We're spending several days visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although I'm not sure it's really our type of thing, my husband thinks it might be a "hoot" to see a show one evening. Which one would you recommend and why? Thanks.

There seem to be almost 20 shows, and we've eliminated most of them. Any thoughts on Classic Country Theater, Country Tonite, Sweet Fanny Adams, American Oldies, Kick'n Country, or Tennessee Shindig?

Although not a show... since you are in the area a day trip to Dollywood shouldn't be missed. Dollywood contains many musicial and live action shows and the drive to Dollywood is spectacular.

http://www.dollywood.com/entertainment.aspx

Hi abram, I had one idea but Louise Mandrell is no longer performing there. She moved on to Branson and I checked and she's doing a Christmas show at Opryland soon. For years her show was rated as best show and it wasn't "too country".

My vote would be Dolly's because she's just such a showman(woman) that I think whatever she put together would be a very good show. The ads say Country Tonite is voted "best" for many years.

I checked for more recommendations and found this page from Southern Living magazine. A Southern Living endorsement would mean a lot to me, and their editors happen to pick Dolly's stampede. Other good suggestions there as well -
http://www.southernliving.com/travel...0400000045053/

Abram,

We really liked the Black Bear Jamboree show. Although it is a little corny (family show typical of the area), the music and singing are really good, they have some very talented singers. It is a dinner show, the food is pretty good but nothing to write home about. Dixie stampede very good as well.

Thanks for your responses. We've eliminated the dinner shows and magic shows, which is why I asked about the few that have made our short list.

Jo, I read about the Louis Mandrell show, and it looked promising--but the book was several years old, and I also found that she isn't in TN anymore when I googled it. I printed the article you linked--thanks.

MissMandy, we've already decided to skip Dollywood. We only have four days in Gatlinburg, and really want to spend most of our time in the Park--the whole reason for going there. If we have any extra time, we may poke along the Arts & Crafts Loop.

My vote would be for Country Tonight. I have really enjoyeed it everytime I have seen it. Have fun in "Dem Heels!"

What did you decide to see?

We saw Sweet Fanny Adams and it was absolutely dreadful--one of the worst shows we've ever seen. I consider it a community service to warn people not to go.