Back in the spring of 2020, just before the world changed in so many ways, my wife Cindy and I took our youngest son, Luke, on a trip to celebrate his upcoming high school graduation. We wanted to do something special—something that would leave a lasting impression. So we packed our bags and headed south to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world: the Everglades.

Our adventure began just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the cozy Twin Creek RV Resort. The vibrant fall colors of October 2021 set the perfect backdrop for our stay. We started our week with a few trips to Pigeon Forge, exploring its charming attractions. One of our favorite stops was Old Mill Street, where we discovered delightful shops like Stardust Candles, known for their prank candles. It was fun exploring the historic part of the city.