A few weeks ago I took a quiz at FindYourSpot.com to find places in the U.S. that I’d likely be happier living in. Most of the suggestions were located in the Rocky Mountain region and thus beyond driving range, but there was also a high concentration of recommendations in Tennessee and North Carolina as well. So I figured, why not make a road trip out of it? (specifically for this October…)
In addition, autumn is my absolute favorite season, and ever since I learned about the Smokey Mountain region I’ve always wanted to visit to enjoy the acclaimed fall foliage that it brings during that time of year. And then of course, there’s Dollywood too! :-D
Using the quiz results then, I was able to map out a rough itinerary that would take me through every city recommended for this region (sans Nashville and Chattanooga), and so far it looks pretty good. Once I leave Virginia, I can loop around in an almost perfect circle before making my way back home again:
My first stop would begin with Roanoke in Virginia, then to Abingdon (since these two cities both made my quiz list). From there, I’ll have to decide whether I want to begin my loop at Mt. Airy in North Carolina, or at Kingsport in Tennessee. Assuming I opt for Tennessee first, I’ll visit the twin cities of Kingsport and Johnson City, then work my way down to Knoxville. From there, I may head over to Maryville and use that as a platform to launch the next leg of my trip through the Smokey Mountain region, (unless I’m feeling really brave and decide to head all the way down to Chattanooga instead before making my way back north again.)
Either way, my next stop would land me in Waynesville, North Carolina, thus beginning my tour of western North Carolina that would take me through Brevard, Hendersonville, Asheville, Hickory and Morganton, Boone, and finally Mt. Airy.
Nashville was too far out of the way so it didn’t make the cut (and besides, country singers annoy me), and Charlotte in NC also got dropped, partly because it was also too far out of the way, and partly because I found nothing noteworthy to compel me to check it out.
So that’s it! By the time I finish my road trip, I should have a better idea of where I might like to live, and if not, at least I got an enjoyable vacation out of it. I’ve been dying to get out of this evil state for a much needed break since forever anyway, so this had been a long time coming.
It’s still up in the air whether I’ll actually do this or not, but in the meantime, I appreciate any suggestions and advice for my trip, especially on places I can visit during the way (specifically places that offer unusually high concentrations of hot southern babes, because I’d definitely like to check those areas out for… research purposes).
What? It’s for science, people!
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I did that a few years ago. I need to move to Tennessee or Alabama.
Asheville is gorgeous. Greenville is gorgeous and affordable. Cookeville, TN- totally affordable, great jobs, laid back.
Overall, that’s a great road trip. I love that area, it’s beautiful, clean, and memorable.
That’s a lot of villes, LOL
Is is Greenville TN or NC? The one in TN is right along the way so I may stop for a visit, while Cookeville is halfway to Nashville and probably not doable.
I’m glad you enjoyed your time in the area, though I’m not sure people might appreciate a New Yawker moving down there and taking away one of their jobs. But then again I’m hoping I could live off my blog so that wouldn’t be necessary. ;)
We have visited the Smoky Mountain area and eastward quite a few times over the years. Most of the towns are very small east of Dollywood/Pigeon Forge with not a whole lot going on. Many of these towns are very quaint and the scenery is gorgeous.
I think the babe factor would be very low east of the Smokies until you get to Asheville. Asheville is a happening city. Very artsy and they always have a festival going on. The downtown area is great! You would meet more people in Asheville that relocated from someplace else. Plenty of New Yawkers there I’m sure! But that whole area Leanne described (including Alabama)are good places to live! :-D
Quiet is good. I dig quiet, quaint and gorgeous scenery. Good to know about Asheville though, so I may stay a little longer than than the other cities. Knoxville is one of the other major cities I may stay longer than usual at, but I haven’t really heard good things about the area. I’ve read complaints about pollution being a problem and that the sky is weirdly scorched a perennial gray.
Damn… AZ didn’t make the cut in your trip. Oh well. ;-) by the by, Fall is my favorite season too.
Sorry, Arizona is just a weeeeeeeee bit out of the way. :-D
Quiet is awesome. We always go to North Carolina – there is a spot along the coast where you can go and look in both directions..not another human being anywhere.
Wow, I can’t even imagine such a thing. Our beaches are so overcrowded you have to walk on people’s heads just to get to the water.
Linc, Ashville is really beautiful, unfortunately it is a very liberal town. Too bad you can’t go this weekend though.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990211048&source=rss
This ass was aparently breastfeeding at the local Denny’s, and didn’t bother to cover herself up. She was asked to go to the bathroom for privacy or cover herself up. Watch what she’s planning now, it’s unreal.
I’ve been reading about its liberal side too, and that it’s touted as one of those places that’s great to visit but awful to live in. I don’t think I’d opt for NC anyway since it’s a blue state and has state income tax too.