Great Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg) Where to Stay??

Dr.Corona · Post by **Dr.Corona** » July 3, 2007 2:33 pm

Looking hard at planning a trip first week in October and would like to know if anyone has any firsthand knowledge of places to stay that would be easy on the wallet. Wife & I have stayed in the KOA camping cabins before and while that would be fine wouldn't mind if we could find something with a few amenities for similar price ($50-$60).

Conolulu · Post by **Conolulu** » July 3, 2007 4:16 pm

I always rent a house....but I also stay in Cosby...a good ways from Gatlinburg and drive over once or twice...I'm there to hike , sight see....stop at the Cobbly Nob "Pizza, Video, Wedding Packages Available, Best Hamburgers in the South" convenience store to say Hey to Otis...

I like staying a little futher away and discovering new things...I can drive over and be around the tourists and stores during my visit...and still have the Peace & Quiet I'm looking for while there....

Also love Black Mountain, near Asheville in North Carolina...

Wish I could help you out....

ncdeb · Post by **ncdeb** » July 3, 2007 4:17 pm

There are lots of places to stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, just depends on what you are looking for. My friends and I go several times a year, just for the weekend to party, shop and eat (not necessarily in that order!). There are several websites that list places to stay, things to do, etc. We usually get a cheapy motel room in downtown Gatlinburg so we can walk to the bars and unique shops. The outlet stores are all in Pigeon Forge. I actually got married there in one of the wedding chapels and we rented a cabin up on the mountain. That was a little pricey but all our close friends stayed with us and we had a great time. Most of the cabins have their own hot tubs, pool tables, etc. and even access to club houses with pools. There are out doorsy things to do, you can drive to Cades Cove and see deer and how life was in the early times, good restaurants, I love the Apple Barn (I think that's what it's called) and Dollywood, a park with amusement rides and music, etc. There is a "biker bar" downtown called Hoggs and Honeys where the servers dance on the bar and sometimes even the patrons!!! I would check some of the websites and I'm sure you can find what you're looking for. Also check the schedule of events because one weekend they have a car show, one weekend is a craft show at the convention center in downtown, my daughter has a cheerleading competition (which means lots and lots of girls everywhere flipping and tumbling all over the place), parades, festival of lights for Christmas and those are just the things I've seen. Have fun!

Dr.Corona · Post by **Dr.Corona** » July 3, 2007 4:33 pm

ncdeb wrote:There are lots of places to stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, just depends on what you are looking for. My friends and I go several times a year, just for the weekend to party, shop and eat (not necessarily in that order!). There are several websites that list places to stay, things to do, etc. We usually get a cheapy motel room in downtown Gatlinburg so we can walk to the bars and unique shops. The outlet stores are all in Pigeon Forge. I actually got married there in one of the wedding chapels and we rented a cabin up on the mountain. That was a little pricey but all our close friends stayed with us and we had a great time. Most of the cabins have their own hot tubs, pool tables, etc. and even access to club houses with pools. There are out doorsy things to do, you can drive to Cades Cove and see deer and how life was in the early times, good restaurants, I love the Apple Barn (I think that's what it's called) and Dollywood, a park with amusement rides and music, etc. There is a "biker bar" downtown called Hoggs and Honeys where the servers dance on the bar and sometimes even the patrons!!! I would check some of the websites and I'm sure you can find what you're looking for. Also check the schedule of events because one weekend they have a car show, one weekend is a craft show at the convention center in downtown, my daughter has a cheerleading competition (which means lots and lots of girls everywhere flipping and tumbling all over the place), parades, festival of lights for Christmas and those are just the things I've seen. Have fun!

Definitely NOT going there to party, shop & eat!!!!

This trip is about the Smokies!!

12vmanRick · Post by **12vmanRick** » July 3, 2007 4:41 pm

try camping out then if it's about the Smokies, that's the best way to see it

ncdeb · Post by **ncdeb** » July 3, 2007 4:58 pm

Like I said, it's all in what you are looking for. Cades Cove would probably be a great place for you to visit. There are plenty of places you can stay and visit around Gatlinburg where you can fish, hike, whatever. But I would stay out of town, it's very crowded and commercial. In NC, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to visit and see the mountains. Places to primitive camp, hike, fish, waterfalls, etc. Actually no stores, restaurants, etc. I think the parkway runs from Tenn to Va. Enjoy!