Trip to Gatlinburg Area, any suggestions?

Dollywood is okay. Just don't expect anything along the lines of Disney. The rides aren't themed as nicely as Disney rides and there aren't very many rides. We did enjoy the river battle. just be prepared to get absolutely soaked. There are a lot of places to shop and if you go after 3 p.m. the next day is free.

If you have a chance you need to walk the strip in Gatlinburg. There are some really cool shops there. We especially love the pet shop, Dogbarkery. The owner is super sweet and you can really tell that she loves owning the place.

If you love beef jerky, you have the visit the jerky shop there. It's kind of in the back of the strip, but it's well worth the visit. It's my son's favorite and a must do on every trip. They have every type of jerky imaginable. My son's favorite is the kangaroo and ostrich jerky.

You can find all kinds of neat stuff on the strip in Gatlinburg.

If you want to check out some wild life, then you can drive out of town and check out one of the driving trails. The name escapes me now, but DH would know it. I'll have to ask him when he gets home from work. LOL!!

There are so many things to do there that you could probably stay all week. Our favorite hotel is Fairfield Inn and Suites. It's a bit pricy, but we love the pool and the slide. It's really nice on a hot day.
 
We love Gatlinburg. We have been several times.

the Apple Barn is to die for. Apple Barn may be my favorite place to go while there.

I totally agree with this!! We love the Apple Barn. Especially for breakfast. Their juice is the best thing ever!! Love walking through the shops there also!!
 
Westgate is really nice. We have stayed there twice since my parents are time share owners there. Very nice accomadations and beautiful views. Our kids loved the indoor waterpark. They also have tons of activities for all ages. My mom, sister, and I did water aerobics in the mornings and it was really fun. The one thing I will say is that on both trips we ate at the restaurant above the lobby, cant remember the name of it. We weren't impressed either time. Not worth the money and EXTREMELY slow service. The first time DH and I went we just ordered appetizers and it took 2 hours from the time we were seated until we finished our food. We were starving so it's not like we took our time eating! ;) Everything else we loved. We would love to buy into Westgate at Gatlinburg.
 
Apple Barn and Calhouns are always on our list when we visit. Thanks for the advice about Zip Lining - I purchased our tickets on Half Off Depot for $35 it cost $80-85 at the gate. This is why I just love DISBOARDS :)
 

Thanks SO MUCH for the info on Half Off Depot about Ziplining in Pigeon Forge. I really didnt want to spend much for the 4 of us but now at only $35 we can all go and I am not stressing about the $$$.
 
I totally agree with this!! We love the Apple Barn. Especially for breakfast. Their juice is the best thing ever!! Love walking through the shops there also!!

Only thing about the Apple Barn Restaurant is don't go on the weekend unless you go EARLY. I would suggest a weekday if you can.
 














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