Category: Favorite Places
Quebec ~ Photos …
Check out Quebec City, Canada for info about my favorite restaurants, touring about and additional photos. Enjoy! Travel well and often …
Fall in the Smoky’s
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited of the National Parks and there is no better time to go than fall to witness the changing colors of the foliage. You can easily spend a week in the surrounding area including Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN and Asheville, NC.
My drive from Charleston to Gatlinburg, mostly via I-40, took about 6 hours. In addition to being the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is the home to over 100 artists and craftsman on an eight mile loop located three miles from downtown. Shops range from an old-fashioned soda fountain to art galleries to candles to a year-round Christmas shop plus shops with marvelous delicacies and music of the area. Stop for lunch at The Wild Plum Tea Room (on the loop and more of a restaurant than a tea room), leaving room for a fabulous dessert (try the bread pudding).
For an exciting overview, take the aerial tramway at Ober Gatlinburg and enjoy browsing the shops, having lunch or dinner at the German Restaurant or continuing further up the mountain on a chairlift. Read more
Orcas Island, San Juans, Washington
Boarding the ferry
main road – west side of island
Darvills Bookstore, Main Street
Obstruction Pass Park
Leaving Orcas
The largest of the San Juan Islands, Orcas is gorgeous any time of year, especially spring and fall. Your adventure starts when you board the ferry at Anacortes. Go outside, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Puget Sound. You will need a car to get about the island and explore.
It’s a short, scenic drive from the ferry to the main town of Eastsound. Restaurants to check out include Mia’s Café (fabulous breakfast), Brown Bear Baking and Madrona Bar and Grill.
Walk the labyrinth at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the water, enjoy the beautiful gardens at the library, stroll about the town, and browse local shops including Darvill’s book store (terrific collection plus great coffee drinks) and find treasures at Orcas Island Pottery.
Visit Moran State Park with its many hiking trails, opt to go on a whale watching tours or go kayaking. Take the ferry to Friday Harbor for a fun filled day, either as a walk on passenger (free) or with your car.
There are numerous hotels, BandB’s and camp sites. My favorite is Rosario’s Resort and Spa: beautiful property, nice bar & restaurant; plus if you are in luck, you can see deer outside your room. Orcas is a special place and too soon your ferry awaits for your return to reality.
Journeys with Eileen Diane 