re: Thoughts on Pigeon Forge

quote:

---

Pancake Pantry.

---

Was there back in the fall.

My thoughts; there are too damn many people, and it's very touristy. Not going back.

We went this past year. I hadn't been in probably 15-20 years and was expecting it to be like I remembered.

It wasn't. Seemed like a lot of the shops were now run by Indian people who really don't give a shite how the stores exterior looks or what is sold in the store.

They do have a new area called The Island that is kind of cool for a night or two.

I do plan on going back but we will spend 90% of our time, this time, in the mountains or venturing out to Cades Cove, Asheville, etc

is twitty city still around there? conway twitty's version of Dollywood?

frick that dude, it's like a cold Laplace

I like WNC and North Georgia better.



I keep telling my wife we're retiring to Rabun County, GA.

For a vacation I would split time between Asheville and Highlands, NC. Hiking and rafting and bear spotting for the kids, great shopping for the women, and most importantly the whole area is full of absolutely stunning golf courses. The mountain courses look a lot tougher than they really are. The deceptive slopes let average golfers launch 400yd drives.

Stay in Gatlinburg or Townsend and drive into Pigeon Forge for activities.

It's a cheap arse trip. I just booked a five day trip to Gatlinburg and for a two bedroom condo, family of four, with Rental Car, and meal budget, we are looking at $1200-1300.

Compare to a Disney Trip of similar length, costing us around $4000.


I like to spend much of the time in the park itself. You will see people say they hate it, and that frankly, is because they did the trip wrong.


You don't like crowds? Stay in Townsend or better yet, the Blue Ridge area. You want a cabin in the woods, they got it, you want a highrise condo, they got it. I don't get what that area doesn't have. You can avoid Pigeon Forge tourist traps, but kids love them and if you have kids, then yes go putt putt or pan for emeralds, or go to Dollywood, or ziplining.

You want scenic beauty? Tons of that there, you want to avoid crowds? there are trails and paths that rarely get seen by the tourists. So I wouldn't really take the advice from someone who stayed at a motel on the main strip and hated it. Check "hotels.com" or similar and look in Gatlinburg if you want to be able to walk to attractions. I think the tourist trap stuff there is more fun than Pigeon forge, and it's tighter packed.
Plus you are closer to the park.

Townsend on the other side has the feel of Gatlinburg before it blew up, and there are tubing places and lots of inexpensive cabins and chalets on that side of the park.

Going more remote, in North Carolina you can get cabins in quaint small towns with practically no signs of tourism.

So take the "over crowded miserable tourist trap" talk with a grain of salt, its also the most visited National park for a reason....it's a beautiful part of the country.

What the two posters above me said.

It's ridiculous and trashy, but can be fun if you're into laughing at crazy over-the-top rednecks.

Dollywood is pretty legit if you're into theme parks. I'm not. Best first job ever, though!

I'd stay somewhere with easy access to the Nat'l park, and I'd go in the summer. Because tubing, etc.

My brother's ex works in the cabin rental industry, and they're hurting...so I bet there are deals to be had there. Try negotiating, maybe.

I second the Townsend/Wears Valley recommendation. Possibly Gatlinburg, depending on what part. It's better than Pigeon Forge.

Nightlife is nearly nonexistent, if that's a factor.

Oh and I'd take a day and go over the mountains to the reservation in Cherokee, NC. Good trout fishing (can get a day pass), lots of stuff to do.

Between pigeon forge and gatlinburg you will never find an area with more touristy things to do. You could easily kill a week there but I'd split my time between pigeon forge and gatlinburg.