During our Spring Break in March, we visited the Smoky Mountains and stayed at Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort for the first time. We loved this campground. It was close to the park and an easy trip into either Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
This campground has everything you need for a successful trip to the Smoky’s including the camper! They have luxury tents that come fully loaded and even two retro RVs outfitted with some pretty nice amenities. There are also tent and every RV site is full hookup. There are laundry, shower houses, a pool, and even some games to keep everyone busy and happy.
Because they are located so close to Gatlinburg, you can catch a trolly into town and not have to worry about parking (or driving back if you’ve sampled a little too much moonshine)! They are a short drive to the Greenbrier entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and about 20-30 minutes to the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Check out our YouTube video review for more details and to see the campground up close. We’ll be doing more campground reviews in the fall after we get back from Spain and Portugal. Make sure you subscribe on YouTube and Instagram to see every bit of our adventure this summer!
Not only do we love to try local food when we are traveling, but we also love to search for local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. See our Florida Cocktails post for a great example.
While visiting the Smoky Mountains, it is difficult to get out of the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville area without trying two things: fudge and moonshine. We are wine lovers but for the most part, Tennesee wine is not our thing. We prefer dry red wines and the local specialties are sweet and mostly fruit wines. Now when it comes to moonshine, we’ll try anything once! On the Gatlinburg strip, there are currently four different places to sample the local goods all within stumbling distance of one another. A short trolley ride or drive away there are several other distilleries that offer samples as well. While the days of free moonshine on the strip are over, samples are only $5 a person making moonshine tastings the cheapest drink in town.
So we have done extensive research during our week in Gatlinburg to bring you our top choices of the local distilleries and three brand new cocktails created just for you, our faithful Cruisers!
Ole Smoky
Ole Smoky advertises themselves as the first legal moonshine distillery in Tennessee and they certainly set the mold for what is expected in a moonshine tasting. “The Holler,” the original location, has restaurants (Mellow Mushroom and Dick’s Last Resort) allowing you go get a tasting while waiting for a table, an entertainment stage which often features local musicians, a daiquiri bar (just in case someone in your group prefers low-alcohol, over-priced drinks over moonshine), a Paula Deen store, Starbucks, and a 7D Adventure Ride just in case you’d prefer to do shots without the kids watching (although no one will judge and they won’t be the only kids around). Your $5 tasting fee gets you a dozen samples and at least that many corny jokes from the person pouring them. The flavors available rotate but you can count on tastes of some straight moonshine and the most popular flavors of Apple Pie, Cinnamon, and Blackberry. During our research, we also tasted their new Dill Pickle (actual pickles soaked in moonshine) and Cinnamon Toast Cream (think of the milk left behind from Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal).
Just down the street, Ole Smoky has a second location that was formerly Davy Crockett’s Whiskey. Now called the Ole Smoky Barrelhouse, this location also features a $5 tasting but here you will get mostly whiskey with a different round of related bad jokes. Make sure you try the Salty Caramel and avoid the Pecan (“tastes like a mouth full of nuts, and not the good kind”).
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Sugarlands is one of our favorite stops on the strip. The flavors are a little more refined and their apple pie is hands down the best we’ve ever tasted. The process here is just like the one above but at Sugarlands there is a bar in the back where you can purchase drinks and if you buy three bottles or more, your first round is “buy one, get one.” Unusual things to try here would be the Maple Bacon Moonshine (which makes a wicked Bloody Mary) and Hazelnut Rum. Like everywhere else, your $5 tasting fee is refunded with a purchase. If you’re lucky, you will get a real show as part of your tasting, like ours with Stokes.
Doc Collier Moonshine
Our other favorite stop is Doc Collier’s. All of their spirits are made in small batches and we were among the first to taste their products when they first opened in 2014. Back then they only offered straight moonshine, using flavored water drops to create flavored ‘shine. Now they offer a full range of craft spirits including whiskey, brandy, and cream liquors. Make sure you try the ‘Naner and Root Beer Float. They also offer moonshine slushies and your $5 tasting fee can be used towards the purchase of a drink or bottles of product.
And now, on to the cocktails!
Most purists would tell you that moonshine goes best with bad decisions and no regrets, but we prefer to mix ours. Almost any of the fruit flavors will mix well with cola or lemon-lime soda The cream flavors are often really good mixed into a Wendy’s Frosty or milkshake. We have come up with three combinations of flavors that we think you will really like. We’ve tested them out on family, campground neighbors, and of course, ourselves.
Caramel Apple Dream-Cicle
1 oz Sugarlands Appalachian Apple Pie Moonshine
1/2 oz Evan Williams Bourbon
1 oz half and half
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a whiskey glass.
Funky Monkey Martini
1-1/2 oz Doc Collier’s Chocolate Cream
1/2 oz plus a splash of Doc Collier Naner’ Moonshine
1 oz Grey Goose Vodka
1 Doc Collier ‘Shine Cherry
half a grind of Himalayan Pink Salt
ground Ghiradelli chocolate
Combine cream, moonshine, and vodka on a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and top with a half grind of salt, chocolate, and a cherry.
Mountain Mojito
4-6 fresh mint leaves
1/4 lime
1/2 t sugar
1-1/2 oz Bacardi Silver Rum
1/2 oz Sugarlands Peppermint Moonshine
Lemon-Lime soda
Squeeze two slices of lime into a glass and add 4-6 torn peppermint leaves and sugar. Muddle together. Add rum and moonshine and stir. Top with soda. Garnish with mint leaves.
Bonus Cocktail – ‘Shine Glow
1 oz Sugarlands Wild Mayhal Moonshine
1/2 oz Sugarlands Peach Moonshine
splash of pineapple juice
Lemon-Lime Soda
Miranda, a bartender at Sugerlands, shared with us her creation that will be featured on the summer cocktail menu in the Sugarlands lounge. Pour both moonshines over ice in a cocktail glass and add a splash of pineapple juice. Top with soda and enjoy!
Do you have a favorite moonshine mixer? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more of our adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains in the coming weeks.
Since the establishment of the first National Park at Yellowstone National Park in 1872 more than 1200 National Parks have been established around the world in more than 100 different countries. “America’s best idea” is certainly a great idea for your travel destinations and Michelle and I have made one of our travel goals to visit each of the U.S. National Parks.
The National Park Service (NPS) manages 418 individual “units” but not all of them are National Parks. They include battlefields, memorials, historic sites, lakeshores, and more. Currently, there are 60 National parks and we have visited 24 of them plus numerous other sites managed by the NPS. So here are, in no particular order, our top five National Parks.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
No, the name of the park is not spelled wrong! Though there is great debate in some circles on the spelling of the name, no one can deny that Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a magical place. For us, it is only a five and a half hour drive to the gateway city of Gatlinburg, so the Smokies are an idea long weekend getaway.
One of the many waterfalls along hiking trails within the park.
The area has something for everyone! There is phenomenal hiking anywhere you go in the park, from “scenic overlooks” that usually include a short trail to technical and advanced trails that take all day, anyone can find a trail that will challenge and delight. For backpackers, there are dozens of backcountry campsites accessible on one night or longers trips. And don’t forget the AT! The 2200 mile Appalachian Trail runs for 71 miles along the Tennesse North Carolina border through the middle of the park. Other highlights in the park include Clingmans Dome, an observation tower at the highest point in the park, biking or horseback riding in Cades Cove, nature drives along numerous routes, and wonderful campgrounds spread throughout the park.
Another draw for many families are the gateway cities into the Smokies. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Townsend in Tennesee and Ashville and Cherokee in North Carolina are tourist destinations by themselves and some people never leave town (though that’s quite a shame)! From moonshine and wine tastings to shopping, casinos, and zip lining, the region has something for everyone year round.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is simply put one of the most beautiful places that we have ever visited. Every view looks like it should be on the cover of a calendar. The trails are abundant with more than 150 miles stretching along the coast, up mountains, and through pristine forests. There are bike and boat tours available and you can be the first person in the US to see the sun each morning from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic Coast.
You can reach the top of Cadillac Mountain by trail or car, but get there early, most mornings there are hundreds of visitors watching the sunrise.
From the quaint town of Bar Harbor, Maine, you can book sea kayak tours, stroll the quiet streets, and eat and sleep in places that look as if they haven’t changed much in the last fifty years (that’s a good thing, really). We only spent a few days in Acadia back in 2010, but it is at the top of our list for a return visit the next time we tour the East Coast.
The view overlooking “the bowl” on Champlain Mountain.
Zion National Park
It’s time to head west where the parks sprawl across deserts, prairies, and mountains. While many people are quick to sing the praises of the Grand Canyon (and it is spectacular), we would direct you to another giant hole in the ground – Zion National Park. Utah’s first National Park is one of it’s most magnificent!
The main canyon has two entrances, one from the city if Springdale and the other through the Mount Carmel tunnel.
Zion’s fifteen-mile long canyon sinks into the plateau to a depth of almost 2600 feet (only a third of the depth of the Grand Canyon) but because of its relatively small size you are always up close and personal with the canyon walls and the views are breath-taking!
The view of the canyon from the top of Angel’s Landing.
The top attraction at Zion is the hiking and these trails are not for the faint of heart. With summertime temperatures often topping 100º, hikers start early. The biggest advantage here is that most trails climb from the canyon floor, meaning you can go as far as you like and then turn back for the “easier” descent back to the road (as opposed to having to climb out of the Grand once you’ve already reached exhaustion). Trails range from moderate to insane with the most extreme hike being to the top of Angel’s Landing, a file mile out and back that climbs nearly 1500 feet straight up a rock that juts from the canyon wall. The trail is only a few feet wide in some spots with sheer drops on both sides and only a chain to hold on to for two-way traffic.
Angel’s Landing’s chains are not for the timid.
Another popular hike is the Narrows. The Virgin River becomes the trail as hikers squeeze through slots in the canyon, climbing waterfalls, and sometimes swimming through deeper segments. The effort is worth it in spots such as Wall Street where the canyon narrows to 20 feet wide and 2000 feet deep.
The Narrows is a popular hike in the summer heat.
The gateway city of Springdale has a Bohemian artist vibe with wonderful shops, restaurants, and much-needed air conditioning.
The entrance to the Narrows trail.
Another view from Angel’s Landing.
The “trail” in the narrows.
Glacier National Park
Heading north, we have to send you to Glacier National Park in Northern Montana. Camping, hiking, boating, cross-country skiing, and biking are just some of the popular activities in this inspiring park that shares a border with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.
One of the trails in the Logan’s Pass area of the park.
Driving along Going to the Sun Road is a popular activity and the views are wonderful. Get out along many viewpoints and take a short walk along one of the many trails and you are sure to see wildlife. The lodges throughout the park are historic and an attraction alone.
We witnessed moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, and marmots along the many trails we hiked.
Don’t forget to make a trek out to see the dwindling glaciers. Some scientists’ estimate that all of the glaciers in the park may be completely melted within the next ten years, so don’t wait!
The Salamander Glacier from above.
The runoff from the Grinnell and Salamander Glaciers as the melt.
Yosemite National Park
Rounding out our list is Yosemite National Park in Central California. Best known for its many waterfalls, Yosemite is a sight to behold. With more than 1200 square miles, this park is remote and anyplace in the park that you choose to visit is going to be a drive, but what a drive it will be!
Spectacular view of Yosemite Valley
Hiking is the main attraction here but rock climbing is also a very popular sport. On any search of a granite wall, you will likely find a tiny speck of a rock climber working his or her way up the rock face. This place is huge in its scale and awe-inspiring at every turn.
Plan ahead because some popular hikes, such as Half Dome, require a lottery entry to win a permit. If you can’t get one of those coveted permits, check out Clouds Rest, a 14 mile out an back hike that will take you through a wide range of Yosemite’s terrain and finish (at the turnaround point) with a stunning view looking down at Half Dome. This is a serious hike and not for those afraid of heights!
From Cloud’s Rest, Half Dome is visible to the right of center.
The hike to Cloud’s Rest can be nail-biting at times.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be talking more about our favorite National Parks with some guides to our favorite hikes and other activities while visiting. Let us know in the comments where you want to hear about from our NationalParksMap below.
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★ 25 years guiding★ 48 U.S. states★ 10 countries★ 3,000+ Camino miles
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Know before you go
Activity Level.
Every Cruisin' with the Colemans trip comes with an activity level so you know, before you lace up, roughly how hard the walking will be. Think of it as the overall rhythm of the trip — a few days might push a little past it and a few will feel gentler, but it's an honest read on what your legs are signing up for.
Nobody knows your body better than you do. We're all for a good challenge, but pick a level that matches your current fitness and trail experience and the whole walk gets more fun. Not sure where you land? Reach out — we've walked every one of these ourselves and we're always happy to talk it through.
Grades
EasyEasy0–8 km (0–5 miles)
Gentle, mostly flat days on well-kept, easy-to-follow paths. Ideal if you're new to multi-day walking or simply want a relaxed pace with plenty of time to soak it all in.
Easy – ModerateEasy–Moderate8–16 km (5–10 miles)
A little more distance over mixed ground — mostly maintained trails, quiet lanes, and the occasional gentle climb. A good fit if you're reasonably active and ready for a few longer stretches.
ModerateModerate16–20 km (10–12 miles)
Fuller days on varied, sometimes rugged terrain with regular ups and downs. Great for steady hikers in good shape, or determined first-timers chasing a real sense of accomplishment.
Moderate – StrenuousModerate–Strenuous20–24 km (12–15 miles)
Long days with sustained, often steep climbs and descents on rough trail. You'll want solid fitness; a few exposed spots call for a head for heights, and navigation can get trickier when the weather turns.
StrenuousStrenuous24–28 km (15–17 miles)
Big days on demanding, often remote mountain terrain — serious distance and elevation for experienced, fit hikers. Expect rough footing, the odd exposed or aided section, and higher altitude on some routes.
ExtremeExtreme+28 km (+17 miles)
Our toughest walking, built for very fit, very experienced hikers. Rugged, sometimes remote mountain terrain with scrambling, exposure, and aided sections — plus altitude, weather, and navigation that all add to the challenge.
Where you rest
Accommodations Levels.
Where you sleep is part of the story, so we hand-pick locally run places that welcome you like an old friend. The level shifts a little from trip to trip depending on the route, but the goal never does: a clean, comfortable, genuinely local stay at the end of every walking day.
Most nights you'll land in friendly, independent or family-run hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs chosen for their charm and the little touches that feel like home. Some trips lean a touch more luxurious; others, especially in the remote stretches, mean simpler refuges or huts. Either way, we've picked each one to help you rest up and wake ready for the trail.
Basic – A Place to Rest Your HeadBasic
Mountain huts, refuges, and simple B&Bs. Ensuite rooms aren't a given, and you may share a dorm with fellow walkers — but what you trade in polish you more than gain back in camaraderie and a big, rustic welcome.
Classic – Charming Without the FrillsClassic
Locally owned B&Bs, guest houses, and small inns that feel like a home away from home — usually family-run, cozy or freshly kept, and well placed for the next day's walk. A warm welcome comes as standard.
Comfort – A Little More...ComfortableComfort
Characterful, locally owned hotels and B&Bs with the little extras that make a stay feel special — décor rooted in the region, the occasional spot to unwind, and sometimes a kitchen worth lingering over.
In Style – For Those who Want to Treat ThemselvesIn Style
First-class stays in boutique hotels, vineyards, and country manors — often in the best seats in the house, from hilltop towns to the water's edge, with standout service and, now and then, a truly memorable table.
Mixed – Boutique Hotels to Mountain Huts, all in One TripMixed
One trip, a bit of everything. You might bed down in Classic or Comfort rooms through the towns and villages, then a refuge or other Basic spot up in the mountains where that's all there is — an honest, memorable mix that matches the journey.
