Anyone been to Gatlinburg, TN?

AshNicole331

Jordan's family used to go all of the time but have stopped going since FIL hurt his knee. I've never been and everyone keeps talking about how awesome it would be to go again. I'd really love to go for a long weekend sometime this summer.

So, I'm thinking about finding a cabin/chalet/etc that would be big enough for all of us (6 adults, 2 kids and Soph who will most likely sleep with us in our bed). I'm not sure if there are good places and bad places to stay though. There is SO much to choose from!

We definitely want to be pretty close to shopping & eating. Any recs?

trevess

I've not been but I've heard it's AMAZING!  I wonder if Esther has been there, or even Samantha?

There are some awesome cabins there that we almost rented this summer- I will get the info from DH and let you know. 

ashr16

Everyone here at work rav's about that place.  But they all go in the fall.  I say go for it!  They say the shopping is fantastic.

Bridget_11

I've never been, but it's a popular destination for people from this area.  I would ask around and ONLY book a cabin based on a personal recommendation from someone who has been.  We've looked on line and trying to pick a cabin is overwhelming.

Long story short- DH's cousin had a DW last month in NC.  They booked a cabin online for their honeymoon.  They arrived to this place and there was a shot gun under the bed, amo in the night stand along with lube and condoms.  Used razors and soap in the bathroom.  And the list goes on!  They actually took pictures b/c no one would believe them otherwise.  Apparently anyone can list a cabin online!

Eleise96

Ash, I've been there many, many times.  I've gone with Josh a few times and on some girls weekend get-away trips.  You HAVE to book a cabin with Mountain Laurel Chalets.  I've booked with them all but one time and will not use any other company from now on.  They have a great website that lets you sort the chalets by features.  I can let you know which chalets I've stayed in if you want---just let me know.  They are awesome.  The chalets are near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mtn Park and have awesome views and are pretty reasonable price-wise.  They are not within walking distance to downtown, but are a very short drive and are definitely worth it.  I will say, they are up on the side of a mountain, so the drive up can be a little scary, especially at night.  It's definitely worth it though! 

As for the town of Gatlinburg, they do have some pretty cute shops, but they also have some shops that sell touristy crap that I would never buy.  LOL. 

Here are some good places to hit up while you're there:

Apple Barn (In Sevierville, which is before you get to Pigeon Forge--go there on your way to Gatlinburg or on your way home)

The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge.  This is near Dollywood and has AMAZING southern breakfast foods.  I've never eaten so much food in my life!  There are some really cute shops in this area as well.  Pigeon Forge is very touristy.  I wouldn't want to stay there overnight, but it is good for a day trip to see some of the sights and do some shopping.  There are also some outlets near by. 

And, I saved the best for last:

The Park Grill is one of my favorite restaurants ever.  They have AMAZING food and EXCELLENT service.  I look forward to going there whenever we are in TN.  It would be a good place for a big family meal, or good for you and Jordan to go for a date night.  There are also some cute shops near there as well. 

Let me know if you have any other questions.  Gatlinburg is a great place to go for a few days just to get away from it all.  I've never been in summer, but I am sure they'll still have lots of things to see and do. 

 

AshNicole331

AWESOME! Thanks Eleise!

Mrs.G_09

I was there a couple times when I was a kid with my parents, they LOVE it there. That's where they went on their honeymoon. I think I've been to the Old Mill Restaurant that Elise mentioned. I only remember eating dumlings and thinking they were the best I'd ever tasted, lol.

We are going in September with my FIL and family and I'm looking forward to seeing everything now that I'm a "grown-up".

Have fun!

taramartin2b

Since we live in TN, we go there 3-4 times a year. We will be there July 4th week, and are staying in a place from www.cabinsusa.com that Josh's mom found. It's actually in the Pigeon Forge area. If you like steak, The Peddler in Gatlinburg is the place to eat. (I love their prime rib, but when we were there a month ago the pregnancy food aversions didn't mix well!) We go to some tubing places where you rent the big floats to use in the creek, but it is also outside of Gatlinburg. Super fun, and super cool!

niuchick21

We haven't been.  While on vacation I try to get as far away from Tennessee as possible   Except Pickwick, which I love! Anyway some friends of ours honeymooned there and I can get more info if you want, but it seems that you have a lot of good options already!!