Went to Gatlinlburg this afternoon.

[Boots]

And it was wall to wall cars and people. DH and I decided to drive up after church and walk around, eat supper, and then see the Christmas lights. Didn't leave until about three. We drove through Townsend and Wears Valley. When we got to Pigeon Forge we could tell it was going to be bad!! Drove on up into Gatlinburg and there were lines outside of almost all of the restaurants. And on the sounth side of Gatlinburg there was about a two mile long line of cars waiting to get in. We didn't even turn around just when the scenic route back to Pigeon Forge. Half of the lights weren't burning so we went back to Townsend and ate. Then just came on home. I didn't dream about it being so crowded. DH and I believe there was a Baptist youth convention maybe going on. Saw a lot of church vans and teenagers out and about. Oh well, we live close enough to try again another day.

 

[Pam]

That's a shame, Boots. I hope the next trip works out better for you.

Our family drove over 1.5 hours one way last Sunday to see the lights in Oglebay, West Virginia. We've heard rave reviews about them for years and years. We were disappointed, they were nice but we like the ones at Hartwood Acres better. The traffic at the place was horrific and you had to creep along verrrrrryyyyyyy slowly.

Happy New Year!
Pam

 

[Krisu]

Boots, so that means you didn't stop at Ripley's Believe It or Not

 

[JohnTBap]

Isn't that a bummer when things go awry? {{{HUGS}}}

 

[bambii]

loved it we visited my in laws in Chattang. and then went up to dollywood we were there two days.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Stop up there with Buck and Keith for lunch some day.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Pam, Where is Hartwood Acres? We are going to Oglebay tomorrow. I hope it won't be as crowded on a Monday.
Boots, Sorry your plans fell thru. It's nice you live close enough to try again!

TC

 

[believe]

I would never attempt Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge around Christmas, the weekend after Thanksgiving is usually bad enough.

DH and I are thinking of returning the TN in February, but not sure. My family wants us to go with them in March and his family wants us to go with them in April...so I am saying neither families. I am ready for a vacation that just includes DH and DDs.

 

[Katie]

We have ressies there this summer at Mountain Shadows Resort.

Does anybody know anything about his resort? Good or bad...

What to do in Gatlinburg with 3 kids(16,10,and 8)? I know shopping is excellent..but getting my husband and two boys there will be nothing short of a mircacle!!

Dollywood is an idea..how many days is a good amount? They have a 3 day pass....but that seems alot? Any ideas?


Thanks in advance!

katie

 

[believe]

I haven't been to Dollywood, but 1 or 2 days should be plenty.

Do not do the Trolley travel system unless you want to waste a lot of time.

Send DH and your sons hiking while you and DD shop for the day at one of the outlet centers.

Sorry I can't tell you about your resort. DH and I usually stay in Townsend TN to avoid the crowds.

There are a lot of putt-putt places, as well as different go cart courses, etc.

DH and I spend most of our time in the mountains, hiking to waterfalls or just enjoying nature.

 

[Buckalew]

Sorry about that, Boots!
Listen to Dan and let's try to do lunch sometime in 2003. We could meet sometime when you are coming up to shop or something. BUT, Dan made it sound like I'd cook or something nah! but we could go out. LOL


I think 2 days does you at Dollywood. Unless you go in Summer and want to do a day at the waterpark. Then the 3 day would be nice.

I'm shocked to read that Shep and believe have never done Dollywood. The girls would really enjoy it!

 

[believe]

I'm shocked to read that Shep and believe have never done Dollywood. The girls would really enjoy it!

We are rarely 'in town' when we are in TN. Most of our days we want to just to go waterfalls and enjoy the mountains. We will take the girls one of these days....most people tell us to wait till they are older so they will enjoy it more.

 

[Buckalew]

Well, I think you are right. Isn't your youngest 2? She would enjoy the kiddie rides but probably not too many shows. I think it is GREAT that you all come and enjoy the mountains so much. And there is no better place in the Smokies than the "peaceful side"--Townsend!!

I can smell a Cades Cove picnic DIS meet now!!!

 

[believe]

I can smell a Cades Cove picnic DIS meet now!!!

Buckalew...are you agreeing to organize?

Our youngest is 2 1/2, so I think she is a bit too young for the shows. We will get there some day

My plan is that in 15 years I will be buying our second home in TN ...not sure DH agrees with this, he wants something closer to the ocean but still near the mountains.

 

[shep]

15 years??
I would love to do a Cades Cove picnic DIS meet..
Got to be careful when you go to Gatlinburg anymore...The place always seems packed...(if this doesn't get browneyes attention, nothing will, she hates Gatlinburg.. )

 

[Buckalew]

Yeah, I will organize a CC DIS meet.

Now, how can I get Dan and Marie to come? Play a little Rocky Top maybe?

 

[shep]

 

[Buckalew]

OK, Shep and believe. You'll have to let me know when you are coming back to E TN and we'll set one up, OK?

 

[shep]

Okie dokie..