Roll Out Of Bed For A Naturally
For literally hundreds of years, people have visited Hot Springs to sit in the mineral waters that sit right at the confluence of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. Managed by The Hot Springs Resort Spa, the springs are the only naturally-hot mineral springs in North Carolina.
Lodging at the resort includes tent and RV camping, cabins, vacation rentals, and suites that have their own private mineral tubs. There are 12 outdoor mineral baths in modern Jacuzzi-type pools, each offering some privacy. Baths range in temperature from 100F to 104F and every pool is drained, sanitized and refilled after each use. Massage therapy is also offered.
For more information: Hot Springs Resort and Spa 828-622-7676
Downtown Parking Garage Rooftops Gatlinburg Tn
There are a few options here.
The first one is behind Ripley’s Aquarium on Greystone Heights Rd.
The 2nd, is at 520 Parkway, on the left when you come into downtown
The 3rd is 955 Parkway, on your right as you drive toward the National Park.
Park anywhere in the garage, and then go to the top for the best views!
Best Places To Stay In Pigeon Forge For A Fall Couples Getaway
Fall is the perfect time to escape for a romantic trip to Pigeon Forge, nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. The busy summer tourist season has given way to a slower, more relaxing pace, the weather is gorgeous and temperate, and the colorful fall foliage is on full display.
As you get ready for carriage rides with your sweetheart and romantic dinners for two, take a look at some of the best places to stay in Pigeon Forge for couples this fall.
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Rod Runs Because Traffic Is A Nightmare
Rod Runs are great. The cars are super cool and the people-watching is excellent.
But if youve ever accidentally driven onto the main drag unaware that its a Rod Run weekend, you are missing out on a special kind of hell.
Its a little bit like being the victim of a mob hit in a Martin Scorsese film.
Everythings going along swimmingly youre having a nice drive with your family. You see a classic car. Then another. Then the cold realization of what is about to happen hits just as everything goes slow-motion and youre powerless to stop it.
Oh noooooooo, you shout to the family, shoving your children out of the car to the safety of the sidewalk. Save yourselves.
Then everything fades to black and you spend the next four hours motionless in the fast lane listening to the Rolling Stones.
The Park Vista A Doubletree By Hilton
Best for: Families, couples, hikers
On-site amenities: In-room dining, business center, indoor pool, arcade, fitness center, lounge
Pros: Its location near hiking trails and the entrance to the national forest make it ideal for the outdoorsy or those simply wanting to take in the view.
Cons: An aging “modern” style may seem dated for some.
No hotel in the area serves up better views than the Park Vista. With its location on a hill overlooking Gatlinburg, the hotel takes in a wide view of the valley and the mountains beyond. Book a Mountain View room with a private balcony to best take advantage of the vistas.
A large though somewhat dated indoor pool area offers activities on inclement weather days. However, hikers will especially enjoy staying here thanks to the fact that you can easily access trails right across the street from the property.
While located outside of the city, the town’s trolley route heads right up to the property to deliver guests to the attractions.
COVID-19 protocols can be found here.
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Comfort Inn Apple Valley
Situated just outside of Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, the Comfort Inn Apple Valley provides guests with convenient and budget-friendly accommodations in the Smokies. Guestrooms feature typical amenities such as coffeemakers, refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. In addition, guests can lounge by the indoor and outdoor pools, indulge in a free breakfast each morning, and scroll through notifications using the complimentary WiFi service.
Which Has The Best Shopping: Gatlinburg Or Pigeon Forge
Again, theres a bit of pick your flavor here.
Pigeon Forge has more outlet shopping but also more cheesy tourist shops that look like they got picked up in a Myrtle Beach hurricane and landed here like Dorothy and Toto. Pigeon Forge is also hit by a bit of unlucky boundaries.
The best shopping in the county now resides in Sevierville at the Tanger Outlets, which has siphoned off some of Pigeon Forges outlet business. Gatlinburg has a wider variety of unique shops, in my opinion, not just the same old thing. But you can get that stuff in Gatlinburg, too.
Gatlinburg also gets a huge bonus for the best candy shop in the area, Aunt Mahalias.
Gatlinburgs biggest problem for serious shopping is the very thing we awarded a point for in traffic, the walking.
In Pigeon Forge, youre rarely very far from your car and therefore your trunk where you can drop off your items, rest for a second and recharge for round two.
If you buy too much stuff in Gatlinburg, youre schlepping stuff up and down the mountain like a Sherpa ferrying adventure seeking tourists up and down Everest.
The winner: Point for Pigeon Forge.
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How Much Does It Cost To Walk Across The Skybridge In Gatlinburg Tennessee
Costs are $27.95 for ages 12-64, $22.95 for ages 65 and older and $17.95 for ages 4-11. Children ages 3 and younger are free. Value Tickets offer all-day access to the SkyLift Park on Monday through Thursday, except holidays. Costs are $24.95 for ages 12-64, $20.95 for ages 65 and older and $17.95 for ages 4-11.
How Much Does It Cost To Stay At A Hotel In Pigeon Forge
Prices vary depending on the time of the year, but it’s relatively affordable to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, especially compared to other Appalachian destinations like Asheville, North Carolina, or Greenville, South Carolina.
With so much competition among hotels, deals abound, especially in the winter off-season. Even in the peak of summer, a modest hotel can be had for $100 and a resort-style property is often within reach of $250.
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Gatlinburg Bypass Scenic Overlooks Gatlinburg Bypass Gatlinburg
This is an option – But not my favorite. Warning – very crowded, but the key here is to arrive early, plan on staying awhile and have patience, but the view will be a huge payoff! Note – There are no bathrooms. Just the overlooks. It is free and open to the public, and the views will be amazing! There are 4 pull offs, but the 2nd and 3rd will have the best views of downtown Gatlinburg and the fireworks display! If you have never been on this road, I suggest driving it first, before you decide to go on New Year’s Eve or for St. Patrick’s.
Margaritaville Island Inn 2735 Parkway Pigeon Forge Tn
This highly rated hotel is right in front of The Island on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. If you get a room with a balcony on the back side, you will have a perfect view of The Island and all the festivities on New Year’s Eve. Not to mention you are in walking distance. A room on the front with a balcony still overlooks the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and is a win-win.
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Is It Better To Stay In Gatlinburg Or Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are both very popular areas to visit in East Tennessee
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Its go time. The showdown weve all been waiting for. Gatlinburg vs Pigeon Forge.
Mano a mano.
Who ya got?
Look, we understand there are no right answers here, everythings subjective unless you pick Sevierville, then we award you no points.
But when it comes to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? With these major tourist destination towns, you cant go wrong.
Its the Beatles vs the Stones.
Its Star Wars vs Star Trek.
Its original Aunt Viv vs surprise theres a new Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil aint noticed a thing.
It is, of course, possible to like both but virtually impossible to not have a favorite. So, lets get scientific with this thing and go to the tale of the tape.
Autumn Because Of The Crowds
Im pretty sure it was Jean Paul Sartre who said to every yen, there is a yang. The beauty of the mountains in the fall is unmatched. It is also not much of a secret.
Every family outing to the mountains in the fall requires a certain kind of calculus.
What combination of backroads and main roads is the right combination to get us where were going in a reasonable time? Can I risk coming in from Exit 407? Should I go through Newport? Do I need to drive through Cosby?
If youre planning a Sunday drive through Cades Cove, what time do you have to be there to beat the after-church crowd? Whats the general status of your patience? Has it been a bit of a week at work?
If the nerves are a little frayed starting out, what are the chances youll find yourself laying on the horn and telling a tourist from Cleveland that deer are everywhere and certainly are not worth blocking the loop for 35 minutes while you gawk at them.
Yelling If you stop for anything less than a bear, I will go full Earnhardt and put your butt in the ditch, is an indication, you picked the wrong day to go to the cove.
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Courtyard Marriott Pigeon Forge
Overlooking the Little Pigeon River, the Courtyard Marriott Pigeon Forge is another family favorite in this area. It sits just off U.S. Route 441 and is only a six-mile drive from Dollywood and a 10-mile drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The property features modern rooms and suites with smart TVs, work desks, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Some also have river views from walk-out balconies. Families like the suites, which add sofa bed sleepers and living space.
The on-site amenities at this property are extensive, and the grounds are well-maintained. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools with sun loungers and a hot tub. There is even a lazy river that kids will love. The fitness center here overlooks the swimming pool and includes a mix of cardio and weight machines.
A restaurant, coffee shop, and convenience store round out the perks.
Eden Crest Cabin Rentals
Its not hard to understand why Eden Crest Cabin Rentals made our list of top places to stay in Pigeon Forge. With rustic decor, unbelievable views of the Smoky Mountains, and amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, a cabin vacation is unlike any other. While in your cabin, soak in the hot tub, take in the views from the private balconies, or enjoy the game rooms, flat-screen TVs, and other forms of entertainment. The cabins also offer a variety of rooms and layouts so you can plan your perfect Pigeon Forge getaway.
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How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Cabin In Gatlinburg Tennessee
The average nightly rate of a cabin in Gatlinburg is $229 per night. This average nightly rate includes use of the entire cabin, its amenities and all of the linens including sheets and towels. A typical family spends 4 nights vacationing in a Gatlinburg cabin, making the total for a 4-night cabin stay $916.
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated
People are considered fully vaccinated*:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnsons Janssen vaccine
If you dont meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
- Before you travel
- Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination.
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Top Destinations In Gatlinburg Vs Pigeon Forge
In addition to the national park and Dollywood, there are so many other fantastic destinations you dont want to miss, from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge. We have put together a list of some of the top places to visit in each city.
Gatlinburg
- Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Enjoy Stunning Mountain Views From A Secluded Cabin Or Chalet
If you really want to soak in the romance of the mountains, choose from some of our amazing cabins and chalets located close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which provide an abundance of outdoor activities for active couples. Eagles Ridge Resort is a mountain retreat offering cabins and chalets, plus a fireplace, whirlpool and hot tub. Another great option is American Patriot Getaways, which gives couples an authentic mountain experience while offering plenty of romantic amenities . Choose from a wide array of cleverly named cabins, like A Touch of Heaven, Endless View, or Little Chateau. Another romantic option is Aunt Bugs Cabin Rentals, which offers charming lodging with tranquil scenery, just a short drive from the restaurants and entertainment in the center of Pigeon Forge.
This fall, head to Pigeon Forge for a romantic getaway for two. Some of the best places to stay in Pigeon Forge for couples are in and around the center of town, making it easy to have spa treatments, candlelight dinners, and secluded mountain views all in one unforgettable fall vacation thats full of romance and relaxation, mountain-style.
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Major Attractions In Both Cities
Another thing to consider when comparing Gatlinburg vs Pigeon Forge is each citys major attraction. For Gatlinburg, the citys biggest draw is how close it is to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Millions of people visit the Smokies each year, making it the most popular national park in the United States. Vacationers will find endless outdoor activities in the park, including 800 miles of hiking trails, scenic auto tours, wonderful picnic areas, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and much more. Gatlinburg is located right at the entrance to the national park.
Pigeon Forges most famous attraction is Dollywood, the awesome theme park named after Smoky Mountain native Dolly Parton. As the largest ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood truly has something for everyone. Guests will find thrill rides, music shows, craft demonstrations, mouthwatering food, and much more. During the summer months, vacationers can also enjoy Dollywoods Splash Country, an incredible water park located next door to Dollywood.
Best Place To See Christmas Lights In Pigeon Forge / Gatlin
Traveling with toddlers. I’ve heard the Christmas lights in Dollywood are great but that there is not much to do there ride-wise for small toddlers . Would I be better off sticking to Christmas lights in downtown Pigeon Forge /Gatlinburg or is it worth the money to just go to Dollywood for the Christmas display? Thanks so much!
My kids are 1.5 and almost 4 if this helps 🙂
8 replies to this topic
Personally, I wouldn’t pay for Dollywood just for Christmas lights. The displays in both towns are wonderful.
The Island in Pigeon Forge has some beautiful Christmas lights.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge both have a lot of light displays up and down the parkway.
Keep in mind a one day admission to Dollywood is $84 so if you were just going to see the lights then it’s probably not worth the price.
The Christmas Place is another great spot for lights.
I think the Island would be a very good idea. Save Dollywood for when the kids are older. There have also been a lot of poor reviews for Dollywood recently due to staff shortages. Wait and enjoy Dollywood when it is at its best. Drive along hwy 441/the Parkway in Pigeon Forge for some great Christmas displays.
If youâre in Gatlinburg at night , Santa Claus-et has a light display set to music , that is a fun stop for a few minutes.
Have fun!
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Pigeon Forge Vs Gatlinburg: The Breakdown
So is it better to stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? Located five miles apart from each other, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have decidedly different approaches to the same goal. Sure, you can play mini golf, gorge on flapjacks and drink a disturbing amount of moonshine in either, but the civic identities couldnt be further apart.
The overall comparison is based in geography.
Gatlinburg is a mountain town that was forced to grow into the nooks, crannies and hollers on the edge of what became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg was built with a vague notion of European influence.
Its a town built for walking, for talking and for sitting down at a meal and having a conversation. While there are plenty of things to keep kids entertained, Gatlinburg at its heart, is for adults mature adults with diversions to keep the young uns from getting riled up and bothering us.
Pigeon Forge is not a mountain town. Its mountain adjacent.
As such its able to stretch its legs and grow. The mini golf courses and race tracks dont have to be carved into the side of a hill. If Gatlinburg is vaguely European, Pigeon Forge has a soupçon of Las Vegas.
Its all neon lights and shiny cars. Its cruisin the strip, seeing things and being seen. Its a happening, hillbilly style.