Help building an itinerary around Great Smoky Mountains NP in October
Aug 2nd, 2013, 08:16 AM
#41
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My apologies for hijacking your thread, Sandlady.........I am planning a mid-October trip to Tennessee and NC as well.
Gretchen~what are your recommendations for staying around Gatlinburg? We had considered staying there, but after reading your comment, now I'm not so sure......
Gretchen~what are your recommendations for staying around Gatlinburg? We had considered staying there, but after reading your comment, now I'm not so sure......
Aug 2nd, 2013, 02:19 PM
#44
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It is wall to wall kitsch and people and traffic. You can go see it if you want, but I would HATE to have a room in the middle of it. SanParis gave some ideas.
There are places to stay on the Cherokee side. EVen Cherokee isn't as bad as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
There are places to stay on the Cherokee side. EVen Cherokee isn't as bad as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Aug 3rd, 2013, 06:39 AM
#46
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Gretchen. Everytime someone who actually knows the area posts on the NC forum you try to shoot them down. None of us own this forum and it's not your place to attempt to discredit another poster. You didn't answer the question I asked anyway.
Aug 3rd, 2013, 07:15 AM
#47
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I have been going to Gatlinburg for let's see, 70 years. I went to camp just outside it when the Gatlinbrug Inn was the only place. I HATE what has happened to it, and everyone can make up their minds for themselves.
We love the Fryemont Inn which is really not as close to the Park, but the Folkestone Inn is close to the Park and a lovely B&B. A lot of other posters have VRBO references, etc. that are not in Gatlinburg either. We often camp in Cherokee in order to go fishing so I am not recommending that.
We have friends in Nashville who call Pigeon Forge the wart on Tennessee's behind.
I WILL offer an opinion to those who don't know and ask which may differ from yours or someone else's--THAT is NOT discrediting anyone. You don't own the forum either.
We love the Fryemont Inn which is really not as close to the Park, but the Folkestone Inn is close to the Park and a lovely B&B. A lot of other posters have VRBO references, etc. that are not in Gatlinburg either. We often camp in Cherokee in order to go fishing so I am not recommending that.
We have friends in Nashville who call Pigeon Forge the wart on Tennessee's behind.
I WILL offer an opinion to those who don't know and ask which may differ from yours or someone else's--THAT is NOT discrediting anyone. You don't own the forum either.
Aug 5th, 2013, 01:48 PM
#52
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Oh, if you cringe at "luxury", you'll be doubled over with thid reality!! It really isn't just "expensive"!! It IS per couple, if you do get to the site!! But tax and service not included!! As Gilda said, it's always something!! LOL
Aug 6th, 2013, 06:08 PM
#56
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Does anyone have experience with Berry Springs Lodge? It looks amazing... I am just wondering whether there is any way to bypass the traffic jams at Gatlinburg if I want to go to Cades Cove, Roaring Fork motor trail , Clingmans Dome etc if we stayed there?
Tenthumbs, please share if you find any amazing accommodation
Tenthumbs, please share if you find any amazing accommodation
Aug 7th, 2013, 05:53 AM
#57
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G - I have found that people either tend to love or hate those particular areas. I oft-times have had to bite my tongue as people go on about places like Gatlinburg & never even set foot in the park itself...You could, literally, be anywhere w/all that crap & kitsch, & never know the difference. But to make a concerted effort to plan to go there !!! I just don't get it.
Aug 7th, 2013, 11:04 AM
#59
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Sandlady - I don't have experience with that particular lodge, sorry. But in mid-October, at the most popular places in the park, you're going to hit traffic regardless of whether it's in Gatlinburg or Cades Cove. It's better to just plan ahead, get a good map and prepare psychologically than to try to contort yourselves finding back ways around it (there aren't that many). Those places will still be great to visit, but everyone else is going to them for the same reasons you are, and you very well might find yourselves sitting still on the Cades Cove loop for a bit. More time to see the wildlife!
than to try to contort yourselves finding back ways around it (there aren't that many). Those places will still be great to visit, but everyone else is going to them for the same reasons you are, and you very well might find yourselves sitting still on the Cades Cove loop for a bit. More time to see the wildlife!
