Laughing Lindsay

Travel Reviews, Giveaways, & More!

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg Review

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My mom and I take a trip every year around this time to remember my dad and to experience the holidays somewhere new. Last year, we stayed at the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg in Tennessee! Here’s a look at our room and what we thought about it.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

As I said in my Margaritaville Island Inn Pigeon Forge Review, my mom grew up going to the beach. These beach themed resorts are perfect for her! That’s why I’ve made an effort to have us stay at all but one of these places in the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, having stayed at several now, I know that I can trust these hotels for a great room and restful night’s sleep.

The Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is even more unique because of its location. I loved being able to just walk down the street to enjoy everything the town has to offer! The hotel being on the main drag of Gatlinburg is definitely a huge perk of staying here! Plus, it’s towards the beginning of the street, so you don’t have to fight much traffic to arrive here. I will admit that the parking was somewhat limited. However, we were able to find a spot every time we needed one.

The Room

The rooms at the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg are really nice! I love the color scheme as it’s really relaxing! In fact, the blue/turquoise reminded me a little bit of my blog’s color. I also enjoyed having a balcony that looked out on main street and Anakeesta! The beds were very comfortable too. One particular aspect of the room that stood out to me was the bathroom. It was the biggest bathroom I’ve ever had in a hotel! I couldn’t believe it had a separate tub and walk-in shower! You can see them in my Instagram post above.

In conclusion, I can easily recommend a stay at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg if you are planning to visit the area. Its walking distance to many popular attractions as well as relaxing vibes make it easy choice. Have you ever stayed here or at another Margaritaville Resort?

A Decade After My Dad’s Death

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It’s hard to believe, but this week marks a decade after my dad’s death. I remember first posting about his passing in My Dad Passed Away and how hard it was to write that post. In many ways, that feels like a lifetime ago. In others, it’s hard to fathom that I haven’t spoken to him in a decade.

Decade After My Dad's Death

A Decade After My Dad’s Death

Ten years ago, I was still living at home with my parents. I also was a substitute teacher while looking for a full-time position. I was dating my current husband and just trying to figure life out. Then, my dad passed away and time stood still briefly. I realized how short life can be. My dad’s death really propelled me to begin traveling as I realized he never had the chance to experience much beyond the immediate area we grew up in.

In the decade after my dad’s death, it is simultaneously harder and easier. I can go a good while without being upset. Then, I will eat something or hear a song I think he would like. For example, it makes me so sad that we never got to enjoy lemon/lime desserts together as my tastebuds weren’t ready for them back then. However, I take joy in knowing that my dad would be happy that I’m eating them for him.

I also really miss him whenever I’m trying to deal with something. He almost always knew what to say to comfort me. Unfortunately, my mom doesn’t have that skill. Ha. Growing up, she often just sent me to my dad when I was upset. So, he was the person I went to whenever I needed something. Now, I rely on my husband for support and he does a great job. However, no one can replace your dad.

This post isn’t really filled with any tips or advice. I just felt that I had to recognize the importance of it being a decade after my dad’s death. Have you lost a parent? How do you deal with the loss?

Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains

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I’ve been lucky enough to experience Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains several times. Here are my favorite things to see and do when I visit during that time of the year!

Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains

Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains

There is so much to see and do when you visit the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area! It can be hard to know what is worth your time and money. I think it’s even harder to decide what to do when you are visiting during Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains. To make it easier to plan your trip, I’m going to break down your options based on the three towns you can visit.

Christmas in Sevierville

If you are visiting Sevierville at Christmastime, then I recommend checking out Shadrack’s Light Show. I experienced the show at the Smokies Stadium in 2020 and found it to be a great way to see some lights while social distancing. This light show is a drive through experience, so you can stay in your car the whole time! 2022 will be the last year it will be held at the Stadium. However, they are starting a new show at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in 2022 as well. I’m sure it will be just as fun!

Christmas in Pigeon Forge

I just did a whole post highlighting Christmas shows in Pigeon Forge. In it I discuss everything from Dolly Parton Stampede Christmas Dinner Show to the Comedy Barn! I also have to mention how amazing Christmas at Dollywood is again! Additionally, the town of Pigeon Forge celebrates the holidays each year with Winterfest! During this time, you can see all kinds of Christmas lights around town for free! Plus, they just opened the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail! You can definitely plan a few days in Pigeon Forge around the holiday season!

Christmas in Gatlinburg

Lasty but not least is Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg decorates the town with branded snowmen, as seen in the photo collage above! They dot the entire main street and it’s fun to go around to see all of the different ones! You can also visit Anakeesta for Enchanted Winter/Christmas! Anakeesta also offers Breakfast with Santa on select weekends in late November/early December. To get an idea of what to expect at Anakeesta during Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains, you can scroll through my pictures in the Instagram post below.

There are two additional options for celebrating winter in Gatlinburg that I’ve never experienced: Ober Mountain for skiing and snow tubing as well as Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. I’ve heard good things about each one, but haven’t had the chance to do them yet. Although, I have visited Ober during the fall and had fun there.

As you can see, there’s lots to do if you visit during Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains. Is there another must visit on your list?

If you are planning a trip to the area during a different season, here are my other posts to help you plan:

Christmas Shows in Pigeon Forge, TN

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Did you know that several attractions in the Smoky Mountains get a holiday makeover? For instance, there are several special Christmas shows in Pigeon Forge, TN! Here’s a look at the various options and my reviews of the experiences.

Christmas shows in Pigeon Forge

Christmas Shows in Pigeon Forge

All of these places have year round offerings, but they change the performance for the holidays. So, if you are already a fan of the attraction or are just looking for a new way to get in the jolly spirit when visiting, here’s a list of Christmas Shows in Pigeon Forge, TN!

  • Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede – If you click that link, you can actually read my full review of this dinner experience. I’ve actually never gone to the original Dolly Parton Stampede show but I found the holiday North vs South Pole twist to be fun and jovial.
  • Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud – I reviewed the regular Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show previously and was lucky enough to attend the holiday version this past weekend! It was fun to see all of the characters add a little bit of red and green to their outfits (minus that one… Haha!). I also enjoyed hearing the festive tunes. You can see pictures from this visit in my Instagram post below.
  • Comedy Barn Christmas – It’s just never worked out for me to visit the Comedy Barn. However, I’ve heard good things about it. There’s no dinner served here, but it’s a variety act. Their holiday version just began on the 19th, so if you visit soon you will get to experience this one.
  • Country Tonite Christmas – I visited this attraction last year. Last year, they performed a good chunk of their regular Country Tonite show, had an intermission, and then switched it up to holiday music. If you are looking for something with lots of religion and patriotism in it, then this is for you. Also, it helps if you are a fan of country music.
  • Dollywood – Lastly, I would include Dollywood as a place to visit with Christmas shows in Pigeon Forge! There are several to choose from and a ticket for the day isn’t much more than a dinner show ticket! You can read my post for tips on visiting Dollywood at Christmas!

So, that’s the list of Christmas shows in Pigeon Forge, TN! Have you been to any of them? Which one is your favorite?

How to Remember Loved Ones at the Holidays

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Long time readers know that I lost my father near Christmas 10 years ago. Since that time, I’ve gotten better at dealing with the loss (and unfortunately, other losses as well). I also have several tips to remember loved ones at the holidays, in case anyone is looking for ideas to help this holiday season.

Remember Loved Ones at the Holidays

Seeing as how this will be my tenth holiday season without my dad, I’ve encountered several ideas to remember loved ones at the holidays from a variety of sources. However, allow me to stress this piece of advice for anyone reading this: do what feels right for you. If these ideas make it harder, then don’t do them! Over time, you can find what works for you and your family.

Remember Loved Ones at the Holidays

  • Make Family Recipes – Back in 2019, my father-in-law passed away and we started hosting the holidays. Now, my husband and I tend to mix family traditions by making recipes from both sides of the family! We’ll have his family’s fruit cake at Christmas and his family’s cheesepie at Thanksgiving! I make my grandma’s zucchini bread at Christmas and casseroles either at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas! Regardless, eating some of those foods help make the holidays seem jolly while giving a nod to those we miss.
  • Hang a special decoration/ornament – I have several pieces of Christmas decor that either my grandma gave me before she died or just reminds me of her. It feels extra special to put those pieces out and it makes me feel closer to her!
  • Light a candle – My extended family lights a candle for every person who has passed when they have a family reunion. Then, they have a moment of silence to remember them by after a lighting ceremony. It’s very touching.
  • Start new family traditions – Sometimes, doing the same old things is comforting. Other times, it’s just too painful. Rather than driving to the Bristol Motor Speedway in Lights (like we used to do when I was young), my mom and I typically take the time to look at lights whenever we visit theme parks at Christmas. My mom and I also started the tradition of taking a trip around the time of the anniversary of my father’s death. It gives us something to look forward each year.

These are just some of the ways I remember loved ones at the holidays. What do you do?