Adventures In New York City Part 2- Grand Central Station and the Grand Hyatt

We got off of our plane at LaGuardia and got a cab to our hotel.  LaGuardia seemed so crowded, especially when compared to the airport we just came from in Lexington Kentucky.

We got in the back seat of the cab, and I realized my seat belt wasn't working.  OK, I thought.  I don't think our hotel is very far off.  I should be safe.

Well, like most people in New York, our cab driver recognized the value of time, and he drove like he was in a NASCAR race.  I appreciated his sense of getting us there quickly, but we were a bit nervous.  He merged quickly and at the last minute.  He honked when it was appropriate, and when it was not.  Many times, I felt there could be no more than an inch or two between him and other cars.

We were happy to get to our hotel safely around 8am.  Our cab ride was enjoyable, and it was a real NYC experience.

We got to the Grand Hyatt and were able to leave our bags there, though our room was not ready yet.  We did have access to their Grand Club area, which included breakfast.  A very nice lady named Lam at the front desk gave us keycards to access the Grand Club area so we were able to enjoy a very nice meal right then!  After our flight and cab ride, we really enjoyed sitting down to some bacon and eggs.

I actually stayed at the Grand Hyatt when I was in town in 1993.  It was a treat going back to this nice hotel again.

I don't want to sound like an old fogy, but there are some major differences I thought about as I revisited this place 23 years after my first visit.  I'm not even talking about the internet, facebook, cell phones or any of that.  It was just a very different time.  I took 2 disposable cameras with me on that last trip.  That enabled me to take about 50 photos....  which at the time was a lot.  On this trip I would end up taking over 1,500 photos on my digital camera.

After our pleasant breakfast, we decided to hit the sidewalks.  We wanted to cover as much of the city as we could!

We spent a little time in Grand Central Station, checking the place out.  We would end up spending a lot more time here later on in our trip.  There are nice shops here, and there is a very cool food court area down a couple of levels.

One place we visited in Grand Central Station was the restrooms.  My pal reminded me of the Weird Al Yankovic song, "One More Minute" which mentions these restrooms.  I am sure they try to keep them up, but there is just a ton of foot traffic going through this place.

A lot of people go through this area.  Along with the tourists and people getting on and off of trains, we noticed a lot of security.  We also watched ballet dancers being photographed as they danced and jumped through the air.  A film crew also set up to do what looked like a music video outside.

The top photos are of Grand Central Station.  The bottom few are from the Grand Hyatt!  Take notice of the giant head sculptures displayed!  They look like holograms, but that is just a lighting trick.  These futuristic looking art pieces are solid and amazing!  I was waiting for their eyes to open, and to hear them tell me to "Obey!"

Adventures In New York City Part 1

A few months ago a buddy of mine was talking about how he would like to go to New York City again.  He has been there several times, most recently in 2014 with one of his daughters.  He said he likes the city so much he wouldn't mind going every year or two.

I told him I would like to go back too sometime.  We have driven close by a few times over the years, but the last time I was actually there was in 1993.  Sure, I was glad to be there back then, but the place felt so intimidating.  I saw the sights and had fun.  I had a good time, but I was a lot younger then, and just overwhelmed with it all.

I remember the aggressive panhandlers, barkers out side of strip clubs that were openly obscene, and the crazy drivers.

Well, I heard that the place has been cleaned up since I was there last (some have said sanitized and Disneyfied, both in a generally negative way).  Personally, I was glad to hear that the town had made some improvements.

So, my friend and I decided to buy tickets, and venture out to New York City!  We planned the trip kind of quick but I think that ended up being a good thing.  We didn't have time to over think the planning process.  New York is the kind of place where it is good to just get there, and go.

So, over the next few weeks I will try to get some photos up from our trip to New York City!

Buckhorn Inn B&B Gatlinburg Tennessee

Part of me is very excited to bring up the very comfortable Buckhorn Inn in Gatlinburg Tennessee.  Part of me doesn't want to talk about it, because I want to make sure I can get a reservation next time I am in the area!  This B&B is so nice though, they deserve to be noticed and noted.

The Buckhorn Inn is only a few miles away from the main strip of Gatlinburg, but it is perfectly out in a secluded area of town.  You're close enough to the Gatlinburg sites that you can easily get to them, but you are far enough away that you know you have gotten away from it all.

After exploring the Inn a bit and getting comfortable, you realize that this is the kind of place that is worth a road trip on its own.  To be honest, we changed some of our plans so that we could spend some more time here.

The Buckhorn Inn has a main building with their traditional rooms, mostly all on the 2nd floor.  There are several guest houses and cottages on the property nearby. 

On the main floor of the main building, the Inn offers breakfast and dinner each day.  Seating in the evening is at 7pm, and a 4-course meal is provided.  It is $35 per person for the evening meal.  Breakfast is included with your stay.

I am including a couple of photos from our dinner and from breakfast, but the pictures don't do justice to our meals.  The meals were plentiful and amazing.  I believe I had my all time greatest food coma after our dinner here- and I mean that in a glorious way.

Each meal seemed so complete and classy.  You are taken care of by the great staff at the Buckhorn.  They seemed to be taking care of our needs pretty constantly through our meals, and during our entire stay.  Everyone was pleasant and seemed to enjoy contributing to the legacy of this great old Inn.

There are hiking trails around the Inn, and the Buckhorn has a large labyrinth.  I am not up on labyrinths, but I did read a flyer at the hotel.  It seems that labyrinths are used for prayer and meditation.  One may start a prayer as they start the maze or path, and finish when they get to the center.  I had more of an appreciation for it after reading about it.

We were able to read on the back porch one evening, as rockers are provided.  Looking up from our books, our view was dominated by Mt. Le Conte. 

I could very easily go on and on about this place.  The Buckhorn Inn is one of the most relaxing places I have ever been to, and I give it my highest recommendation.

Loop-over and Chimney Tops by Moonlight, Great Smoky Mountains

Loop-over and Chimney Tops by Moonlight, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cherokee, North Carolina

We spent a very casual day in Cherokee, North Carolina.  It was my first time getting the chance to explore the town, and I will definitely have to go back again.

We drove over the mountain from the Gatlinburg area.  We stopped here and there to admire the views, which were so common it felt unreal.  You can get spoiled on good scenery that seems to be everywhere.

Our first stop was at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.  They had a nice little museum in there and they had a great early Settlers area.

I have said it before, but a lot of these reconstructed 19th century farms remind me of my grandparents farm growing up.  Lots of wood, chickens running around, and the smell of salted pork in the air really take me back.

From there we visited The Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  This is a great museum, that is well done and polished.  Its actually a very nice place.  It does a great job of telling the story of the Cherokee Indians.  The museum has displays and films that are easy to understand.  I have been to similar museums that feel cluttered or confusing.  That is not the case here.  I really enjoyed their collections of relics and the presentations on the Cherokee Creation story.  This classy museum almost seems out of place among all of the touristy shop.

Someone at the museum recommended a nice little restaurant called Paul's to us.  It was right down the road.  This was a great place with a local feel.  It kind of reminded me of Mel's Diner.  I did get an "Indian Taco, which was their homemade chili, lettuce, cheese, and tomato on frybread.  Man, I know it sounds simple, but it was so good!  My wife had a burger served on frybread.  She liked hers too.  Both were big enough that we could have shared.  Mine was so good that my stomach hurt, but I kept eating anyway.  This is a great local place that I would love to hit again in the future- not fancy but the food was good and the vibe was nice.

On the way back over to Gatlinburg we stopped at the Mingus Mill, which is cool too.  Check out the photos!

Smokies/Gatlinburg 1971- Vintage Photos

More photos from a lot I found from the early 70s.  I really love these two, one dated 8/6/71.  You can see the top of the Space Needle, the Ski Lift, and a road going through the park.

Various Photos of Gatlinburg Tennessee

The main drag in Gatlinburg is so colorful.  I know some people hate it and its disruption of the otherwise green and tranquil Smoky Mountain area.  I have always appreciated its cheesiness.

I look forward to many more trips to Gatlinburg, and I think I will always look forward to a candy break at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, hanging out at Cooter's Place and a chance to explore the weird little shops here and there.  BUT, we are spending a lot less time in this area with each visit.

This first time you visit, you are overwhelmed.  You have to visit each shop, and you take your time.  The next time around, you still want to hit some of the places you missed before...  after awhile you learn to avoid the time share people...  anyway, on this trip we made a quick run through the area.

We noticed that a nice little sandwich shop we went to last time is now a candle place.  We were totally confused about which Moonshine places have come, gone, and moved.

We were really happy to notice lots of people coming and going from Cooter's.  There is something so nostalgic and comfortable about going there.  I grew up on the show and still love the Dukes.  I really respect what Ben Jones has done with these great shops.

Anyway, check out these random photos!

The Skyway to Clingman's Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This beautiful undated linen postcard says-

"This is the highest highway in Eastern America.  It travels along the main range of the Smokies, beginning at an elevation of 5045 feet at Newfound Gap and reaching 6311 feet at the parking area at Clingman's Dome.  Breathtaking views are to be had from many vantage points and frequently black bear may be seen along the road."

Pottery House Cafe and Grille- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

A friend told us that we had to get to the Pottery House Café and Grille on our recent trip.  We liked it so much, we ended up going there twice!

Again, we had walked by this place before, but this was our first time actually going in and all.

We thought it was pretty cool that many of the dishes used (including the very cute bear salt and pepper shakers) were made at the pottery site next door.  You can buy the same items used in the restaurant!

We had great waitresses both times we were there (one named Brooke, and one named Selina).  The staff was fast, friendly and helpful.

The food was great too.  Here are a few photos of this great stop on our trip!

Ogle's Buffet Restaurant- Gatlinburg, Tennessee

These cool, undated postcards note on the back-

"The newest idea in dining in Gatlinburg's newest restaurant.  Buffet service in a delightful, relaxed atmosphere.  Our meal's are unsurpassed for quality and quantity.  Go back for seconds of our delicious foods.  Free parking in our spacious parking lot.  Five Hot Meats.  Five Vegetables.  Twenty five salad varieties (fresh and crisp on crushed ice).  Located opposite Gatlinburg's new Chamber of Commerce Building and free parking lot."

Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville, Tennessee

So, I was reading the cool blog, "say it ain't so" not too long ago.  Rae on that blog did a great mention of Smoky Mountain Knife Works and it made me realize that the place has MUCH MORE than just knives! 

Man, I wish I had known sooner just how cool this place is!  WOW!  If you have not visited this store before, just get there.  Even if you are not a hunter/outdoorsman type, you will find something cool.

And they do have about everything an outdoorsy person might want (anything hunting, fishing, camping related) but they also have.... just other general stuff.  My wife found some cookie cutters she needed.

AND I found the Relic Room!  The Relic Room inside of Knife Works has coins, jewelry, fossils, meteorite fragments, documents, etc. etc.  I was most impressed with their cases of WWII and Civil War relics.  They had a great selection, and reasonable prices.  I found some great small items I like to collect, and I found a few things for some friends.


Its funny, this place that I have passed numerous times because I just thought they were a knife store is now one of my favorite shops!  Check 'em out!