Lord help me...

[LandLockedBeachLover]

So I decided to give my parents a Christmas present of a mini-trip somewhere close to us (St. Louis area), suggesting Chicago, KC or perhaps even Branson (which is bad enough). They LOVE being with the grandkids, so I thought I'd sacrifice these 4 nights for the "greater good" since I'm on vacation that week between Holidays anyway.

Well, it backfired. They picked, Lord help me, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN . Now I say "Lord help me" not wanting to offend any of you Smoky Mountain dwellers out there. Perhaps its not as bad as I think. I have visions of Dollywood, Country Music shows, miniature put-put courses, Ripley's museums and more fried chicken per capita than should be. Am I wrong?? Someone tell me its not going to be that bad! It sure as Hell isn't the VI! I'm so depressed. This trip, and still no countown ticker for me. Urgh.

[captainjay]

I feel your pain. My sister and niece from New Mexico, and my brother from New Orleans and his girlfriend are staying at our house for Christmas. My other sister and her kids will be at my parents nearby. Can you say Griswald's christmas. Don't get me wrong it will be good to see them, but you could film a reality based sequel just following us around.

Tell Dolly we said high.


Jay

[mrsb]

Uhhm... I couldn't help but notice someone from St Louis is complaining about TN???

Just ask Bandit how wonderful it is.

Back to my hole now.

BTW, this stuff goes on the off topic forum now.

[LandLockedBeachLover]

MrsB - Right! I live in St. Louis and my VACATION is going to be in TN! Isn't that depressing enough?!?

At any rate, love TN! Just not this particular area, for any of you that have ever been to the "commercial nightmare" that is Pigeon Forge! I can't imagine any St. John lovers would be fans...

[Teresa_Rae]

I love Tennessee and as a kid my favorite place in the world to go on vacation was Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Sevierville...it's been over a decade since I've been there though so I don't know how it has changed.

Have you picked a place to stay yet? There are some neat cabins in the Smoky Mountains.

[LMG]

I love Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains (though I've only been once) and Dolly, so I can't offer much empathy. It's not the islands but it has it's merits. I know nothing about Pigeon Forge though, so you're probably right on there.

[sea-nile]

I have heard good things about Gatlinburg from non-tourist trap people, so maybe it will be OK in some areas. I hate tourist traps too, but usually you can find parks and lakes etc, on the outskirts. Kind of like the Wisconsin Dells.

[jayseadee]

It's everything you think, but there is some beautiful scenery in that area. I also remember some really good restaurants - but it's been 10+ years since we lived down that way.

As mentioned, there are some really neat cabins off the beaten path.

One thing you didn't mention - is Shopping! Pigeon Forge is heaven to outlet shoppers.

[XOXO]

Too funny! I don't like tourist traps either. How old are your kids? I bet they will love it and Grandpa and Grandma will just love sharing their little piece of heaven with them.

Where is the off-topic forum?

Gina

[Pianogrl]

We used to go to Gatlinburg every year for many years when I was a kid. It is so beautiful....great memories from the Smokey Mountains. I'm sure lots has changed but it's beautiful in those mountains!

[Ken]

It is easy enough to stay out of the commercial stuff - especially if you like sitting around your cabin enjoying the scenery, playing board games, hiking, etc. The scenery is beautiful. Take a look here at some options for cabins. We used to go frequently, haven't been in over 5 years, but you can certainly make it fun.

http://www.covemountain.com/

Ken

[LandLockedBeachLover]

Yes, I am much improved on the whole idea today vs. yesterday. I think I might try for a diversion day to the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, NC. Which is very cool.

Even though, yes, a cabin in the mountains would be beautiful - - that's part of the problem. We are ALL (3 adults, 2 kids) in ONE hotel room. A SUPER 8! Do you see where I'm coming from now? It was my parents' choice. Oh well. Togetherness.

We'll make the best of it. My kids (9 & 11) will have fun with all the amusements. However, I've heard its a dry county - - say it isn't so!! At least I know they don't serve alcoholic beverages at Dixie Stampede

[Nic in KC]

My husband and I spent a week there last November. We had a gorgeous cabin, away from the strip back in the woods. We loved every minute. We spent a morning at the aquarium which was the best one I've ever been too. Strolled the strip for a bit that day and only went back on the strip to eat dinner one night. The rest of the time we spent in the National Park. I think very few people actually do that! We hiked different trails, shared picnics with bottles of wine by streams with very few people around etc. Visited shops that were off the beaten path, cooked dinner in our cabin and sat in the hottub on the balcony. It was very relaxing! Not St. John, but still great! We hardly set foot in the tourist trap areas. Seeing the black bears roaming in the forest were a big high light.

And, we drove right through St. Louis, had to stop so hubby could have White Castle a big childhood memory and then Trader Joe's. If you enjoy wineries at all there a dozens along the highway to TN. We stopped at a few. By the time we headed home we had 4 cases of different wines in the back of our SUV.

So, moral of the story, is we loved it! If you are interested in renting a cabin vs a hotel, PM me. The company we rented from owns three cabins and one is large enough to accomodate your group and is AWAY from the strip on many acres.

Nic

[AnyTing]

I have visions of Dollywood, Country Music shows, miniature put-put courses, Ripley's museums and more fried chicken per capita than should be. Am I wrong??

Nope. Coming from someone that lives about 30 minutes away, that pretty much sums it up. Except that you forgot the giant knife museum, laser tag and go carts, fireworks outlets, and a pancake restaurant every 20 yards.

Seriously, I feel your pain. While the Smoky Mountains have many redeeming qualities, Pigeon Forge is not one of them, in my opinion. However, since you seem to have no choice, I can probably help you find some good choices of restaurants and places to go/things to do that you will enjoy. I am over there to shop (there is one really great outlet mall....) at least once a month.

The good news is: Kids LOVE Pigeon Forge. The bad news is: Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are dry. No liquor stores and only beer in restaurants. However, Gatlinburg is not, so head there when you've had too much laser tag and pancakes and need a good stiff drink.

I'll PM you with some info. if you'd like.

[flip-flop]

Giant knife museum, laser tag and pancakes every 20 yards! I AM IN! Sign me up