Birdseed 1 Posted January 11, 2008 Kids age 13, 11, 6. Any fun things to do in July? Places to eat? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baby Jesus 0 Posted January 11, 2008 This thread is gonna be awesome...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yer mom 2 Posted January 11, 2008 I think theres a McDonalds Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Isotopes 1 Posted January 11, 2008 I went there a few years ago. It sucked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MisanthropicAnthropoid 0 Posted January 11, 2008 Well, Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge. Pretty small, but there's some fun stuff to do. I haven't been to Gatlinburg since I was 10, but I remember really enjoying it then (as did my four younger siblings), so I'd say your kids'll probably like it. Don't remember many specifics though (other than watching the Marlins beat the Indians in Game 7 of the Series). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 459 Posted January 11, 2008 They've got a miniature golf course built into the side of the mountain. You ride up to the top of the course in a tramway of sorts and then work your way down...I think it's called "Hillbilly Golf" or something like that. There are lots of other mini-golf places, but that one is the most unique. Smoky Mountains National Park has lots to do. There's a place called Cades Cove where you can rent bicycles for several hours and ride & see some pretty neat historical stuff. The hiking is terrific. There are several very impressive waterfalls that aren't far to hike to. Saw a bear the last time we were there on a hike, but it was a pretty good ways away. I love Gatlinburg. The traffic is ridiculous and very annoying to deal with, but it's a pretty place. Pigeon Forge probably has more restaurants, but the traffic is even worse there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 459 Posted January 11, 2008 Why? It's a great family vacation spot...the kind of place kids love. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cinciman7 2 Posted January 11, 2008 They've got a miniature golf course built into the side of the mountain. You ride up to the top of the course in a tramway of sorts and then work your way down...I think it's called "Hillbilly Golf" or something like that. There are lots of other mini-golf places, but that one is the most unique. Smoky Mountains National Park has lots to do. There's a place called Cades Cove where you can rent bicycles for several hours and ride & see some pretty neat historical stuff. The hiking is terrific. There are several very impressive waterfalls that aren't far to hike to. Saw a bear the last time we were there on a hike, but it was a pretty good ways away. I love Gatlinburg. The traffic is ridiculous and very annoying to deal with, but it's a pretty place. Pigeon Forge probably has more restaurants, but the traffic is even worse there. There's a ton of things to do in Pigeon forge and sevierville, leading into Gatlinburg. Go carts, rides, golf, indoor sky diving, bungie jumping....you name it. Gatlinburg is mostly shopping in town and great hiking surounding it. It's much nicer in the fall with the leaves turning and being a little cooler but I think you'll have a good time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gocolts 300 Posted January 11, 2008 I went several times when I was a kid with my parents. It is a great place to go on vacation. Tons of stuff to do. You probably need to go to Pigeon Forge too as there are lots of things to do there as well. My parents still go there at least 3 times a year. They always get a cabin up on the mountain. You may want to check out some of the cabins and if you decide to go that route, you have to reserve it in advance or you won't get it. You can get cabins with hot tubs, pools, pool tables, all kinds of stuff. And they are plenty big, enough room for a whole family easy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Me_2006 14 Posted January 11, 2008 We've got a chalet in the Smokies and normally go down a few times each fall when the leaves and stuff are changing. The mountain is much nicer if you plan on spending some quiet family time and relaxing a bit but if you're gonna do the tourist thing and "go go go" you'll spend alot of time just driving down the mountain and stuff (although I'd suggest it anyway.) Pigeon Forge has a ton of shows and restaurants, etc and there's a strip with arcades, go-karts, laser-tag, and mini-golf type things. Plenty of restaurants and little novelty shops and although traffic along the strip can be hell, you could probably be better served by just parking (costs a few bucks) and walking the strip. Depending on when in July you're there, there should be a pretty sweet classic car convention going on in town and you can see them all at night along the strip. Although you can find these pretty much anywhere, the IHOP in Gatlinburg is totally awesome, and is where we've grabbed breakfast for the last few years. There's quite a few local restaurants to check out if you're not looking to go the chain route, and it's just good, southern Tennessee food. If the small ones are picky eaters, there's always McDonalds etc to go to, but I'd really suggest trying to hit some of the mom and pop stores. Great food. Great shopping too. Overall, the whole place is kinda "country" for me, although I'm from KY, but it's fun to just sorta let go and enjoy the "Hillbilly" atmosphere. Always look forward to our trips down there. You guys should have a great time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sheadtoo 1 Posted January 12, 2008 We've got a chalet in the Smokies and normally go down a few times each fall when the leaves and stuff are changing. The mountain is much nicer if you plan on spending some quiet family time and relaxing a bit but if you're gonna do the tourist thing and "go go go" you'll spend alot of time just driving down the mountain and stuff (although I'd suggest it anyway.) Pigeon Forge has a ton of shows and restaurants, etc and there's a strip with arcades, go-karts, laser-tag, and mini-golf type things. Plenty of restaurants and little novelty shops and although traffic along the strip can be hell, you could probably be better served by just parking (costs a few bucks) and walking the strip. Depending on when in July you're there, there should be a pretty sweet classic car convention going on in town and you can see them all at night along the strip. Although you can find these pretty much anywhere, the IHOP in Gatlinburg is totally awesome, and is where we've grabbed breakfast for the last few years. There's quite a few local restaurants to check out if you're not looking to go the chain route, and it's just good, southern Tennessee food. If the small ones are picky eaters, there's always McDonalds etc to go to, but I'd really suggest trying to hit some of the mom and pop stores. Great food. Great shopping too. Overall, the whole place is kinda "country" for me, although I'm from KY, but it's fun to just sorta let go and enjoy the "Hillbilly" atmosphere. Always look forward to our trips down there. You guys should have a great time. that chalet is really a trailer in the hills Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saint Elistan 106 Posted January 12, 2008 The Ripley's Aquarium was pretty sweet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Me_2006 14 Posted January 12, 2008 The Ripley's Aquarium was pretty sweet! Hell yeah. The place where the shark apparently went nuts sorta makes you think. The damn conveyor belt is slow though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
art schlichter's bookie 0 Posted January 12, 2008 You can stick your thumb up your azz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Hood 9 Posted January 12, 2008 Kick your Daddy's ass for naming you Sue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old School 360 Posted January 12, 2008 The Ripley's Aquarium was pretty sweet! Pretty cool. While in that area, ride the sky tram up to the top of the mountain for a great view. Ski area during winter, and the ice rink may run throughout the year. Floyd Garrett has a cool muscle car museum. Chinese acrobats put on a really cool show. The kids are probably going to want to hit Dollywood- I've never been there, but I guess it's there for visitors to throw money at. Take a ride into the park- Cades Cove is nice, but it's a one way road- expect a loooong drive through there as everyone stops to look at all the deer, traffic backs up really bad. Take a walk up Clingmans Dome. Check the calander to see if there are any car shows- they are friggin huge- the hotels sell out quickly, the cops are out, and the traffic is a nightmare. If it's summer you can drive over to Marysville and float the river. It's set up where they will drive you up river and you end up back at your car. Theres a ton of shopping/ outlets, so be prepared for the wife to drop extra $ if you let her. If you are taking a family vacation- I'd suggest a renting a Chalet over a hotel. The views in the mountains are unbelievable. Knoxville is not far away- UT sports. Half ass casino not far into North Carolina. I think it's a Harrahs in Cherokee. Ashville North Carolina is a short drive through the mountains- you can tour the Biltmore Estate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Birdseed 1 Posted January 12, 2008 Thanks for the replies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kilroy69 1,035 Posted January 13, 2008 You can stick your thumb up your azz Its Tennessee I am sure if you are into that some nice redneck will do that for ya. Cue banjos da-da-ding-da-ding-da-ding-da-ding Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 459 Posted January 13, 2008 Check the calander to see if there are any car shows- they are friggin huge- the hotels sell out quickly, the cops are out, and the traffic is a nightmare. Funny you should mention that. They had a "Low-Rider" convention the last time we were there and we got stuck in traffic for 3 1/2 hours with nowhere to go. It was miserable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Me_2006 14 Posted January 13, 2008 Funny you should mention that. They had a "Low-Rider" convention the last time we were there and we got stuck in traffic for 3 1/2 hours with nowhere to go. It was miserable. So you just turned on your hydraulics, right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skiptown 0 Posted January 13, 2008 My first thought was: Why would anyone ever willingly go to Tennessee? Good Lord, can't you do better? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rattlesnake 0 Posted January 13, 2008 Awesome family vacation spot. Tons for the kids to do, and the serenity of the mountains is more than enough to appease mom and dad. We stayed at the Laurel Inn. Great accommodations, huge living space, very affordable. What I love most about Gatlinburg (I personally wouldn't stay in Pigeon Forge) is that you can be in the middle of everything and within 5 minutes be totally alone in the mountains walking on some trail. Have a great time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Isotopes 1 Posted January 14, 2008 I hope you like turquoise jewelry and wolf shirts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 459 Posted January 14, 2008 My first thought was: Why would anyone ever willingly go to Tennessee? Good Lord, can't you do better? What's your idea of a good destination? The Smoky Mountains are absolutely beautiful. If you like that sort of thing, it's an awesome spot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gocolts 300 Posted January 18, 2008 Check out the Aquarium. I here that it is greta. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
