Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge

[roadtripper]

We really loved Townsend TN for our Smokies trip, which we learned about here on the DIS. Close to the Park entrance, but away from honky-tonk (if you're interested in avoiding that). We did do Dollywood, but it was across the mountain. We stayed at the tiny Bunkhouse Inn, which we also loved. Look it up on tripadvisor for more info. Have fun!

 

[North of Mouse]

I cant stand even DRIVING thru that nasty town

Gatlinburg is old school-awesome

Agree, completely, it's just a tourist trap and so cheesy The only things that we occasionally go to there are the Tanger Outlets (closer to Sevierville) which are the higher quality ones, the Apple Barn for breakfast, and the big Krogers for grocery. There isn't much to Townsend on the NW entrance to the Smokies, but we do go over there sometimes when we go to Cades Cove to ride our bikes around the 11mi. loop. Just love that place - usually see bear too!

 

[disney ny]

I guess I am in the minority but we really enjoy Pigeon Forge and would rather stay there than Gatlinburg. We have stayed at a couple if really nice places there- The Inn at Christmas Place and Music Road Inn. It may be because we went in off season that we didn't hit the traffic. I like both but Gatlinburg gave me an almost claustrophobic feel and seemed sort of old fashioned and outdated. I LOVE the food in both places- deciding where to eat is the hardest part. The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a must- there is one in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

 

[daleswife]

It really doesnt matter, they are right down the road from each other. just watch out for events cause it can get really crowded. My DH and I married down there in April during rod run and it took my family 8 hours to get from gatlinburg to pigeon forge.(7 minutes down the road normally!) Also if you are gonna stay in a cabin, there are cabin rental places there that charge you huge fees. we are going next month and have found a few places that dont charge a reservation fee, or a cleaning fee, or a processing fee. all that can add up. just do some research and you can find a great place to stay with out a lot of hidden fees.

 

[mousiemom]

i used to live up there and in the past 6yrs have rented a chalet with family members. it really doesn't matter which direction you stay in, i know during the month i'm going, it will not be busy. tn student's spring break is in march. we always stay between PG and Gatlin. this trip for us is going to be a relaxing one, walking trails to waterfalls, driving around looking at the scenery and i love just walking along the streams. our dd is going to play golf with the grandparents one day and we are doing some mini golf too. have fun!

 

[Swan4Me]

: the Apple Barn for breakfast, !

LOVE, love The Apple Barn at dinner too-but no alcohol is the only negative

 

[maxiesmom]

We go to that part of Tennessee fairly often, and we usually stay at the Best Western Twin Islands in Gatlinburg. It is not new or fancy, but it is very clean.

One trip we stayed at the Edgewater Hotel, which is right behind the shopping district. It was very nice to walk out of the hotel and be right downtown. The only negative is that most rooms are not on the water, and someone I travel with has to have a room right on the water as it comes thru town. The Edgewater does have an indoor pool though, which is not all that common in Gatlinburg.