Just returned from a beautiful wedding at White Stone Inn in Kingston, TN. Ate great food in Knoxville and then went to see the Smokies through Gatlinburg (G). I originally had a hotel reserved in G but cancelled them after I read all the posts here I could stand. I am glad I cancelled the hotel. G is not a dump, it just needs a little updating. There is constant traffic and lots of people. My kids wanted to go to Ripleys so we did. They were disappointed. This is not a place like Disney that has awesome attractions. It is basically low end entertainment and T-shirt shops. Sort of like a Coney Island without the ocean. But to get to Clingman Dome you have to go through G. It was OK but I would not spend my vacation there. The Smokies are like I remember them 40 years ago, pretty cool.

Well, bobalu, thanks!!!! Hopefully you've jammed the stake in the heart of this G beast, once and for all. It is precisley as described. Not a dump? LOL, but bad must it be before it qualifies? By the way, you lucky ones entering the Smokies from NC obviously get to skip Gatlinburg ... something to keep in mind when planning your itinerary. All of you G boosters ... beware ... bobalu has let some light in on the myth of G, and now has you on the run. Ciao

Leone, haven't you ever heard of Cherokee? Tacky, tacky, tacky town at the NC entrance into GSNP. My fingers are shuttering at the thought of the place now. Ciao!

Yes, ncgirl, I know Cherokee well, and have fished that stream many times. I used to backpack the Smokies, east to west, and drop down off the ridgeline at Fontana Village. I loved going down through Newfound Gap, halfway, above Gatlinburg and Cherokee, to be resupplied by someone we used to hire. I know that 80 miles or so like the back of my hand. I had meant to mention the entrance through Cherokke, and my fingers betrayed me. Well, they say fair play, because my brain embarrasses them. Great Smokies ... god's country. Coming west, step to the right on the AT, Tenn, and to the left NC. Ciao

nc girl you are so right. Cherokee is the Gatlinburg of NC. Bobalu, The traffic you mention is due to the poor planning and layout of the town, which IMO, is the main reason it's become so distasteful. The only way to update, as some have done, is to literally bulldoze to the ground and start again.

I went to UT and have my 20-year reunion coming up. We are invited to a private party being given by an alumnus friend who lives in Knoxville. Guess what the theme is? "Gatlinburg Tacky--come dressed in your favorite Gatlinburg tacky tee shirt". Guess that tells you what many locals think about the place!