Hello. I am planning an end-of-summer trip to the smoking mountains. I know I am going about this at a very late date, but wonder if anyone could offer suggestions for lodges and/or other places to stay. I will be traveling from Illinois with my two sons -- one is eight and the other is twelve. Thanks so much for your input and help. Best, Betsy

Personally I prefer a non-smoking mountain. ;-)

Do you mean the Great Smoky Mountains?

I suggest you not smoke in the car. It is not good for your sons.

Go to www.mapquest.com. Put your city as the starting point and Gatlinburg TN as the end point. That will give your driving directions. Gatlinburg will have a lot for your sons to do.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Gatlinburg. Go to www.tripadvisor.com to get hotel reviews or choose one from the Gatlinburg website.

http://www.gatlinburg.com/places-to-...els+%26+Motels

Hello. Yes, I meant to say that I was planning to go to the Smoky Mountains -- goodness, not Smoking Mountains! I don't care to visit Gatlinburg -- but would rather see other parts of the area. Thanks for your help and ideas. Betsy

Well, do basically the same thing with the location of your choice.

ttt

Here are some links that you might find helpful when you're planning your trip:

http://www.cadescove.net/

http://www.gsmnp.com/

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

http://thegreatsmokeymountainsparkway.com/