You Know You’re in the Smoky Mountains When…

A few weeks ago, we took a trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. It was mostly a getaway to relax, unwind and unplug. I did pull out my camera phone for a few shots of Smoky Mountain style that caught my eye.

Smoky Mountain style

Hospitality

We went out for breakfast one morning and I loved this handmade painted sign.

Have a Seat, just seemed to summed up the friendly sentiment from the people wherever we went.

Rocking chairs

Rocking chairs frequent many a porches and patios down in the Smokies.

I found that they were mostly of the straight-backed, Shaker style. Many are wood stained, but there were plenty of pretty painted ones, too.

Mountain views

The Smoky Mountains is a National Park. A very large one. Roads are paved throughout giving access to trails, lookout points, camping and picnic sites.  We went hiking, horseback riding and rafting.  But even a short drive into the park with a stop off at one of the lookout points is breathtaking.

From the outskirts of the park, the views are stunning, as well.  Especially to flat-landers like ourselves.

Rustic architecture

Add rustic cabins, cottages, lodges and covered bridges and it completes the scene.

Of course it doesn’t all look like this. Pre-fabbed, newer style structures have edged their way in.  But there is enough of the old still left to set the mood.

Black bears

Black bear sightings are not that uncommon. And the decor reminds you just how much these animals are a part of this area.

Last summer when my sisters were in Galtinburg, they got a first had visit from a family of black bears. At the time, we thought it rare. After talking with some of the local people, I realize now that a black bear sighting near the Smoky Mountains is kind of like a skunk sighting in suburban Chicago.

Frequent enough to keep you on your toes.

There are somewhere around 1500 black bears living in the Smokies.  Decor follows wildlife from black bear tables and chairs to lamps, signs and much more.

But it just belongs, you know?

I wish I had taken more pics of the many ways bears were incorporated into the style down here.

We had a hard time finding post cards, so I thought I’d make a few of my own.

I’d like to think I captured just a snippet of the beauty and personality of the area around the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountains.

Have you been to the Smokies?  What stood out for you?