could hardly be considered a getaway vacation. It was merely a chance to do some Christmas shopping before the big seasonal rush, and since Lima, Ohio is not a big shopping mecca, we could get a lot accomplished here as it is just an hour and forty-five minute drive. Needless to say, it was not going to cut it for us anymore.