wife layed down the law

[Rusty]

Last night my wife informed me that this September when we take our yearly vacation that she wants to go on "a real vacation". Now I would be perfectly happy going back to Phil's or going down to the White River(my dad lives in mtn home). But the order has been issued. I was thinking of Gatlinburg, Tn. I was there as a child and have heard it has changed a lot(kind of a Branson east). I have also heard there is trout fishing in the smokies. Any comments or ideas. I would also entertain other ideas.

Thanks,

Doug Kiefer

I did that once, layed down the law that is. Come to think of it, it was only once. And if my memory serves me right, that was the hardest carpeted floor I had ever slept on. That was the longest two day vacation ever.

[Danoinark]

One Summer a friend an me drove to E. Tn. We visted Clingman's Dome where it was touted you could see 7 states or so. Well after huffing and puffing up to the observation area, all I saw was clouds.

Dano

[Terry Beeson]

yeah... but clouds in SEVEN STATES Dano...

[fly2fish]

If you are going to the Smokies give Abrams Creek on the Cades Cove loop a try. I fished it a year ago March and did better than expected. Before I got there I stopped at a couple of fly shops and was told not to expect the same results we are used to on Taney or anywhere else that is stocked. I was told the avg. size is 6-10 inches and few and far between and to expect large crowds around the easy access areas and possibly high and discolored water that time of the year do to snow melt. The first morning my son and I went to Abrams creek about 7 am, pulled into the parking lot and there were already about 30 cars there. Went down to the creek and only 1 fisherman, the rest were hiking up to the falls about 2 miles away. Caught a fish within about 5 minutes, rainbow about 12 inches. Caught 6 altogether, 2 below avg, 2 avg and 2 above avg using a dry for an indicator with a BHPT or copper john dropper. During our entire 4 days I only saw 4 other fishermen in the entire park. There was no snow anywhere even in the mountains so the creeks were low and clear. Just being in that setting was worth it

As far as who wears the pants I told my wife long ago its not a vacation unless it involves fishing and she still believes it. This trip was to a cheerleading competion in Gatlinburg, but since it included fishing it was considered a vacation.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I suppose it depends on your interests. We went to central VA two years ago and got a good fill of history from battlefields to Montecello, which is a must. Had we had the time, Williamsburg would have been on the list also.

[motroutbum]

Im headed to the Ashville, Cherokee area for the next trial before nationals. We are gonna be fishing the 'louftee and the tuc'. If anyone has fished near there, i could use all the help i can get. Ive been in touch with several people in that area already, but if any of you have any other advice it would sure help me also.

[am4mu]

After reading the responses to my post I feel I should clarify the intent.

The real vacation she wants just means she wants to go somewhere other than the ozarks. She loves Lilley's and the White River, this time she just wants to go somewehre else. As far as fishing goes she has never discouraged me from it, actually she encourages me and she fishes some also. As far as the tourist traps go I really don't mind the craft shops and the other shopping that goes on. The only thing I can't handle is the shows. I love going to restraunts that feature reigional cooking especially barbeque. I'm really just looking for a place that has all of the above.

Thanks,

Doug

[Terry Beeson]

...As far as the tourist traps go I really don't mind the craft shops and the other shopping that goes on. The only thing I can't handle is the shows. I love going to restraunts that feature reigional cooking especially barbeque. I'm really just looking for a place that has all of the above.

BRANSON!!!

Of course, I'm kidding. I got the right impression from your first post really. Not that there is anything wrong with the Smokies or the Rockies, but I would hope you didn't find that to be just another trip to Branson with taller mountains. That might not be the "real vacation" you're looking for.

I would recommend a trip to the Gulf Coast for a change of pace. Relaxing beaches, a different kind of fishing, "tourist traps", and as for regional cooking, well, it's hard to beat the seafood down there... even if it ain't BBQ'd....

How about San Antonio? The Riverwalk is a GREAT place. The Alamo provides the history. And I'll bet you can find a place to fish down there as well.

Another option? Pennsylvania. Kind of puts you back in the trout waters, but wanted to add that to the list with E TN, SC, NC, VA, and CO. And LOTS of history...

[fly2fish]

I forgot to mention that between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN was almost like being in Branson and driving down 76. They even have some of the same tourist traps and go-cart tracks, themed resturaunts and starting to get some shows too. I learned the back ways around there too.

[bassman1308]

Terry mentioned the gulf coast. We ( 4 couples ) rented a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, beach house near Ft. Morgan, Al. for less than $70 a night last march. Great time, just sitting on the deck watching the ocean, walking on the beach, golfing, shopping, but no fishing. This was our first time to stay on the beach. It was very relaxing. We only ate out 3 times as everyone agreed being near the beach was better than being in a resturant. San antonio is also a great place, especially near the last week in april when the "fiesta" is going on. The town is really colorful at that time and it's not that hot yet. Wherever you go, HAVE FUN.