ski4me

We are planning to go to Gatlinburg area the week before Christmas so my 6yr old can go to Dollywood. I want to inlcude Asheville & Biltmore Estate if I can. I need help with the following:

1. How long does it take from Asheville to Gatlinburg, & what are the road conditions there as far as construction/weather?

2. Is it better to go to Biltmore Estate during the day or during their Evening tour during Christmas? How is the onsite buffet?

3. Any B&B's that accept children but under $150/nite in Asheville? I am looking for something nice vs rustic, views would be a plus, comfortable beds are a must! If not a B&B, is the Biltmore Village area a good place to stay in chain hotels? Has this area recovered from the flooding now?

4. I would greatly appreciate restaurant advice for both areas. Looking for bbq and regional food, don't want to eat the same things I eat when at home. Any really good theme type restaurants that a family would enjoy?

I have not booked yet, but want to asap. Thanks in advance for the much needed help!!

pennez

Asheville restaurant recomm: Tupelo Honey Cafe on College in downtown Asheville. Great food, prices. No reserv., so arrive early. Call ahead, but I think it's open all day and late at night. You will love it!

ski4me

TTT - GoTravel, I see you posted on another Asheville question, could you provide any info?

gmoney

ski4me, we drove to gatlinburg back in October the drive from Asheville to Gburg on I-40 and it took about an hour. There was a section of I-40 that was washed out by the storms, and it was down to 2 lanes at about the NC/Tenn border. If traffic is heavy it could really slow down here. It was kind of eary going by that section and seeing part of the highway missing and going straight down into the river below. Can't give you any info on Asheville as we did not stay there.

maj

Try the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge--unique experience, especially for kids. The Apple Barn restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have "Country" food. If you search this site there have been quite a few discussions on restaurants in both areas during the past year.

leahinsc

THere are several chain hotels in the Biltmore Village area and most stores are open now and recovered from the flooding so you won't have anything to worry about. We have a 7 yr old so I would think that while the decorations and tree at the Biltmore might be interesting, wandering around the house and estate would really tax a child (and therefore the parents). There is a great Gingerbread house display at the Grove Park Inn that should still be up - look at their website and you may want to check out the WNC Nature Center. If you are determined to do the Biltmore I would go at night when all the lights are on but be prepared for crowds. Hopefully you have tickets already and have made hotel reservations???
The major road to Gatlinburg is I-40 which as other post-ers have noted is down to 2 lanes. It isn't bad on some days but weekends, Friday nites and weather conditions will all make it worse - however the estimate of 1 hr is way off - even if you Mapquest it is easily 1.5 hr...just getting through Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge can take a while.

snowrooster

In Gatlinburg we enjoyed eating at Burning Bush (which I've heard has changed it's name) for breakfast as well as Pancake Pantry. Park Grille was a nice upscale family dinner (it's has a lodge feel to it). I was disapointed at the things for kids at Dollywood, but little ones are younger than yours so hopefully you'll have better luck. Don't eat at Dollywood - the food there was BAD!!! I heard Corky's is good for BBQ but much to my chagrin we didn't have time for it. Have fun!!

padams421

it's better to do the evening tour at Biltmore Estate to see the full effects of the Christmas lights, trees, candles, etc.

SaraLou

I wanted to second the suggestion for the Park City Grille in Gatlinburg. We had dinner there for my parents 50th wedding anniversary last summer. We had over 30 people - we ordered off the menu and the food and service were EXCELLENT!

leahinsc

I would also do Park City Grille in Gatlinburg - other than that it is chain food and BBQ heaven. In Asheville I would opt for a hotel w/ indoor pool over a B&B. B&B's are often not that kid friendly and your 6 yr old will enjoy the pool and exercise. There is also the relatively new Fun Depot that they would enjoy. It is right off of I-40 and is a huge indoor game place with climbing walls, putt-putt golf, video games...depends what your child is into. In ASheville kid friendly restaurants that are not chains: Pomidori on Tunnel Road, Anntony's in Grove Arcade, Stony Knob Cafe in Weaverville....

GoTravel

The candelight tour of the Biltmore is stunning. Really just beautiful.

Doubt many B&Bs are: under $150 this time of year or accept kids under 16.

The state usually does an excellent job of keeping the interstates open because it is vital to commerce. Unless a blizzard blows through you can count on the interstates being clear.

We are going this weekend so I'll keep an eye out for anything really kid friendly.

The Grove Park Inn is a must. You may be able to find a last minute deal on their website. Even though they are a big hotel, it has a special feel.

Any of the chain hotels in Biltmore Village would be fine.

pilgrim

The Residence Inn near Biltmore is superb. Hot breakfast, including waffles, included. Huge rooms with full kitchen. Nice pool.
We love it.

soccr

The candlelight tour is lovely but very crowded -- suggest you manage, if possible, to enter at earliest time. And actually, even if you go by day (which will allow you to see more with "better" lighting but not as visually magical), you will be very wise to go as early in the day as possible. It can be very slow and crowded -- shuffling through rooms at a snail's pace and having to crane your necks to see things.

On-site buffet? Do you mean the one at the stable? It's okay, not outstanding. The Grove Park Inn is assertively rustic and usually overpriced -- consider going there for lunch and a "look-see" rather than staying there.