Week in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

An August 2005 trip to Gatlinburg by jcwstephenson

We spent a week in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee doing the touristy things. We ate at some interesting places and found treasures in many unique shops!

  • 10 reviews
Dollywood, Dollywood's Splash Country, Dixie Stampede, Gatlinburg amusements, Pigeon Forge amusements, outlet shopping, specialty shopping, horseback riding, golf, and miniature golf

Quick Tips:

There were racks of promotional brochures everywhere, with coupons. I recommend getting Dixie Stampede reservations before arriving in the area - we were seated practically out the door.

Best Way To Get Around:

There are trams/trolleys in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that make regular stops, and you can pay-per-ride or get an all-day or several-day pass. Other than that, a car is needed to get around to all the different areas.
Best Things Nearby:
There is Dollywood, Splash Country, horseback riding, golf, miniature golf, Gatlinburg amusements, Pigeon Forge amusements, and shopping. There is also a nice little Cobbly Nob convenience store just down the road.

Best Things About the Resort:
The two-bedroom condo had a large living/open kitchen and king-size master with a luxury bath. There is a tennis court and very small pool.

Resort Experience:
This rather rustic resort is one two-story building of 12 units in a very quiet (dark at night) wooded area on the edge of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, but with no mountain view.

The pool and tennis court were within walking distance, but were not in very good shape, and there were no activities scheduled. Most of the units seemed to be unoccupied, and the clubroom was closed. We discovered upon late arrival that the foldout sofa in our unit was broken, but after calling it to their attention, the manager promptly inspected the sofa and then provided us an additional unit at no cost, which was nice since we were counting on sleeping six. The furnishings were adequate and comfortable and the kitchen well-equipped.

We were warned not to feed the bears and told that a mother and three cubs had been coming around the units, but even though we watched diligently in the early evening, we never saw any bears.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Not Available
  • Amenities: Poor
  • Unit Satisfaction: Fair
  • Family Friendliness: Not Available
  • Service: Fair
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Acadia Smoky Mountain Resort
170 Acadia Circle Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-7830

Hard Rock CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a fun place to eat, with rock'n'roll memorabilia on walls and good service. We ate lunch, walked around Gatlinburg, and then came back for dessert for dinner (we were parked nearby).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Hard Rock Cafe
515 Parkway Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-7625

It is in an interesting location, built over/alongside a small river. It is nicely decorated, as they used real tablecloths. I felt that they were very expensive, and they charged $7 to share (a plate set-up). The food was mediocre for the price - the shrimp were tasteless and the chicken was either very bland or so hot with spices it was hard to swallow. My husband said that his steak was good. The servers seemed stand-offish. They advertised live music, but we could not hear any. I would not eat there again.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Robert's on the Water
Highway 312 Gatlinburg, Tennessee

DollywoodBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a very fun place. Everything is clean and in good working order. The lines went fast, so we could ride as much as we wanted. The landscaping is gorgeous! Their tram system from and to parking is very efficient.

They sell MANY things to eat, but they will give you a FREE cup of ice water if you ask for it at any concession.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Dollywood
1020 Dollywood Lane Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863
(865) 428-9488

This was a wonderful water park, with plenty of things to do for all ages/ability levels. Deck chairs were plentiful, many in the shade. There was a free inner tubes for activities and a wristband instant locator system available.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Dollywood's Splash Country
1020 Dollywood Lane Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
865/428-9488

Dixie StampedeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Guests are seated on "North" and "South" sides - supper (great food eaten with your fingers only) is served while show is performed. There are beautiful horses, pretty costumes, and humor. It is slightly different from the Branson version, but not much.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Dixie Stampede
3849 Parkway Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37868
(800) 536-1673

The $17.95 adult ticket was well worth this aquarium - it's new and absolutely beautiful, with fish/creatures in many different settings, some you can touch, and some pools you can view from a clear dome in the middle. There is the Tropical Rainforest, Ocean Realm, Coral Reef, Gallery of the Seas, Stingray Bay, Touch-A-Ray, Discovery Zone, Shark Lagoon (you're underneath the fish in clear tunnels). It’s a must-see.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-8808

These stables are located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are plenty of healthy, well-cared-for horses (most were gentle for novice riders like me) and experienced guides. We rode for an hour ($20/hour) on uphill and downhill trails, beside and through beautiful, sparkling streams and wooded areas. We saw wild turkey, native plants, and no bears.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Smoky Mountain Stables
142 Highway 321 N. Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-5634

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Great Smokies, Gatlinburg Area"

On the stretch of road between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg there are many pull-off places to park and admire the streams and "nature." The mountains are beautiful.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by jcwstephenson on August 16, 2005

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-1200

About the Writer

jcwstephenson
jcwstephenson
Tulsa, Oklahoma

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