re: Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge - 2 full days

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We love cool/classic restaurants,

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ZERO.

I love Gatlinburg but you have to understand fully what you are getting into. The town itself is one massive tourist trap of t-shirt shops and saltwater taffy shops. Ooodles of stuff to waste your money on.

It is then surrounded by the busiest national park, full of "nature" as you watch an RV belch out the richest burn smoke like the Exxon Valdeez.

I love it there, but I have to mentally prepare myself. Buckberry Lodge has great food if the restaurant is open after the big fire. "The Sinks" is a load of fun to walk around and stick your feet in the water (too cold this time of year to swim) and my favorite part of the park. The road to The Sinks usually has black bears in the adjacent creek.

Also consider the far side of the park in NC, it's way lower key and less touristy. Some good breweries and quiet spots.