Great Smoky Mountains

Very cold nights inspired us to look for a connected site near Knoxville. We applied our usual criteria: near water, roomy spaces, excellent reviews. Anchor Down RV Resort exceeded all expectations! We picked up barbecue on our way through Knoxville and have settled in for two nights. The days are in the low 70's, and there's plenty to see on the site and in the area. Nothing beats a roaring fire as the sun sets! We'll be back!

Wills Creek Winery

What we love about Harvest Hosts is meeting the people! Another 250 miles north brought us to this peaceful valley at the end of the Appalachian Mountains- perfect for grapes. Here we settled in between the vineyard and the pond, behind the barn. Perfect calm! John drove us back to the winery for a tasting and a few purchases as we learned how he'd come from Switzerland and converted his wife's family dairy farm to this successful enterprise. Ask about the lion!

Alpacas!

Our first stop heading north was Stoka-Gene-Us alpaca farm, a Harvest Host site. Terry met us as we turned in and guided us to an open spot overlooking fields where the alpacas would graze in the morning guarded by their 5 Great Pyrenees dogs. We fed the thirty some alpacas in their enclosure shared with roosters, guinea hens, chickens, a llama, ducks, and the dogs. It was fascinating to hear about the interdependence of all these animals! Mary Ann took us to the shop and explained the process from sheep to yarn. We selected alpaca socks at this free camping site.