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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Cades Cove

In celebration of my 100th post I want to take you on a quick trip through my favorite part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the eleven-mile loop in Cades Cove. The cove was home to around 900 people before it became part of the park. Some of the homes are still there along with a mill and several churches. It's the most peaceful place I've ever visited.
Little River runs along Highway 321 on the way.
It's really cold now, of course, but it's very refreshing in the summertime.
We're on Loop Road in the cove now.
What a view...can you imagine seeing this everyday if you had lived here.
One of several churches in the cove.
I can never get enough of those mountains.
Now, this is a barn with character!
The chute sending water to turn the mill wheel.
The old mill still works.
A wonderful old house.
Deer grazing in the fields. I could live here. I wish!
A doe grazing as the sun begins to set...it's time to head back home. As I mentioned last week I'm having a little giveaway to mark this 100th post. I hope the winner will be happy to receive the mementos, pictured here, from the gift shop in the cove. There's a 2009 calendar, a cookbook, a packet of postcards, A key ring and several bookmarks; the next best thing to a visit to the Smokies. I'm going to include a few other things, too, surprises!. ;)
All who leave a comment will be included in the drawing. Have a great week, Y'all!

35 comments:

  1. These are some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen!!

    Thank you for sharing your Great Smoky Mountains with us!!!

    I love all of them, but my favorites are the old mill and the little white church!!

    I've never been to this area, and know I really want to visit there!!

    Thanks so much again!! And great mementos so we'll always remember!!

    Beth

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  2. I love the churches in Cades Cove. I hope this doesn't sound to strange, but I could spend hours walking through the old cemetaries. It's like being connected to the past. Thanks for sharing those pictures.

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  3. I have heard of this place in the mountains. I have never been there. It looks just as beautiful as you described. The pictures tell a wonderful story too!
    I would love to win your prize. So here goes......Pick me!!!!! lol!
    smiling wide!

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  4. What beautiful photos! You are lucky to live there. I have traveled through the Smokies. You're right it wonderful.
    Anita

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  5. I live about 7 miles from Cades Cove (as the crow flies) but it takes me 40 minutes to get there. But, we can see the foothills of the Smokies from our house. Yes, Cades Cove has a special mystery and draw for the people around here. . . love your pictures!

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  6. Happy, Happy 100th post, my friend. However, you went and made me homesick!! I haven't been to the mountains in so long, there is nothing like them. I've been to those exact places. Very cool. Nice pics too!! Love the bear on the key ring. Hope I win...hope I win...hope.... :)
    Suzanne

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  7. I love that old church, and that house reminds me of the walton's for some reason. Happy 100th post.

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  8. Tell the truth- you were really up there skinny dipping in that icy water! Love the photos!

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  9. wow! i am jealous. each area of the country has their beauties, and you captures one of the Smokies so well!!!

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  10. We recently moved to NC and are close to the Great Smoky Mountain Park. We have not had the time to go visit but I can't wait . These are great pictures and a great giveaway. Thanks.

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  11. Happy 100th post, what a neat idea for give-away prizes!! You got some really pretty pictures of what looks like a beautiful area. (and that little church is adorable!!)

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  12. Congratulations on your 100th post.
    I enjoy looking at your blog and seeing what new recipes you are sharing with us!
    Would you please enter me in the drawing!
    We have been going to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge every year in November... We love the scenery and the tranquility of the mountain life... It is always our favorite place to visit.

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  13. Happy 100th!

    Oh, seeing those photos makes my heart ache. Since I was a child, that is the only place I've ever felt at total peace. I used to travel to the Smokies every year, sometimes twice. Since I had to take disability retirement, I've not been able to go. I honestly pray and have a goal that before I'm 50, I'll be able to sell my house and move there.

    I have to say, as everyone else, I hope I win your drawing! lol I love that little bear on the keychain and the bookmarks and the COOKBOOK! It's all so nice and you're very kind for giving us a chance to share your bit of the world.

    Lesley Ann

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  14. P.S. Are those herb grinders in the new header photo? You have the neatest "things". A tour of your house would be interesting.

    Lesley Ann

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  15. Howdy y'all! I visited Cades Cove summer before last, and had really expected to get back before this, but, not yet! Beautiful pics, and fun drawing!

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  16. Howdy y'all! I visited Cades Cove summer before last and fully expected to be back there this summer, but things didn't work out that way, so thanks for refreshing my memory and I love to win but seldom do, so luck o'the draw! Cheers!

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  17. Your special place certainly looks very peaceful. I can see why it's your favorite spot :)

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  18. Hey there,
    I always love your photos and these are some of my favorites - especially the one of the little home - love it!!

    Thanks for keeping up such a lovely blog - it is a joy to come to and a refreshment to my soul.

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  19. What happened to the population? Did they leave due to imminent domain or did they sell out? Can you look inside the buildings? The area does look very beautiful and peaceful!

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  20. What a gorgeous area. I have never been to the Smoky Mountains. My husband and I were just talking the other day of how we'd like to plan a camping trip in that part of the country. Beautiful!

    Oh, and congratulations on your 100th post!!!

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  21. When we checked your website, we were ahhh, oooh and said we've seen it and it's nice to be reminded of its beauty!!
    Please do enter us in the drawing. We would love the stuff you have for us!
    Happy 100th blog anniversary!

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  22. Thanks for letting me tag along with your trip...at least I feel like I did because the pictures are so wonderful.... I'd love to live there too!

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  23. Hi Y'all, so glad you're enjoyin' this post. Lesley Ann, yes, those are herb grinders in the header picture. Most of my house is filled with stuff hardly anyone else wants. I just like old things, I guess. Dale, I'm not sure about how the folks were moved from the cove. (Removing folks from their homes is the sort of thing that riles my hackles so I haven't looked into that aspect of it.) but I do know that you can go inside most of the cabins and I think all of the churches.

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  24. Beautiful pictures! I just love mountains as they remind me of the majestic Creator who put them there. Thank you for sharing all of these beautiful pictures. :)

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  25. Cades Cove is one of my favorite places on earth! It's been about three or four years since my husband & I have been able to visit the Great Smokie Mountains. Yes, please include me in your drawing!

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  26. Great photos! Several years ago my sister J & I drove to SoCarolina to visit another sister. On the way back we detoured north thru the GSMNP and then up to Greene Co. TN where our ancestors settled about 1800. J & I both felt "at home" in the mountains - it just felt so right to be there.

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  27. Hello Tea!

    A Big Congratulations on your 100th post! Your photos are absolutely beautiful! How wonderful it must be to be able to enjoy such lovely countryside! What a beautiful job you have done with sharing it all with us...thank you so much.

    Smiles...

    Beverly

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  28. Very beautiful pictures. Makes me miss living out in the country.

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  29. This is one of my favorite places in the park too! We never, ever go to East Tennessee without making it there!

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  30. I'm all about the barns, the churches and the southern hospitality in your area. I literally lap it up!

    Yolanda
    Higher Grounds

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  31. I love visiting Cade's Cove. I brought my family there the summer of 2005. My husband and children had never been there. It is such a special place. By the way, your pictures are gorgeous.

    Kendra in Southwest Louisiana

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  32. Beautiful pics! I love the Smokey Mtn. area. Hubby and I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtn. and we can never get enough of the mountains. Blessings, Teresa

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  33. This post makes me homesick, I was originally raised in eastern Ohio, along the Ohio River and then W. Virginia. This is a great post, the photos are very nice.

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  34. I have been inside that little church many times, what a magical place Cades Cove is....
    You have the most inspiring photographs, I feel as though i have been and visited the area myself, thanks for sharing, and hope to visit often ~!

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  35. Cades Cove is a lovely place and it must be pleasant to go there at this time of year. It's been quite a while since I've been there but I'm sure as soon as it warms up it will be packed with tourists.

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Thank you for your comments!