Hi Reader,

My mom and I just got back from a trip to the Gatlinburg area in Tennessee to visit my brother. While we were there, we returned to one of our favorite places in the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove.

A Morning Drive Through Cades Cove

If you’ve never been to Cades Cove, I highly recommend adding it to your Smoky Mountains itinerary. It’s an 11-mile scenic loop where wildlife, mountain views, and history all come together.

We started our drive around 9 a.m., and the low clouds were still hanging over the mountains. It was one of those mornings when you completely understand how the Smoky Mountains got their name.

Then the wildlife started showing up.

First, we spotted a large black bear happily eating berries in a field. A little farther down the road, we were treated to something even more special. A mother black bear and her two cubs were making their way across another field. Watching them from a safe distance was one of those moments you never forget.

Every visit to Cades Cove is different, and that’s one of the reasons we love it so much. Even when we don’t see bears, we almost always spot deer grazing in the fields. We’ve also seen wild turkeys, a variety of beautiful birds, and even horses during previous visits. You never know what might be waiting around the next bend.

That’s also why I recommend leaving plenty of time for your visit. Stop at the historic churches, explore a few of the short hiking trails, and take time to enjoy the scenery. Some of the best moments happen when you simply pull over, soak in the mountain views, and wait to see what nature has in store.

I’ll be sharing a couple of my favorite photos from the day, including one of the bears and another featuring those beautiful Smoky Mountain views.

Planning your own visit?

Read more here: 27 Best Things to Do in Cades Cove, TN ​

Travel Tip: Why I Leave Room for the Unexpected

One thing that’s changed about the way I travel over the years is that I intentionally leave room for unplanned time.

If we’re taking a cruise or joining a tour, I almost always arrive a day or two early. It helps us adjust to a new time zone, reduces travel stress, and gives us a chance to enjoy the departure city before the main trip begins.

When we’re traveling on our own, I also make sure we have time to simply wander.

Some of our favorite travel memories weren’t on an itinerary. They happened while strolling through quiet streets, discovering a local restaurant, wandering into a small shop, or finding a beautiful view we didn’t even know to look for.

It’s tempting to fill every hour with activities, but I’ve learned that leaving a little space often leads to the experiences we remember most.

Next time you’re planning a trip, consider leaving an afternoon or even a full day unscheduled. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Travel Favorite: Two Small Items That Help Me Sleep Anywhere

One downside of travel is that getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy.

Hotels can have too much light. City rooms can be noisy. Planes aren’t exactly known for being peaceful. And sometimes, the noise is coming from much closer than the hallway.

That’s why I like packing a sleep mask and earplugs.

A sleep mask helps block out hotel lights, early sunrises, and bright cabin rooms on cruises. Earplugs are great for noisy hotels, airplanes, and yes, even snoring.

They’re inexpensive, take up almost no room in my bag, and can make a big difference when I need real sleep on a trip.

Sleep Mask: https://amzn.to/4f5w1T4​

Earplugs: https://amzn.to/3RjOuTM​

Until next week, I hope you leave a little room for the unexpected on your next trip.

Until next time,

Melodie
​Travel Must Do's​

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