moonininjuly

I am seeking activity suggestions for Gatlinsburg TN for March 2014. We are traveling with a 2 yr old and 4 yr old. Any short hikes in the smokies (weather permitting)? Other attractions that are worthwhile? Restaurant recommendations?

We are driving from west coast Florida? Worthwhile stops along the way? I was considering stone mtn Georgia or Macon. Is there any "You Pick" farms seasonal for March?

Thank you!

jent103

First - just so you have more success searching, it's "Gatlinburg," no S.

The Ripley's Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg is good and geared toward kids - there's a shark tunnel, you can pet sting rays, that kind of thing. How long do you have in town? Best Italian Cafe is good.

Laurel Falls is a good hike - it's been awhile since I've been, but my recollection is that it's paved most or all of the way, so good for strollers. Clingman's Dome is also paved all the way up - not so much a hike as a hilly walk. Check the Smokies and the TDOT web sites - depending on the weather, roads and trails may be closed.

You'll have better luck (if any) with farms in south Georgia; March is too early for much to be growing in Tennessee or north Georgia. We don't start getting much local produce till late April at the earliest (my CSA delivery starts in late May).

spirobulldog

I like Laurel Falls, but I think Grotto Falls is a bit better. Both are short hikes with a good reward at the end. Clingmons is short with a bit more incline. I think Clingmons is paved, but I don't remember Grotto or Laurel being paved. Abram Falls(which is on the Cades Cove Drive and something worth doing itself) is another good easy hike. It is a bit longer but pretty flat.

I would not normally suggest at Hard Rock Cafe, but something about the one in Gatlinburg is better to me than the others I've eaten at.

moonininjuly

Thanks. Sounds like great suggestions. Maybe I'll post again under Gatlinburg, but these are great jumping off points. We'll probably be there for about 5 days with 2 additional days for driving.

spirobulldog

Search my name for 2 trip reports to Gatlinburg and the smokies. I've made trips there the past 2 years.