First trip to the Smokey Mountains
 

We're staying at a cabin in Townsend, Tennessee for a week this summer with our children, ages 15, 12 and 9. Any suggestions for day trips? We would like to go to Cades Cove and Dollywood and any comments on those two places would be appreciated.

My sister lives in Eastern Tennessee and they always make Cades Cove and Dollywood stops when they have company, so I think they are well worth it. The Smokies are a beautiful park, allow plenty of time to explore. But be prepared to be hot unless you're high up.

We have been to Dollywood several times. We have always loved it. The kids will really enjoy the rides and be sure not to miss the shows, especially the 50's and Fire on the mountain-plan ahead.

We also have enjoyed the Music Mansion Theatre-fantastic show and kids are free but reserve early. We have also been to Lee Greenwood's (Seveirville) theatre at Christmas-he does a great job too. Next time we plan to visit Louise Mandrell's new place-we asked around and lots of people gave it a thumbs up! Kids are free at these places too. We have not been to "Christy" but it has a great reputation too. We also hike in the mountains-stop by the Visitor's Center right outside Gatlinburg and ask for a trail map. Have a great time and e-mail me if you want any more info!

A very different thing to do is hike to the top of Mt.Le Conte. There are cabins on top but they must be reserved years ahead. The Mt. has 4-5 avenues of approach. Ask the park ranger stations in Gatlinberg for details.

We visited the Smokey Mtns. last summer. If you are traveling with a family, I highly recommend checking into renting a cabin/home. We stayed in a beautiful home with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, DR, LR, 2 baths, washer, dryer, 3 TV's and a wrap-around porch. Cost was about $75/day. We could see 1 housetop and about 7 mtn. ranges from the porch. Check with the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce. Also, for a real feeling for the Smokies, don't miss the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Stop in Sugarlands Visitor's Center at National Park--great museum and pick up a trail map for $.35. Hike on a paved trail to the falls. I love visiting the Smokies!