Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN

[kayladawn91]

So my whole family (about 14 of us) are renting a cabin next month in Pigeon Forge, TN. I haven't been in a really long time so I'm not sure what's fun to do/see while we're there. We're staying really close to downtown Pigeon Forge.

Recommendations anyone?

[kayladawn91]

****** what is in ashville?

@underdog25 all the men in my family (dad, H, brothers, BILs) are into guns and knives. And I'll have to look into the Comedy Barn. I've never been to something like that!

[bellefontaine]

Favorite place to vacation! We go 2-4 times a year.

The Smoky Mountain Opry is so good! We passed it up for years because it sounds like something for old people. Our mistake. It's definitely worth the Google search to see if your group might be interested.

Walking Main Street in Gatlinburg in the evening is something we like doing. And you MUST stop by the Donut Friar located in the Village. You can smell that deliciousness all the way from Main Street.

Dixie Stampede, Dollywood, horseback riding, go carts, The Island in Pigeon Forge, and the Sky Lift in Gatlinburg are all things we've enjoyed over the years.

Ober Gatlinburg has gotten a little run down but the tram that takes you up there is totally worth the money for the scenic views.

[kayladawn91]

So many good suggestions bellefontaine!! I'll definitely be doing some research tonight!!

[pivot]

We did a 2/3 day fly fishing trip through Fly Fishing the Smokies and it was so much fun! I got it for DH for our anniversary because I knew he'd enjoy it, but I ended up loving it too!

[nachobutt]

Asheville is only the coolest little city evarrrrrr! (I'm biased because i live there) There are tons of breweries, the biltmore estate, the grove park inn. Downtown is cool with lots of food.

The only down fall is, you are about 2 hours away in Pigeon Forge.

I LOVE Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. Over 4th of July my husband and I found this hypnotist show in the arcade of the giant space needle in the middle of Gatlinburg, random I know. It was seriously so fun and HILARIOUS. I highly recommend it.

I always like the Dixie Stampede.

Take a drive on the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway towards Cherokee. There's a Harrah's Casino there. It's pretty neat. There's also Cade's Cove which is a nice drive, and you are always bound to see wildlife.

Any more questions, I'm your gal.

[kayladawn91]

I'm thinking I want to try Dixie Stampede. Anyone know if there's a cheaper way to get tickets? $55 seems high.

[kayladawn91]

Thanks nachobutt. We're actually going to Pigeon Forge just for a long weekend and then everyone is coming home but MH and I have the rest of the week free so we might consider visiting Ashville before we head back to MI!

Eta words

[bellefontaine]

This thread makes me want to pretend I don't have adulting to do this weekend and jump in the car

You can usually find a $3 off coupon in those little savings booklets at the rest stops and area restaurants. But that's probably about it sadly.

Also I forgot in my other post, the Pottery House Cafe in Pigeon Forge is a new find of ours. Really cool place and delicious food! All the baked goods are made fresh daily. And the plates, bowls and mugs are all handmade next door at the Pottery House.

[Andrea]

Feb 19, 2016 21:15:01 GMT -5 ****** said:

Feb 19, 2016 19:41:20 GMT -5 kayladawn91 said:

****** what is in ashville?

@underdog25 all the men in my family (dad, H, brothers, BILs) are into guns and knives. And I'll have to look into the Comedy Barn. I've never been to something like that!

just Biltmore. It's a huge mansion. Built a really long time ago. They had unbelievable technology for that time. In door swimming pool, bowling alley etc. I didn't pay attention to the history details but it was amazing to see what they had for that time setting.

Beg to differ. Asheville has way more than just Biltmore!

[nachobutt]

Feb 19, 2016 23:25:26 GMT -5 kayladawn91 said:

Thanks nachobutt . We're actually going to Pigeon Forge just for a long weekend and then everyone is coming home but MH and I have the rest of the week free so we might consider visiting Ashville before we head back to MI!

Eta words

I second the Old Mill Pottery House. Super good.

I also recommend getting out into nature, and finding a hike. On the way to Cade's Cove, there's an easy hike to Laurel Falls, and it's so peaceful and nice.

In the case of Asheville, There's a tour called the "LaZoom" It's like a comedy bus tour, and it brings you all around Asheville. It's a great way to see the city, AND Laugh. It's so fun. Even as a Local, I love going when people come into town.  You can even pack your own cooler with beer and wine and drink while on the bus.

There's also The Amazing PubCycle, which you pedal around the city and see things. The hosts are really funny, and they encourage you to drink.  (I promise I'm not an alcoholic) it's just really fun.

There's plenty of walking, shopping, people watching downtown.  

The Biltmore is amazing, but it will take up your ENTIRE day here. Which is ok, because it's worth it.  You'll just have to come back to see the rest of the city.

[oms912]

I recommend exploring the national park a bit. There are tons of great hikes of varying degrees of difficulty but I recommend laurel falls and driving up the road to clingmans dome if it's open when you go. Even if you don't walk up to the summit (it's paved but steep) you get incredible views from the drive and where you park. Newfound Gap overlook has great views too. And as others have said you may see wildlife throughout the park (especially Cades Cove).

[league2b3]

Following. Pigeon Forge is about 6 hours from us, and I'm actively trying to convince H we need a mini vaca this summer.

[kayladawn91]

Thanks for all of the great ideas ladies!