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Gatlinburg, TN. ?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by TTU19, Aug 21, 2019.

  1. Aug 21, 2019 at 6:59 AM
    #1
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    So my wife and I will be traveling to Gatlinburg, Tn from Nashville over Labor Day. Anyone in here live around there or who have visited there? I know there is tons to do, but wanted to ask for some inside advice from those who may know first hand. Best things to do, things to avoid or that doesn't live up to the hype?

    What about food? Good places to eat? Any input would be great. Thanks..!
     
  2. Aug 21, 2019 at 7:18 AM
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    khunk

    khunk Tundra Fan

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    Take a drive up to Clingmans dome in NC, Nice drive, great views, it's about an hour from Gatlinberg, pack a lunch and a few beverages in a cooler, makes for a nice afternoon. I think it is highest point on smoky mountains or at least in NC.

    Enjoy
     
  3. Aug 21, 2019 at 7:29 AM
    #3
    CyberViking

    CyberViking New Member

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    You need to go to the Jack Daniels distillery and do a tour/taste testing. Then go into town and eat some BBQ!

    Edit: It's 4 hours away. Nevermind
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2019
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  4. Aug 21, 2019 at 7:57 AM
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    PJR202

    PJR202 New Member

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    These are Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area as opposed to Gatlinburg, but that's where most of the attractions are.

    For restaurants, try Bennett's BBQ, The Old Mill, and The Apple Barn (this is a rite of passage for all first timers), there's a Titanic experience that's pretty cool, and I really enjoyed Pirates Voyage dinner show. I think it replaced Dixie Stampede. There's also Alcatraz East crime museum (I haven't done this one yet but hear it's great). If you like family comedy, The Comedy Barn is really good.

    We have some friends that are absolutely obsessed with Cates Cove (they will go multiple times in the same weekend), so if you like hiking/nature stuff it's apparently great. I haven't been there. Also, if your wife gets car sick and you want to torture her, go drive The Tail of the Dragon. You really should do this anyway if you happen to have a performance car of some sort. 200+ curves in 11 miles if I recall correctly, and you'll probably see a lot of really cool cars out there.

    We also did the Dukes of Hazzard dinner theater, which I found to be a pretty half-assed story and mediocre food.

    I've never actually been to Gatlinburg proper, but as I understand it it's less developed and more for a relaxing getaway type thing.
     
  5. Aug 21, 2019 at 8:10 AM
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    dawgfan706

    dawgfan706 New Member

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    The Old Mill for lunch and be prepared for a lot of food.
     
  6. Aug 21, 2019 at 8:14 AM
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    JPritch

    JPritch New Member

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    I like to say that Gatlinburg is where consumerism goes to throw up. It's over the top, but good to experience once, I guess.

    I'm an outdoorsy guy, so I'd head up into the Smokies....though the roads are often lined with cars. There are plenty of more remote and less touristy places up there if you seek them out.
     
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  7. Aug 21, 2019 at 8:19 AM
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    PJR202

    PJR202 New Member

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    That's the first time I've had family style dining. I was uncomfortably full when I left. Yikes.
     
  8. Aug 21, 2019 at 8:24 AM
    #8
    Omohundro

    Omohundro 2018 Not a Pro

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    It’s a nice area to go visit, the wife and I just like to go and walk around.
     
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  9. Aug 21, 2019 at 8:30 AM
    #9
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    The best thing to do is to drive right through Gatlinburg. It is redneck tourist hell. Seriously,take a peek and then keep going. If you're feeling frisky, go to the midget wrestling.. :rolleyes:
     
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  10. Aug 21, 2019 at 8:38 AM
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    KFed

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    Been to the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, GSM area w the wife quite often. Tons of things to do. Always Dollywood to visit too. Been through Cades cove loop, Clingmans dome (awesome), Chimney tops trail. Just to name a few... the views are spectacular!!

    20190621_153333.jpg
    20190620_161029.jpg
    20190626_162639.jpg
     
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  11. Aug 21, 2019 at 9:07 AM
    #11
    Kerch71

    Kerch71 Surgical Precision

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    Completely agree. Worth the drive, especially just to experience the Smokies.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
  12. Aug 21, 2019 at 9:08 AM
    #12
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    Agree with this. While I hate "G'burg" as the locals call it, the surrounding areas are great. Get outside the city and explore the National Park.
     
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  13. Aug 21, 2019 at 9:12 AM
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    Kerch71

    Kerch71 Surgical Precision

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    :rofl::rofl:Well put! Any town that has a Ripley's Museum - beware! I've heard it called the Vegas of the east, which is somewhat fitting. I was camping in the Smokies and drove into Gatlinburg just to see it. Think we were there for about 10 minutes.
     
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  14. Aug 21, 2019 at 10:23 AM
    #14
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    Thanks for all the info. It for sure seems very "touristy" with all the things to do, but like said, might be cool for the first time. Maybe. We for sure just want to go into the park and do the nature hike kind of thing. Going to keep all those options open to get outside the city though so if we get there and decide we dont want to stay, ha. Then I can't wait to check out the food places!
     
  15. Aug 21, 2019 at 10:44 AM
    #15
    Moon Puppy

    Moon Puppy I'm not new!

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    Head over to Cades Cove if you want to walk back in time about 120 years. Neat place, neat history. "Revenuers keep out".
    20140615_114358.jpg
     
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  16. Aug 21, 2019 at 10:52 AM
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    PJR202

    PJR202 New Member

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    Just so OP is totally clear, Gatlinburg is a more quiet place very close to the Myrtle Beach of the Smokies, but all those tourist attractions are in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. People say they're going to Gatlinurg almost by default, but most of them are actually going to Pigeon Forge. I didn't know this until I actually went there and still half the time I mention we're going I'll still say Gatlinburg. To be fair, a lot of the cabins people rent are near the border but on the Gatlinburg side. Just don't want you to think Gatlinburg isn't something you wouldn't enjoy if you were planning on avoiding a lot of the tourist traps.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
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  17. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:25 AM
    #17
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    This might be the best advice yet.. ha
     
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  18. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:32 AM
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    Moon Puppy

    Moon Puppy I'm not new!

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    uh yeah, Lynchburg is about 4 hours from Galtlinburg.

    Gatlinburg is more the artsy fartsy place while Pigeon Forge is well, a bit redneck (not that there's anything wrong with that).
     
  19. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:35 AM
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    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    So what we've thought as options so far are:

    The Aquarium
    Anakeesta
    Skylift park
    Maybe one of the mini golf places?
    Aeriel Tramway
    Hike in the Park (Not sure to where yet, ha)
     
  20. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:39 AM
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    NCTundra18

    NCTundra18 New Member

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    I like Pigeon Forge better that Gatlinburg. The Clingmans Dome is really nice and the ride over 441 into Cherokee NC is beautiful. Asheville NC is only about an hour and half away so if you've never been to the Biltmore house it's definitely worth the drive. Plus Asheville has a lot of breweries.
     
  21. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:39 AM
    #21
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    I was thinking that. Jack Daniels is in Lynchburg, but maybe they had a place in Gatlinburg, ha. I wasn't sure.
     
  22. Aug 21, 2019 at 12:34 PM
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    Chief P

    Chief P New Member

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    The white-water rafting is terrific in that area, and it usually involves a very scenic drive to get to the rafting company. We stayed in a cabin near Gatlinburg and while the whole trip was great, that was our favorite day.
     
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  23. Aug 21, 2019 at 12:48 PM
    #23
    Levinger79

    Levinger79 New Member

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    Moonshine tastings are a must, the alpine coasters are fun, Aquarium is decent, Ziplines are so so. Indoor skydiving down in Pigeon Forge is cheap and fun. Definitely drive through Cades Cove. (Chance at spotting wild Bears and all sorts of wildlife this time of year) Chimney Tops hike. Go Carts in PF. Huge ferris wheel at the island in PF and lots of good restaurants. Dollywood is close. Lots to do....Real touristy, but fun for a first time family.
     
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  24. Aug 21, 2019 at 12:52 PM
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    chinadog

    chinadog New Member

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    Not sure if they're home that weekend, but take in a UT football game in Knoxville. Go Vols!

    And don't be surprised when you get up to Sevierville/Gatlinburg of the traffic. It can be brutal.
     
  25. Aug 21, 2019 at 12:54 PM
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    bgdv1

    bgdv1 New Member

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    Gatlinburg, walk around, hit the moonshine places, lots to keep you busy. Pigeon Forge, we were there a week and couldn't see do everything. lots of good dinner/shows to see.
     
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2019
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  26. Aug 21, 2019 at 1:01 PM
    #26
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    Before changing plans to go to Gatlinburg, we were going to try to get tickets to the Vandy/Georgia game, but they were crazy expensive. I did see that Tennessee is playing at home at 2:30, but now not sure we'd have time to stay for a game. Would be awesome though I'm sure.
     
  27. Aug 21, 2019 at 1:05 PM
    #27
    knoxville36

    knoxville36 New Member

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    Jack Daniels Distillery is several hours away from Gatlinburg.......

    However, there is some Smokey Moonshine and Sugarlands Distillery in Gatlinburg. The moonshine at these places is not real strong like the real stuff, but they are damn good. Both places offer live bands and entertainment.

    Ole Smokey also has a second bourbon location. It is really really good stuff. I happen to think there bourbon is pretty damn good for the price. The Mango Habanero is fantastic!!!! A little beat of sweet, then just a little heat hits you a few seconds later. Goood bit of restaurants in Gatlinburg. For entertainment, Blake asheltons Ole seed is good if you like drinking and listening to good music.

    The Loco Buro is a local Tex Mex place with above average food and drinks. They have a rooftop bar with fire pits, sofas, and it is pretty nice!!!!

    Pigeon Forge is a little bit more touristy catered to kids. Tons of go kart tracks, laser tag, etc....

    However, The Island in Pigeon Forge is a really nice place to spend some time!!!

    Make sure you stay in a cabin if you are going to Gatlinburg. Not much for hotels and they are expensive.


    More of adult trip or family trip?

    What are your interests???


    Right in our back door. We take kids up there a good bit as well as a good place for couples only.

    Anakeesta is awesome!!!!
    https://www.anakeesta.com/

    The Island
    https://islandinpigeonforge.com/
     
  28. Aug 21, 2019 at 1:09 PM
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    knoxville36

    knoxville36 New Member

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    If it is game weekend, I would highly advise you get up to Gatlinburg very very early or in the middle of the night. It can take several hours to get in from I40 as you have to go through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge. If you get there on a Friday in morning or mid day you might as well plan on taking 3 hours to get into Gatlinburg.

    Same thing with leaving. You leave on a Sunday and it can be several hours before you sniff the interstate.

    Especially during football season and a game weekend. Visiting team and vol fans coming from all over the country and they all like to stay in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.

    Plan accordingly getting in or leaving.
     
  29. Aug 21, 2019 at 1:12 PM
    #29
    knoxville36

    knoxville36 New Member

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    Pigeon Forge use to be very redneck and a bunch of airbrush T-shirt places. It has completely revamped and changed in the last few years. The island is very nice with Margaritaville, Paula Dean restaurant, Ole Smokey Moonshine.

    It had for sure changed a lot recently and has a lot of better higher end restaurants and shopping!!!!

    20 years ago unless you were riding go karts or playing laser tag it was pretty useless....
     
  30. Aug 21, 2019 at 1:15 PM
    #30
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    We fly into Nashville Sat morning. Not sure of the exact time. But are picking up a car and driving to Gatlinburg from there. Looks like the trip is a little over 3 hours. I did see that 40 goes real close to the Tennessee campus, so that might be crazy, ha. We dont really have any set plans, so we'll see how it goes. Then we plan on driving back to Nashville sometime Monday morning, which is Labor day. So I'm hoping the traffic wont be too bad.
     

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