Southern Hospitality

I just returned from an amazing vacation to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Artie and I drove down to Pigeon Forge with our grandkids, and Lindsay and John. What a wonderful place to visit. Dolly Parton has made Dollywood a truly magical place, designed specifically for families. It is pure and wholesome in every way. What struck me most was the amount of restrooms throughout the park! When you are visiting with small children, including a baby, this is notable. The bathrooms were even air conditioned and clean. You never had to look very far for a bathroom. There are even nursing stations, complete with a private bathroom. Dollywood is fun for all and there is something for everyone.

It seems that everywhere I travel to, I want to live there. I guess it's true that the grass is always greener somewhere else...but in Tennessee I found the friendliest people I've ever met. Not just in Dollywood, but everywhere we visited - even the Walgreens employees were friendly. People smile and say hello as if by second nature. Cars stop for you if you are waiting to cross, and then wave to you as you pass by. Eastern Tennesseeans personify southern hospitality. Because we were all treated so graciously, it quickly and easily rubbed off on us all. We became eager to smile more, say hello to strangers, talk to people without any fear of being judged or worse yet, snubbed. Hearing "y'all" became music to my ears. Being called "darlin'" or "honey" by male servers in restaurants felt charming, not offensive in any way. I couldn't help but think of those radical feminists who would cringe at being called either, but for me, it was fun. I liked it!

Another notable thing was the lack of pretentiousness by people. No one was dressed to the nines anywhere we visited. They were dressed for comfort, not fashion savvy. Tee shirts abounded. I didn't even wear mascara! I never leave the house without it, and while in Tennessee I just didn't feel the need for it. I didn't even care that my hair got wet on the water rides and dried looking like some creature from the Black Lagoon. I simply didn't care because I knew no one would be judgmental. What a refreshing change from living here in the Chicago suburbs.

In my middle age I have found a closer connection to nature. I crave the warmth and peace that natural beauty in mountains, trees, and water bring. Trust me, I am not one to commune with nature - camping for me is a Holiday Inn or Motel 6. But now that I am retired, I am feeling the need to surround myself with the natural beauty God has created for us. I found myself wanting to wake up to the views that we woke up to every day in Pigeon Forge. To open your eyes and see the mountains and trees was exhilarating. For those of you who have been to any of our homes, you know how much we love trees. We have tried to imitate those views as best as we can but it just isn't the same. Our view is Al's backyard...not quite the same as the Smoky Mountains. Oh well...