Drive defensively. Back in the 60s I lost a very dear friend on that winding road. Drive during daylight hours.
Be safe and enjoy the scenery.
If you are up for it, the hike out to Charlie’s Bunion is a wonderful view. A number of distilleries out that way if don’t mind a drink or two. If you want a quirky town, there’s Asheville, NC if you don’t mind a bit of a drive.
I lived outside Knoxville for several years and plan to retire near there. It’s a gorgeous part of the state with some great people.
fall foliage
Mounte LeConte lodge if it’s not booked up(and you like hiking)
Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Laurel Falls, Abrahms Falls, Bennett’s Pit BBQ, No Way Jose’s Cantina.
Make your reservations EARLY...
Plan at least half a day for drive and tour of Cades Cove...(if you can get there just after daylight and drive the loop road you could see as many as 30-40 deer right off the road)...
The new Buc-ees will be open in Sevierville.
2-3 miles down is the best street corner in America. The Smoky Mountain Knofe Works is a 25,000 square foot knife store. Across the street is a Lodge cast iron outlet. Behind it is Bud’s gun shop and range.
don’t
Don’t have any long-lost sons named Sue.
Depends on your likes.
People, attractions, crowds, traffic, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can’t be beat.
If it’s your first time, for hiking get up early and try the hike to Alum Cave. Or Rainbow Falls. Cades Cove loop is a great drive 3arly...wall to wall cars later in the day.
Fishing? Little River anywhere along the road from Sugarlands to Townsend.
It’s a playground. 10 million folks
a year visit there. It’s a beautiful place.
Have a great trip.
We’re headed down in June to look at property.
We’re also going to see the ARK Encounter in Kentucky.
Can’t wait.
My wife and I often enjoy a trip to Gatlinburg in the fall and early spring... We like to walk to the downtown area, see the shops, and enjoy the restaurants. We usually stay at the Brookside Resort, which is a very short walk to the main street and attractions. The rooms are very nice, with available hot tub and fireplace. They supply the firewood, leaving it just outside your door. Private balconies overlook the mountain stream that runs down to the river. Our reasoning for choosing this accommodation is manifold: Close to downtown, but quiet; nice facilities; in the event of a snow-created power outage, we still have the fireplace for heat and can set items requiring refrigeration out on the balcony; you have a better chance of seeing Mr. or Mrs. Bear taking a stroll from your window. (Notice I didnt say “interaction with a bear”... Yeah, don’t do that. Very dangerous. I’ve seen some very stupid people tempt the bears.)
Stay outside of there. Search your options. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the most awful tourist traps ever. The park and the mountains are beautiful, as is Cade’s Cove, and the hiking is great. There are several great trails of varying difficulty.
New Orleans Sandwich Company and Sugarlands are a must. The aquarium is nice as well.
DO: Visit the Salt And Pepper Shaker Museum!!
DO: Go to www.roadsideamerica.com for a listing of every knick-knack attraction on the way. DO: Visit The Doughnut Friar!!! OMGosh! DON’T: go on “the Earthquake Ride.”
Screw that joint. I would never go back there. GMC(SW), USN, Ret.
OH MY GOSH! Do the Moonshine tasting!! Been a while, but I want to say...$20 for ten shots of various types of flavored moonshine, served up by tenders with a line of patter like a Vegas croupier.
Don’t miss either the Comedy Barn or the Hatfield vs. McCoy’s comedy club (dinner show). Like the old Hee-Haw TV show — great family entertainment with a southern Hillbilly flair.
Dollywood is excellent. Check the dates, not open year-round.
Knife Works is highly recommended — largest knife selection anywhere (and lots of guns too). You can get lost in the place.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a completely self-contained entertainment area with shops and a giant wheel ride, restaurants, etc., and its own free parking area for visitors.
If you bring an RV be sure to book ahead of time, but if they’re all booked go to nearby Townsend.