…… Going to Gatlinburg for 2 days w 12yo DD, recommnded activities?

Going to spend 'Black Friday' driving to the mountains of Tennessee. Will have Friday evening and all day Saturday. What's to do and avoid?

TIA,

Triv. P.

It has been a while since I have been up that way but the Christmas lights are beautiful this time of year, they really decorate the town.

The comedy barn is very fun. I laughed my tail off and still have a video of me being a star or my 15 minutes of shame.. :LOL:
The tram ride to the top and ice skating is fun.
Of course there is so many rides to ride putt putt golf and such.
I spend way to much money when I go. But we have a blast!

Check out the weather before you come down we have watches and warnings for snow tonight in our area which is 80 miles west in the mountains by air.

Enjoy TP

We haven't ever been, but most of my friends recommend Dollywood.

garnetgirl

dollywood,
dixestampide, owned by DOlly, it is a wonderful show done on horse back, and the food is good to. riply's believe it or not place, that is a fun place.

Just got back from there last week end. I go every year.

Ripley's Aquarium.
Any putt-putt golf.
Smoky Mountain Knife Works
Roaring Fork scenic drive.
Cades Cove scenic drive.
Apple Barn (had breakfast with Kirk Cameron there).
Wonder Works.
The Old Mill.

Most gift and "As Seen on TV" shops are now owned by middle-easterners, so be prepared there.

Traffic will be a mess, but everyone is courteous and will let you in/out/turn.

Stay FAR, FAR, away from anyone offering free tickets to shows. They require you to sit in on a sales presentation for a time-share.

delta38 said:

Just got back from there last week end. I go every year.

Ripley's Aquarium.
Any putt-putt golf.
Smoky Mountain Knife Works
Roaring Fork scenic drive.
Cades Cove scenic drive.
Apple Barn (had breakfast with Kirk Cameron there).
Wonder Works.
The Old Mill.

Most gift and "As Seen on TV" shops are now owned by middle-easterners, so be prepared there.

Traffic will be a mess, but everyone is courteous and will let you in/out/turn.

Stay FAR, FAR, away from anyone offering free tickets to shows. They require you to sit in on a sales presentation for a time-share.

Click to expand...

I was trying to remember the name of Cades Cove - that is a beautiful drive -You usually see a lot of wildlife. The last time I was there, it was lightly snowing and deer were all over the place....

My recommendation would be to get OUT of Gatlinburg and show her the magnificence of the Smokey's. A short stop at a visitors station for ideas on where in the park to visit would open a world of options.

My favorite is Cades Cove. Breathtaking.

Such an experience would be far more profound and create more life long, meaningful memories than games of putt-putt, roller skating, the Indian Chief Pow Wow Review or an afternoon in Trinket World.

Plus, you save a big wad of cash.

But that's just me.

Shooting Star said:

I was trying to remember the name of Cades Cove - that is a beautiful drive -You usually see a lot of wildlife. The last time I was there, it was lightly snowing and deer were all over the place....

Click to expand...

Looks like we both had the same idea at the same time. Cades Cove is the jewel of the park in my opinion.

spinnaker said:

My recommendation would be to get OUT of Gatlinburg and show her the magnificence of the Smokey's. A short stop at a visitors station for ideas on where in the park to visit would open a world of options.

My favorite is Cades Cove. Breathtaking.

Such an experience would be far more profound and create more life long, meaningful memories than games of putt-putt, roller skating, the Indian Chief Pow Wow Review or an afternoon in Trinket World.

Plus, you save a big wad of cash.

But that's just me.

Click to expand...

Cades Cove is gorgeous with several old cabins to explore and many trails if you inclined to do a bit of hiking. You could also make the short but fantastic drive to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in Tennessee. The last 1/4 mile is a paved hike, but the view is worth the effort.

Go take a hike!

****** Lynn Camp Prong Falls Tail it is a couple turns from downtown ~2 miles.
Take the Laural Creek road - a.k.a. Tremont Logging Road

It is an old logging road, that just keeps going and going, turn around and walk back when you've had enough. It is a gentle grade going up and up and up, wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Not a hard walk, just rocky.

Every turn is an amazing view, you can walk as far as you want. Bring water and a snack / lunch! Stop after the huge boulder after the sharp turn left on the trail ~ 1.5 mile in and enjoy the views. Don't forget to look back as you walk along some of the views are great.

Here's some others.
http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/lecontetrillium.htm

(***.5) Trillium Gap Trail - Grotto Falls and some other falls, a nice hike but the road in and out will raise your BP -- I have driven in Manhattan, Boston, Toronto, Miami, LA and even the Going to the Sun Highway.

(****) Mingo Falls, a neat water fall, near town not in the park system. You will need to climb up a whole bunch stair to get to it.

ETA:

Seconding Clingman's Dome: Remember to use low gear when going down! And use your brakes sparingly.
Clingman's Dome is an amazing hike, you will need to bring full winter gear. That "short hike on the paved surface' took us flat landers about 30 minutes to walk ~ .75 miles

Thanks to all! Been to Cades, yes, beautiful. That was summer though. Suposed to be 40 and rainy; we'll see...

The black bear jamboree was a good dinner show last time I was there. My inlaws said the upside down house was a neat place too.

If you want an awesome breakfast, go to the old grist mill.

Best idea is to stay away from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge...
There are many places in TN just as pretty, off the beaten path. You couldn't pay me enough to go to the "Destin" of TN, with all the tourists and tourist traps.

I like Gatlingburg...and Pigeon Forge. Go to the 'Christmas Place' in PF.

I walk the streets of Gatlingburg...do the tourist thing if you want to shop, do the back streets and side alleys too.