Smoky Mountains Honeymoon
Aug 12th, 2009, 07:11 AM
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Smoky Mountains Honeymoon
We are planning our June 2010 Honeymoon. We are interested in renting a cabin, but there are so many websites offering quiet, secluded cabins (it is a bit overwhelming). Do you have any suggestions for a couple who are adventurous, but want to be away from crowed towns and cheesy tourist attractions? People have suggested Towson and Bryson City. We are from Philadelphia and have little knowledge of this area, so any suggestions would be a great help.
Aug 12th, 2009, 07:32 AM
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We always use www.vrbo.com & venture to the Mts. several times a year. I am partial to the Sylva area myself. Townsend would be on the Tn. side of the Park. Are you flying, or driving ? Also, how long are we talking & what time of year ? Each of those will play into the availability as well the cost.
Aug 12th, 2009, 09:04 AM
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Consider the Roan Mountain, TN area. (Banner Elk area, well north of the Smokies).
The Roan Mountain Gardens (growing wild, not planted) has the most spectacular Rhododendrum bloom in the world in mid June. The stretch of the AT north from Carver Gap, which is right below Roan Mtn is also clusterred with them. It's one of the most beautiful spots in the whole southern Appalachians.
This is all at or above 6000 ft. Carver Gap is at 5500. Even if your timing is off and you miss the bloom, it's still beautiful.
The town of Banner Elk itself sits above 4000 ft so anything around there will be naturally air-conditioned. Grandfather Mtn is right near there also, BTW.
Beech Mountain is a ski resort, so cabins there might not be right, but there are plenty to choose from. I haven't used one myself so can't really recommend, although this one looks like it might be good.
http://www.safehavenfarm.com/
http://www.roanmountain.com/gardens.htm
It says late June for the bloom here, but it can vary. June 14-21 or something like that would give you the best chance.
The Roan Mountain Gardens (growing wild, not planted) has the most spectacular Rhododendrum bloom in the world in mid June. The stretch of the AT north from Carver Gap, which is right below Roan Mtn is also clusterred with them. It's one of the most beautiful spots in the whole southern Appalachians.
This is all at or above 6000 ft. Carver Gap is at 5500. Even if your timing is off and you miss the bloom, it's still beautiful.
The town of Banner Elk itself sits above 4000 ft so anything around there will be naturally air-conditioned. Grandfather Mtn is right near there also, BTW.
Beech Mountain is a ski resort, so cabins there might not be right, but there are plenty to choose from. I haven't used one myself so can't really recommend, although this one looks like it might be good.
http://www.safehavenfarm.com/
http://www.roanmountain.com/gardens.htm
It says late June for the bloom here, but it can vary. June 14-21 or something like that would give you the best chance.
Aug 12th, 2009, 01:49 PM
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I like the Buckhorn Inn just outside of Gatlinburg (and I really don't like downtown Gatlinburg). They have cottages and guesthouses. http://www.buckhorninn.com/home.htm
Oct 8th, 2009, 12:20 PM
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I just recommended Townsend in another post. It's quiet, charming, full of adventurous activities and beautiful scenery. We prefer to stay in Townsend b/c it's more peaceful and the cabin locations are generally better in my opinion, but it's also close to the activity in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville.
Dec 14th, 2009, 02:22 AM
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Folkestone Inn in Bryson City is on the edge of the lower edge of the Park. It is a lovely B&B and the access to the Park at that point has lots to do--tubing, fishing, hiking, horseback, etc.
The "activity" in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge etc. is really incessant and not terribly attractive, in my opinion. AND traffic is IMpossible in the summer.
The "activity" in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge etc. is really incessant and not terribly attractive, in my opinion. AND traffic is IMpossible in the summer.
Jan 13th, 2010, 04:18 PM
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I agree with the recommendations for Townsend - close to things but much quieter and less touristy compared to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. One of the nicest places there is the Dancing Bear Lodge (www.dancingbearlodge.com) which is owned by the same organization that owns Blackberry Farm (which is wonderful, but very expensive). If you are flying in, Townsend is only about 30-40 minutes from the airport without traffic hassles.
Jan 25th, 2010, 05:17 PM
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Hi Meg,
Congrats in advance!
Fully understand your desire to be away from civilization & cheesy tourist traps as much as possible (and Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg does have their fair share of these). Actually, Gatlinburg is a little more "toned-down" when it comes to this, compared to Pigeon Forge for that matter.
But regardless, here's the thing--the towns are both located in the valleys, and just a few minutes up the mountains are beautiful secluded cabins and chalets. So by staying near these areas, you'll just be a 10 minute drive to restaurants, etc. but still immersed in peaceful & serene nature. Be sure to confirm this with any cabins you might choose to book.
And as for Honeymooning in the Gatlinburg area (if you decide to go this direction), you might start here for a couple of ideas:
http://www.gatlinburg-lodging-guide....in-gatlinburg/
Hope this helps, and happy Honeymooning!
Congrats in advance!
Fully understand your desire to be away from civilization & cheesy tourist traps as much as possible (and Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg does have their fair share of these). Actually, Gatlinburg is a little more "toned-down" when it comes to this, compared to Pigeon Forge for that matter.
But regardless, here's the thing--the towns are both located in the valleys, and just a few minutes up the mountains are beautiful secluded cabins and chalets. So by staying near these areas, you'll just be a 10 minute drive to restaurants, etc. but still immersed in peaceful & serene nature. Be sure to confirm this with any cabins you might choose to book.
And as for Honeymooning in the Gatlinburg area (if you decide to go this direction), you might start here for a couple of ideas:
http://www.gatlinburg-lodging-guide....in-gatlinburg/
Hope this helps, and happy Honeymooning!
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