cabins are the way to go! General Tips...
by sdh123
We got to Gatlinburg every chance we get. We started out staying in hotels but have discovered after having a baby, that cabins are the way to go. We have stayed at many different places. The good cabins have fully supplied kitchens. If u get a cabin/chalet be sure to take laundry detergent..they usually only give you 1 or 2 packs. Be sure to look at the pics online before booking and make sure the cabin is what you expect. So far we havent had any problems and most places are exactly what you see. We have heard stories of things not working etc. but the bigger name rental companies are quick to fix problems. Know that anything on ski mtn road is on the side of a hill....but u may see lots of wildlife. Anything outside town requires lots of driving and with gas prices you may want to look close to trolly stops. Here's a tip...find out how close the pool is to your cabin. My cousin went down in the summer last year and had to drive 1/2 mile to the pool...Not a good thing with kids! Also, 4th of July weekend...you may want to stay in Sevierville or tword the end of Pigeon Forge. We were down once on 4th of July. Leave early and plan on sitting in trafic A LONG time if u go in through the sevierville way. Leave early the morning you plan to leave....it makes a BIG difference. Try to get a local to give you some back roads too. We know some but I dont know thier names.
Raindrops keep falling on my head!
by lighthouser41
An umbrella and /or a hat are musts due to the chance for sudden showers. Everywhere has ponchos for sale. These are nice, but who wants to be in a sauna in July? If you are planning on hiking, then make sure you carry something for blisters. Bring plenty of film. It's not cheap in the shops and Walmart is back in Seveirville Rafts for the pool if they are allowed. They do sell them in the shops but prices vary. Best to go to Walmart before leaving home.
Dixie Stampede
by amybrooke
This is a neat thing to do in Pigeon Forge. First of all, the dinner consists of things you can eat with your hands (chicken, corn, etc.). You eat dinner while they are putting on a western show and then they have live interactions from the audience.
The usual...
by HotRodEtte about your usual fast food joints were easy to locate
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are both loaded with places such as Wendy's, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. In order to avoid doing what I do best, spend more money on food than anything while on vacation, we stuck to the inexpensive fast food joints for the majority of our meals.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
by Darkeyedgirl
This aquarium is way-cool. Must see! Several levels... from the walk-through shark tank thingy, to the manta rays that smile down at you... the fish tube kids can hide in... the manta ray petting pool... it's just dang fun.
And, for Titanic fans (of the actual ship, not of freaking Leonardo), they have a Titanic exhibit that's very worthwhile & moving. Way-cool if you are into history (even tho it's a tragedy).