A Different Kind of Park- Hickory Knob

Hickory Knob is an entirely different kind of park.  To quote my daughter, "It's fancy."  It is the only resort park in the state.  The children puzzled over its entrance sign, "Hickory Knob Resort State Park."  "What does that mean?" the kids asked.  "I guess we'll find out," was the only response I could offer.

We drove past a huge expanse of well manicured golf course that was habitat to those who drive carts and carry sticks.  What a different place this was from the forests, lakes and historical sites we had been visiting.  On up, we saw a pool and a large structure divided into several lodge rooms offering hotel like accommodations.  We found and parked at the park office.  We felt as foreign as Dorothy entering Oz.  There was a large buffet type restaurant.  Over there was an accompanying gift shop more akin to a hotel's necessary shop than a park souvenir spot.  There was a polished hallway which offered restrooms and beyond that was an office desk where resort visitors were to check in.

Anchor and the boys headed to the desk to get our coveted stamp.  I can never resist a gift shop.  The girls and I perused the shelves and stands of toys and t shirts.  I did see a wonderful line of shirts labeled "Outside the Box."  They encouraged those who saw them to turn away from their boxed screens and live a little.  I sighed in disappointment when I realized these were only in kid sizes.

Anchor came down the pretty hallway smiling.  "What?" I asked knowing his cat ate the canary grin. "Nothing," he replied, "We got the stamp."

My eyes told him to continue.

"The lady at the front desk was really nice.  She gave the boys some sample snacks from the park.  She gave me some for you all too.  We told her about what we were doing- the Ultimate Outsider- the 47 State Parks.  She thought it was wonderful but wanted to know if we had been as warmly welcomed at any of the other state parks."  Anchor smiled.  I understood.  This park was so different from any other.  It was nice to know that competition still found a home even in the wonderland of Hickory Knob.

We payed for the children's shirts, gratefully ate our chips and wondered onto a trail.  We began exploring the park in the way we knew best.  The trail was beautiful.  it led through the woods and on to a vast expanse of placid lake.  We admired its beauty and left curious to meet Hickory Knob's less famous sister park- Baker Creek.