I love where I live. The Great Smoky Mountains is one of God's beautiful creations. Whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter they always look so perfect. It's a popular tourist spot, that we all know because of the awful traffic it brings.

Over the years I have always enjoyed visiting the mountains, ever since I was a little girl. The past two weeks I have visited the Great Smoky Mountains that's in my backyard. Just last week I went to Cades Cove with my sister, we both enjoy the outdoors and photography. What better way to combine both of our favorite things to do while spending quality sister time together. It was just a nice afternoon spent distancing myself from the world and paying attention to the incredible beauty just a drive away. This past Wednesday I spent the afternoon with one of my best friends, and it was a spur in the moment trip. I think those kinds of trips are the best. We decided to go hiking at Chimney Tops, we both had already hiked before. Let me just tell you, the view at the very top is breath taking and so worth the hike. I'll be a little honest it's a bit hard going up, and there are lots of stairs. Probably my favorite view in the Smoky's, and place to just take in the incredible surroundings.

More than ever, today are people locking themselves up inside their rooms or homes, instead of getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. In today's world, we have gotten so caught up in technology and it's so weird for us to take a few hours off from checking social media. Why? Why can't we unplug for just a few hours to spend some time with our loved ones and just take a gander at the beautiful views in our backyard? I will always be okay with taking a few hours off, to enjoy God's creations with my friends or family. Taking a trip to the mountains gets you out of the house, it gives you a reason to stop being a couch potato, and maybe take a picnic for the drive up to your favorite spotNo matter where you live, I'm sure there are plenty of places you can escape to for just a few hours. People all over the United States can visit their state parks, or even small community parks in their towns. So get outside, spend some quality time with friends and loved ones. If you live here or even near the Smoky Mountains, I encourage you to go for a hike or take a drive to a new spot you have never been and unplug from the world for a little while. Right now it's a great time to go, and you can see all the beautiful fall colors and leaves on the ground. God created this beautiful world, so how are you going to take advantage of your backyard?