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Insiders' Guide® to the Great Smoky Mountains
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 16, 2012
When I was growing up in the 1960's/1970's, we went to the Great Smoky Mountains a couple of times a year and this continued until recently. I well remember when the crowded roads full of hotels/motels, fast food restaurants, and sight seeing traps were not even in Sevierville or Pigeon Forge at all.
I decided to dip into this book to see how it presented visiting and relocating to the Smoky Mountain area. As far as it goes, it would be adequate for those who are going to the area to gorge on dead animal flesh, watch hokey hee-haw type shows full of stupid hillbilly humor or smothery christian mythology , and shop but for those who, like my family, who are there for the nature, the hiking, and to interact with the outdoors in a totally secular way (we are Atheists), it leaves something to be desired.
I can tell that the author is a believer in christian mythology. Great pains are made to mention all of the christian churches in the area, detail the christian entertainment, and there is a moment when the author insists that the fact that the mountains exist prove that there is a powerful and magnificent creator. Apparently Geology 101 wasn't taught at Hillbilly High.
I like my travel books to come sans the proselytizing and with the realization that most readers do not want to have their travel book turn into a religious tract. It is a huge turn off. Even in discussing relocation, there is a discussion on how the local schools apparently are not based on the bible so the parents are sending the kiddos to christian church schools or homeschooling (I would hate to see their SAT scores so to teach all lessons from the bible.
I have to say that this is the first time I have ever run into such a problem with a travel guide.
Also too, I would like to see more decent food featured instead of the stuff-yourself-sick heart attack-on-a-plate options being pretty much what is offered.
The Smokies are gorgeous. This is a wonderful place to hike, explore nature, raft, and enjoy outdoor activities but if you want information on that, you'll need to stop at the Sugarland Welcome Center and pick up some brochures and maps because you won't get it here. I love also the crafts stores and shops with many beautiful hand made items in the area and they are worth a look.
On the other hand, if you are looking for educational activities outside of the park itself, great art, great music, or healthy food, on anything high brow, you have come to the wrong place!
I decided to dip into this book to see how it presented visiting and relocating to the Smoky Mountain area. As far as it goes, it would be adequate for those who are going to the area to gorge on dead animal flesh, watch hokey hee-haw type shows full of stupid hillbilly humor or smothery christian mythology , and shop but for those who, like my family, who are there for the nature, the hiking, and to interact with the outdoors in a totally secular way (we are Atheists), it leaves something to be desired.
I can tell that the author is a believer in christian mythology. Great pains are made to mention all of the christian churches in the area, detail the christian entertainment, and there is a moment when the author insists that the fact that the mountains exist prove that there is a powerful and magnificent creator. Apparently Geology 101 wasn't taught at Hillbilly High.
I like my travel books to come sans the proselytizing and with the realization that most readers do not want to have their travel book turn into a religious tract. It is a huge turn off. Even in discussing relocation, there is a discussion on how the local schools apparently are not based on the bible so the parents are sending the kiddos to christian church schools or homeschooling (I would hate to see their SAT scores so to teach all lessons from the bible.
I have to say that this is the first time I have ever run into such a problem with a travel guide.
Also too, I would like to see more decent food featured instead of the stuff-yourself-sick heart attack-on-a-plate options being pretty much what is offered.
The Smokies are gorgeous. This is a wonderful place to hike, explore nature, raft, and enjoy outdoor activities but if you want information on that, you'll need to stop at the Sugarland Welcome Center and pick up some brochures and maps because you won't get it here. I love also the crafts stores and shops with many beautiful hand made items in the area and they are worth a look.
On the other hand, if you are looking for educational activities outside of the park itself, great art, great music, or healthy food, on anything high brow, you have come to the wrong place!
Displaying 1 of 1 review