Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge (Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach: coupons, rentals, hotel)

[Kkirch123]

My hubby and I will be going to the area of Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg in Dec. without the kids. I was wondering if there are any places you recommend staying. Price does not matter too much. Just do not want a dump! Also, anythings you recommend doing or going to while there?

Thanks!

[MT Man]

I would definitely look for coupons at Pigeon Forge Family Vacation Destination Guide – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We saved $10/night on our hotel (which I would not recommend).

[Skyliner]

Cades Cove is one of the most well-preserved, beautifully scenic, and natural tourist destinations in the U.S. I highly recommend visiting and taking bikes or hiking shoes with your camera in hand.

Definitely plan time to see Tuckaleechee Caverns as well.

[Marti191]

I strongly recommend Bear Skin Lodge. It's the only place we've found that is not a complete dump. We've tried the Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, a few others, but none were as nice as Bear Skin.
We also frequently rent a 1 bedroom cabin through Hidden Mountain Resorts and have been very happy with that as well.
Laurel Falls is a nice hike/walk to take while you're there. It's not too strenuous (it's on a paved path, actually) but the payoff at the end of seeing the Falls is beautiful!
You must eat at the Pancake Pantry in the middle of downtown - it's the best pancake house. If you go anytime between 9-10 there will be a line, but they have a great system and it moves so fast.
OK, I'll stop now. I could go on and on about the area though, I love it there!!

[g-man430]

What in the world does this have to do with Greenville/Spartanburg?

[Skyliner]

A couple living in Greenville is seeking answers from other Greenville residents about a nearby vacation.

[g-man430]

Gotcha. Why would anybody want to go there though? No offense to the OP. It's like the Myrtle Beach of the mountains. I'd rather go somewhere much more scenic.

[NoodlesKnowles]

Originally Posted by g-man430

Gotcha. Why would anybody want to go there though? No offense to the OP. It's like the Myrtle Beach of the mountains. I'd rather go somewhere much more scenic.

yay for dollywood! lol

[g-man430]

I went to Dollywood once. First and last time. It looked like a place for old people. No offense Skyliner.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Kkirch123

My hubby and I will be going to the area of Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg in Dec. without the kids. I was wondering if there are any places you recommend staying. Price does not matter too much. Just do not want a dump! Also, anythings you recommend doing or going to while there?

Thanks!

We used Jackson Mountain Homes. They have nice, clean cabins throughout Gatlinburg that are a good place to stay.

Gatlinburg Cabins and Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals - Jackson Mountain Homes, Gatlinburg Tennessee

I personally wasn't crazy about Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, because they're very "Hee Haw touristy." I enjoyed walking the main drag of Gatlinburg - they had decent shops and several good restaurants. Also, too, the traffic can be so hairy sometimes that you're better off walking.

Inside/Outside of Gatlinburg, we enjoyed:
(1) Ober Gatlinburg - there is a tramway to get you to the top
(2) Clingmans Dome - on the Tenn/NC line
(3) Cades Cove
(4) Biltmore Mansion - in Asheville NC across the state line - definitely worth a visit