Gatlinburg, TN

evamarie8584

Hey everyone!  We are thinking about honeymooning in Gatlinburg --- Do yall have any suggestions on must go places to see or places to eat?  Or just any helpful hints?  Also how about great cabins to stay in?  We are staying for 5-7 days.  Any help would be great!  Thanks!

FoolishWoman

First a few questions:

Where are you from?  Knowing if you're from around the area, or if you're from across the country will be helpful.

What time of year are you planning on comming?

What do you like to do?  Are you nature lovers? Shoppers?  Thrill seekers?

I'll compile a list of must-sees when I can know this much.

evamarie8584

Okay -- I'm gonna try to answer all of your questions!  We are from Louisiana.  We both love the outdoors, but we would rather be able to sit outside our cabin and look rather than take a nature hike.  We are coming during the 1st week of May 4-11, 2008.  That is the longest we will stay, maybe only 5 days....probably depends on the price of the cabin we get.  We'd like a cabin for no more than $125 a night, but the cheaper the better.....as long as its a nice one!  We'd like a hot tub and a jacuzzi, queen or king bed, with a nice view.....everything else is just a plus....oh well a kitchen but I think most come with that.  We will most likly be coming in a car, ford taurus.  Although we have access to a 4x4 truck I am hoping we will be able to go without using it....save a lot on gas!!  As far as things we like to do.....well....I know we want to go to Dollywood one day....maybe one of the ripleys.....Someone told me about a cove or something yall have there....I'd have to go get the name....So we will look at that....Maybe just go picnic in the park....not real sure....We are open to anything....

Jcepk1

Consider splitting your stay between Gatlinburg and Asheville.  I think 5-7 days in Gatlinburg is a little too much. 

FoolishWoman

Okay, keep in mind I lived and worked there for 10+ years so my opinion/recommendation comes from a local level and not a tourist level:

 

Early May would be a perfect time to stay in Gatlinburg.  All the kiddies are still in school, so no one is really ?vacationing? yet.  The weather is still cool and would be on the rise to warmer temperatures.   You might still need a light jacket during the day.  Also, your car should be fine at that time.  No need for 4x4, really.

 

Cabin: Vacation Rentals By Owner (www.vrbo.com) is a great resource for finding some sweet deals on a place to stay.   http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/tennessee/east/gatlinburg      But really, if you do a search, all the big rental companies are the same.  No one company sticks out in my mind as being overly bad or exceptionally good?catch what I mean?  (Trust me I?ve stayed in plenty) 

 

Attractions:  You?re probably talking about Cades Cove in the National Park.  Good choice.  Any visitor?s center will have that kind of information.  Also, there are plenty of good hiking trails in the National Park, if you?re up for it.

The Ripley?s attractions are all mostly good.  I worked for Ripley Entertainment for several years.  The aquarium is very neat, I?d recommend it.  The museums are nice, and the mini-golf courses are nice, too.  Any Ripley?s attraction will offer a package that will include a few different Ripley?s attractions at a discount price (e.g.:  Buy a 3 attraction package for $X, and you?ll save $X.  And, they?ll print the tickets for you right there, so you already have your tickets for your other attractions.)  You can also view the ticket prices online at http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com/  .  Just something to think about.

You must eat at the Apple Barn.  There are a few locations.  The newest one is the one in Gatlinburg, and it?s my favorite. Yummy southern goodness!   

Link to a great information source on the area:

http://tinyurl.com/2x9gmq

Also, tons of shopping in Pigeon Forge.  Mostly nationally recognized stores, but still outlet shopping none the less.

 

Does that cover everything?  I can answer more if you have them.

mkwt

Ditto Previous Post.

There are alot of attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to keep you very busy.  The cabin is a wonderful idea, it will give you peace and quiet from all the traffic and tourists.  go to www.gatlinburg.com and it is loaded with information.  Just a side note to Dollywood, they have this special if you go in after 3pm you get the next day free, if you would want to spend 1 1/2 day in Dollywood that is the best deal!  As for Cades Cove, we went in September at dusk and a bear walked out in front of us, hope you get that same experience.  I hope you have wonderful honeymoon, and the weather should be just right for you stay.  Hope you enjoy!!  Let us know if you need any more help.

janie_carcello

http://www.sunsetcottage.com/ This is the company we used when we honeymooned there. They are awesome! Super friendly, very flexible, and great cabins! They're really well-priced too!