OT - Gatlinburg, Tn

[rivalion]

OK, all knowing board- I'm thinking of having a family reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Looking for a house that has 8 bedrooms or possibly two houses in close proximity that has a total of 8 bedrooms.

Does anybody know of a house or houses that meet the requirements above? Or perhaps you know a rental agent that help me find a rental.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Why in the hell would anyone want to spend 10 seconds in Gatlinburg, Tn...I am sure you could find a traffic jam much closer to home than that tourist trap.

 

[Ranger Dan]

I have to agree with Rip about wanting to spend that much time in Gatlinburg. Take all of the crappy, touristy stuff from Wildwood NJ and move it to the middle of the smokey mountains. There are more t-shirt shops and old tyme photo shops per block than anywhere else I've ever been. Of course, if you want to spend time in the smokey mountains (the actual mountains), then you will be visiting one of the most beautiful places I've been.

I would recommend airbnb.com to find a rental that suits your family.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Wasn't Gatlinburg where they just recently had massive wildfires.....and tremendous damage?

You might get a great deal because no one might be going there.....but you also might be very disappointed when you get there.

 

[Colorado Man]

Of course you are close to Dolly World. The only redeeming thing about Gatlinburg is it is a gateway to the Smokies.

 

[jimarnp]

OK, all knowing board- I'm thinking of having a family reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Looking for a house that has 8 bedrooms or possibly two houses in close proximity that has a total of 8 bedrooms.

Does anybody know of a house or houses that meet the requirements above? Or perhaps you know a rental agent that help me find a rental.

Thanks in advance for the help!

There are a few that meet your requirement . --Try "Cabins USA Gatlinburg"

 

[rivalion]

I have to agree with Rip about wanting to spend that much time in Gatlinburg. Take all of the crappy, touristy stuff from Wildwood NJ and move it to the middle of the smokey mountains. There are more t-shirt shops and old tyme photo shops per block than anywhere else I've ever been. Of course, if you want to spend time in the smokey mountains (the actual mountains), then you will be visiting one of the most beautiful places I've been.

I would recommend airbnb.com to find a rental that suits your family.

Thanks for the suggestion. As far as location goes, we are trying to find a location that is a close to being equal distance for family coming from as far as Chicago DC, NC, and Pa.. That is how we picked Gatlinburg.

 

[Nashville Lion]

You will have a great time. I will ask my family who live near there.

Dollywood is a lot of fun....and there is a great aquarium near by. There are some good outlets in the area as well for the women to go shop. There is a nice Double A baseball team located in sevierville where you guys could go as a family one night. Lots of good hiking as well. Enjoy your time in Tennessee.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Thanks for the suggestion. As far as location goes, we are trying to find a location that is a close to being equal distance for family coming from as far as Chicago DC, NC, and Pa.. That is how we picked Gatlinburg.

My wife and I just visited the smokey mountains for the first time last summer on a long weekend trip. It really was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We didn't camp or spend a lot of time in the NP, but the mountain vistas while driving through the park and from the observation areas were breathtaking. I would love to go back and do some hiking.

We actually stayed near Ashville NC, which was an extremely cool, small city. There was a ton of stuff to do there, and still close to the mountains. When researching, I also stumbled upon a town in Georgie called Hellen, which is like a Swiss alpine village. http://www.helengeorgia.com/ I had wanted to find a place that was central between Ashville, Hellen, and Gatlinburg (before I knew how trashy it was). We ended up just staying close to Ashville and one day/night in Gatlinburg because it was just a long weekend and didn't want to use up time driving back and forth. We never did make it to Hellen...

Pigeon Forge TN, is close to Gatlinburg and has the Dollywood amusement park, which would be fun for kids.

The one additional thing to consider about Gatlinburg area is the huge forest fire that they had.

 

[jomouli23]

Thanks for the suggestion. As far as location goes, we are trying to find a location that is a close to being equal distance for family coming from as far as Chicago DC, NC, and Pa.. That is how we picked Gatlinburg.

You can pan for gold just over the Great Smokies. Wildlife abounds.

There still are numerous things to do, despite the fires.

https://www.gatlinburg.com/to-do/dining/

The Peddler (formerly Sharkies) and Smoky Trout are musts.

 

[beagleman122]

I have to agree with Rip about wanting to spend that much time in Gatlinburg. Take all of the crappy, touristy stuff from Wildwood NJ and move it to the middle of the smokey mountains. There are more t-shirt shops and old tyme photo shops per block than anywhere else I've ever been. Of course, if you want to spend time in the smokey mountains (the actual mountains), then you will be visiting one of the most beautiful places I've been.

I would recommend airbnb.com to find a rental that suits your family.

Funny your discription of Gatlinburg as being like moving the Boardwalk of Wildwood to the Smokey Mts. is right on. I said that almost 30 years ago when we visited Gatlinburg on our way home from Alabama.

 

[rivalion]

You will have a great time. I will ask my family who live near there.

Dollywood is a lot of fun....and there is a great aquarium near by. There are some good outlets in the area as well for the women to go shop. There is a nice Double A baseball team located in sevierville where you guys could go as a family one night. Lots of good hiking as well. Enjoy your time in Tennessee.

Thanks Nashville, that is better news. We are planning to do something in 2018 so you have some time to gather info and make arrangements!

 

[rivalion]

My wife and I just visited the smokey mountains for the first time last summer on a long weekend trip. It really was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We didn't camp or spend a lot of time in the NP, but the mountain vistas while driving through the park and from the observation areas were breathtaking. I would love to go back and do some hiking.

We actually stayed near Ashville NC, which was an extremely cool, small city. There was a ton of stuff to do there, and still close to the mountains. When researching, I also stumbled upon a town in Georgie called Hellen, which is like a Swiss alpine village. http://www.helengeorgia.com/ I had wanted to find a place that was central between Ashville, Hellen, and Gatlinburg (before I knew how trashy it was). We ended up just staying close to Ashville and one day/night in Gatlinburg because it was just a long weekend and didn't want to use up time driving back and forth. We never did make it to Hellen...

Pigeon Forge TN, is close to Gatlinburg and has the Dollywood amusement park, which would be fun for kids.

The one additional thing to consider about Gatlinburg area is the huge forest fire that they had.

Not going until 2018 so that will hopefully permit recovery from forest fire. Heard of Pigeon Forge and that is on the radar to check out. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[rivalion]

You can pan for gold just over the Great Smokies. Wildlife abounds.

There still are numerous things to do, despite the fires.

https://www.gatlinburg.com/to-do/dining/

The Peddler (formerly Sharkies) and Smoky Trout are musts.

Thanks for the link to the Gatlinburg website. Looks for helpful!

 

[NCLION]

OK, all knowing board- I'm thinking of having a family reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Looking for a house that has 8 bedrooms or possibly two houses in close proximity that has a total of 8 bedrooms.

Does anybody know of a house or houses that meet the requirements above? Or perhaps you know a rental agent that help me find a rental.

Thanks in advance for the help!

We did a 50th anniversary for my parents and stayed at a place called Berry Springs Lodge
A B&B. Fantastic place and hospitality, wonderful breakfast and dessert homemade every evening
Gained 9 lbs in one week despite hiking
Best sunrises ever

National parks wonderful. Did a guided tour one day then hiked rest on own
Wildfire damage is noticeable but still a great trip

Gatlinburg is fun for one night and you'll find mts and nature better draw

 

[83wuzme]

My wife and I visited the area back in 2000 for a Spring vacation.
Outside of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which weren't too close to where we were staying, I mainly remember that we couldn't find any food outside of a few gas stations.

 

[Connorpozlee]

I love Gatlinburg, though I grew up on the Jersey shore so I am comfortable with that type of place. There has never been a shortage of large cabins of the size you are looking for but the fire did a ton of damage so I am not sure of the impact that might have had on your quest. I have always used VRBO to find the cabins.
Don't limit yourself to just Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge is essentially the same place and has an equal amount of cabins.

 

[pointingdogsrule]

AIRBNB.com

300+ rentals on that site.

try looking there.

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

OK, all knowing board- I'm thinking of having a family reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Looking for a house that has 8 bedrooms or possibly two houses in close proximity that has a total of 8 bedrooms.

Does anybody know of a house or houses that meet the requirements above? Or perhaps you know a rental agent that help me find a rental.

Thanks in advance for the help!

VRBO.com

 

[rivalion]

We did a 50th anniversary for my parents and stayed at a place called Berry Springs Lodge
A B&B. Fantastic place and hospitality, wonderful breakfast and dessert homemade every evening
Gained 9 lbs in one week despite hiking
Best sunrises ever

National parks wonderful. Did a guided tour one day then hiked rest on own
Wildfire damage is noticeable but still a great trip

Gatlinburg is fun for one night and you'll find mts and nature better draw

Thanks NCLion - Berry Springs Lodge looks very nice and the reviews are great. Unfortunately, we will have two kids under 12 that will preclude that option. What part of NC are you in. I live south of Wilmington.

 

[rivalion]

VRBO.com

Thanks, I will check it out.

 

[rivalion]

AIRBNB.com

300+ rentals on that site.

try looking there.

Thanks, I will check it out!

 

[NCLION]

Thanks NCLion - Berry Springs Lodge looks very nice and the reviews are great. Unfortunately, we will have two kids under 12 that will preclude that option. What part of NC are you in. I live south of Wilmington.

I live in Cocoa Beach, FL now but I lived in Wilmington for a summer and in Charlotte for about ten years.
I really liked Wilmington and have been trying to do a mini road trip there one spring for Azalea Fest.

 

[Agoodnap]

This place probably doesn't meet the OP's specs but it pretty interesting. I "found" it while hiking one day about 20 years ago. I just looked it up and the shortest hike to this "resort" is 5.5 miles. They use Llamas to pack in supplies twice a week.

http://www.lecontelodge.com/

Here is a google map of the place. You can get some hot spots that will show you "street" level views...the blue dots that show up if you try street level.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/L...ae9923ff68d92c4!8m2!3d35.654784!4d-83.4410662

 

[RLCookie]

My wife and I have vacationed in this area several times. We've stayed right in Gaitlinburg and Sevierville. Both are very touristy and like being at the boardwalk. Apparently people like that as there are lots of people doing it. There's also every touristy thing you can imagine to do.

With that said we've also spent time in Townsend a small town about 20 minutes outside of Pidgeon Forge. Of the three this is our favorite. They call it the quiet side of the smokies. If your going for the true beauty of the region this is the place for you. There are still things to do like horseback riding, tubing, and a really cool cave to explore. Townsend is located right at the entrance to the national park. We love spending time in Cades Cove exploring nature. There are lots of cabin rentals in the area. The best part is you can visit Pidgeon Forge, do all the fun stuff the kids like then retreat to the quiet the adults like.

 

[JayWye]

OK, all knowing board- I'm thinking of having a family reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Looking for a house that has 8 bedrooms or possibly two houses in close proximity that has a total of 8 bedrooms.

Does anybody know of a house or houses that meet the requirements above? Or perhaps you know a rental agent that help me find a rental.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Lived in nearby Oak Ridge for six years...the Smokies are picturesque, but it's hot and humid as billy hell from late spring thru mid-fall.

 

[wbcincy]

Man, there are some folks on here that take themselves way too seriously. If you're incapable of a great time in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains, that's on you. My wife and I have visited there 3 times and loved it. On the unfortunate side, our favorite spot, the Buckberry Lodge, burned down in December. Some others have mentioned the fire, don't worry about it. It took out quite a bit near Gatlinburg, but nothing that's going to affect your trip at all as the Smokies are massive and the fire took out a tiny piece of it.

As for cabin suggestions, they're a little further out, but check out Elk Springs Resort cabins. Tons of options in any size you can imagine. I've also seen their cabins on groupon occasionally for great prices.

Take hikes, visit the aquarium, try some beer at one of the Smoky Mountain brewery locations, some good food (I'm a fan of the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge), and enjoy one of the most scenic places in the states. Oh, and don't take yourself so seriously or think so highly of yourself that you can't enjoy a place because it has t-shirt shops.

 

[rivalion]

Man, there are some folks on here that take themselves way too seriously. If you're incapable of a great time in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains, that's on you. My wife and I have visited there 3 times and loved it. On the unfortunate side, our favorite spot, the Buckberry Lodge, burned down in December. Some others have mentioned the fire, don't worry about it. It took out quite a bit near Gatlinburg, but nothing that's going to affect your trip at all as the Smokies are massive and the fire took out a tiny piece of it.

As for cabin suggestions, they're a little further out, but check out Elk Springs Resort cabins. Tons of options in any size you can imagine. I've also seen their cabins on groupon occasionally for great prices.

Take hikes, visit the aquarium, try some beer at one of the Smoky Mountain brewery locations, some good food (I'm a fan of the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge), and enjoy one of the most scenic places in the states. Oh, and don't take yourself so seriously or think so highly of yourself that you can't enjoy a place because it has t-shirt shops.

Thanks, Elk Springs Resorts cabins looks like it could be the answer. We are planning on doing something in 2018 so plenty of time for things to recover from the fire. Your list of things to do look like things that many in the family would enjoy.

 

[dbsteel]

Been there probably 5 times. We hit the strip a couple of times in a week, but usually just hole up in the cabin and/or away from the strip. Plenty to do for everyone, so those who can't have a good time there, probably just can't have a good time.

We usually stay in Pigeon Forge. Just google Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg cabins and 100 websites will pop up with hundreds of pictures and reviews. No need to overthink it.

 

[Relayer]

We're heading to the Smokys at the end of August. I have 3 nights booked in Bryson City, NC on the east side and still haven't decided on the west side. Was looking at both Townsend and Gatlinburg. There are a million places to stay in this area. A lot of people like Townsend because it's not as hectic, plus it's close to Cades Cove.

 

[novaclassof90]

Asheville is 100x nicer than Gatlinburg.