[villagetinker]

We have some friends that want to meet and vacation in Dolly-wood, TN. So having never been there, I am looking for any information.
Where to stay or NOT to stay.
Other things to see in the area.
Places to eat or NOT to eat.
I am anticipating flying to the area, as it looks like a 10+ hour drive, but again I would like advice on this also.
Any other words of wisdom or caution would also be appreciated.
Anticipated trip is sometime in August.
Thank you in advance, VT.

[kstew43]

Drive....the road trip is awesome. The mountain roads and little shops along the way are worth the effort.

Stay on the strip. Hampton was the best. There is a trolly that goes up and down the strip all day long, we get on and never get off.

There are plenty of shows, same as Orlando. Food and music. Jump on the internet and search what interests you.

Dollywood hotel is mega expensive, but if its a one time thing, go for it. Renting a cabin is even better.

Try to get a hotel that has balconys facing the roadway.

Enjoy...

[TNGary]

Do visit clingsmans dome Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
It is in the smoky mountains Nat park and accessible by paved walkway. SMNP is free and the most visited NP in the US. Go to the visitors center at sugarland which is at the center of the park. A also numerous other hiking trails if you enjoy such.

[billethkid]

Be sure to investigate the Dolly Parton dinner show.
It used to be called The Dixie Stampede....I think it is now The Stampede (apparently some folks were offended by the name "dixie").

Just an all around fun couple of hours....very upscale rodeo like entertainment while being served a southern dinner.

There are very many motels all along the main road....just pick one closest to where you want to be.

The main drag in town of Sevierville where Dollywood is located is like a big midway....be sure to walk it and take it all in at night. Very, VERY different character......FUN!!!!!!!!!!

[joec3]

look on vacation rentals by owner website for cabins to rent.

[CFrance]

I agree with kstew. The drive is awesome. You could always break it up into two 5-hour days.

This is great information. Any more suggestions of places to stop along the way? I would love a road trip.

[kstew43]

Originally Posted by fw102807

This is great information. Any more suggestions of places to stop along the way? I would love a road trip.

some of my fav's

Cherokee, NC.....Smokey Mountain Railway..Bryson City, Helen, Ga... Dillard, Clayton Ga, Sky Valley.....

the lists go on and on..

You can antique shop till you drop.... and if it looks dumpy... go inside anyway...they sometimes have the best finds....

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Regarding the drive being awesome...it doesn't get awesome until you are about an hour northeast of Atlanta after having fought your way up I-75 for six hours or so.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by billethkid

The main drag in town of Sevierville where Dollywood is located is like a big midway....be sure to walk it and take it all in at night. Very, VERY different character......FUN!!!!!!!!!!

I think Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge.

[billethkid]

Investigate touring the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC.
As has been said the drive and surroundings are fantastic.

The Biltmore mansion is a must see if one is anywhere nearby.

[The20Percent]

We are originally from that immediate area and still have a home in Seiverville that we go back to. You’ve already been given a lot of great advice on the area and attractions.

If you’re interested in a really memorable place to stay though, we just purchased a three story log cabin that sleeps up to 14 that we completely refurbished five months ago with all new furniture, appliances, flooring, movie theater and much more. It’s in a gated resort only 1-1/2 miles off the main parkway in Pigeon Forge and at the last traffic light before you start heading up the beautiful drive to Gatlinburg. The views from this cabin decks and windows are amazing! September is a great time to visit. Being brand new to the rental market we presently have many dates available for that month. We also don’t mind giving a fellow villager a 10% discount. Just pm me if interested and I will be happy to send you a promo code along with a link to our new cabin.

You can’t help but have a great time in the Smoky Mountains!

[EviesGP]

I haven't been there in some years, so I'm sure some of these replies are more dated. But, when I visited there, I really liked the Smoky Mountain National Park, which you can drive thru, and end in Cherokee, NC. And, also Gatlinburg had some nice attractions.

[TNGary]

If you plan to go to mass there is a very beautiful church St Mary's a block of 2 off the main drag in gatlinburg
Saint Mary Catholic Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
See the photo on the link, plus a great place to park, as parking can be limited in gatlinburg. Free is you go to the mass otherwise $5 for the day with come and go flexibility.

[villagetinker]

ALL, thank you for your comments, however the trip has been delayed to next spring, so I have a lot more time to research.