Wanting to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge but have questions or concerns? No worries! Cabins for YOU has helpful answers to frequently asked questions and insider tips about vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Learn things like how to get around downtown, which indoor attractions are the best, and what to do if you see a bear! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong traveler to the Gatlinburg area, our helpful advice is here to guide your way to a memorable vacation.
7 Questions to Ask When Planning YOUR Smoky Mountain Vacation
There are a lot of things to think about when planning a Smoky Mountain vacation. How much can you spend, where do you want to stay, what do you want to do, and what will you eat? Thankfully, there are plenty of options to suit any type of vacation in Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge — from affordable restaurants and sprawling cabins to fun attractions and country shops. Check out our top 7 questions to ask when planning your Smoky Mountain vacation to get started!
- Should we stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Only 6 miles apart, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are easily the most well-known cities in the Smokies, and when you book your stay with Cabins for YOU, you can choose a cabin rental in either one.
- Gatlinburg | In Gatlinburg, the atmosphere feels a bit calmer than Pigeon Forge. Look for boutiques and specialty stores at The Village and craft shops on the Arts and Crafts Loop. You’ll also enjoy close access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the all-inclusive attraction Ober Gatlinburg, and Ripley’s attractions galore on the Parkway.
- Pigeon Forge | If you’re looking for an upbeat, touristy place to stay, try Pigeon Forge. Shop for your favorite brands at The Island, Red Roof Mall, and outlets. You’ll also be close to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, which are easily 2 of the most popular attractions in all of the Smokies.
- Are the kids coming with us?
There aren’t many travel destinations as family-friendly as the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy huge arcades in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and all-in-one attractions with rides, shops, restaurants, and even toddler-friendly sections at The Island and Ober Gatlinburg. Pack up a family picnic and enjoy time outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or spend the day at Dollywood, where you find roller coasters, live shows, Southern restaurants, and museums. In short, if you’re wondering whether to bring the kids for a family vacation in the Smokies, the answer is YES!
- Are we bringing the dog?
When we say the Smokies is family-friendly, we mean the entire family! Yes, you can even bring the family dog when you book your stay in the Smokies! Cabins for YOU has plenty of pet-friendly cabins in a variety of sizes and locations to best accommodate your needs. Plus, there are pet-friendly trails, parks, and attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
- How much space do we need?
Are you bringing the entire family — the kids, Grandma, Uncle Stu, and all? Meeting a small group of friends for the weekend? Perhaps you’re in charge of planning the church retreat this year or a wedding party getaway. We have Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg cabins to match whatever size group you’ve got in the works. Check out our large group cabins for a massive family reunion or look through our wide range of small group cabins with activities and amenities galore. And there are plenty of group activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
- Should we eat out or cook at the cabin?
No matter where you stay — Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg — you’ll find delicious restaurants where you can take a date or the entire family. Enjoy steakhouses and fine dining restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or look for comfort foods and Southern classics like fried chicken, pancakes, and buttery biscuits with gravy.
Don’t forget that when you stay at one of our Smoky Mountain cabins, you’ll have the option to cook in the cabin. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a private dining experience in the Smokies. Not to mention, in many of our cabins with mountain views, you can enjoy better scenery from your very own dining room than any downtown restaurant! So cook in, eat out, or plan to do both during this year’s visit to the Smokies.
- Will we spend a lot of time at the cabin?
You’ll care more about the long list of amenities your cabin has to offer if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the cabin. So if that sounds like your group, then look for a Gatlinburg cabin or a Pigeon Forge cabin with game tables, a private home theater, and even a private indoor pool! If your group would rather sip coffee on the porch, look for a cabin with mountain views. Or if a cozy evening around the fire suits your style, check out our cabins with indoor fireplaces or outdoor firepits.
- What’s our budget?
Finally, ask yourself whether you’ll be on a budget during this year’s Smoky Mountain vacation. At Cabins for YOU, we have budget-friendly cabins for couples and families. There are affordable options for getting around town, and the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide tons of options for affordable entertainment like mountain coasters, tubing down the river, and FREE access into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike and bike. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something fun to do in the Smokies!
FAQs
Getting Around in the Smokies
Which airports are nearby?
McGhee Tyson Airport (serving larger aircraft 12 miles south of Knoxville) and Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (serving private and smaller aircraft in Sevierville) are your best bets locally.
How do we get around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Driving and walking are the top 2 ways, but if you’re looking to check out all the sights and forget about the woes of GPS, take the trolleys! Routes run throughout each city and fares cost as little as $1 per person. And the best part is Parkway rides in Gatlinburg are FREE in summer!
How is the traffic in town?
As with any city, traffic can be a bit congested during major holidays and annual events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Make sure to understand what exciting events will be in town before you arrive and plan your drives accordingly, leaving plenty of time to reach your destination.
Outdoor Fun
What kind of outdoor activities are in the Smokies?
TONS — hiking, biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, ziplining, scenic helicopter rides, and oh-so-much more! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to start. Want to see wildlife, like white-tailed deer, raccoons, turkeys, foxes, and black bears? Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove or follow a hiking trail during the early morning or late afternoon.
When is the best time to visit?
Year-round: spring for wildflowers, summer for outdoor fun, fall for colorful leaves, and winter for cozy cabin eves! Avoid crowds in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge by steering clear of popular events, holidays, and busy seasons that are typically in early January, summertime (June – August), October, and November.
What if I come across a black bear?
Do NOT play dead, run, or turn away! Slowly back away facing and talking (in a low tone) to the bear. If it persistently follows you (without vocalizing or pawing), change direction, make yourself look large, and intimidate the bear with aggression, throwing non-food objects (like rocks) at it if necessary. If it is after your food, separate yourself from the food. Note: attacks on humans are extremely rare but possible. If you’re attacked, fight back!
Are there any outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
You betcha! Below are some of our favs.
- Stroll across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge — aka the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America!
- Duel zipline, meander through Vista Gardens and shop in Firefly Village at Anakeesta, a mountaintop aerial adventure park.
- Watch lumbermen show off their incredible skills, then try a few challenges yourself at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud & Adventure Park.
- Soar through the forest (and see adorable goats) at The Coaster at Goats on the Roof.
- Play at Dollywood, the area’s famed amusement park, and keep cool in summer at Splash Country!
- Get lost (figuratively) on The Island in Pigeon Forge, a popular shopping and entertainment complex.
- Ski, snowboard, and snow tube in chilly months at Ober Gatlinburg.
- Zoom to the finish line aboard European go-karts at the Xtreme Racing Center!
- Hop into a giant hamster ball and zorb down the course at the only Outdoor Gravity Park in the States.
Indoor Fun
What can we do on a rainy day?
Play at indoor attractions (there are plenty!) in downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge or take a scenic drive around Cades Cove in the national park (as long as it’s not pouring). Better yet, book a cabin rental with a private indoor pool, a fully loaded rec room, and a home theater…trust us, you won’t want to leave rain or shine!
Are there any fun indoor attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Oh yeah, here are a few recommendations.
- Spend time under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Plus, Ripley’s has an indoor odditorium, moving theater, mirror maze, haunted house, and a world records adventure in town!
- Break out of prison, find the missing masterpiece, and repair your spaceship…before it’s too late at The Escape Game.
- Laugh, chuckle, and slap your knees at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre.
- Check out a few Batmobiles, the VW Bumblebee, cars from Fast & Furious, and more at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
- Fly, climb, and transform into a ninja at TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena.
- Make snow angels and snow tube down 15 lanes year-round at Pigeon Forge Snow!
- Play mini-golf for 19 holes, drink milkshakes and grab candy to-go at Crave Golf Club.
- Learn how to fly without the fear at Flyaway Indoor Skydiving — America’s first vertical wind tunnel.
- Eat and be entertained at Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Pirates Voyage dinner shows.
Places to Eat & Shop
Where are the best places to eat breakfast/lunch/dinner?
Pancake houses, family-style restaurants, and date-night steakhouses are just the start of yummy eateries in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.
- Breakfast
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- Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
- Log Cabin Pancake House
- Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast
- Reagan’s House of Pancakes
- Lunch
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- No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina
- Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
- Mama’s Farmhouse
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
- Dinner
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- Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse
- The Peddler Steakhouse
- Timberwood Grill
- The Old Mill Restaurant
Where can we sample local moonshine and wine?
Wine samples are typically FREE, and moonshine sips run around $5 in these parts. Along with the many spirited establishments, you can tackle the Rocky Top Wine Trail that features 5 wineries around Pigeon Forge plus free gifts! In Gatlinburg, kick up the nightlife at Ole Red that boasts live music and fun cocktails.
- Moonshine
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- Ole Smoky Barn on The Island
- Old Forge Distillery
- Ole Smoky Moonshine (aka The Holler)
- TN Shine Company
- Wine
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- Mountain Valley Vineyards
- Mill Bridge Winery
- Smoky Mountain Winery
- Gatlinburg Wine Cellar
Where are the best places to shop in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
From local crafts and Christmas decorations to country chic clothing and unique souvenirs, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have a lot to offer eager shoppers.
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
- The Village Shops
- Mountain Mall
- Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall
- The Island
- The Old Mill Square
- Three Bears General Store
- The Incredible Christmas Place
Accommodations
Where’s the best place to stay in the Smokies?
A Smoky Mountain cabin stay can’t be beaten. With 450+ cabin rentals ranging from 1-16 bedrooms with loads of amenities — including mountain views, private indoor pools, outdoor hot tubs, home theaters, and rec rooms — in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Cabins for YOU is the largest cabin rental company in the area. We also have the only Rewards Program where you can earn FREE nights!
Opt for budget-friendly or luxury or something in between. There are pet-friendly cabins and even cabins within walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg attractions! Vacation Specialists are ready to help via the Options for YOU form or over the phone at 1.800.684.7865. Or you can book online yourself — easy-peasy!
What should I pack?
In addition to the usuals, like undergarments, pajamas, chargers, and your favorite face cream, you’ll want to pack a few essentials when staying in a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin and exploring the area.
Keep in mind every Cabins for YOU rental features a fully equipped kitchen, so you don’t need to pack cooking tools or dishes. We also provide a starter kit that has enough toiletries and other items (including a coffee kit) to get your vacation started with ease. And remember you can always pop into town for anything left behind!
What-to-pack items can vary by season but generally include the following.
- Walking shoes/hiking boots
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Refillable water bottles
- Umbrella/poncho
- Layers (jackets, sweaters, hats, etc.)
- Swimsuits for outdoor/indoor pools
- Laundry detergent & dryer sheets
- Cooler for picnics
- Camera
- Laptop/tablet
- Books
- Board & card games
- Pet toys, bowls & beds
- Your favorite coffee/tea
- Ingredients for meals
- Extra toiletries (toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc.)
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Feel free to reach out to our Cabins for YOU Vacation Specialists at 1.800.684.7865. We’re experts on the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area and would love to help plan your memorable Smoky Mountain vacation!