Smoky Mountains Honeymoon
Aug 22nd, 2006, 09:41 AM
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Smoky Mountains Honeymoon
While I prefer a beach location, my fiance wants to go to the Smoky Mountains for our honeymoon. OK - I've done SOME research but I need some general guidance. There are a myriad of locations to stay - but I notice that many of them seem a little on the kitschy, cheesy, touristy side. Not that I'm being critical, but for a honeymoon I'd like a little quiet, a little seclusion. Can someone point me in the right direction for what area I need to be looking in? I'm definitely wanting cabins, woods, lakes, views, etc. We are going in late October and I would appreciate any general guidance because I am unfamiliar with the area and the information overload has me frustrated!
Aug 22nd, 2006, 11:41 AM
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Hi Kath!
First off, congratulations!!
Below is some Smoky Mt information Ive posted for people in the past (I copied it from those posts and pasted it here for you). Hopefully it will be of some use to you!
THE PARK
Weve only been here in Spring.
GSM offers a ton of trails (vary from easy to strenuous). We usually choose only the moderate-to-strenuous hikes (I like to work hard for that beautiful view at the peak!). I saw waterfalls and small streams, mostly, which were sometimes still frozen so that looked pretty cool. The trails themselves often had rocky areas, sometimes covered with snow (not sure if/when that ever melts). Theres a lot of “green” in the Smokies, meaning tons of huge, beautiful trees. The best thing about the GSM trails are the vistas, for sure.
FAVORITE HIKE
For sure: Chimney Tops
(end of trail requires you climb humungous rock to get full advantage of incredible view-neat)
THE AREA
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg both have many, many little shops to browse. There are also dinner show theaters if thats your bag. To be quite honest, we spent our evenings in the hot tub!
PLACES TO STAY
Weve always stayed at Oakhaven Resort
http://www.oakhavenresort.com/
Its not in town but instead is tucked away off main roads among many steep hills and trees-very nice! They offer luxury log cabins (nicely furnished, whirlpool tubs, private outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, great kitchen, grill, screened wrap around porch etc) for a reasonable price. Ive stayed with them several times (although please note I once foolishly left jewelry sitting around which came up "missing" after housekeeping visited-I was young and have since learned a lesson). As far as hiking goes there are a ton of trails that range from very easy to strenuous so there is sure to be something for everyone-my favorite trail is Chimney Tops.
Have a wonderful honeymoon!!
First off, congratulations!!
Below is some Smoky Mt information Ive posted for people in the past (I copied it from those posts and pasted it here for you). Hopefully it will be of some use to you!
THE PARK
Weve only been here in Spring.
GSM offers a ton of trails (vary from easy to strenuous). We usually choose only the moderate-to-strenuous hikes (I like to work hard for that beautiful view at the peak!). I saw waterfalls and small streams, mostly, which were sometimes still frozen so that looked pretty cool. The trails themselves often had rocky areas, sometimes covered with snow (not sure if/when that ever melts). Theres a lot of “green” in the Smokies, meaning tons of huge, beautiful trees. The best thing about the GSM trails are the vistas, for sure.
FAVORITE HIKE
For sure: Chimney Tops
(end of trail requires you climb humungous rock to get full advantage of incredible view-neat)
THE AREA
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg both have many, many little shops to browse. There are also dinner show theaters if thats your bag. To be quite honest, we spent our evenings in the hot tub!
PLACES TO STAY
Weve always stayed at Oakhaven Resort
http://www.oakhavenresort.com/
Its not in town but instead is tucked away off main roads among many steep hills and trees-very nice! They offer luxury log cabins (nicely furnished, whirlpool tubs, private outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, great kitchen, grill, screened wrap around porch etc) for a reasonable price. Ive stayed with them several times (although please note I once foolishly left jewelry sitting around which came up "missing" after housekeeping visited-I was young and have since learned a lesson). As far as hiking goes there are a ton of trails that range from very easy to strenuous so there is sure to be something for everyone-my favorite trail is Chimney Tops.
Have a wonderful honeymoon!!
Aug 22nd, 2006, 01:10 PM
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are you talking about this October? You may be too late to find a decent location. And yes, the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are tacky and cheesy and there aren't that many good restaurants. There are, however, some beautiful trails. My DH and I have rented a few secluded cabins over the years, but well in advance. I've posted this before, but this is a lovely and secluded cabin
http://www.wildflowermountain.com/Ca...o/mtprimro.htm
Maybe if you honeymoon from Monday-Thursday you'll have a better selection of properties.
http://www.wildflowermountain.com/Ca...o/mtprimro.htm
Maybe if you honeymoon from Monday-Thursday you'll have a better selection of properties.
Aug 22nd, 2006, 01:17 PM
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What about going over to Asheville and checking into one of their better places like The Grove Park Inn, The Richmond Hill Inn, or the Biltomore hotel? I also think The Swag in Waynesville is divine.
The good thing about Asheville is that you could day trip yourself all over the place.
Black Mountain is a gorgeous little mountain town.
The good thing about Asheville is that you could day trip yourself all over the place.
Black Mountain is a gorgeous little mountain town.
Aug 22nd, 2006, 01:24 PM
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I was worried that we might be planning too late. I will just have to start calling and see what's left. Fortunately we will be traveling during the week so that may help a little. I'm checking all your recommendations - thank you!
Aug 22nd, 2006, 01:39 PM
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check out vrbo. Here's one of the first ones I saw. The rates aren't bad when you stay several nights. LOTS to choose from on www.vrbo.com
http://www.vrbo.com/60159
http://www.vrbo.com/60159
Aug 24th, 2006, 02:43 PM
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SpeedBuggy, honey, that ain't where they show them there XXX movies is it?
Kath, there are sooooooooo many places to stay in Gatlinburg, you will get really confused.
But for starters,
try oakhavenresort.com
and auntie belhams
and Hidden Mountain Resort
Kath, there are sooooooooo many places to stay in Gatlinburg, you will get really confused.
But for starters,
try oakhavenresort.com
and auntie belhams
and Hidden Mountain Resort
Aug 24th, 2006, 02:50 PM
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Since my impeccable reputation may be at stake . . . . .. hmmmm, yes . . . . well, here's the website
http://www.stonefortinn.com/
http://www.stonefortinn.com/
Aug 25th, 2006, 06:25 AM
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Check out vrbo.com for cabins or www.bnbfinder.com for B & B's.
Aug 25th, 2006, 06:42 AM
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Have you considered The Swag? It's on the east side of the park, in Waynesville, North Carolina, meals included in the rate, and it's all you are looking for (except the lake) and more. Would be an awesome honeymoon location.
http://www.theswag.com/
http://www.theswag.com/
Aug 25th, 2006, 06:45 AM
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I stand corrected! 
DH just reminded me that there is a small lake/large pond at the Swag. So it may be just the kind of mountain honeymoon a beach girl could settle for! ;-)
Congratulations and best wishes!
DH just reminded me that there is a small lake/large pond at the Swag. So it may be just the kind of mountain honeymoon a beach girl could settle for! ;-)Congratulations and best wishes!
