Any tips for going to Gatlinburg Tennessee area?

[pamperedpoultry]

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(dueling banjos...do, do, do, do, do,do, do do, dooooo)

THANKS Turtle! I need cast iron pans!

Lovin' you guys for all these tips!

I will share pics when I get back.

Hey now! ya'll be nice

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Go during the week! You will have lots more fun. Also, ride the trolley instead of driving. It is faster and cheaper, plus you don't have to burn your gas and put miles on your car. If you park at the visitor's center, you can get a pass to ride the Gatlinburg trolleys all day for about a $1.

Also, check out the Arts and Crafts center. Beware of anything that has Made In China stamped on it. Support those local crafters!

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

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Better yet get a camp site and camp at least one night, rent a bike and ride around the loop the next day. That's the most fun we've ever had in Cades Cove. We would be riding and a deer cross the road in front of us and never hear us coming. Just bring lots of water and a snack.

 

[georgialee]

Yay! I'm in love with the area (which is good since I live here

). I would highly suggest Dollywood. A good tip is that if you go after 3 or 4 (you'd have to call to find out the exact time) you can go the next day with the same ticket. Definitely drive through Cades Cove and if you're able do a hike in there. It's GORGEOUS so make sure you bring a camera!!! If it's warm there's tubing down the river... I've never done it and probably never will unless my kids want to one day.

If you want a great local bbq place there's Bennetts Pit bbq in Pigeon Forge.. so yummy! Bubba Gumps which someone else also mentioned is good (but it's a chain). There's the outlet mall in pigeon forge and also a Nascar amusement park with go-carts and such. There are tons of different mini-golf places.

Lastly, there is a chair lift thing in the middle of Gatlinburg (NOT in ober gatlinburg ski resort) that takes you all the way up a mountain and back down. It looks scary as heck but really cool. haven't had the chance to do it yet b/c of the kids but I would if I could!

have fun!!!

 

[georgialee]

Okay, if you're in the area and don't mind driving I HAVE to suggest either Andrew's Bald or Max Patch. They're both hikes to 'balds' on top of mountains... absolutely amazing views. Max Patch is actually in NC or SC (can't remember) - about 1.5 hr drive from Gatlinburg. There are tons of hikes from the road btwn. Gatlinburg and Townsend too. Townsend is deemed 'the quite side of the smokies' and it truly it. A very small town that is picturesque. If you're going to be in the area on a Sunday, Miss Lily's Cafe has a great sunday brunch buffet (in Townsend).

eta: forgot to say that I third the suggestion for Clingman's Dome. It is NOT an easy hike unless you're in really good shape. The road is paved, so in that sense it's easy but it's about a mile long and at a 45 degree angle. Be prepared for a good workout! The views are outstanding though. here's a pic from the top of clingman's dome a couple of years ago:

 

[Cottage Rose]

You folks are the greatest with all these tips!
I injured my foot recently so I won't be able to do much hiking but I do want to do some backroads cruising around to see the scenery.

Not to worry pamperedpoulty...
I live in northern redneck country...not much different.

 

[pamperedpoultry]

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Ha Ha I just remembered they did have shirts in most of the gift shops when we were down their last week, the front says paddle faster, and the back says I hear banjo music..LOL

 

[JewellFarm]

If you enjoy the outdoors and nature, then cade's cove is a must. Plenty of outlet stores if you want to shop. Dollywood is lots of fun especially if you have kids with you. The Aquarium in Gatlinburg is nice also along with all the side street shops. I have to disagree with a previous poster, Clingman's dome is not an easy walk, lol. If you enjoy the hike it does have nice views. Go over toward cherokee and you can visit the Oconoluftee homestead, or the old gristmill (forget the name). Harrah's Casino is in Cherokee as well if you like to gamble a little. Also Pigeon Forge has several Dinner Theatres. Stop by a visitor center when you get in town and you can find lots of pamphlets on area attractions.

Here are a few pics I took back in August at Cade's cove. It's one of my favorite places.

 

[CATRAY44]

I think I am going to cry, lol. I love Tennessee so much! We like to rent cabins in the Smoky Mountains (When we can) and we tend to stay out of Gatlinburg, other than groceries and a nice steak dinner. We love, love, love Cades Cove... Say hello for me!

 

[JewellFarm]

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Stay where you are then Rootball, LOL!!!