Travel Inspiration From
Tennessee Vacation

Bleubird : An East Tennessee Roadtrip

Meet the Kicinski McCoys.

Family Memories. Made in East Tennessee

March 23, 2017

In 2008, James Kicinski McCoy started bleubirdblog.com as a companion to her then-clothing store, Bleubird Vintage. Today, some 1 million readers a month visit her blog, which has evolved into a personal outlet for sharing the things she loves, daily inspirations, and family photos along with random thoughts, stories and family adventures.

We invited James and her family to take a trip to East Tennessee and share their experience with the world. Always up for an adventure, they packed their bags and headed out on a four-day vacation. Look below to see the stops they made along the way and start planning a reunion that can only be Made in Tennessee.

Stop 1 of 8

Wilderness At The Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort

The ultimate Smoky Mountain resort for you and the family. Featuring three amazing waterparks, indoor laser tag and a three-story ropes course, Wilderness at the Smokies takes adventure to a new level.

Stop 2 of 8

Dollywood

With the gorgeous Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, there’s only one thing that can rival Dollywood’s beauty: the rides. Thrilling roller coasters, daring water excursions, family rides and kiddie adventures give everyone a chance to scream with excitement.

Stop 3 of 8

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a true slice of Americana. This extravaganza is packed with horse-riding stunts, special effects and big music productions. It all comes together with a patriotic salute featuring “Color Me America,” written and recorded by Dolly.

Stop 4 of 8

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Solve the mysteries of the ocean 1,200 feet above sea level at TripAdvisor’s top-ranked aquarium in the country. With more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures ranging from penguins to sharks, Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies has more sea life than Gatlinburg has residents.

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area

Stop 5 of 8

Ober Mountain Ski Area & Amusement Park

Its adventure knows no bounds. One minute you’re soaring above the Smokies on an aerial tramway, and the next you’re flying down the mountain on an alpine slide. Open year-round, Ober Gatlinburg has a wide range of outdoor adventures, including water raft rides, winter skiing and snowboarding.

Stop 6 of 8

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The panoramic views are just the beginning. Home to 412 different wildlife species and more than 700 miles of streams, Smoky Mountain National Park is full of sights still waiting to be discovered. Hike one of the endless trails or cut through the range on a guided white-water rafting tour to see the Smokies in a whole new way.

Stop 7 of 8

TITANIC Museum Attraction

Calling it a museum doesn’t do it justice. It’s an experience unlike any other. The Titanic Museum boasts the largest display of Titanic artifacts found anywhere on earth. Visit to see how life was before and after the worlds most luxurious ship crashed into that dreaded iceberg.

Stop 8 of 8

NASCAR SpeedPark

Feel the rush of a family vacation with a day full of thrilling rides. The Speedpark features eight different go kart tracks, bumper boats, amusement rides, miniature golf and a state of the art arcade.

Wilderness at the Smokies Wild Waterdome indoor waterpark.

Hotels, Inns & Resorts

Wilderness At The Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort

Wilderness at the Smokies is the ultimate Smoky Mountains waterpark resort, welcoming you with family-friendly amenities.

Water & Amusement Parks

Dollywood

Enjoy a variety of rides—from thrilling roller coasters and daring water excursions to family rides and things for the little ones.

Arts & Entertainment

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

The Most Fun Place To Eat In The Smokies!

Marvel at 12-foot sharks, sawfish and Sally, the giant green sea turtle!

Zoos & Aquariums

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Marvel at 12-foot sharks, sawfish and Sally, the giant green sea turtle!

Water & Amusement Parks

Ober Mountain Ski Area & Amusement Park

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area

Outdoor Activities

Smoky Mountain Ziplines

Ranked No. 1 activity in Pigeon Forge by TripAdvisor.

Campgrounds & RV Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Museums

TITANIC Museum Attraction

A World Class Museum with over 400 TITANIC artifacts on display!

Water & Amusement Parks

NASCAR SpeedPark

NASCAR SpeedPark - Best Deal in The Smokies!

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Bleubird : An East Tennessee Roadtrip

Wilderness At The Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort

Dollywood

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ober Mountain Ski Area & Amusement Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

TITANIC Museum Attraction

NASCAR SpeedPark

Places in this article