Gatlinburg Suggestions?

Dixie Stampede is a fun place to eat, with great food and entertainment. I personally found Dollywood a waste of money. There are lots of hiking all over the place. If you look online I think you can find trails before you go. We are going the second week in June with the whole family. Must be the place to be this year. LOL

Hi Sara Beth,
Have been there many times and it's great. It is getting very touristy and busy. Cades Cove is very interesting. Lots of wild life (bear, deer, coyotes, birds)but you have to go in early morning or at dusk to see many animals. There is also hiking and fishing if you really like the outdoors stuff. Horseback riding too. There are many "off the beaten path" types of things to do and I've found that it helps to ask the locals. As you enter Gatlinburg, there is an information station and it has tons of suggestions there. Also, I don't know how long your going but the Biltmore (a Vanderbilt Mansion) is about 2 hours away and theres Cherokee (Indian reservation)about an hour away. There are lots of places to eat you'll find one you like. The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, theres a brewery in Gatlinburg (I don't remember the name) but it has great food. Good luck and have fun.
I'm a mother of three 14,9,3 and married to the love of my life and we were married there.

Dinner for sure at the Peddler. It is pricey, but definitely worth it! :) www.peddlerparkgrill.com

We are going to Pigeon Forge in June but plan on going to Gatlinburg for at least a day so if you get any good suggestions let me know! We have gotten some pamplets sent to us and it looks like a lot of restuarants, putt putt, shopping and stuff like that. There are a couple places to go horseback riding and there is a scenic road you can drive through the smokies on.

What funny timing! My husband and I just got back from Gatlinburg on Tuesday! We ate at a great restaurant in town called Cherokee Grill. There is a wonderful little tea room in the Arts & Crafts Community called Wild Plum Tea Room. We had lunch there on Saturday (they are closed on Sundays). We spent Sunday afternoon in the park (Great Smoky Mnt.). You'll have a great time and it's a lovely drive down there.

We were in Gatlinburg last year...absolutely loved it!!!! There is a place called Cade's Cove...you can do lots of hiking there and the scenery is amazing! Hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi-
We've been to Smoky Mountains several times, and always enjoy it. If you're up for it, try white water rafting. We took a great trip with Pigeon River Outfitters--they have a place in town where you make arrangements, then you get a map and drive out to the NC/TN border and take a really great ride. Nothing death-defyingly scary, but it's just enough thrill to make it fun, then some areas where it's nice and smooth and you can just enjoy the beautiful scenery. Also, check out the Roaring Fork motor trail--you can drive most of it and see the scenery, then get out and do a little hiking or exploring if you want. That and Cade's Cove might even be good "naptime" drives if your kiddo likes to sleep in the car. Also, there are a few trails that are handicapped accessible, which also means stroller accessible :-) Check at the ranger station. Definitely Clingman's Dome--you'll huff and puff a little pushing the stroller up, but you can push it the whole way, and it's the highest point in I think TN (might be NC...the border goes through the park). Enjoy...I wish we were going back this summer!

Ha ha!! We are going to Gatlinburg the weekend of May 9th! I have been a few times. Just go to the strip and there is plenty to do. I highly suggest going to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. It is very interesting!! Try OberGatlinburg too. All the Putt putt places are neat. You'll never run out of anything to do!

There is so much to do there (and in Pigeon Forge). You will love it, I'm sure! There are many dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. The only one I have gone to is the Dixie Stampede and I would reccommend it. It's great fun There are several with country singers (varies on your date there) and comedians. I'm sure they are all good. We also enjoy home cooking at the Apple House (it's been awhile - but I think that is the name of it-also in Pigeon Forge). Go early or you will have a long wait.
There's lots of outlet shopping in Pigeon Forge. In Gatlinburg, you must go to the Christo Gardens. It's not on the main drag, but I'm sure you can find it if you ask anyone. That was the highlight of my first trip. It has a carved head of Christ that is made in such a way it appears that He is looking right at you no matter where you are standing - any direction. I also highly reccommend a ride to Cade's Cove to see wildlife in their natural habitats - especially deer, but others as well.
There's a helicopter ride to see the sights in Pigeon Forge (and maybe in Gatlinburg too) and lots of putt-putt courses and things like that and loads of craft stores in Gatlinburg.
It's our favorite vacation spot. We've gone every year for the past 15 or so years (and my husband went for years before that with his grandparents). Also, just over the mountain from Gatlinburg is Cherokee, NC with an actual Indian Reservation.
Gee, I wish I were going!!
Have fun,
S. V.
A Little about me:
I'm a grandmother of 8 (mother of 5). I was able to be a stay-at-home mom most of the time - homeschooled 10 years. Just loved being a parent (still do) and love those grands! I teach preschool music and piano to all ages. Gotta keep those babies close. That keeps me young!

Dixie Stampede is wonderful!!! A great dinner and a show right in front of you. Pricey but worth it. Dollywood is actually a really good amusement park. I was suprised. All of this is actually in Pigeon Forge which is right outside of Gaitlinburg. We were only there for 3 days and these were two places we visited and loved (along with my family of 6,parents, brother, sister in law and their 4 kids).

My folks have a cabin and we go every year during the kids spring break... here are a few of our tried and true favorite restaurants... The Peddler, The Park Grill (both in Gatlinburg) and the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. Also, your 11 mo old would LOVE (and so will you!) the Aquarium. The kids want to go every year and we have never been bored. Take a nice sunny day and do the drive thru Cades Cove - your baby will love the soothing sounds and sites. You can also drive a bit and go to NC to the Biltmore. You and your husband will love this and it will be easy to take your daughter as well. If you like to hike head up to the Roaring Fork tour. You can hike, bike or drive thru. Enjoy!

We love the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant,
http://www.applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com/
it is super yummy and has a nice shopping area adjacent to restaurant.

In downtown Gburg, there is a great Mexican restaurant, looks like a dive, but food is fabluous. I can't remember name, but is on main street near the corner where aquarium is.

Also, hiking thru the Smokies is great.

If heading into downtown Gatlinburg, DO NOT DRIVE in, take the trolley, which there is a great park-n-ride just north of the park (unless you are an early riser and plan on driving in by 9am). The traffic into downtown is terrible! what seems like a short drive can literally take hours. the trolley the best way to go.

Have fun!

Ober Gatlinburg is awesome!! You won't have any problem finding things to do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.

Have a great time!!

L.

My family used to own a condo in Gatlinburg when I was younger. You have to try the Peddler. It's in down town Gatlinburg. It opens at 4pm (to put your name in) and you what to get there really early because it fills up so fast that there might be a 2 hour wait by 5pm. It has the best steaks in the world and is right on the river. It is a little pricey but the food is well worth it. Also there is a pancake place in downtown that has the best breakfasts. I can't remember the name but it's got a HUGE pancake out front on the sidewalk. Gatlinburg has so many great places to explore. Park the car and just take a walk up and down the streets. My hubby and I went there for our honeymoon 5 years ago.

My husband and I love to do things that aren't traditionally tourist activities. We had stayed at Eight Gables B&B (breakfast was the only thing provided) and we hiked about 30 miles in the few days we were there. There are fantastic trails; many of which lead to waterfalls etc. There were also a couple locations that had "historical sites". Take a drive to Cherokee.

The only time we went into Gatlinburg was one full day just to see what the hype was all about and we ate at Calhoun's. The time of year we went (November) most everything was closed 5/6:00.

I would encourage to just wing it. It was great!! If we still have info from our trip I will share it with (if you don't hear back info is gone) We had picked up info for sightseeing outside Gatlinburg. It was a different selection than that provided in the traditional tourist area.

Hope you enjoy trup as much aw we did!!

One place my ex-husband and I always ate at when we visited was the Smoky Mountain Brewery. They have AWESOME ribs. We ate there 3 times in one week. We went to the one in Pigeon Forge but I saw online there is also one in Gatlinburg. The one in Pigeon Forge was right by the nascar race tracks which we spent a couple hours at racing each other on all of the different tracks. FUN!

We go to Pigeon Forge every year. We spend alot of time in the cabin because they aer just so nice and so comfy! Anyway, I found this website : http://www.gatlinburg.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/

It has lots of cool ideas. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is good for hiking and exploring.

We always eat at the Dixie Stampede once a visit. It can be expensive but it is fun.

We always have a great time out there. We only ever plan the Stampede trip, because often times you just pass by and see a great place to stop and visit.

We ate at a little italian restraunt. I can't remember the name of the place, but it was in one of the little shopping places at the back. They have cable car rides up to uber gatlinburg and there are little shops and some bears you can look at. The surrounding area is also beautiful. You can drive up the scenic route and there are tons of places to stop off and look at the scenery. There would be great places to have a picnic. Somewhere close there are tons of places to go tubing on the river. Check out the tourist center when you get there. It is right on the way in to gatlinburg and they should have tons of info on stuff to do.

Dixie Stampeed for dinner. It's a little pricey but worth every penny. You'll find that in Pigeon Forge.

My husband & I really enjoyed taking the ski lift to the top of one of the mountains. You get on in Gatlainburg on the main street so it's easy to find.

Have fun!

For a wonderfull dinner go to the Peddler. Check the phone book in your cabin...Loved it....You could also go to the Ripleys Aquarium.....Have fun

The only suggestion I have is to look at Gatlinburg's Attraction Guide and Vacation Guide which can be found in PDF format at www.gatlinburg.com/vacation-guide/

Hello S.,
When my family and I visit Gatlinburg, we normally just stay in the chalet we rent and relax. However, we always take one evening to go down into Gatlinburg and have dinner at the Smokey Mountain Brewery. It's not a fancy place, but we have yet to find something on their menu that we haven't enjoyed. I hope that helps as far as a restaurant to try. As far as things to do, there are so many things. I think my favorite place (and my 2 yr old daughter's) to visit is the Aquarium.
Take care

Hillbilly Golf is a must. You have to ride a ride to the top. Lots of fun, especially at night. I would also recommend the Bird Avairy in Piegon Forge. Your daughter would love it! Just be prepared for a hilly ride. If you are into Casinos, the Cherokee Properties are just over the mountain, about a 1 hour drive. There is a hotel with gambling and lots of other activities.

In Pigeon Forge, there is a restaurant called the Chophouse. (it is a steakhouse, and a little on the pricey side.) But absolutely, hands down, one of the best meals I've ever eaten in my life! There is great outlet mall shopping in Pigeon Forge as well. I suggest walking as much as possible in Gatlinburg, there are all sorts of shops and attractions! The Smokies are amazing, and well worth hiking! Dollywood is fun, but very few rides for those of us used to Cedar Point! Dixie Stampede is fun. Applewood farms (sp?) is really cool! Have a great time!!!

There is a restaurant right before you enter the national park. I belive it's called the Apple Tree or Apple Farm. You can't miss it, it's on the right. They have a room that is like a 'garden house' (you are surround by windows). Every time I have been there I have been able to see beautiful wildlife. We were even able to see two baby bear cubs playing.
Other then the scenery, the food is awesome and not too pricey.

Also, there is a place called Uber Gatlenburg. It's on top of a mountain, so it's best to take the tram. The tram ride is awesome, yet I must admit a little scary at the same time. Once you get up to the mountain, there is an indoor facility with shopping and an ice skating rink. Outside there is a small amusement park. If you go, go as far right as you can in the back and then head up the hill - there is a 'ride' there where you sit on a piece of plastic and slide down the hill for about 10 minutes - while you control the speed.

I know that's a lot of info, but I go every year and absolutely love it. I always find something new every time.

Oh, one more thing - if you go into the national park - check out 'Cade's Cove'. I'm sure you won't regret it.

B.

Someone recommended the Apple restaurant as you enter the National Park however, just a short drive to Pigeon Forge/Severville (sp?) you can go to the original Apple Barn. The meal is served family style. They have a winery, don't miss the fried apple pies! I haven't ever found a bad rest. down there. Just go in when you see one that is interesting. I also highly recommend a short drive down to Ashville NC to the Biltmore Estate. Make sure you get the audio tour and the roof top tour. Amazing place to spend the day. My husband and I got married in Gatlinburg! You really don't need a plan. Cade's Cove is amazing. Make sure you stop at the welcome center to the park and get a hiking map. It will tell you where all the waterfalls are. You will have the best time! Enjoy every minute of it!

We went last year over labor day weekend. We were able to take our daughter to the aquarium there. It was great fun! We also walked through their little town just to sight see. I can't remember any outstanding restaurants, because we ended up eating most of our meals at our cabin. We had a full kitchen, so we went to the grocery to buy easy meals to prepare and grill. Have fun!

You have to check out the Comedy Barn. It's in Pigeon Forge, but it is great. It's a great show and you will laugh the entire time. They offer I think 2 or 3 different show times and they have drinks/snacks you can buy.
The Alamo is a great restraunt. There are 2 locations. One in Pigeon Forge and the other is in Gatlinburg.
My husband and I also loved the Dixie Stampede. It's dinner and a show. Pretty cool thing to see. Hope this helps and you have fun!!

We drove through the old homestead which was really cool. The Park is definitely worth the time.

There are a few wineries worth checking out, both in Gatlinburg and in Pigeon Forge if you like wine tasting.

My in-laws own a cabin in Sevierville, and when it's not being rented, we try to get down there at least once or twice a year. I agree with everyone here about the Old Mill restaurant in Pigeon Forge. I don't know if I've ever had dinner there, because we always seem to go at breakfast time. Another place my in-laws love to eat is Cowboys Seafood on the Water in Dandridge, TN, which is about twenty or thirty minutes away from Sevierville. For things to do, you can check out all the great outlet shopping malls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (I agree with someone who recommended driving to Cades Cove in the park; it's beautiful, and we saw lots of deer very close up when we were there), and some of the local artists' shops. Our favorite is the Alewine Pottery shop, where the artist himself sometimes will make pottery in front of his customers. We don't spend a lot of time in Gatlinburg, but I know that it has some great shopping places (I loved a little shop called Earth to Old City, an eclectic gift shop with great smelling handmade soaps, among other things). Really, there are a lot of great things to see and do, so enjoy yourself! We're actually thinking about going there around the same week as you! Have fun!