Trip to Gatlinburg
Written: Feb 03 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Views, boutique shopping, national forest
Cons: commercialism in downtown area
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| skalka's Full Review: Ober Gatlinburg |
My husband and I went to Gatlinburg in October of 1999 and stayed in one of the cabins run by the Hemlock Falls company (they rent out cabins and chalets).
I found the cabin I wanted on the Hemlock Falls website and just loved it. I booked that one specifically but was nervous when we got there because, well let's face it -- when you book online you don't always know what you're getting. You can imagine my delight when we drove up to the cabin and found it to be exactly the way it was described on the website. It was perfect and nicely secluded.
We were just miles from the Smokey Mountain National Forest and we hiked up Mount LaConte two days in a row. It was spectacular! Gatlinburg is also very close to Cherokee, North Carolina which is an American Indian reservation well worth visiting if you can -- being that the town is called Cherokee - you can guess the tribe.
I loved Gatlinburg because it was so close to the national forest and all that great hiking and because we were surrounded by nature. It's a quaint little town (once you get out of downtown) that I found to be very relaxing and charming. The main thing I didn't like about Gatlinburg was the over-commercialization of the downtown area, but I understand that it happens that way with most tourist/resort towns - and this certainly is one. Thankfully, you don't have to spend much time downtown to really enjoy Gatlinburg -- there's just so much to do.
The only think I'd do differently next time is perhaps stay a day longer.
I would recommend Gatlinburg and staying outside the city in a cabin or chalet to single people looking for a relaxing 'getaway' or to a couple looking for a romantic getaway. It truly can be both.
The main things I'd say to avoid if you go are:
1.) The urge to visit Pigeon Forge, which is nearby. It's just a tourist trap and nothing more. No charm at all.
2.) Eating too much candy at the Smokey Mountain candy factory located in downtown Gatlinburg. They make the best stuff - but it's easy to get carried away!
3.) Any and all 'chain' stores or restaurants (the Hard Rock Cafe, Fridays, etc.) You want to be sure to shop at the unique little stores that are what make Gatlinburg so special. Lots of hand-made items to be had - and lots of bargains, too.
The main things I'd say to DO if you are are:
1.) Shop at all the small boutiques and locally owned stores and restaurants you have time for. You'll find some real treasures there -- not to mention wonderful meals that will be far better than anything a chain restaurant will feed you. If you stay in a cabin or chalet - I'd say to cook one or two meals for yourself there - you'll save a lot of money and most places are equipped with everything you'll need (you just shop for the food).
2.) Go to the candy store downtown - best homemade chocolate!
3.) Walk everywhere you can downtown. It's a small place so everything is easy to get to and you see so much more when you're not stuck in a car driving.
4.) Drive the national forest though. It's mountainous, so you'll want to drive through it and make many stops along the way to hike or take pictures.
5.) Bring your camera and loads of film!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
skalka
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 3 members
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