OT... where outside of Disney

[arthur06]

I know this is a bit off topic, but it seems like us "disney junkies" seem to think alike....

We are looking at a multi family trip to either...

A) Smokey Mountains, Tennessee

B) Jackson Hole, Wyoming

C) Gettysburg, Hershey and others Pennsylvania

D) Black Hills, South Dakota (we did this trip a few years ago and really enjoyed it)

Any tips, hints or pics would be awesome! Thanks!

 

[jstarcze]

I voted for Gettysburg/Hershey because your Black Hills trip seems to me to be a history oriented trip (mt. rushmore etc). The smoky mtns/Jackson Hole would depend somewhat on weather - sking at Jackson Hole and many road closures in the smokies during winter. But then again if your vacations are geared toward outdoor activities them all of them would be a good choice, it would just depend on your interests and the best times to visit them.

Whatever your decision have a great vacation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When would you go? If you hit Jackson in the summertime, you could also go see the Tetons and Yellowstone.

 

[vicki_c]

Jackson Hole, Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons were hands-down the most beautiful and amazing place I have ever been (in the summer). Sadly I was only there for about 24-48 hours during a few business trips. But that is one of my bucket list family vacation places.

 

[ELKHUNTER]

Jackson would be my choice also, because just as the PP stated you can also go to the Tetons and Yellowstone. Both are fantastic and really something everyone should get to see. I would also suggest, even though not on your list. The San Juan Mountains in SW CO. One of the prettiest places i have ever seen with alot to do if your the outdoor type.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Jackson Hole, Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons were hands-down the most beautiful and amazing place I have ever been (in the summer). Sadly I was only there for about 24-48 hours during a few business trips. But that is one of my bucket list family vacation places.

What's even better is Yellowstone in the middle of winter. Very quiet, hardly any people at all, no cars on the roads (only snow coaches). We did it for Christmas week last year.

 

[quirty30]

I voted for the Great Smoky Mountains. I was just mesmerized by the National Park; probably the most beautiful natural wonder I've ever seen (we visited in the spring and everything was blooming and coming back to life.) A very nice contrast to WDW, and if you want to indulge in something a little touristy & kitschy, you'll find it close by. Me personally, I'd get a log cabin, stock up with groceries, and just escape for a week.

 

[bobbiwoz]

My family loves the Smoky Mountains. We'll have a multi-family Thanksgiving celebration there this year. I've rented a cabin that takes dogs, so ours will be there too!
Bobbi

 

[nolanboys]

We've been to the Smokies twice and the Rockies once. They are both beautiful. We love the Smokies for the gorgeous accomadations and we just went there this summer with another family. Check out Gatlinburg Falls for cabins. We've used them twice. They are close to the national park and they have 1 bdrm up to 10 bdrms. We had a great view of Mt. Leconte and enjoyed sitting in our hot tub on the balcony. The National Park is great. There are a lot of free ranger led programs that are fantastic. Our kids became junior rangers by taking 3 of the classes. We did a fun one gethering bugs from the river and identifying them. The kids loved it. We also did a great hike along the Appalacian Trail with an informative guide. Our favorite hike was the Alum Cave Bluffs. Beautiful scenery and all the kids enjoyed it as well - there were 4 adults and 6 kids. The town of Gatlinburg is very touristy, but a fun place to have dinner or ice cream at. Can't wait to go back when the kids are a little older. We want to hike up to the lodge on Mt. Leconte and spend the night.

 

[eliza61]

I voted for Jackson Hole Wyoming because I've yet to go there and it's on my "todo" list. lol

Hersey/Gettsyburgh/Lancaster is a day trip for my family and we love it. Absolutely tons of things to do. If you go in the summer, there are really great amusement parks (not disney of course, but a lot of fun) Hersey itself of course has the chocolate factory and if you're adventerous its not far from Philadelphia.

All 3 are great picks and you can't go wrong.

 

[supersuperwendy]

Although I live only a half hour from Hershey I picked the Smokey Mountains. I went there on a trip with my grandparents when I was 16 and I loved it! I have so many wonderful memories from that trip. Gettysburg is nice and historical and Hershey is fun..but the Smokey Mountains seems like a more exciting adventure.

 

[arthur06]

We are planning on an early June trip... Right now I would say its #1. Smokey Mountains and #2. Jackson

 

[Dean]

I know this is a bit off topic, but it seems like us "disney junkies" seem to think alike....

We are looking at a multi family trip to either...

A) Smokey Mountains, Tennessee

B) Jackson Hole, Wyoming

C) Gettysburg, Hershey and others Pennsylvania

D) Black Hills, South Dakota (we did this trip a few years ago and really enjoyed it)

Any tips, hints or pics would be awesome! Thanks!

I think all are fine. If you were doing as timeshare exchanges I'd say Gatlinburg would be the best. You're location and preferences, and that of the other families, could end up being the deciding factor. I know distance and location end up determining who we can count on for such family trips for our situation. You might consider adding Branson to that list, I would then suggest considering Big Cedar resort (either cash or timeshare options). Both Branson and Gatlinburg will have more/better timeshare options and larger units with timeshares if that matters to you. In many ways, the two locations are similar. For Hershey, an exchange or cash stay at the Bluegreen resort there might be a good option. They all sound like good options, enjoy no matter what you decide.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well-Hershey is "nice" but not a whole lot to do there. Gettysburg is very interesting--but won't take more than a day to see most everything on the battlefield.
So unless your trip is just for a few days, I'd go to one of the other spots....