Dollywood Theme Park Pigeon Forge Tennessee

 

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge Tennessee is one of America's most beautiful theme parks. We spent two days and did not ride all the rides or see all the shows. I'm ready to return with a roller coaster enthusiast!

There are rides for people of all ages. My granddaughter had FireChaser on her list. We got on with hardly any wait time. Thanks to a tip to enter the park by Owens Farm and head north when the line drops.

Watch the video for a quick look at this fun ride--the first coaster in the US that offered dual action--forwards and backwards!

We did add some easy going rides like the Black Bear Trail

And got some arm exercise on the Lumberjack Lift

If you really want to relax, consider a classic train ride.

If spinning is your thing, try the Dizzy Disk...

or spin around when you see something like this...

There's plenty of places to grab lunch and snacks.

The cinnamon bread comes highly recommended--we tried it and liked it.

So after an active morning, we saw some shows.

Our granddaughter tolerated the Dreamland Drive In Show-- but we would see it again!

We all enjoyed the Gazillion Bubble Show--very impressive.

Another show we liked was the Wings Over America program. The birds are amazing and the staff provide brief yet informative talks about several birds. Of course, the final wow is the American Bald Eagle.

Check out the video...

Afternoons get pretty hot in the summer, which is a good time to get soaked.

The River Rampage was a fun ride.

But we liked the action at Daredevil Falls.

Here's a link to a short video of the big splash https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wfenXI98OIg

On the second morning, I decided to treat myself to a coaster. I got on the Lightning Rod with no hassle and no extra fees. Because I was alone, I went up the single rider entrance and ended up having my own car because the man who tried to get in couldn't fit.

In the picture below, we wait impatiently for the doors to open.

Then its up, up, and away.

Here's a video clip showing part of the fast action following the steep climb.

I mentioned that Dollywood is a beautiful park. Here's a few more photos.

By the way, there's some classic cars too-- over by Lightning Rod.

Some notes

We liked getting there early for good parking and getting on the preferred rides.

Perhaps we were lucky, but we did not pay extra for the preferred access plan.

Food is expensive for not as pricey as Disneyworld. There are child meals.

There's plenty of places to refill water bottles at no charge.

The gifts were not overpriced.

There are a lot more rides and shows than I posted--see the Dollywood website. If you're new, I suggest making a list and getting a good sense of the locations.

There are maps on the website but the larger maps at the entrance are great and include the show schedule.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park traveling south on Route 441 in Tennessee.

Close to the Sugarlands Visitors Center are trails. One nicely shaded trail led to Cataract Falls pictured below.

There are a lot of trails off the paved road. One popular one is the Alum Cave Trail. The picture below and the one at the top of this post were taken along the trail. The top photo is a picturesque arch, which you find along the trail.

Below is one of the many bridges over clear flowing mountain streams. The trees provide shade from the summer heat.

On a clear day, the views are outstanding and it's cooler at these elevations. 

A stop near the state line offers impressive vistas. We couldn't resist the touristy memory.

Rocks near an access to the Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail sign- another memory and an example of a great place to hike in America.

At the southern end of route 441 is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Nearby is the Mountain Farm Museum alongside the Oconaluftee River.

The farm buildings were brought in to showcase an old Tennessee farm. At some of the places, people tell about activities on the farm.

Children enjoy playing in the river, which is along the trail to the old farm.

On a smoky day...

My dad took us to the Smokies years ago. The photo below is from the first time I took my wife. She couldn't see much because of the "smoke," but really appreciated the park's beauty during our 2022 visit.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Click for  the Area Map

Park website     https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Branson Scenic Railway Branson Missouri

 Branson Scenic Railway is a leisurely ride through the Ozarks.

After arriving, we picked up our pre-ordered tickets 11:30 tickets inside the depot then waited outside on the crowded front deck.

Our grandson finished eating lunch--you are not allowed to bring food or drink on the train.

You can sit anywhere that is open. We were surprised to find a dome coach open. Perhaps it was because the air conditioning doesn't do so well in the three glass-topped coaches. But the views great.

The photo below is from the domed coach facing south as we head toward Arkansas on a sunny late Spring day in June.

The short video clip below is from the window above. It should give you some sense of the scenery and the journey in case you are thinking about going. You will hear some old music in the background, which attempts to add 1940s ?) ambience.

You can explore the train between the end diesel locomotives. In this room, there was only one chair.

At the end of the journey, people mill around to take photos. I was surprised at the length of the train. Although the outside waiting area was crowded, there was plenty of room on the train.

The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The website says there are two different journeys. On this one we headed south for about 40 minutes before returning. 

The Ozark Zephyr is a diesel-powered locomotive. The passenger coaches (or cars) are restored and date from the 1930s to the 1960s. If you want the best air conditioning, it felt cooler in the cars with blue or red leather seating--no guarantee that will be true on a future ride.

Some tips

Book online if you can. Tickets are numbered and you board by the number on your ticket.

In 2022, you had to have a paper ticket to board. So, even if you purchased online, you still have to enter the station to collect your tickets.

You can buy tickets inside the depot if available but your number will be higher than those ahead of you.

The station is small. Although there are two restrooms, the line was long and slow when we were there.

Consider mealtimes. We booked the 11:30 am departure. They are very strict about not permitting food and drink on the train. There is a small snack bar on the train with limited options. Cookies were $1.10. You can buy some drinks for $2.00.

Refunds are limited. We purchased tickets the night before but I can't say if that is a good idea.

They do travel on rainy days.

Parking is across the street in a gravel lot north of the station. There is no additional charge for parking.

If you want to eat before your trip and don't have time for a sit-down restaurant, there are fast food restaurants west of the station.

There are restrooms on the train. The toilet stalls are very small. There was soap and water and a few paper towels. There were sanitizing bottles throughout the train.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted.

They announced that no guns were permitted--including concealed weapons--but I did not see them check to see if people had a concealed weapon.

And other notes from June 2022

Most of the passengers were senior citizens. Some children were with the seniors and there were a few families.

Those using a walker or wheelchair board first.

I noticed one conductor and one woman who gave a brief commentary during the first let of the journey.

More Information

Website = bransontrain.com

Google map BransonScenicRailway

My website     suttong.com

My videos on YouTube      SuttonTravels

Phone plans and Phones for Travel

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Photo of Tower Bridge taken with Pixel 4. 

PHONE TRAVEL PLANS

I check the major plans and decided Google Fi is best for us. Verizon and ATT seem fine but when I checked, I thought the  Google Fi Unlimited Plus   plan was the best. For a flat fee, I get Unlimited data and texts

I travel to visit family in England so I need a good international travel plan. My  Google Fi plan   worked seamlessly from the time I turned it on when arriving at Heathrow for the 4 weeks in many English towns and villages and on return to Chicago and home in 2021.

Before leaving, I switched from the low cost   Flexible plan  to the  Unlimited Plus plan. On my return, I switched back to the Flexible Plan.

In England, I called or texted my cousins or message them over unlimited WIFI. I was able to buy rail tickets, museum tickets, and uber rides easily.

On previous trips, Google Fi service popped up on cruises when we were near an Island in the Caribbean.

I had no problem uploading photos to the   Google Photo site.   Uploading videos takes more space so if you shoot a lot of 4K videos you may need to add   inexpensive storage.

PHONES

My current phone is a Pixel 6.

I decided against the Pro version because of the cost. And no phone can get the zoom length of a camera.

Note, lower cost options are available for reconditioned phones.

Of course, you can use other phones like the impressive    iPhone 13    and  Samsung models. One of my English cousins has a Samsung note, which is interesting-- my wife and I both owned Samsung notes in the past and were happy with them. The new Galaxy 22 series is worth a look.

WHY I STILL USE A CAMERA

I admit that the three phones mentioned above take awesome photos but the long optical zooms on cameras and easy pop in spare batteries allow me to get better photos and videos without running down my phone battery.

I use a moderately priced point-and-shoot camera and carry a spare memory card and batteries.

I have been happy with a Panasonic Lumix Camera with 4K video. Mine is a little old but still works fine. 

Newer versions like the  LUMIX FZ2500 offer a 20x optical zoom. 

Memory cards are inexpensive compared to buying more memory on a phone.

It's a matter of choice of course. Phones can do a lot and reduce what you have to carry.

Note. Just because I have had a good experience I cannot guarantee anyone else will.

 Phone Accessory Gift Ideas for Travelers

Memory: Buy the largest phone memory you can afford unless you are using a separate camera with inexpensive memory cards.

Zoom: Consider. Better phone models are larger and have better cameras. They cost more and may not be as good as a camera.

Battery: Consider battery life. Location with directions apps and taking videos consume phone battery life. You can buy small phone recharger units called  power banks   --some attach to phones.

Storage: Consider extra cloud storage for large video and photo files

Protection: People drop phones so a case and screen protector are important

Drop Prevention: I use a 24 inch tether  (example)   to my phone case, which has a wrist strap

Adaptor: Consider a cord adaptor depending on your phone charging cord for example C to USB for charging options in some locations.  Examples of USB to C.

Portable Charger: This can be vital when traveling all day. A variety of inexpensive chargers are available.    Examples on AMAZON

Waterproof: Depending on where you go, protection from rain and other water can be critical. I carry a waterproof case.    Examples on AMAZON

Electric Adaptor and Converter Set. I bought a small power bar adaptor and converter set. Some hotels and homes have only one outlet. There are various brands. Example.

Photo of the London skyline close to Tower Bridge taken with Pixel 4

Contents

Google Fi Phone Plan

Google One and Storage

Lumix cameras

Google Pixel Phones on  AMAZON

Apple iPhone 13   Price on AMAZON

Samsung Galaxy 22   Price on AMAZON

Phone cases with  loops example  straps and lanyards

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If you are traveling to the UK, you might find Mind the Gap 2 an interesting, fun, and informative read.

VISIT the UK 

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial England UK

I was honoured to visit Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial with my cousin's husband, John McClaran who served with the US Air Force. 

Inside, we followed the story of the American forces in England during World War II.

Outside is a stunning and sobering memorial to those who died. 

On the right is a wall with 5,127 names of those who are missing. Most of these died in the Battle of the Atlantic or bombing raids over Europe.

On the left are the remains of 3,811 Americans who died during the war.

Thank you America.

A chapel offers a chance to reflect and remember their sacrifice.

About the Cemetery and Memorial

Land: Donated 30.5 acres to the United States by the University of Cambridge

Dedication: 1956

Addition: 4,000 square-foot visitor center, May 2014

Address

 Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

 Madingley Road

 Coton CB23 7PH

 Cambridge, UK

Tel +44 1954 210 350

Learn more

website: https://www.abmc.gov/Cambridge#cemetery-info-anchor 

App information

Visiting notes

Open daily

Free entry

About 1 hour from London by train to Cambridge

Bus service to the cemetery

Visiting the city of Cambridge

YouTube Video

LINKS

Places to visit in the UK

World War II Remembered

World War II Memorial, Washington DC

American Memorial, Meuse, France

Chateau-Thierry American Monument, France

Please check out my website   www.suttong.com

   and see my books on   AMAZON       or  GOOGLE STORE

Also, consider connecting with me on    FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton    

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton    

You can read many published articles at no charge:

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton     ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton 

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Mind the Gap

Buy on AMAZON

Visit Northern Ireland in the UK

 

Northern Ireland is the small section on the island of Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom.

The capitol is Belfast. This page contains links to places to visit in the area of Northern Ireland. 

The places I have visited in the Republic of Ireland are in separate posts.

Click on each link to see photos, videos, and descriptions.

Belfast

    

Belfast - Titanic Exhibit

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Giant's Causeway

Londonderry

St Patrick and Down Cathedral

Learn more about Irish culture in words and sayings among English speakers in

BUY     Mind the Gap 2    on 

 AMAZON

 GOOGLE

Book Website with FREE DOWNLOAD

Visit Wales in the UK

 Wales is that beautiful country on the west side of the United Kingdom. This post includes links to many of the places I have visited. We count a number of friends and relatives among those who celebrate the culture of Wales.

The Welsh Dragon-- a symbol of the nation.

I have a nice collection of photos and will add more as I have time.

Beaumaris Castle on the island of Anglesey

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 

That small village with the incredible name. I even try to pronounce it.

St Fagans National Museum of History near Cardiff

I've included some common Welsh phrases in

Mind the Gap 2 on   AMAZON      and other booksellers.

See the United Kingdom page for other places to visit.