I know it's not DVC but....

[laceemouse]

I'm still doing the single digit dance!!! We will be staying at a t/s in Pigeon Forge, TN for a week! We traded our other t/s to get it, a nice 2 bedroom with all the bells and whistles. We are going to go to Dollywood, her new water park, Gatlinburg, into the Smoky Mountain national park, and to the zoo in Knoxville! When I was a kid my parents loved the Smokies and took me there often, DH and I went once before we had kids, so our 4 kids have not seen it. They want to hike and explore waterfalls and caves! I know Dollywood is no Disney, but they are having a lot of special shows now for a kidfest ( can't wait to see Veggie Tales Live!) And when I get back I can reset my countdown clock for our first DVC trip to BCV scheduled for next Spring Break!!!!!! After that, we are considering Colonial Williamsburg for next summer, it is sooo much fun to always have at least a couple of vacations in the planning stage!!! Lacee

 

[RobDoc]

We go to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge often and own a timeshare in Gatlinburg. At which resort will you be staying? - there are several in the area- a couple are quite close to Dollywood.

We own at Tree Tops in G'burg and often stay at Sunrise Ridge in Pigeon Forge.

It's a great area with lots to do.

Enjoy!

 

[yearlightbuzz]

I can't believe you didn't mention the outlet shopping!! My in-laws don't even realize that there are mountains there because they love to shop. I'm not complaining b/c they own at Sunrise Ridge and take us often. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Caskbill]

You should enjoy the waterfalls in the Smokies. There's been so much rainfall this year that the waterfall flows should be higher than normal years. We were there a few years ago also when rainfall was high and the flow over the falls was considerably higher than normal.

One great thing about the Smokies: There's no entrance fee like there is for most of the other national parks.

Two things not to miss: Clingman's Dome, and the loop around Cades Cove.

If you didn't know, Dollywood has done a lot of expansions the last couple of years, so there's lots more there now.

Have a great trip.

 

[laceemouse]

Thanks for all of the nice replies! We own at Powhatten Plantation in Williamsburg and will be staying at Sunterra Mountain Meadows in Pigeon Forge this trip. My brother owns at Gatlinburg Town Square. We will definitely do Cades Cove and see all the beautiful waterfalls. I have not been to Dollywood in 14 yrs. or so, I know it will be bigger and better than before, and DH and I enjoyed it even back then! And yes, we will hit the outlet stores! Hopefully we can get some back to school clothes at good prices for the kiddos!!!

 

[dvc_john]

If you're into bicycling, they close the Cade's Cove road to auto traffic a couple of mornings a week, and open it to bicycles and hikers only.
If you're not into bicycling, you might want to try to avoid those two mornings. I think it's Wednesday and Saturday, but am not certain.

 

[Lisa P.]

We've enjoyed several shorter trips to the Gatlinburg area (it's only a couple hours drive for us). Since you'll have 4 kids with you, consider a visit to the Ripley's Aquarium - best we've ever seen. If you have a AAA card, it'll save $1 per adult ticket (~$15pp).

We haven't been there but have read good things about The Lost Sea, where you can ride a boat into a portion of the caverns. Two other area caves are described here.

If you want a delicious breakfast out, visit the Burning Bush Restaurant, located on Parkway, the last building on the right as you leave Gatlinburg and enter the Smoky Mtns. Nat'l Park. It's about $8 per breakfast entree (ex., incredibly fluffy hot cakes or Belgian waffle) and they bring a (complimentary) large platter of freshly cut fruit and mini-muffins, plus virgin fruit slush cocktails. Yum.

We also enjoy lunch at the Panera Bread Bakery-Café, not far from Burning Bush on Parkway. Very good soups, deli sandwiches on a wide variety of breads, yummy bakery goods and coffees.

Dixie Stampede is fun. The Comedy Barn is very, very good! Look for modest discounts to both. Both are excellent for families.

Cades Cove is closed (pedestrians and bicycles only) until 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We saw black bear and plenty of deer both times we've visited within the last year (Sept & July). Beautiful place and we really enjoyed walking in to see a few of the historic buildings along the loop. Get there early on a weekday to avoid the worst traffic.

Pack a picnic lunch, drinks & a camera. Bring old sneakers or watersandals, swimsuits & towels. At the end of your drive through the loop, you can get changed at the campground nearby. The kids will probably enjoy playing in the river along the roadside near there. You'll spot many good places to swim when you are driving in, to return midday as you're leaving. It's so beautiful there. Have fun!!!!

 

[Doc and Family]

DW and I LOVE the Smokies!!!!
Also fell in love with them when my parents took us there as teenagers. DW and I would go often before God blessed us with children (after years of trying). 2 DS, ages 6 and 4, are Disney "experts" after 8 trips to WDW in 2 years; BUT, we took them to the Smokies (Chalet in Gatlinburg) after much trepidation, when they were 5 and 3. They also LOVED it. They can't wait to get back; but, only after we go back to WDW, of course. Have a great trip, and eat breakfast at the Pancake Pantry by The Village in Gatlinburg, and a wonderful steak at the Peddler on River Road for me!!!!