Day 8- Driving back to Greenville through the Smoky Mountains.

Wikipedia states, “Grits are a food of Native American origin common in the Southern United States and mainly eaten at breakfast. They consist of coarsely ground corn, or sometimes hominy, in which case they are referred to as hominy grits. They are also sometimes called sofkee or sofkey from the Creek word.  Grits are similar to other thick maize-based porridges from around the world, such as polenta, or the thinner farina.   

I have had the opportunity to try grits while on this vacation, three different times.  The Cracker Barrel restaurant serves them plain, no salt or sugar.  I added some sugar and it tasted like cream of wheat.  I tried some at the Waffle House.  They serve theirs with salt in it and very runny.  If I had tried those first, I wouldn’t have tried grits again.  The third time I tasted grits was at the Old Grist Mill Restaurant, again they were made with no salt or sugar.  I added Splenda to my portion and it was good.  I guess there are many ways people like gritls.    They are definitely a staple down in the South as is sweet tea.

We left Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee heading back to Greenville.

 We ate breakfast at the Old Grist Mill, built in 1830. After breakfast we shopped for a little and then we were on our way.  We decided to go the scenic route through the Smoky Mountains. (Side note: Smoky is spelled correctly with no “e.”)  What a great drive with beautiful scenery.  We stopped along the drive when we saw great views and stood on the North Carolina/Tennessee border.  We also stopped in Maggie Valley to stretch our legs and eat ice cream.  Another great day ended with Jade and Cole and sparklers!  They love fireworks.  I created a slide show using Smoky Mountain Gospel Hymns.  Enjoy.

Day 9- Getting the motor home, packing up, getting ready to leave our babies. L