Gatlinburg/pigeon forge (Knoxville, Maryville, Sevierville: condo, hotel, school)

[JR AND CHARLA]

Whats changed since 1997-we just bought a condo in gatlinburg-wil be staying from oct 3rd-7th will be moving in july. Always been our favorite area,we lived at douglas lake from 94-97 moved do to business,will be looking for new business ideas also. Thanks jr and charla

[oldmanbob]

Not much change except traffic in Gatlingburg, and the Forge is built up, on about every square inch. Plan on extra driving time, from the Forge to Gatlingburg. Many of the best resturants are still there, with many new ones, such as the Smoky Mtn brewery, and a few other good ones. Town is about the same. good luck, and enjoy.

[gailli]

Gatlinburg hasnt changed hardly in years although Cristus Gardens closed up and they are building a Hilton there, also the Arrowmont Craft School and the area around it are being bought up by someone from the Middle East, they want to build a Water Park there and a shopping area and restaurants.

Pigeon Forge has changed a lot more than Gatlinburg, new restaurants and stores and they are building a huge area called Belle Island which is supposed to open this Fall, shops, restaurants and Hotel rooms overlooking the streets of the "small city" like area, it will have Debbie Reynolds Movie Museum, Darrell Waltrips Racing Experience and Otter Cove. Went by it today and its coming along, its a beautiful place.

Alabama's restaurant is now a Tony Roma's, Fiddlers Feast is now Tenn shindig(no dinner any more)

[JMT]

I agree with the others, Gatlinburg itself hasn't changed a whole lot in the last 10 years. Pigeon Forge, however, has become a nightmare to navigate, and Sevierville isn't very far behind. What used to be a pleasant drive from I-40 to Gatlinburg is now torture.

What kind of business are you thinking of starting in Gatlinburg? I think one big difference (maybe the only big difference) is Gatlinburg has become more of a year-round destination. I remember in the good old days Gatlinburg was pretty much deserted in the wintertime. Now there seem to be crowds on the Parkway all the time. Is your business something that will keep you busy throughout the year?

[LilCabinGirl]

I think someone needs to come to Knoxville and open a Dairy Queen

Well, I suppose G'burg could use one too.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by LilCabinGirl

I think someone needs to come to Knoxville and open a Dairy Queen

Well, I suppose G'burg could use one too.

We have two! One near the East Towne Mall and one on Emory. I think it's in the BP right off the highway.

[gailli]

Originally Posted by LilCabinGirl

I think someone needs to come to Knoxville and open a Dairy Queen

Well, I suppose G'burg could use one too.

We need one in Seymour too, we also need a doughnut shop and a Steak and Shakeoh and a Five Guys, I have to drive to Maryville for my Five Guys