My family goes to Gatlinburg every year. It is a good place for us because there is something for everyone; mountains, shopping, arts & crafts, and the quaint little town where we just walk around and people watch. We have been doing it for so many years that some of us are starting to get burnt out. But the older folks don't want to give up the relaxed, down home feel. And they don't want to have to drive far. Does anyone know of a similar vacation spot within 300 or so miles of Louisville, KY?

If you think Gatlinburg is "quaint", you won't be hard to please, LOL. You might enjoy Brown County (Nashville, IN) for the same kinds of shops. There are some lovely cabins in the area and they are close to town.I took my family this summer and we rented a HUGE cabin with room for 10 people...hot tub overlooking gorgeous hills, secluded, nice kitchen, game room.http://www.moondancevacationhomes.com/heartstone.cfm
I would advise going during the week and avoiding the fall foliage time, because there are lots of crowds and loud motorcycles everywhere- much like Gatlinburg. We live in Louisville, too, and it is an easy drive.

Asheville NC is about an hour past the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg exit on I-40. It is home to the Biltmore Estate and also has many art&crafts type stores and several good places to eat. There is also easy access to the Blue Ridge parkway. It is much quieter and cleaner than Gatlinburg, with more of a grown-up atmosphere.

I'll second Katie7's suggestion:
Asheville.

I usually hit both Gatlinburg and Asheville on the same trip to the area.

Have fun!

There is definitely a comfort zone, especially with a large group of people, when you are familiar with an area (restaurants, etc). Would it help with the burnout if you stayed in a different location (like a cabin or chalet--or in Townsend or Cherokee). Also, we went for many years with a group in the fall, and were not really aware of different areas in and around the park (like Townsend and western North Carolina)--we kind of did pretty much the same sort of things each year. Our kids still remember our trips there and loved them. Gatlinburg is "unique".

Brown County has a little bit of everything too (can't believe you haven't been there)--you can hike in the park, shop, etc. A friend has gone to some of the shows in the town and really enjoyed them. Much less to do than in Gatlinburg though.

Agree with Asheville area too. There have been quite a few posts here about Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway if you haven't seen them.

we are taking our first trip to gatlinburg in april. Any suggestions on which attractions to see and which to avoid?
Has anyone ever stayed at gatlinburg village townhouses?

Gatlinburg Village Townhouses....

Is that a Sunterra property?

Hey there - I'm in Southern Ohio so we are often looking for ideas in the same area. Have you checked out any of the Kentucky State Parks. A lot of them are really nice and have lodges you can stay in or rent a couple of cabins next to each other. There are always lots of outdoor acitivities and you might be able to find one near a cute town you could into. Here is a link to their website: http://parks.ky.gov/

Hocking Hills, in Ohio, is supposed to be nice as well (you can rent cabins) but I haven't been myself.

no it's not sunterra , it's baskin creek/nestle inn property.

To travelgeek: We stayed at Gatlinburg Village Townhome about 5 yrs ago. Not impressed - I know each one is different but the unit we had was dirty with sparse & old furnishings. We have since stayed at Gatlinburg Condos (behind the townhomes) - and they're no prize either. Our favorite is Holly Ridge Condos - they stayed in Unit 302 and it was like being at home. Check out Bluff Mountain Realty.

KYtravelgal, I'm not sure how anyone could get burned out on Gatlinburg. I've been going there for 18 years, and I still find something new about it each time I go. Of course, I don't have kids, and my life is so busy, I don't mind a slow paced vacation. There really is a lot more to do there than you could possibly do in a lifetime. But since the distance is becoming an issue, you might try some of the state resorts in KY, such as Cumberland Falls or Pine Mountain. I've been to both of them. Each have nice lodges and restaurants. Pine Mountain has a golf course, and it is not far from Cumberland Gap NP, if you like history and natural surroundings. Shopping venues are relatively close. Near Cumberland Falls are a couple of tourist amusement parks, as well as the first KFC and Colonel Sanders museum. Each park has hiking trails, as well.