Gatlinburg

Like many people we've made several trips to the Gatlinburg area.  We have done many things over the years.   I have complied a list of some of our favorite things.

 

Restaurants:  Little Tokyo (my favorite), José's Cantina has the best salsa ever, and the Apple Barn is good.

 
We all like Clingman's done.   It was quite a hike so bring water and wear good shoes for the hike.

Me and the boys at the highest point at Clingman's Dome.

 

Drive to Cherokee, NC.  It is about a one hour drive through the mountains.  On the sway stop at the TN/NC lookout.  It is very pretty.  BTW Clingman's dome is on the way. Also Mingus Mill is along the way. It is a quick stop right off the road and you can get up close and personal to the mill.

When you are almost to Cherokee there will be a welcome center on the left. They have bird and flower guides, etc. They also have a junior ranger program kids can participate in.  They have a lovely place there.  You can walk around the old time village or along the creek.  

After you leave the welcome center go on driving and you will come into Cherokee. There is a creek to the left that you can walk/play in. That is where they do Indian stories on Thursday thur Saturday nights. They do a play at the stadium every night which does have a cost but it was very good.  It was all  about Indian history. There are lots of small stores around that sell similar items but the entertainment at them was quite enjoyable.

 

 

There are lots of areas to tube down the river. The river was very tame and enjoyable. This is great for young families or people that are not into high thrills like white water rafting. 

 

 

If you camp this is a great area to camp in.  I would recommend you check with the KOA campground.  They have family activities every evening.  They have a great pool.  You can rent tubes there and they will transport you up the river and you can get out right at the campground.  Remember if you tube or whitewater raft you need water shoes.  Buy them before you go since they are 10x the cost there. All the water is fairly shallow and has rock bottoms

There were some good trails to hike too around Cherokee too.  

 

You can spend a day or week in Cherokee. When you head back home remember to stop at a show like the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge.  No trip is complete without a trip to the Christmas Place.  While you are there get a personalized ornament.  Before you get back on the interstate get a bag of Krystal's for the ride home.

 

What is your favorite thing to do in/around Gatlinburg?