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I have two options.
When I need a quick drive-to escape from my Georgia home, I can travel four
hours east, toward a coastline of sandy beaches, to Jekyll Island’s driftwood beach,
where loggerhead sea turtles seek safe haven. I can take ownership of a parcel of
sand, a beach towel marking my spot as the salty breeze flips its corners. I can
escape the heat here.
Or, I can venture north, deep into the Appalachian range known as the Great
Smoky Mountains, and be swallowed by culture and breathtaking vistas, where
katydids and crickets serenade. Although summer is the South’s most unforgiving
season, here, mornings are cool, refreshing.
There are always two very good choices. As for me, I travel north.
Away in
the Smokies
EXPLORING AMERICA’S MOST-VISITED NATIONAL PARK
BY WAY OF TENNESSEE. BY JUDY GARRISON
Judy Garrison; W. Cody/CORBIS/GlowImages