April 9 Cade's Cove, Loveless Cafe, Tennessee Natchez Trace

 Friday, April 9

51 degrees at 7:00 this morning.  We set out after breakfast, heading to the southern end of the Smokies and Cades Cove.   We stop for a few beautiful sites along the way.  The road follows a stream for much of the way - just beautiful.  Lots of redwood and dogwood trees blooming.

Little traffic so a pleasant drive!  At Cades Cover there is an 11 mile driving loop that we have enjoyed in the past. We have seen quite a few animals here in the past, though we are later than usual this morning.  Still, a nice drive. Lots of turkeys this trip and here we see a few solitary toms, 

 and several small groups of deer.

From here we begin to go west, further into Tennessee.  Next stop is Burgess Falls State Park for  a nice hike alongside the Falling Water River. The rushing river and several waterfalls provide a constant, soothing background sound.   Entry to the park is free, which is unusual these days!

We get back onto I-40 toward Nashville and decide to stop at the Loveless Cafe, a well known restaurant near Franklin and the start of the Natchez Trace.  They specialize in Southern Comfort food and we enjoy an artery-clogging meal of southern fried chicken, creamed corn, mashed potatoes and - oh, those biscuits! Yum! Decor is simple country with a liberal scattering of Johnny Cash and other country music stars.

From here, we hop on the Natchez Trace highway, a 440+ mile, 2 lane highway with no commercial traffic, no billboards and beautiful countryside! 

  Lewis and Clark Campground is closed, so we get off and visit the Columbia, Tennessee Walmart.  A popular hangout for local teens in their cars until 10:00 or so, then it is quiet.