Hi. We go every other year. I love the outlet shopping for kids clothes!! We've rented a cabin from Sunset Cottage, it was called the Birdhouse. I don't believe they have that particular cabin any longer, but it was great. We rented from Timber Tops 2 years ago. Stayed in the Wilderness Lodge, beautiful, but we paid for a lot of space that we did not need. My dh prefers a cabin, loves the hottub, so we have yet to stay at a hotel. Cades Cove is the best. We bought a picture from a local artist, Paul Murray, who has a shop along the road in Cades Cove, look him up. He's quite interesting. We spend one day in Gatlinburg.(I like it, but it's mostly shopping and not cheap)We spend time in the Smokies, and drive over the mountain to the Cherokee Reservation. Kids loved it. Don't be afraid to go stop at the little shops, they may look like nothing from the outside, but inside, the people are welcoming and full of local info. We usually do Dollywood 1 day, it is such a pretty park, and so much fun. Have a great trip. Janice