gk4ever2
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2008
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Take your time and don't rush things. Sometimes vacations can be ruined by trying to rush from one activity to the next. There are times when it's better to just sit and relax with good company then to be checking up on technology or running around like crazy. Enjoy the peace and quiet
Lexi,
Bryan offers some good advice - there is so much to see and do in the area, that a vacation can become too hectic if you let it. The Smoky Mountains are a great place to visit if you love the outdoors. Here are my recommendations for places to see:
1) Your first stop in the park should be the Sugarlands Visitor Center just shortly after entering the national park on the Gatlinburg side - they have some good brochures on places to visit like waterfalls, maps and other things including souvenirs. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm There is a lot of info on the web site about the park.
2) Drive on the main road thru the park (US 441, the same road as the main road thru Gatlinburg) past the Sugarlands Visitor Center to Newfound Gap - there are some great views here.
3) Drive to Clingmans Dome (the highest spot in the park). The view from the large parking lot is beautiful. Walk up to the viewing platform for a full 360 degree view of the mountains. Note: this area is considerably cooler than in Gatlinburg, maybe 20 degrees or so.
4) Plan a trip on a different day to Cades Cove. It was an old community many years ago, so there are abandoned log cabins and churches, and a working gristmill to see. There is also horseback riding there, and it is an enjoyable ride away from the noise of the cars and people. If you are in Cades Cove around dawn or dusk, you will likely see many deer.
5) On a different day take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - it is a nice drive, and there are places to stop at like log cabins.
6) If you like arts & crafts, definitely see the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. There are many shops where you can see and buy authentic items made by local people (not the cheap imported crap that you typically see in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge). http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/map.html
Items 1, 2 & 3 could be done in the same day. Cades Cove could take most of a day to see, plus the drive from Gatlinburg is about one hour on a winding road. Items 5 & 6 could be done on the same day.
Restaurants I recommend:
- for breakfast, the Pancake Pantry is excellent! http://www.pancakepantry.com/
- for supper, if you like Italian food, try the Best Italian restaurant http://www.bestitalian.com/ - it looks like there are 2 locations now, although I have only tried the "Original" one.
The mountain roads are steep, so use a lower gear to avoid excessive braking (and possibly brake failure).
There are MANY things to see and do - I have named just a few of my favorites. Have fun!
Gene