We headed out of the National Park and through Pigeon Forge,
Dolly Parton’s home town. Now days it is far from the dirt-poor beginnings that
she describes. The main street is miles of theme park rides, mini golf,
go-karts, water parks, and all things flashy. A small childs’ wonderland. The
main road continues right into the next town before the lights and the rides
finally gave way to shops. We saw this sign and couldn’t resist a photo (spot
the typo).
We headed on the interstate towards Kentucky. On the way, as
we were looking to pull over for lunch, we saw signs for the Museum of
Appalachia, so we dropped in. As we drove up the long curving driveway, we saw
goats at pasture, and passed log cabins, and barns.
The museum was really good. The tour was self-guided and
took in three buildings of general artifacts and then multiple houses, huts,
farm buildings, sheds, a school, and a church. All have been reclaimed and
moved to the site, and the history described.
There was a musical instruments section, with all kinds of
stringed instruments made from gourds, boxes and even a bedpan… It was amazing
what people can make when they get inventive.
We thoroughly enjoyed walking
around the property and meeting the resident guinea fowl, peacocks, squirrels
and the cat – Cat Stevens. He is apparently a bit of a celebrity.
We drove on, and the countryside changed. The trees were now
more colours, reds, oranges and pinks scattered in among the greens. The
hills were more rocky and the highway undulated through cuttings in the red
rocks. We pulled over in a town called Corbin, which we have found out is where
Colonel Sanders first started serving KFC at his roadhouse / fuel stop. His
flavour became famous and the rest is history!
http://fms.ws/16l4y-/36.97249N/84.11548W
Wow! I before E hahaha! Love the log cabins. Looks like they were short there too.
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