Driving along the I-40, into the Cherokee National forest, and snaking alongside the Pigeon river, we ran into familiar sightings. Another tryst with the Great Smoky Mountains! As the road signs showed Gatlinburg, we looked at each other and smiled – for the umpteenth time we were back in our regular retreat, only this time, with our teenage boy! After a hiatus of 11 years from the continent, what were the chances of getting back here, we didn’t quite comprehend. For all we know, and all we cared, we were back in the Smokies after another impromptu travel plan. We did not question, we obliged.

My first leisure travel in the US, over twenty years ago, had landed me in Smokies with my mates from grad school. The Great Smoky Mountains are nestled in the southeastern US, a picturesque landscape. The scenic drive took us through the valleys of Tennessee, from the foothills of the mountains into the National Park. We gasped at every turn as the valley offered endless views of the distant hills. I remember the puzzled looks we exchanged, as we passed by the runaway ramps! We had geared up for our date with the mountains and it seemed like the forest was ready too. Beautiful archways to scenic trails, and the quiet cheer of waters from the rivulets greeted us as we walked along the greens. The unobstructed vistas of the endless beauty was the prize for the walk all along. The mountains kept giving, and we obliged.

The following year, I returned to the mountains with my wife. We took the Ober Mountain Tramway and the scenic chairlift that got us over 3500 feet above sea level. The result was some of the most breathtaking views of the mountains! As we stopped at the peak, we gazed and gazed and gazed. On the horizon, we watched the layers of mountains, from the faintest shade of blue to the darkest one. We watched the “Smoke” that the mountains were named after, and our eyes feasted on the beauty. We did not take our eyes off. We obliged.

A few years later, the Smokies pulled us closer, I moved into Tennessee for my work, and Smokies was just over a couple of hours of drive. Just in time as my parents were preparing to visit us in the US, the mountains pushed to be on the itinerary. Maybe it was always meant to be! We booked a date with the Smokies again, with my parents this time. From the log homes, to the bear sightings, to the chilly morning walks, to the downtown Gatlinburg frenzy, the mountains charmed us to no end. And we obliged.

In a few years, we paid over half a dozen visits, and were named unofficial uncertified guides among our friends for the park visits. Oh and one of those visits resulted in my leap that mattered! We planned our gatherings in the mountains from start to finish. We booked the log homes, took a short trail that is just enough for families with kids. We’d reserve time for tramway to the Ober Mountain, chairlifts, and activities in the downtown. The mountains kept giving, and we obliged.

Downtown Gatlinburg has a vibrant mix of natural beauty, tourist attractions, shops and restaurants, with a unique blend of rustic mountain charm and lively entertainment. On the evening of our arrival, twenty years later, as we were endlessly showing him around the mountain town, my teenager naturally gravitated towards the Star Cars museum. Then we jumped onto the Ober Mountain tramway, Ice skating, and indulged in activities in the downtown mall. Just when we thought it cannot get any better, we jumped on to the chairlift, we watched the mist of the smokies one more time, as we ascended the Ober Mountain. Twenty years thence, the mountains decided to charm us again, along with our teenager. We obliged.