Would someone compare Branson with Pigeon Forge?

[Lucky'sMom]

A few years ago, we had a great June vacation to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Smoky Mts. We rented a cabin, which the kids still talk about to this day. They are wanting to return, and I have been wondering about Branson. Is it similar to Pigeon Forge...ie, cabin rentals, dinner shows, amusement park, outdoor things to see? It is a longer drive for us, about 8 hrs to Pigeon Forge and almost 14 to Branson. If you've been to both, do you think Branson is worth the longer drive in comparison, or would you suggest returning to PG? Thanks!

 

[jamieT]

I definately recomend Branson. We went when I was in high school and it was such a fun trip!!! Yes somewhat similar to pigeon forge, but different! We had a greta time! Although for an extra 6 hours in the car....

 

[Lisa P.]

They really are very similar. If your family loves a road trip, then try Branson and see which you prefer. If the extra drive time (and gas) are a drag, I don't think the differences make it worth the longer drive, personally. Here are a few differences that I see, which may encourage a visit to Branson MO.

Branson has far more shows so more variety and selection. It seems to be easier to find discounted show tickets too. There are lakes nearby, if you like to rent a boat or go on a boat for a dinner show. Silver Dollar City has more thrill rides than it's TN sister, Dollywood (though Dollywood is catching up) and SDC seems to have a couple more live shows. Celebration in Branson has more typical amusement park rides for the evening. Downtown Branson's new riverfront district (by Bass Pro Shops) is pretty for an evening stroll and watching the fountains.

Going in favor of a return visit to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN, it has the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - beautiful year-round and pleasantly cooler in the hot summertime. We love the mountains and the MO Ozarks are not nearly as striking. The TN/NC area has whitewater rafting and lovely historic Cades Cove. If you visit Cades Cove, go early in the day and bring a picnic lunch, swimsuits and towels to wade in the river afterward - very popular. Cherokee is a half hour+ away for authentic Native living museums, crafts/shopping and casinos. Asheville NC's Biltmore Estate is a 2 hr drive and some people add an overnighter there to their TN vacation. We find it relatively easy to avoid the worst of the traffic in PF/Gat by using side roads and parallel routes. This is easier than avoiding the crawl-and-stop traffic on the Branson strip, IMO.

Both places have a lot of the same attractions, touristy museums, outlet malls, chain restaurants and nice resorts, cabins, rentals, etc. Our bias is heavily in favor of TN but we only live 2 hours away, compared with a much longer drive for Branson. So for us, Branson was a once-in-a-great-while trip, while we don't get tired of visiting PF/Gatlinburg and the Smokies, several times a year. HTH. Have fun, whichever you choose!

 

[bellebud]

A few years ago, we had a great June vacation to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Smoky Mts. We rented a cabin, which the kids still talk about to this day.

I was just looking into this area for maybe next year for us. can you tell me any specifics about the cabin? who did you rent it through and were you pleased (i know you said your kids still talk about it, but as the paying adult, were you pleased?) Would you stay there again?

tia!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I was just looking into this area for maybe next year for us. can you tell me any specifics about the cabin? who did you rent it through and were you pleased (i know you said your kids still talk about it, but as the paying adult, were you pleased?) Would you stay there again?

tia!

We stayed in "Big Timber" at wwwdotalpinemountainvillasdotcom. The location was great, just off the main drag in Pigeon Forge, and we all loved our first (and only so far) stay in a real log cabin. If/when we visit again, we will most likely stay here, just maybe try a different cabin (loved our cabin, just to try a different one).

 

[dzneelvr]

We alternated Dollywood area with WDW for years and absolutely loved it it's been a few years since we've been there and I stopped getting the marketing materials on the area, but I believe you can websearch pigeonforge or sevierville and get information on housing accomodations, attractions, etc. Also check out dollywood.com. the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area has so much to offer: family fun, musical shows that are outstanding, shopping, mountain experiences, dining: it's an area similar to WDW in that you cannot do it all in one trip. My brother and his family went in June with 3 kids under 7 and they will definitely be going back. ENJOY

 

[bellebud]

We stayed in "Big Timber" at wwwdotalpinemountainvillasdotcom.* The location was great, just off the main drag in Pigeon Forge, and we all loved our first (and only so far) stay in a real log cabin.* If/when we visit again, we will most likely stay here, just maybe try a different cabin (loved our cabin, just to try a different one).

thank you so much!!* that's exactly what i was looking for!

 

[Lisa P.]

We stayed in "Big Timber" at wwwdotalpinemountainvillasdotcom.

Did you mean Alpine Mountain Village? The photos of these rental cabins look lovely!

There are tons of nice resorts in the region. We've stayed at the Wyndham Smoky Mountains timeshare in Sevierville many times and we love it there. Out of dozens of timeshare resorts around the country (including DVC), one of our sons says this is his very favorite - 2 indoor pools, 2 outdoor pools, 2 games rooms (table tennis, pool, arcade games, tournaments, bingo, etc.), minigolf, water play area w/sprayers and very comfy rooms. The only thing I miss is an inroom fireplace and the newer clubhouse has that. The condo rooms are nicely done, fitting to the area and the local "trolley" bus has a stop at the entrance to the resort. Some people don't like that the resort is set on two hillsides facing one another, so some rooms are a hilly walk away from the amenities. But they do have a resort shuttle van on call for guests. Anyway, we are also thinking of trying for an RCI exchange into #5387 – Hideaway Hills Resort, because it's all stand-alone log cabins and we've never stayed in one. Hm. We'll see. DS really likes the Wyndham.

Some timesharers favor Gatlinburg Town Square because it's a nice place within walking distance of the tourist district in Gatlinburg. Also, some who trade through II like to stay at the Westgate Smoky Mountains resort. It has an indoor and outdoor mini-water park onsite, free to guests to use. Very nice.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

Did you mean Alpine Mountain Village? The photos of these rental cabins look lovely!

Yes, I knew when I was typing that it didn't sound quite right! Sorry!

 

[lg3]

I would recommend Branson over PF. They keep expanding it and LOTS to do for a family in the immediate area.