Chasing Adirondack Memories in Tennessee

One of the things I truly miss about New York is being able to escape to the Adirondacks for a day or a weekend. Tennessee has its own version in Gatlinburg, and while it’s beautiful in its own right, it’s just not the same when you’ve grown up with something so specific and special your whole life.

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The drive to the Adirondacks from where we lived took about an hour and a half—and the views along the way were always breathtaking. Depending on the season, each trip felt like a new experience. In the winter, everything was wrapped in a blanket of snow. In the fall, the trees exploded with the richest colors imaginable. It was magic.

After my husband and I got married, we spent some time there in August of 2015. He made one of my lifelong dreams come true by taking me on a horseback trail ride. I’ve always wanted a horse, so this was perfect. That trip also included rooftop dining, kayaking on Mirror Lake (so clear you can see straight to the bottom), and just taking in the peace that place always seemed to offer. We had many trips, both as a family and just the two of us, where we’d head up there to disconnect and recharge.

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Gatlinburg reminds me a lot of the Adirondacks—it’s full of little shops, great food spots, and fun things to do—but it can also feel calm and secluded when you need it to be.

One of my favorite trips was in July 2018. Our son was 8, and we all went up for some adventure—hiking, visiting an animal rescue (where we saw bears, wolves, and other incredible wildlife), and driving up Whiteface Mountain. My husband and son made it all the way to the top, while I had to sit the final stretch out thanks to my fear of heights. I went up as far as I could, and they kept trucking on. Later that day, we relaxed on the beach and just soaked in the moment.

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Just this past weekend, my husband and I made a quick trip to Gatlinburg with some friends—just a one-night ride on the bike—and it stirred up a bit of homesickness. Being there reminded me of everything I loved about those Adirondack escapes.

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Until next time,
Amanda Murray 💛