Budget Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg trip

[castlehappy]

We love going to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! We are there 3 or 4 times a year. (a friend owns a cabin there ) I must agree with the others on eating at the Mill restaurant. It is a must. The food is incredible. The Apple Barn is a must as well. Cades Cove is a beautiful place and we have always seen deer when we go there. Only once did we see a black bear. There is so much shopping there. We really love to go in the Fall, it is absolutely breath-taking and they have a lot of arts and crafts shows/fairs going on. I just know you and your family are just going to love it. We are going in June and I can not wait.

 

[Local_Girl]

Thank you to everyone who has posted...this thread has been a great wealth of info as I've been considering a trip to the area for the first time. Can anyone tell me a little more specifically when in the fall it's a good time to go? Here in MI, we probably reach peak color earlier than it would in TN. Also, if we aren't planning to go to Dollywood, is there an advantage to staying in PF vs. Gatlinburg or vice versa? Thanks for any info!

 

[princess-rn]

Thank you to everyone who has posted...this thread has been a great wealth of info as I've been considering a trip to the area for the first time. Can anyone tell me a little more specifically when in the fall it's a good time to go? Here in MI, we probably reach peak color earlier than it would in TN. Also, if we aren't planning to go to Dollywood, is there an advantage to staying in PF vs. Gatlinburg or vice versa? Thanks for any info!

We went for the first time in the Spring..so I'm not sure about times to go in the fall. I am from Alabama..so I can tell you that the leaves are nicely "turned" here by October.

We didn't go to Dollywood..but we did see it. It's in PF. WHere our cabin was located (we rented from www.patriotgetaways.com ) we were directly in between PF and Gatlinburg. It was a very nice location. We spent more time in Gatlinburg..but could have gone to PF just the same.

Have a great trip!

 

[AngieInOH]

Had to add my 2 cents worth. We've been down there the last two years. All of the eating places mentioned are great! Especially Apple Barn and Old Mill. Yum!

We enjoyed Dollywood. It had a little bit of something for everyone. Just don't go expecting Disney. It's a whole different experience. Although the Aquarium is a bit pricey I'd so go for it if you've never been to one. If you want to save money I would definetly leave out the Ripley's Believe it or not things. They have anattractive outside to get you in but we were not impressed. Especially for the amount of money you have to pay. For me going to the Smokies is about the scenery. I'm not big on downtown Gatlinburg. I just enjoy taking it easy and relaxing. I'm a fan of renting a cabin. Yes they cost more but the views are wonderful! And you could save money by fixing food and grilling out! I know you said you already had your reservation, but if you would like a truly breathtaking view, in the most beautiful log cabin and only a couple minutes from Pigeon Forge yet secluded PM me and I can give you the place we stayed last year. Also, I don't know how much your paying for the hotel but if you keep looking you can come across some pretty good cabin deals.

Have Fun!

 

[bsmandi]

Another thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is the great ranger programs in the park. You can go online and print out a copy of the schedule to select the ones you think would be good for your family. (Or just go to the visitors center right inside the park from Gatlinburg) We have done several and my 5 year old loved them. There are three that I think are wonderful. First, there is a short walk to a small waterfall that leaves from the visitor center...easy walk and only takes about 30-40 minutes. The ranger we had was great!

Second, the Ogle cabin tour on the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. Our guide even let our son carry his walky talky (or whatever those things are called!) and kept asking him if he had received his special call yet! At the end we took a picture of him with the ranger and the ranger even let him wear his hat! He was thrilled! It was also a short walk about 40 minutes.

Finally, they have a junior ranger program where you pick up a packet from the visitors center and then search for things like certain leaves and plants. When your complete it you take it back to the rangers at the visitor center and they announce on the loud speaker your childs name and they have just become a junior ranger and present them with a badge. Everyone clapped and cheered! It was the highlight of our son's vacation. We had bought a ranger hat at the gift shop there so the picture and the look on his face is priceless!! Sorry this is so long but we just love Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains! We visit at least twice a year and we live 8 hours away in Illinois! I think you will have wonderful trip!!

I forgot to add all of these programs are free!!!

 

[swilshire]

Can anyone tell me a little more specifically when in the fall it's a good time to go? Here in MI, we probably reach peak color earlier than it would in TN.

When my husband and I married 20 years ago, we selected October 21 as our wedding date because that was the traditional peak in the lower elevations with it being a week or so earlier in the mountains. The last few years, we've noticed a shift to a week or so later.

It's hard to predict and varies from region to region, but in general the last half of October will be the best. Last year there was great color through the first two or three weeks of November down low. I don't ever remember the leaves lasting so late.

If you can plan last minute, there are websites that predict the peaks each year.

October is the peak month for the area, so of course the traffic is also at it's peak. Staying in PF would make it easier to get to Dollywood, or you can always investigate back ways between Gatlinburg and PF. Traffic would definitely be a bear between the two at that time of year.

Sheila

 

[Local_Girl]

Great info--thanks, swilshire!!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

Thank you for the great tips bsmandi. My girls would love those programs!

 

[sanctus]

Sadly the little cars (which was my son's FAVORITE) were removed this year to make room for the new rides. There are several rides for the little ones now.

Sheila

SAY IT ISN'T SO!!! My kids LOVE these cars.

The other thing about Dollywood is you have to remember you're in the mountains. This park is *all uphill both directions all the time.

 

[thenuttings]

Hi,
I was recently in Gatlinburg and Pidgeon Forge with my husband the week after Easter. We stayed at the Park Vista Hotel and it was very nice. We also visited Dixie Stampede and Dollywood and enjoyed both. A majority of the rides at Dollywood are water rides of some sort so you will want to plan accordingly.

I just have one warning for you. My husband and I had four kids back home to buy souvenirs for and so we tried several of the "cheesy" t-shirt shops in Pidgeon Forge. I was SO glad my kids were not with me because the shops all had a great deal of "adult" merchandise and sample shirts with very explicit sayings--all of it was extremely offensive to us. I won't go into any detail because it would be too embarrassing and inappropriate! Just be aware that one of you might want to "scope" out a souvenir shop before you enter with your children.

 

[lovemygoofy]

For people looking for cabin rentals I cannot reccommend highly enough diamond mountain rentals. The website www.diamondrentals.com has pictures of all their cabins and list what the amenities are in each cabin. You can choose a newer built cabin or something more historic. The first time my dh and I went, we chose a cabin with an upstairs loft and a huge jacuzzi upstairs. Downstairs on the porch/overlook was a nice hottub with a fireplace. We sat in the hot tub with some champagne and watched it snow with a fire going. Wild huh? Oh yeah this cabin also had a pool table which was nice because the tv reception wasn't the best. They have deals some but I like that their prices stay the same through out the year because some other places fluctuate according to travel seasons. I enjoyed every stay I have had using this rental company.

 

[FINFAN]

We went 8 years ago, for 5 days. My best advice is to bring the PONCHO'S! We went in Aug and it rained everyday. Find a hotel that has an indoor pool..it will be invaluable if the weather is lousy. Also...just a word of caution if renting a cabin or condo or non-chain hotel...we went w/another family, they has 2 condo's booked, canceled one 2 weeks before we left (well within the required cancellation time) they had a print out of the cancellation from on-line and the cancellation #...but they did not have the clerks name. After we returned , 2 weeks later they rec'd a bill for over $800 for staying at the condo they cancelled. They called, explained, were told that they did not cancel, that the clerk personally gave them a key( ummm, they were NEVER there) therefor were responsible for the entire stay...long story short, after a year of fighting this thing and having their CC co. try and intervene..they lost...had to pay the $800 and rec'd a letter stating that just because it's a business in Tennesee, Northerners can't take advantage and try to rip them off! I can't state the name of the place, but suffice it to say that once our friends rec'd that letter the BBB was far more interested in the case than before. However, they are still in business, and DH and I have learned thru our friends to stay at reputable chain hotels at least for a first visit somewhere, 'till you can check it out. When they began their claim...they founf out quite a few private rentals across the nation have many claims against them.
On a lighter note, Dollywood is a very beautiful park....so many trees...and the Eagle sanctuary/bird show is pretty cool. Even if it was drizzling when we saw it.


Pam

 

[bsmandi]

Thank you for the great tips bsmandi. My girls would love those programs!

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy the area as much as we do! Also, any tips you can give me on Port Orleans Riverside? I noticed on your post that you had stayed there before...we leave the May 19th for our first Disney trip since I was a kid! We are staying at POR from the 19-24! Thanks!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

We loved POR. My eldest daughter loved the slide in the main pool as it was fast. The positives of that resort for us was the boatride to DTD, the carriage ride, Piano Bob Jackson in the lounge (I wish we could have seen him more than once!!) and the fact that we could take the boat or walk to PO-FQ and use their pool as well. We requested and received Building 38 in the Alligator Bayou area. It was a little bit of a walk to the food court, etc but the walk was very pleasant with bunnies squirrels, birds, etc. A bus stop and quiet pool were nearby, along with laundry facilities. The mansions were beautiful but I requested Alligator Bayou because there is always a chance that you can get a trundle bed free. We ALL slept alot better with our girls sleeping apart. If you have anymore questions, ask away and I'll try to answer them for you. Have a great time!

 

[Daisy'sMom]

Thank you to everyone who has posted...this thread has been a great wealth of info as I've been considering a trip to the area for the first time. Can anyone tell me a little more specifically when in the fall it's a good time to go? Here in MI, we probably reach peak color earlier than it would in TN. Also, if we aren't planning to go to Dollywood, is there an advantage to staying in PF vs. Gatlinburg or vice versa? Thanks for any info!

The deciding factor for us is always how much time we plan to spend in Gatlinburg. You have to pay to park(approx. $5) in Gatlinburg unless you are parked in your hotel parking lot, but in PF all the parking is free. In Gatlinburg you can walk up and down the strip easily, but not in Pigeon Forge. Picture a strip mall-type layout for Gatlinburg without parking available in front of the stores. My hubby and I go to PF and G'burg frequently and have Dollywood season passes. We love it all...except the traffic, but that's to be expected if you hit a busy season or the weekend. Oh, and I didn't read all the pages, but just in case no one else mentioned it the Comedy Barn is FANTASTIC, HILARIOUS, and FAMILY ORIENTED! PM if you like. We're going down on Thursday night for yet another visit.

 

[annabelle]

We love going to Dollywood... and yes, like many mentioned before, it's NOT Disney. If you constantly compare, it's a huge letdown. But Dollywood has it's own charm and beauty. The setting is gorgeous with spectacular trees all around (which even Disney can't compete with).

This year, with the new rides and attractions, there is even more of a draw to Dollywood.

We'll be at WDW this summer and spending just ONE day at the MK.

What I think is interesting is that ONE day for our family of 4 at the MK costs the same amount as our SEASON PASSES to Dollywood (good through 12/31/05).

 

[Daisy'sMom]

Another budget savor I thought of (and I'm sorry if others have already mentioned it) is the trolleys. PF and G'burg each have there own, but one of the routes travels back and forth between the two. It's .50 per person. In fact, there's a place to park for free between the two towns were you park and ride the trolley. I'll keep thinking of any other ideas.

 

[indigoxtreme]

I am a Gatlinburg lover. My husband and I spent our Honeymoon there 29 years ago and go every year. Cades cove is excellent, go either early morning or early evening. The animals are out more at this time. There is a campground there, so if you are thirsty or want a snack, as you come out of the Cove turn to your right and go to the camp store. There is a place called Tuskaleechee Caverns in Townsend, I went there as a child, adult and with my children. It is about a mile walk through and very beautiful. FYI Townsend is where the filmed CHRISTY if you watched the serious and the movie.

The Track has alot of kiddie rides and you can get tickets or a wrist band (I don't know for sure if they still have the bands or not) and the prices is reasonable. Useually you can find discount coupons everywhere for most anything. We always enjoy staying in Gatlinburg as you can keep your car parked and walk all around the town. Daily we get out and do the park site seeing things and then come back and walk though Gatlinburg. Our favorite hotle motel is Johnson's Inn. Dollywood is great too. No its not Disney as many have stated but it is a small park and fun. Dixie Stampede is great fun for all ages and really worth the $, It may seems expensive but you get a preshow, a full family fun show and large dinner. In Cherokee there is the authentic Indian village and I have found that the children enjoy learning real things about American Indians and not the Hollywood version. The museum there is good too. If you are into hiking, maybe at a later age for your children, there is Alum Cave Bluff in the Park going toward Cherokee. It is a medium to hard hike, but if you take snacks (apples etc) and water with you you can take it easy and enjoy. They actually mined Alum powder (used in many medicines etc) here in the past. It is a beautiful climb and so much to see. There are read squirrels in the park called Boomers. The horse back ride at the entrance to the park going toward Cherokee from Gatlinburg is a good one. There is also the Arts and Crafts Community, you will see brown signed posted on the road and you can take a draive through here and see a lot of scenery and many different crafts.
If you like antiques and fleamarkets there are several stores and markets in Sieverville TN going toward Knowville from Pigeon Forge.

Here are a few links for your use.

http://www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com/
http://www.mtleconte.com/history.html
http://www.oconalufteevillage.com/
http://untothesehills.com/
http://www.christyfest.org/

 

[mommytobug]

bump..any more ideas??

 

[Mom to Will and Finn]

Oh it's beautiful there; you'll have a great time.

I haven't read through the responses, but I can't go without spending time in Cades Cove, Mingo Falls, and doing the Roaring Fork driving tour.