re: Gatlinburg vacation ideas

It's going to be a mess the week of Christmas, the town isn't built with roads to handle the masses of people that will be there, so good luck. The aquarium is surprisingly nice. I don't like Ober Gatlinburg but it is *something* to do if desperate. I recommend the restaurant at the buckberry creek lodge if looking for a nicer dinner away from the family places. Asheville is short drive away if you have any interest in the Biltmore House.