Gatlinburg review

So some of you may recall my request for recommendations here LINK

Finished the trip and thought I would share my thoughts for those who are looking in the future:

- If you have never been, throw out whatever conceptions you have of Gatlinburg and Pigeon forge you may have. They are both tourist traps and have little inkling of charm. They are meant for mouth breathers who like buying stupid souvenirs or families who need activities for their children. I can easily admit I would be back for my kids. Go karts and putt putt golf galore
- Spent night at cabin found on vrbo. Highly recommend going that route to get away
- My favorites:
- Cade's Cove: highly recommend. With the hike we did to Abram Falls it took about 5 hours.
- also really enjoyed driving through the park via 441hwy. Great views.
- Fly Fishing. We used Fly Fishing in the Smokies as our guide. Reasonably priced and well suited for beginners or experts alike
- Hiked Chimney Tops and Rainbow Falls. Chimney Tops was fairly arduous. And I consider myself in decent shape
- The Peddler was overrated. Steaks were over cooked and over priced
- Old Mill area of Pigeon Forge was the only thing worth seeing there. Food at the restaurant was well portioned and well priced
- Pancake Pantry was mediocre. My gf loves pancakes and didn't see the appeal.
- Ober: maybe I have been spoiled with other ski resorts but this place is a shite hole. Felt old and crummy.
- really liked the NOC store. Also found a really cool shop in the Village called the Day Hiker. Very nice folks

In summary, if you are young and want to get away, go for the Smoky Mountains and outdoors. Don't go for Gatlinburg or PF