4 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR RUSTIC SMOKY MOUNTAINS VACATION
Why is it that we look past our own country and choose to travel abroad? Sure Santorini, Bali, and The South of France have a unique charm, but it’s important to see what your country has to offer first. In no way are we suggesting that you never see the rest of the world. Rather, see what your country has to offer first and then travel abroad.
USA has some of the most luxurious vacation destinations you can imagine. From the city life of New York to the Snowy Mountains of Aspen and everything in between. However, if you are just getting into the habit of traveling, there’s no better place than the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Mountains spread as far as the eye can see and an air of mystery that surrounds the place. There’s a unique aura about the clouds surrounding these mountains, one you can only learn about once you visit the place.
With travel restrictions clearing up, this is the perfect chance for you to take a trip to the Smoky Mountains. With that said, here are four things for you to do on your rustic Smoky Mountains vacation
Stay in an authentic cabin
Nothing screams rustic like staying in a cabin in the mountains. Living in a hotel doesn’t do your trip justice. The best way to enjoy mountains is by staying right in the middle of them. A cabin gives you the liberty to do precisely that.
Open your doors and step outside into raw nature. You are literally that close to the great outdoors. So close, in fact, that you might want to watch out for wildlife. A cabin can give off a warm and rustic vibe and all the comforts that you might need. Smoky Mountain cabin rentals have all the amenities you could ask for and more. Besides just being a cozy and aesthetic place to stay in, renting a cabin is a great way to create authentic memories of the great outdoors, which is much better than any view from a hotel window.
Go for a drive
Your rustic mountain vacation in the Smoky Mountains shouldn’t revolve around staying inside too much. Sure there are days when you may want to relax, but don’t make that the entire point of the trip. You are in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country, so go out and see what it has to offer.
Perhaps the best way to explore the mountains is by driving through them. If you have a car, fill it up with fuel and go for a nice long drive. Otherwise, consider renting a four-wheeled drive to explore the winding roads surrounding the majestic beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
There’s no better way to enjoy scenic beauty better than exploring it at your own pace. Tour guides tend to rush through things and avoid showing you anything that is not a major attraction. Thus, to explore the hidden gems of the area, smell a beautiful wildflower, or simply enjoy the view from a cliff, you need to ditch planned tours and go on a drive.
Dine authentically
The food you eat adds to the general ambiance of the surroundings, so let your food enhance the experience of your trip by resonating with its vibe. A fancy Michelin star meal made from exotic ingredients might be more appropriate for a trip to New York, but when in the mountains, make sure to eat rustically.
A simple meal brings a special charm to the environment. If you aren’t into meat, consider simple vegetable dishes. However, don’t go for anything too fancy; it might spoil the entire vibe of a rustic mountain retreat. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dine out; instead, opt for eateries that celebrate the local cuisine and ingredients. There are many foods that you must try while in the area, so make sure to look up some ideas while planning your trip.
Go white water rafting
This may not be the most rustic part of your trip, but it’s undoubtedly going to be a fun way to enjoy your time in the mountains. You don’t have to do everything according to a theme; if a blend of different ideas is what will make you happy, then go for it.
White water rafting in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most fun things you will ever do. The best thing about the waters is that they aren’t too many rapids, so you don’t have to worry about it being one of those scary white water rafting adventures that you see on TV. The water is fun but gentle; you get everything you want and more out of the experience and have a bunch of memories to take away.
It would still be wise to wear safety vests to keep your afloat if the worst happens. If you haven’t been rafting before, you should know that this is fast-flowing water, and it can sweep you off your feet if you aren’t careful. Carry a first aid kit, emergency whistle, and make sure you are wearing safety gear the entire time.
Conclusion
Now that you have some ideas of what you can do for a memorable rustic Smoky Mountains vacation, start planning your trip immediately. With the current pandemic conditions, you might not get a chance to travel again soon, so make your trip count. Also, keep in mind that our world is plagued with climate change, so it would be wise to check out some of the raw, untouched beauty before it’s too late. And if you are traveling with children, a rustic vacation is the perfect opportunity to teach your little ones about environmental conservation and respecting nature. We hope this article was helpful and that you enjoy your mountain vacation.
