Need help with Smokey Mountain trip

[jody]

We would like to visit Great Smokey Mountain National Park this summer. We could stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. We'd like to go to Dollywood and maybe her dinner show, the Dixie Stampede and do some hiking and whitewater rafting. I've checked online and I'm overwhelmed at the number of lodging options from hotels to really nice looking cabins. Does anyone have any advice on any of this? I need some help! Oh yeah, it will be me, DH, DD (15) and DD (17).

 

[SDFgirl]

I suggest staying in a cabin or a chalet. Not only do they really make you feel you're in the mountains, but you can save a lot of money because they have kitchens. So, the rental fee might be higher than a hotel room, but you wouldn't have to eat out for every meal. Food in Gatlinburg is EXPENSIVE and CROWDED!! When we go, we eat breakfast in the cabin and many dinners. It's nice and fun and relaxing. Often there's a gas grill. Also, there is usually a jacuzzi out on the porch. We love that!

I have used www.brotherscove.com several times, we've always liked them. The cabins are off the main strip in Pigeon Forge. I'm sure there are a lot of other nice rental companies, though!

Hope that helps. Let me know if you need any additional info.

 

[lovemygoofy]

We love staying in a cabin when go to the mountains but we really don't come down to go out to dinner and do the shows. We go stop at the grocery store on the way up and then just stay in the cabin. Personally, because you are planning to go this summer and do several things that are out on the main strip, I would reccomend one of the nicer hotels/condos thats on the main drag. It would be easier access to everything you are looking for without the hassle of having to drive and find places to park. You can ride the trolley or just walk to wherever you are going. Here is the cabin renters that we use just in case you are interested, www.diamondrentals.com You look at all the individual cabins and pick out what you would like in yours and the prices are reasonable. Also, don't forget to eat at the Old Mill. They have wonderful wonderful food. If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me.

 

[disneyfan551]

I live in the Great Smoky Mountains, (the NC side!), and will give you a few bits of advice. First, I would not want to stay in Pigeon Forge, it is VERY touristy, and tacky, like the strip at the beach. However, Gatlinburg is a small, quaint area, where you can possibly walk to town from your room. I do agree that cabins are the way to go, especially since you have older kids. My family is in the cabin rental business, so I'm a little partial! (However, we are 30 miles from Gatlinburg, in NC...so, I'm not trying to push you for business! )

I'm not sure if you are interested in any day trips during your stay, but the best rafting is in the Nantahala Gorge in NC. Other day trips, may include Harrah's Cherokee Casino, or the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. There are sooo many things to do in this area!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to pm me! HTH...

 

[ncgolfer]

I personally like Pigeon Forge, we always stay at the Ramada Limited Suites on Dollywood Lane. It is off the main drag and on the way to Dollywood. Its about 45 mintues to Cherokee and a short drive to Gatlinburg. We have went rafting in Nantahala while staying in Pigeon Forge and was about 1 1/2 drive each way (well worth it by the way). Plenty to do in the area.

for pigeon forge info check out www.mypigeonforge.com

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Serena]

I recently stayed in one of these cabin fever cabins

It was very close to the main drag, but it felt like it was in the middle of nowhere.
It was very nice.

 

[jody]

Bump!

 

[BrinxFam]

Staying in a cabin is the way to go! It is just so much more relaxing than a hotel room. Cabins aren't much more than a regular hotel room either. We enjoy the Roaring Forks auto tour, Cades Cove and atrip to Cherokee, NC.

Have fun!