Caves? (Knoxville, Bristol, Ripley: restaurants, shops, safe)

[alikair]

Can someone recommend a good cave tour in the Knoxville, PF,Gatlinburg or Asheville area? it We need to be a fast tour (under 2 hrs)

Also, If you only had 3 hrs in PF and 3hrs in Gatlinburg how would you spend them?

Hate to spoil your fun, but yes, the answer "Id spend the 3 hrs trying to get out is not what I was looking for

[itsjustme64]

Cave tour: The lost sea in Sweetwater

Limited time in Gatlinburg? If it's a clear day, drive up to Clingman's Dome and Newfound Gap.
I'd also go to the Aquarium if it's cold or cloudy out.

[cicilyb]

Not sure of the spelling-but- Tuckalichi caverns in Townsend is great. Went this summer and thought it was worth the visit.

[alikair]

I checked both places on the web. Both look interesting.
Not sure what cave is the better. I think the boat sounds more interesting.
Anybody want to add there opinion?

[mbmouse]

There is another one that is closer to Pigeon Forge which would be more on your trip route.....on the old road to Dandridge, heading towards the dam....shoot, can not remember the name of it but I have been there. It is a pretty good tour and you can be in and out in about an hour or so. I will see if I can dig up the name and directions for you.
If I had just 3 hours in each town and wanted to to the cave. I would do the cave tour on the north side of PF, when done, I would drive through PF, stopping for lunch or a snack somewhere that looked interesting (there are a bunch) or pick a tourist store to brows (there are a bunch) then just get to Gatlinburg. In Gatlinburg, find a place to park and just walk the sidewalks and check out anything that looks interesting. There is a whole bunch! You can play a game of miniature golf at any of the 20 or so courses, go to the Ripley's museum or the aquarium or just shop till you drop.



Add/Edit: Forbidden Caverns! Here is the link: http://www.forbiddencavern.com/

[alikair]

Were actually doing this trip as research for a possible move to this Reagen. its part of a 7 day Charlotte Greenville Asheville and Knoxville road trip.
We figured in case we end up not moving here, we would at least try and have a little fun too.

[FLORIDA TO NIOTA 2010]

Originally Posted by alikair

Were actually doing this trip as research for a possible move to this Reagen. its part of a 7 day Charlotte Greenville Asheville and Knoxville road trip.
We figured in case we end up not moving here, we would at least try and have a little fun too.

We always like Ober Gatlinburg. They have rides outside (including: sky chair, sky tram, Alpine sled) and an indoor iceskating rink. We had so much fun there. We went the end of Feb last year and they still had snow tubing too. They have bears too.
Also in the same location is Ripley's Aquarium that was pretty nice too. There's alot of shops and restaurants along that strip too. As well as beautifull sights. But I haven't been to any caves yet. Sorry I don't have any of that info for you.
PF has a lot of things to do all along the main road (441) And restaurants there also.
Hope you have a safe and fun trip.

[Kitties of Domination]

Cumberland Caverns is also a nice one. Tuckaleechee would be the most convenient to the Smokies, however.

[dave1961]

Although its a bit further away from Knoxville, I recommend Bristol Caverns. I visited there a few weeks ago, and it was very nice.

[gonetocarolina]

I second the motion for The Lost Sea in Sweetwater. I went through it almost 20 years ago, and I still think of it often. They have a glass-bottomed boat that you can ride on the underground sea - quite the unique experience!