Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a Trolley transportation system. A nominal ride fare is paid each time you board the trolley. The Gatlinburg Trolley does offer a $2.00 all day pass. The trolley system eliminates the need for finding your way to the attractions and finding a place to park. However, the trolley does limit the amount of extras you can carry with you.   The trolley stops at the doorstep of some lodging locations, so ask when you book your lodging. 

 

I have no specific recommendations on the available food service. I will say this that you have a choice of everything from fine dining to a funnel cake. Most people like to decide what to eat and where to eat when they are hungry. For all you planners out there, here are two links that will give you a partial list of restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

 

The list of available attractions and activities is extensive, so there is no easy answer for making the best choices for your itinerary. In advance of your trip, you should contact the Pigeon Forge Visitors Bureau and the Gatlinburg Visitors Bureau to request “visitor” packets. You can review the brochures, and ask your “group “to vote on their favorites. That way you can schedule the most popular ones. 

 

We recently visited five:  Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, The Space Needle, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Keep in mind that Dollywood and the National Park will each require a full day to do it right. Set aside no less that ½ day for visiting the Aquarium and Ober Gatlinburg. 

 

The Aquarium was highly recommended to us; and after visiting it, I will say that we are prepared to recommend it to others as well. Our mid-week visit was not crowded. We had plenty of room for moving from exhibit to exhibit. The coral reef exhibit and dive show, scheduled at different times throughout the day, were highlights of the afternoon for us.   Adults and children just loved the entertaining and informative shows.

 

 

Ober Gatlinburg was a special attraction, too. A sky tram cable car “boarding platform” is located in the southern section of downtown Gatlinburg. The tram climbs out of town and up Mount Harrison, providing a spectacular view of the valley below and the mountainside. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain, you can purchase admission tickets to a variety of rides and activities. There is even an indoor ice rink.

 

    

 

We visited the new Ober Gatlinburg Black Bear exhibit and talked to the curator, Lisa Hays. The exhibit area is currently going through an expansion project that will add a river otter exhibit.

 

             

 

 

If you like amusement parks, Dollywood will keep you smiling. The park has plenty of rides, shows, games, and food vending to satisfy all.

 

In regard to other attractions and activities, the kids will want to do it ALL.   Parents should decide if it is a good idea to schedule mini-golf and go-karts, in addition to some key attractions. Just keep in mind that you always have the swimming pool at the motel/hotel as a “fall back” position when the kids or your spouse get cranky!

 

Speaking of activities, the craft shops along the main street in Gatlinburg, the outlets in Pigeon Forge, and roadside specialty shops that line the highway will catch the eye of you “shoppers”. Don’t be surprised if you take home a few unplanned purchases. I talked to one gentleman at the Inn who was making plans to ship home some things his “shoppers” purchased.

 

Now, back to our most recent stay at The Inn at Christmas Place. For my wife and me, the Inn was a comfortable “themed” destination. The minute we stepped through the door into the lobby,we experienced what I may not be able to explain with words. The atmosphere inside the Inn puts you at ease, and you feel at home. My wife said she sees a magical place where she can see can escape all her cares. I on the other hand, see a rustic mountain chalet with cathedral ceilings and welcoming fireplaces. She hears the calming background music that fills her mind with holiday thoughts.   I hear friendly voices of other guests and staff, as I sink into the comfortable couch beside the Christmas tree.   We are sure that each visitor’s experience will be personal and special. 

 

 

    

 

You know you made a good lodging choice when you start to feel guilty for spending so much time there.   Yes, selecting the right place to stay can make all the difference on your next vacation.

 

The Inn at Christmas Place has all the four-star amenities, and each room is adorned with Christmas decorations. The staff is exceptional, the entire place is spotless, the grounds are groomed to perfection, and the beds are so comfortable that  they get hold of you and will not let go. When staying at the Inn, we liked the early morning hours best. A refreshing cup of coffee, while seated on the outdoor patio, was a great way to start the day.

 

The Inn serves a full breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. that will challenge your will power. I am not talking about a tall stack of donuts next to coffee service, no sir! How about scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, waffles, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, donuts, and two types of juices! You can even have a made to order omelet! We never missed a chance to enjoy the breakfast service.

 

The pools, indoor and outdoor, have the “kid endorsed” seal of approval. The beautiful indoor pool and hot tub are open “24-7”.  The outdoor pool, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., has a winding waterslide that provides a perfect place for kids to burn up some excess energy. Parents and Grandparents can watch from nearby.

 

When all the Christmas trimmings at the Inn get you in the right mood, you may have the urge to do some shopping. Right across the road from the Inn at Christmas Place, you will find The Incredible Christmas Place.  It is a LARGE, multiple room Christmas Shop extravaganza. Everything imaginable is there.  

 

We shopped the Christmas Place in the August heat; but once inside the shop, we were overwhelmed by the holiday spirit. Even if you have everything you may need for Christmas decorating, make the short walk across the highway and check out the atmosphere.  It is worth the effort. 

 

The best time to visit the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in East Tennessee is when you have the time and resources to do so. Like many popular destinations, national holiday schedules, and vacation times tend to concentrate vacationers. For travelers who have flexible schedules and the desire to avoid the big crowds, seek some advice from the visitor bureau professionals. They will suggest timing options.

 

To find your way to following locations, just click any of the links below and follow the instrctions to get a map and driving directions.

 

Galtinburg, Pigeon Forge, The Inn at Christmas Place, Ripley's Acquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg Sky Tram, The Space Needle, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park