OT: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

[iheartpeterpan]

There's so much to do in the national park that is free that you could keep your family busy for a week. I've made several posts in previous Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge threads that detail all those things, you could search those or if you want PM me and I will give it to you again. I really do not like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge much, they are busy and tourist trappy to me, but you have one of the greatest natural resources in the country right at the back door of both of those cities. And free.

Roaring Fork Nature trail is paved all the way around. It was just repaved this past year, so you will not get stuck in the mud anywhere. There are a few steep places on the trail and the road is one way so it seems narrow, but it really is not. It is just a typical mountain road. It is a great place in the park too if you want to drive a loop that is not as crowded as Cades Cove. There are lots of places to go in the park that are not as crowded.

April weather can be either January or July. Two years ago we had an ice storm the week of Easter. Last year it was 80. If you don't like the weather in TN wait a minute, it'll change. Come prepared for anything, especially if you intend to go up into the park, you will need jackets.

Unlike a PP I really enjoyed the aquarium. Admission is not that bad considering you pay about the same amount to drive go-karts around an indoor track for 5 minutes.

 

[ssdeverell]

We are thinking about staying at Music Road Hotel.

We have stayed at the Music Road Inn (next door) and it was great. I think they are almost identical. I will say, though, that it will most likely be too cold for you to use the outdoor water park, so you may want to keep that in mind. Wilderness at the Smokies is great, too, but as PP said, very pricey. Have fun!

 

[summermac]

Where is Roarking Fork nature trail?

We've been to Gatlinburg many times and I don't think we've ever done it.

Thanks!

 

[ccgirl]

We are looking to take a trip to pigeon forge for spring break and I have a few questions.

We have planned Dixie Stampede and The Titanic museum but we want to try some other things...

What would you recomend us to do? I just read about parrot mountian and garden and that sounds nice.

Thanks disers!

We LOVE that area. Our timeshare is actually in Gatlinburg. We did a combination Ripley's Aquarium/Titanic Museum ticket which was very reasonable and definitely saved a good deal booking it as a package. Not sure how old your children are but I really wish I brought a stroller for my DS3 going thru the Titanic Museum. I think it took 2 1/2 hours and he was getting heavy carrying him. We found it VERY interesting though. I love the Apple Barn Winery. The wine is so yummy. I usually get 12 bottles when I go.

We also love driving through SMoky Mountain National Park. They have lots of breathtaking picnic areas with grills. We just bring the no match charcoal and stuff to grill. The kids play in the streams and we hike. As a matter of fact, we got to hike a bit of the Appalachian Mountain this past year.

We also went to Dollywood for the first time. I have to say, we enjoyed this much more than we thought we would. Walking the center of Gatlinburg was great. So much to do.

We did enjoy Ober Gatlinburg as well. We took the tram up as opposed to driving. My DD and DH also ice skated up there at the rink. We tend to stay outside of Pigeon Forge, we just feel it's a big tourist trap.

Hope that helps.

 

[ccgirl]

Where is Roarking Fork nature trail?

We've been to Gatlinburg many times and I don't think we've ever done it.

Thanks!

We did this last year. We always stop at the Welcome Center before entering the Park and get a map. We pick a different way every time. It was awesome. I think we eventually ended up at the NC border and the Appalachian Trail.

 

[2Tiggers]

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice! I have been writing things down as I read each post.

The Rock shop sounds fun and I have put that on our list.

We like pizza so where is the mellow mushroon a couple of posters mentioned?

The rainforest zoo sounds interesting... I will have to do some research on it.

Has anyone heard of The Forbidden Caves? I came across this on tripadvisor for things to do in Sevierville.

Is there a good hotel that anyone knows about with a big indoor pool? But I think we are pretty set on the Music Road Hotel though.

Thanks disers!

 

[2Tiggers]

We've gone to Gatlinburg in April the last three years. Can be chilly in the morning, but is generally jeans & t-shirt weather.

If you love steaks, try The Alamo or The Peddler (our absolute favorite). You can't beat The Log Cabin for good, reasonably priced breakfast. We've eaten @ Pancake Pantry too, but it was pricey and has ridiculous wait times on occasion.

Ripley's Aquarium is nice. Roaring Forks Motor Trail is a great way to spend a morning (and maybe see some bears!).

So jealous, I'm dying to go back again this year, but it's just not in the cards for us. Have fun!

We like steaks! Would you say you like The Peddler the best?

I am wondering how I am going to find all these places.... Where is The Peddler locatated? I'll see if they have a website to see it's location.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I haven't been to the aquarium in about sixteen years, but the last time I went it was really neat. I especially liked the otters. They seemed to have such a good time.

The Old Mill Restaraunt is a must do for me, every trip.

You will LOVE the Dixie Stampede. Get there early to watch the pianist in the lobby. He's very talented.

Ober Gatlinburg has an indoor ice skating rink and an alpine slide that is really fun. The ski lift is neat, too.

When we went to Cades Cove it was to camp so we actually walked or rode bikes around the trail (you don't get caught up with the cars that way).

 

[newtodcl]

Is there a good hotel that anyone knows about with a big indoor pool? But I think we are pretty set on the Music Road Hotel though.

Thanks disers![/QUOTE]

http://www.clarionhotel.com/hotel-pigeon_forge-tennessee-TN600

We stayed here last April. It was very clean and nice large rooms with fridge and a bathroom that had its own door within the sink / tub area. It also had a small lazy river and waterslide that were open when we were there and an outdoor fire pit with comfy sofas. The indoor pool got more use, but we did use the waterslide on a warm day. great breakfast!! and hot cookies all day
Walking distance to calhouns (good restaurant) and mini golf, movie theaters and shopping...we would return.

 

[californiadopeyfreak]

My family (DH and DD (4) went in October. I have not seen anyone mention the WonderWorks museum!! It was so much fun!! Also, we stayed at the EconoLodge Riverside. It has an indoor pool and jacuzzi...and a little 1 foot kiddie pool!! My DD LOVED it because it is on the river...and you can feed the ducks!! I think she loved that more than Dollywood!!! HAHA. Have a great time! We want to go back again soon..we loved it so much there!

Jill

 

[ceecee]

Governor's Crossing Resort has an indoor water park and it is in PF.
Old Mill is a must do for us as well, we liked it better than Apple Barn (which we still like).

 

[bored]

Governor's Crossing Resort has an indoor water park and it is in PF.
Old Mill is a must do for us as well, we liked it better than Apple Barn (which we still like).

We stay at The Resort at Governors Crossing several times a year. It's all condos and has two indoor pools with three story high slides. It's also across the parking lot from Ruby Tuesday's and a Texas Roadhouse is across the street. You can also head out of the resort on a side road to Veterans Parkway and you about 1/2 mile from Dollywood entrace without having to fight the traffic on the strip.

 

[teacherme]

We loved Wonder Works. We also went to the show and loved it, very funny and food was good. We also love Dollywood.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

After doing a lot of research on another travel site we actually came across a hotel called Park Tower Inn. They have an indoor pool and an indoor lazy river. They aren't one of the newer hotels but they do get great reviews on all the sites you look at them. And, the rates are really nice too.

 

[iheartpeterpan]

Where is Roarking Fork nature trail?

We've been to Gatlinburg many times and I don't think we've ever done it.

Thanks!

Turn off the main drag in Gatlinburg at traffic light #8. Follow the signs, it's just back a couple of miles.

 

[summermac]

Thank you.

 

[maps]

We've stayed at the Park Tower Inn. It is a no frills family owned hotel that is clean and reasonably priced. Bring your own toiletries like shampoo. My kids loved the indoor pool and lazy river.

Our last stay in April of last year unfortunately wasn't so great. The rate of $45 made it so that lots of local people came with hoardes of kids that just ran around all night slamming doors (the pool stays open until 2am!). Not the hotel's fault but just made for a rotten night's sleep.

 

[mousiemom]

where is the jerky place, we will be there 4/17-4/21, i also like to go get a jar of honey.

 

[disneybirds]

I am not a fan of all the touristy stuff in the area. We love to drive through Cades Cove, go hiking and see the nature trails. The drive from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove is curvy, but it is very pretty.

We also love the Peddler!

 

[alexensmom]

We have gone too many times to count. Shopping "the strip" (Gatlinburg shops.) I agree with the PP that you have to look for the shops behind the shops too. Unwrapped did an episode several years ago that featured the Funnel Cake Company in Gatlinburg. They are great! The aquarium was nice to do once, especially if you have kids. Dont go if you are claustrophobic though. It has a moving walkway through the aquarium. The Pancake Pantry and Fanny Farkleys for corn dogs are a tradition. The Village has great little stores. Life is Good store is a must.

In Pigeon Forge we like the Apple Barn, go-carts, Titanic Museum, Old McDonalds Farm Mini Golf (can be crowded in the evenings, but it is very well maintained and clean,) Tanger Outlets (not necessarily because of the deals, but because we dont have alot of those shops where we live and its a good place to go when its raining,) The Old Mill Square has nice shops and our favorite restaurant The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill. LOVE the fried green tomatoes, and everything we have tried on the menu. Mello Mushroom is also great. Mel's Diner is also good.

We like hiking in the NP and have also done some geocaching.

Have a great trip!!