Family Idea #3: Unplug in the Smoky Mountains

This is the fifth article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge is a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.

In the chapter, "The Biggest Turn-Off", the authors encourage couples to unplug together, "Looking for a quick fix for a dwindling relationship?  This one's fast, free, and fastastically simple.  Unplug your tv and plug in to an amazing life together."

Idea:  Why not make a pact with your partner to limit technology for at least three days?  Why not unplug in the Smoky Mountains where so much entertainment doesn't depend on a cord?  Sometimes when you are not attached, it's easier to notice the flowers and the special things about your special someone.

Plan:  Book a rental cabin and make an itinerary full of nature and sporting activities.  It'll be simple at Lightning Bug Lodge, a cabin that doesn't even have a computer with internet access.  Yes, it has quite a few tvs, but it'll be so easy to do other activities.  In a traditional motel room, it may feel like the only entertainment option is the tv. 

At LBL, you can just walk onto the deck, immerse yourself in nature, and watch the animals.  Or go downstairs for a game of pool or foosball.  Use the Shagbark resort ammenities like the tennis court, basketball hoop, and swimming pool.

Tip:  Make it a fun game.  See who can come up with as many "technology replacements" ideas like "let's go on a horse ride instead of a car ride", "let's go to the National Park and watch the campfire instead of the tv", or "let's write love letters instead of email."

Smoky Mountains, Average Weather by Month

My friends would like to find the ideal time to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park.  It's an ideal place to visit, no matter what the season.  Determine what activity you want to do the most then pick your month.  This article will help give you direction with average Pigeon Forge, TN temperatures per month, thanks to weatherchannel.com.

1.  Go skiing & enjoy the peaceful snow covered mountains - Choose Winter

Smoky Mountains National Park is nearby the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, offering skiing, ice skating, and tube riding.  Check out the LBLodge Smoky Mountain channel on You Tube for video.

http://www.youtube.com/user/LBLodgeSmokyMountain#p/c/E240D6EF56DF9040/1/SMn4iRxN69E40/1/SMn4iRxN69E

If you would rather watch the snow from a cozy indoor cabin, rent our cabin and enjoy the fireplace.  Just don't forget your boots, winter gear, and can food:

Dec.  27 - 50 degrees (average low/high)
Jan.    25- 46

Feb.  27-51

2.  Enjoy nature's flora, waterfalls, & less crowded hikes - Choose Spring

According to National Parks Traveler, "As Yellowstone National Park is to wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to flora", check out the full article for hiking ideas to see spring flowers 

http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/04/where-look-spring-wildflowers-great-smoky-mountains-national-park; The LBL cabin has quite the variety of plants & birds in the backyard, enjoy it from our wrap-around porch.  Bring a jacket & umbrella, May has more precipitation than any other month on average.  Consider indoor activities too like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

March 34-61 degrees

April   43-69

May   53-77

3.  Get wet & wild in the sunshine - Choose Summer

The most visited season of the year when all the roads in the National Park are open and vacationers play in the rivers.  It's a natural playground offering white water rafting and tubing (check out links on right to "Tube down the river" or "Raft down the River").  Also, you'll have more amusement park options including Dollywoods Splash County water park.  Temperatures cool down as you ascend up the mountain, so take a break from the heat in our mountain cabin.  Bring your sunscreen, hat, picnic supplies, and water.

June  61-84 degrees

July   65-87

Aug   64-86

4.  Photograph the foliage & learn mountain history - Choose Fall

Looking for gorgeous pictures?  Shoot the changing leaf colors in Cades Cove and throughout the National Park.  Learn more about the mountain history and culture through local festivals including 1) Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival, 2) Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, 3) Townsend Fall Festival & Old Timers Day, 4) Sevier County Fair, 5)Old Mill Square Heritage Day, 6) Trout Tournament, 7) Woodcarvers Festival and multiple car shows http://www.smokymountainharvestfestival.com/

Sept. 57-81 degrees

Oct.  43-71

Nov. 35-59

What is your favorite season in the Smokies and why?

Memories at Mingus Mill

We met "Flat Lauren" at Mingus Mill, a two dimensional paper doll cut out with the picture of a very loved granddaughter.  We met her grandfather carefully taking photograph after photograph of Flat Lauren proped along the 200 ft. wooden flume, so she could be a part of the mountain memories.  My kids showed interest and so he took photos of the kids with Flat Lauren.

You can be a part of the mountain memories, bring you whole family to Lightning Bug Lodge and visit Mingus Mill.
Interesting facts:
*Historical grist mill built in 1886 located at it's original site
*Cost $600 to build it within 3 months
*Largest mill in the Smokies, serving approx. 200 families
*Able to grind more than six bushels (approx. 350 lbs.) per hr.
*Uses a water power turbine instead of a waterwheel

Last year it was in operation.  This year a part broke and the Mingus Mill volunteer eagerly awaited a government bill to pass for the funding to fix it.  You can still buy corn meal at the mill and help support the non-profit.  We all enjoyed listening to the mill history and walking along the water flowing down the miltrace.
Tip:  Watch for the signs.  The mill is not part of the Mountain Farm at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, but it's only a half mile north.