Guest Post by Dorothy Bloom Little:

When a friend asked me if I wanted to go on a Bus Tour to Pigeon Forge I had to think about it. I have never taken a bus tour, hmmm I like to drive my car, so I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of riding on a big bus with a lot of strangers,  but I told her I would go.

When we were rolling on the interstate without the stress of driving, I was able to gaze out of the very large window and take in, absorb, if you will, the beautiful terrain.

As we approached our destination I thought leaving the drive to the driver wasn’t such a bad idea. It was pretty cool. At each stop; rest rooms, lunch and hotel were so easy.  No worries about getting lost, being dropped off and picked up was sweet. There was no need to find a parking place and I didn’t have far to walk when it is raining.

The next morning I was pretty well rested and ready for Day 1 of the tour. Have you ever seen the Smoky Mountains up close? It was breathtaking and spiritual. …” and Smoky Mountains majesty…”I could have stayed there all day as long as the black bears didn’t visit me.

After our visit to the mountains, we went back to the hotel for a little R and R before heading out to have a great dinner and see the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s Show. It was pretty funny and well done which set the tone for the other shows we saw on the trip.  After dinner we were off to Smoky Mountain Opry. There was so much talent as the stars performed a variety of original acts.  After the show our bus was waiting to take us back to the hotel. One thing I learned was that tours get in through the side door so there is no waiting with the crowd.

Day 2: It is a day in April, 1912. We are about to embark on a transatlantic cruise in one of most magnificent ships of its time, the Titanic. The opulence of the grand stairway was mind boggling.  The amenities for the first class passengers were incredible. Swimming pool, gymnasium, game room, ball room, china, silver and the list goes on. We also were able to see some of gowns and jewelry. Did I already say opulent? Of course, there was also third class passengers, one extreme to the other.  All in one floating palace.  And then…well we all know the rest of the story.

Once back at the hotel we rested and then got ready for another great dinner and show. Wow, what a show!  It was Motown. I wore myself out chair dancing!  The talent was outstanding, felt like watching a Vegas show. What a great day.

Day 3: Off to the morning variety show at the Opry. Charlie “Bob” Smith was the host. He did some awesome impersonations.  My favorite was none other than the “King” of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley! He not only sounded like Elvis but looked and moved like him. One of the other performers was the funniest stand- up comedians I’ve seen in a while. He had us all in tears. Another great day.

After the show we wandered around to do some shopping and grab a light lunch. Back to the hotel to freshen up and off to dinner and the show which started at 4:00 pm.

I didn’t know what to expect with this show. It was the show the Hit Parade, music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was a great trip down memory lane.  After the show we went back to the hotel to pack and visit with a great group of folks.

The next day at 7:30 a.m. we were on the road again. A bit tired but no worries, see we could nap while the bus driver took us back home.

Did someone say bus tour? Let me know when to start packing.

Photos courtesy of Colette Heaton Smith