Sunrise Ridge with Teens

The favorite activity by far was Ripley's Aquarium. It's right in downtown Gatlinburg on the side of the riverwalk. The long sea-life tunnel walk was great. The teens enjoyed outlet shopping for back-to-school at the outlet shops. Dollywood has lots of live shows during the day to keep sun-weary parents busy while teens do the rides. We went after 3pm and bought our tickets, which were then good all the next day. We ate at the Apple Cider Barn, a must do, even if just the first morning before you grocery shop.

Quick Tips:

We spent our dollars on The Aquarium and Dollywood. Ripley's 4-D theatre thrilled the teens, but three of the four of us thought, "We paid for this?" in the Haunted Mansion. Maybe younger boys would have liked it.

Best Way To Get Around:

Trolleys are convenient, especially for the arts-and-crafts loop. We found the strip pretty easy driving, except for Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. They have a big weekend group.

Best Things Nearby:
The Smokies, Ripley's Aquarium, and Dollywood

Best Things About the Resort:
Sunrise Ridge is close to, but not on, "the strip." You can be busy all day and come back to peaceful surroundings. It had clean, attractive units with washer/dryers.

Resort Experience:
This is a smallish resort with good views and three pools. The indoor pool was a favorite. They had a nice staff, very responsive, but Guest Services was only open from 8am to 8pm, and that may be an issue for those with questions and late and early check-in.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Good

You won't see much advertising for this local favorite, but the food is very good and worth the money. I had eaten there a few years ago, and it did not let me down when we went there for my husband's birthday. Roomy and relaxed, it's good food without the need to move along. They have a bar area as well. My husband also loved the local brews.

Just a quick note to alert you to the cost per person: We did not see the price on any advertisements. We passed this up, but were disappointed that we drove all that way--straight uphill--and felt that the price was too high for a limited attraction. Also, this is all outdoors, so go in good weather.

We recommend going right after 3pm on one day and buying your 1-day ticket, which is then good all the next day. Plan your time around the shows you really want to see and remember that the water rides are the most popular. There are tons of restaurants to choose from, and it's very shaded throughout the park.

At first it seemed small, but it's really not. It's good fun for all ages.