Just a stone’s throw east of Pigeon Forge is the resort town of Gatlinburg. Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have grown gangbusters since Franklyn Roosevelt designated the Great Smoky Mountains a park in 1940. And both have attracted an astounding array of shops, attractions, and amusements to occupy every rainy day ’til the Rapture.
Speaking of rapture, The culture is a fascinating mix of overt Christian themes and symbols, and a reverence for all things Dukes of Hazzard. In the midst of a grand log cabin facade on a row of shops is the message, Jesus Saves. In Terry Evanswood’s Wonders of Magic at Wonderworks, he threatens jokingly at one point to lock the doors and preach for two hours. (Read Jen’s and son 2’s review of the show here. )
Our kids delighted yesterday, returning from Gatlinburg’s very impressive Ripley’s Aquarium, in reading off the number of signs that advertised knives. “Tobacco, beer, knives.” “Linens, moccasins, knives.” A dizzying array, including the selection for the discerning Christian: King James Knives. Open 24 hours. What do tourists do with all those knives?
For several wonderful hours yesterday we fished at Herbert Holt State Park outside of Gatlinburg, and our four-year-old made a steady stream of friends on the playground. 
Okay, we didn’t catch anything. But with the park rules limiting fishing to children only, nobody seemed to care much that fish weren’t biting. It was a great spot for a picnic snack.
I expected the Ripley’s Aquarium to be, well, you know, two-headed sharks and blurred images of mermaids in grainy newsreels. Instead, I would have to say that while it lacked the grandeur of the National Aquarium, the Japanese Crabs– about the size of a mastiff skeleton–were compelling, as was the exhibit devoted to slime in the natural world.
While two
hours was probably enough, the collection is impressive, including a very cool feature that allowed the kids to control the s
peed and direction of videos explaining the animals on display. Nothing like watching a killer shark dismember a dolphin in slo-mo, then regurgitate the whole mammal, over and over!
Well, I am on the ocean, but I don’t see the fishes and monster crabs. Thanks for the enlightenment! Look forward to Monmouth Cave. My brother was into spelunking and diving, and he used to keep us up with these things as kids.
Sounds like the boys liked the videos. Very touristy I know. How goes it?
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to our beautiful city in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains! I really enjoy hearing how Christian themes and signs stood out to visitors. I think we could use a little more of that. I am saddened to hear that tobacco, beer, and knives also made the top of the list. I’m thrilled to notice that you’d heard of my business as well! It’s a grand feeling to see your efforts have be taken note of. I’d like to put a little distance between what I do and the shops that sell a cheap counterpart. I make my knives by hand. I make them all by hand and can make one especially for people if they’d like. They can call at any time, hence the 24 hours. They aren’t just knives for Christians alone, but for everyone, made by a Christian and will last till Gabriel toots his whistle! I also teach blacksmithing and knifemaking to kids and adults alike. If you every find yourself back in the area, please stop in. From what I hear, this could be a unique experience not found many places. Teaching history with a hands on approach with methods that are fading away after generations is what I love. Once again, I love to see families making memories and I’m glad Gatlinburg could help. Oh, would you mind fixing the link to my page? 🙂
James Weaver
King James Knives
James – thanks for your comments, and I fixed the link. If we are back in Gatlinburg, we will definitely stop next time!