And This is Mountain Kitsch: Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride, Hillbilly Golf

If you ever doubted that we like all kinds of touristy fun, here's proof!  We finally visted the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride in Pigeon Forge, and while we recommend it for Americana diehards like us, we don't think everyone would enjoy it.  It's pricey for what you get, but the boat ride through anamatronic dinosaurs is pleasant.  The property was actually more "high tech" than we expected, and I can imagine a willing five or six year old having a magical time here.  This attraction is of the variety you don't see too much outside of "big theme parks."  If you've read Tim Hollis's Dixie Before Disney, you can imagine Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride being memorialized in a similar work in a decade or so.  We both have fond memories of large animated dinosaurs that would come to the local science museum, and this ride is a less-educational throwback to that part of childhood. 

Now for a tourist spot we believe will endure:  Hillbilly Golf of Gatlinburg.    This legendary spot is still locally owned and features a well-known incline train ride up a mountainside.  When you disembark, you play one of two simple putt-putt courses in the shade.  It's a classic, easy course decorated by farm implements and fake outhouses--pure, low-maintenance fun so simple it doesn't even have an official website.  Kim had great memories of playing as a kid with her mom and dad, and Justin has decided he enjoys inclines and was looking forward to the experience, too. 

If you go, we'd specifically recommend Gatlinburg's Brookside Resort for your lodging.  The "resort" is a classic, locally-owned hotel complex--very retro.  Nice walkable-yet-off-the-beaten-path location--"city close, country quiet" is their motto.  Expect good value with the stream out back; don't expect extremely modern decor.  The vintage look is part of the charm; Justin stayed here growing up, and we'll continue the tradition.  We already have our next trip planned:  Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, Hauntings Ghost Show, and Clingmans Dome.