Gatlinburg R & R

We are many time returnees to Gatlinburg and three-time returnees to Gatlinburg Town Square. We love staying here, as it affords some privacy from the main Parkway (3-4 blocks away), yet is close enough to walk to the many shops, resturants and amusement facilities on the Parkway. Your family will certainly enjoy a trip to nearby (5 miles) Pigeon Forge, where you can take in Dollywood, Splash Country, Dixie Stampede or just go go-carting or bungee jumping if thrill-seeking is a part of your trip.

Quick Tips:

Take time to browse the many quaint gift shops and cafes in the area. One of my personal favorite areas is "The Village." It is located right on the Parkway. A fun place for shopping for the ladies is "Another Me Clothier" located in The Village. There is also a Thomas Kinkade Gallery, always a wonderful place to "browse and wish."

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is certainly the best mode of transportation when enjoying the Parkway in Gatlinburg, and there are pay parking lots nearby if you are not staying at a local resort/motel. A car is necessary to visit nearby Pigeon Forge (a must on any trip to Gatlinburg) or the nature areas of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There are scooter and tiny electric car rentals available if you want to try something different.

We obviously love staying at Gatlinburg Town Square, as this was our third visit to this resort. The supplies, i.e., linens, towels, dinnerware, dishwashing detergent, etc., were more than adequate. Beds are comfortable, and bathroooms are large. The gas log fireplace controlled with a wall switch is especially convenient for chilly nights or mornings. The grounds are beautiful with flowers, rocking chairs, etc. The amenities including indoor and outdoor pools are well kept. Even the smell of the cedar railings as one walks on the property is enticing and welcoming. The large waterfall near the glass elevators is relaxing and certainly fun for the children.

Best Things Nearby:
Great restaurants, amusements, shops, and natural surroundings are all within walking distance.

Best Things About the Resort:
This timeshare has three-bedroom units with privacy for 8. Very large sleeping loft is comfortable, and there are three full baths in the three-bedroom units. Supplies including linens, kitchen items, etc. were more than adequate. Amenities including grounds are well kept and include covered parking and elevator. There is an outdoor pool and spa and also a very large indoor pool for year-round use. Walkways are covered and well lit.

Resort Experience:
This resort is approximately 3-4 blocks from the Parkway in Gatlinburg, close enough to walk, yet far away enough for quiet privacy. We saw more maintenance and security people at this resort than is usually seen, and all staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We have already been to this resort three times and will certainly go again. It is a favorite of our family.

• Unit Type: 3 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

On every family trip to Gatlinburg, we always make at least one breakfast stop at Bennett's for the sumptuous breakfast buffet. The buffet includes bacon, country sausage and sausage links. Of course there are the usual breakfast staples of biscuits, gravy, grits, eggs, pancakes, etc. There is a wonderful fresh fruit bar (some in our group especially enjoyed the fresh mango). Babies are welcome; there were two in our group. We sometimes enjoy dinner at Bennett's. The BBQ and salad bar are always wonderful, and we never leave less than full-tummied.

We have rarely had to wait more than a few minutes, even on holidays or special event weekends. Vacation discount cards or coupons are honored and can save you a bit on the price. Servers keep the coffee coming and are always pleasant.

Take time to stroll outside the restaurant and enjoy the beautiful river, though be careful. Bennett's and adjacent river are near the beginning of Gatlinburg at the foothills of the National Park, and there is always the possibility of encountering a bear or other wildlife looking for dinner, too.

Our family had left for home, leaving my husband and me in Gatlinburg for few days to rest and unwind. What a great place to begin our intimate little time together. This was our first trip to Cherokee Grill, but will certainly not be our last. It was a great place for a quiet dinner with outstanding food.

My husband had the ribeye, and I had their "Prosperity Steak," which they claim to be their most popular steak. Both entrees were immediately declared delicious by both of us. My steak was served with a Worcestershire butter that certainly added to the steak's great flavor, and both steaks were cooked to perfection as requested. Our server suggested the Cheddar dressing for our house salad, and we were not disappointed at all. The salad and cheese dressing were great, especially with the bacon that was on the salad.

There is a large fireplace in the dining area that helps one to unwind, and the restaurant is right on the Parkway, so you can browse the many shops and "walk your dinner off" if you desire. You can go across the street and ride the Aerial Tramway if adventure is your goal, or you can choose the Baskin-Robbins across the street if satisfying your ice cream cravings are part of your indulgences. Either way you choose, dinner at Cherokee Grill is a great way to start or end your evening in Gatlinburg on the Parkway.

Applewood is my family's favorite choice of restaurants in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Be prepared for a wait, but this can be minimized by avoiding dinner rush hours. This trip we had a late lunch/early dinner at about 2pm and only had to wait approximately 10 minutes to be seated.

Once seated, it seems the dinner courses never end. An apple julep starts your dining experience with apple fritters served with delicious apple butter, hot yeast rolls, soup and salad next before you. Try not to eat too many fritters, because dinner is still on the way. The menu includes lots of "Southern favorites". Our family enjoys everything from chicken and dumplings to pork chops and pork tenderloin. My personal favorite is the turkey and dressing. The vegetable side dishes are served family style. As if you could hold it, the dinner price also includes dessert, but your server knows you probably can't hold it right now, so you are given the option of carrying it with you, which is usually the choice of our group. The servers also will bring you doggy bags to clear your table of the leftover fritters, rolls and anything else left on the table.

After dinner or even while waiting to be seated, one can browse the wonderful "barn" gift shop, creamery, fudge shop, etc. on the grounds. Plan to allow yourself at least a couple of hours or more for a wonderful dining and shopping experience. You can take home apples fresh from their orchard or even some of their famous apple butter. I chose the apple/cinnamon/raisin bread, which we later snacked on in our room. Don't miss this experience on your Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge trip.