Gatlinburg

[jekjones1558]

Anyone ever trade into a Gatlinburg timeshare? Recommendations? Or should I just pay cash?

 

[disynut]

We haven't ever traded into Gatlinburg, but we have rented from a place called TimberTops that we've been pleased with. Their website is http://www.smokymtncabins.com. They rent cabins all over Pigeon Forge and I think they have a few in GAtlinburg as well.

We're thinking of heading down there ourselves in a few weeks--gotta get some Christmas shopping done!

Have fun!

 

[mrsdon]

We traded into Gatlinburg Towne Square and we loved the location. It is really close to the space needle and not too far from a trolley stop. It is also about a mile from the entrance to Smokey Mountain National Park. I was disappointed in the unit at first, but ended up really liking it.
Some people will tell you to pay cash, but for us we were not going to Disney that year, so it made more since to trade.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[Dean]

I would not trade DVC into Gatlinburg. You should be able to rent easily and for cheaper than the value of the points. You migh try to trade a smaller unit and/or 5 days privately. Look at places like TUG for private rentals.

 

[RobDoc]

We own a week at Tree Tops in Gatlinburg and use it mostly to trade, There are several nice timeshares in the area (we especially enjoy Sunrise Ridge- just outside G'Burg in Pigeon Forge- but would also suggest looking for cash rates instead of an exchange.

In my experience, none of the options there are equivalent to DVC- although a number are very nice with great mountain views.

The Gatlinburg area is wonderful and we've been going there at least once a year for the past 20 years. There are lots of things to do in the Nat'l Park and the community itself has many nice dining options, shops and also the Aquarium of the Smokies.

Enjoy!

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks, all! I joined TUG a while ago after reading Dean's many suggestions in this regard. I looked up reviews, and remember reading about Tree Tops and Sunrise Ridge. From what I can gather it seems that most units in the area would not compare to DVC, so I guess cash is my best option. We always like to use our DVC points to take friends and relatives to DVC with us. Thanks for suggestions about specific resorts and attractions. We've never been in that area (the last living souls to be able to say that, I guess) so we'd like to make the most of our trip. Retiring in June, 2004 and am already planning out all the places I've never been able to go because of weather concerns and my inflexible teacher schedule!
Is Pigeon Forge very close by? Is it a better option for our home base?

 

[RobDoc]

Pigeon Forge is a 5 mile drive to Gatlinburg. PF is home to Dollywood and many outlet shops. Sunrise Ridge sits on a small mtn to the west of Pigeon Forge, but is only a 5 min drive into town. We don't spend any time in PF, but really enjoy all that Gatlinburg has to offer.

There is a craftsman/artist enclave just outside of the town with lots of locally produced items and there is an srt school- Arrowmont- right in downtown G'Burg.

Also nearby (about a 2 hour drive) is Asheville, NC and is an easy trip from Gatlinburg. We did use points to stay at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville and found it a great use of points for a couple of nights.

Part of the Appalachian Trail goes thru the Smoky Mtn Nat'l Park- an easy drive from G'Burg and there are many trails suitable for all levels of ability. Cherokee, NC is just on the other side of the Park from G'Burg. If you have any specific questions, please let me know.

Enjoy!

 

[jekjones1558]

OK. Now you're making me crazy to go! I read that Smokey Mountain Park is the MOST visited National park. Being from Minnesota, mountains are a BIG deal! And I LOVE art colonies. When this thread ends, I will print it all and save up questions as I do more research. I'm thinking that fall or spring would be good times to go--not too hot, not so crowded. Never been able to travel at those times!

 

[disynut]

Just wanted to clarify--if you're interested in outlet shopping then Pigeon Forge/Sevierville is where to go...if you want more of the actual SMokies, then Gatlinburg is where to go! We like to go this time of year to do Christmas shopping in the Tangier Outlet(there is a Disney outlet store here!) but we also want to go into Gatlinburg to see the sites as well, especially the aquarium.

Just a warning...they are only a few miles from each other, but traffic is terrible!!!! If you have ever been to Panama City Beach on the strip is the only comparision I can think of. It is likely to take you an hour or more to get from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg!Anyway...now I'm really wanting to go too!!! Hope you get to...and congratulations on your retirement! I am a library media specialist and my husband is an elementary principal! So we totally understand your calendar woes!!

Enjoy!

 

[jekjones1558]

I won't tell my husband about the traffic or I'll never get there! We were in Branson recently and he was NOT a happy camper. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[MACDADDY]

This is the best place to stay in Gatlinburg...

http://www.highlandscondos.com/

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by jekjones1558
I won't tell my husband about the traffic or I'll never get there! We were in Branson recently and he was NOT a happy camper. Thanks for the clarification.

The traffic is bad usually only on weekends and during the busy summer months. Weekdays (except in summer) it is manageable.

There is a by-pass on the route from Pigeon Forge that takes you all the way to the far-end of town near the Park entrance,. We usually take that route, park and walk back thru the town- missing the traffic. There are also 2 routes in town if you decide to take the main route. The traffic is certainly different than Branson!

Enjoy!

 

[slp87]

We were just in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area in August. The traffic was terrible over the weekend, but cleared out during the week. We really enjoy going to the area. My mom use to do business near there and took me for my first trip when I was in college. In fact, my parents just bought in to Sunrise Ridge. Be sure to eat at the Wild Plum Tea Room if you're in the area. It's outside of town, I think on the art/crafts road.

 

[jekjones1558]

I just love this board. Look at all the great replies I got from people who don't even know me!! Thanks, All!

 

[Doc and Family]

We have been to Gatlinburg numerous times over the past 20 years, somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 or so. Going back to when I was a teen, it is way more than that.
Lodging: Depends on what you want. Chalets are wonderful and can be quite inexpensive if you are travelling with others and spliiting the cost. We use Mountain Laurel Chalets-great company.
Hotels: River Terrace has a prime location. Can walk to almost anywhere, is centrally located, and if you are a walker, the traffic problem is alleviated as you can walk from the hotel to anywhere in town.
Restaurants: The Peddler is awesome-great steaks, great salad bar. Park Grille-also very good.
PANCAKE PANTRY-located in the village-don't be fooled by other pancake houses-this is the one with a line outside the door-you MUST eat here--you will not regret it.
I would pay cash, however. If you are not going to use your points, rent them out and use the cash to pay for your trip.
If you have any questions, e-mail me, I will be glad to assist.
Glenn

 

[SnowWitch]

Gatlinburg is only about 2 hrs north of here so we visit frequently for short weekend trips. We have used various cabin rental company's and been pleased. If you do a search you can find several that give you a virtual tour of the cabins and then you chose the one you want. Most are just beautiful and if your bringing family- many come with a nice pool table, various games, and the best views from the comfort of an 6-8 person hot tub. If you like to gamble -I never have- there is a casino in Cherokee, which is about a 30-60 minutes over the mtn.

 

[CVW]

If your husband is comparing the traffic between Gatlinburg and Branson, you'll be in good shape. We now live too far to make routine trips to Gatlinburg, but we go to Branson three or four times a year. Mainly for Silver Dollar City with the kids.

I DEFINITELY prefer Gatlinburg. Besides the amazing National Park, you can actually walk through the downtown. In Branson, you may recall, there's no place to walk. You have to drive everywhere.

In Gatlinburg, you can get your shopping/commercial fix just by walking up and down the street. Yeah, the traffic is bad, but it's all so compact you can park your car and walk. Or take a trolley.

Pigeon Forge is a bit more Branson-ish, with more strip malls and strip hotels. Pigeon Forge is a bit more economical. You'll certainly catch both towns before your trip is over.

Gatlinburg is what Branson wishes it was.

 

[MelissathePooh]

I'm sorry - its just so hard for me to take anything about G'burg seriously! Or should I call it Ripley's G'burg as they practically own half of it! I know that its a beautiful area and the park really is special, but the town itself is pretty bad in terms of tourist trap tacky! Hauntings, The World of Illusions, Cooters Dukes of Hazard museum??!! Throw in the new Pigeon Forge OuletVille - and its just a nightmare anymore. Then again that's just my opinion.

Granted I haven't been since 1999, but I can't imagine its toned down any. I guess its an experience people should have at least once, but I wouldn't waste points on it. Then again I grew up in Chattanooga and had to go more than a few times - youth groups and school trips were always dragging us up there! I guess its kind of like Panama City, FL or Helen, GA - there are some nice things there, but you have to make your way past all the airbrushing to get to them!

JMHO, but Ashville, while not as compact for walking, is just as beautiful in terms of landscape, has tons of art galleries, artisans, old craft galleries, the Biltmore House and maybe a fourth of the tacky. The Grove Park Inn is outstanding!

Melissa

 

[jekjones1558]

Can't wait to see Ashville!

 

[kweaver]

I've never been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge (just not my kind of place, I guess). However, I have to agree with Melissa's take on Asheville. It's a wonderful town! Be sure to visit Mast General Store while you're there...you won't be disappointed!

A side trip to Black Mountain, NC for some shopping is also in order...we spend a week there every summer.

Also, the Flat Rock playhouse is nearby...well known summer theater that usually has hilarious plays going on...I've never been disappointed!