Attractions & Entertainment In The Great Smokey Mountains, By Charles & Alice Worley

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Cherokee make up the area of the Smokey Mountains that we have visited. Over a half million mountain acres in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Covered with lush forests, grassy balds, and swift moving waters that flow over rocky streambeds into beautiful pools. These dense forests literally expel water into the air, making a white haze of low clouds giving The Great Smokey Mountains their name. A variety of plants and animal life are abundant in these beautiful mountains.

We came into these wonderful mountains along I-75 from the north through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Our hotel sat along the Little Pigeon River, with our third floor balcony overlooking the easy flowing waters. There are many lovely hotels and motels in the area, but be sure to make reservations before you come because it is a favorite area for many people, so the accommodations fill up quickly.

On our first day we visited Cades Cove. A scenic valley on the western end of the park that over two million tourists each year, making it the most visited section of the park. It is an 11 mile one way loop, which has many historic cabins, churches, and incredible wildlife viewing. Take time to stop at the John Cable Mill when you are halfway through the loop. A visitor center is located there, a huge water-powered millstone is still milling where you can buy stone ground corn meal that there. Also among this historic collection of churches and cabins is the Elijah Oliver springhouse, where you can see how food was preserved before the days of refrigeration. It is a wonderful scenic drive that all should experience.

That evening we dined at the Black Bear Jamboree where we enjoyed a delicious four-course feast and a fabulous dinner show. The service was the best that you can get, our waitress was so attentive that our glasses were never empty and the bread was always there. The show was more than just a show, it was Comedy, it was Broadway, it was The Fifties, it was Country, and it was Gospel. The entertainment was so great, that that my 15 year old son was laughing and singing and having a fantastic time. And we all know how hard it is to entertain teenagers these days. They also have a gift shop with lots of the wonderful gifts that you will want to take home.

The start of our second day, we decided to spend the shopping at the many shops in the area. When I say shops I mean shops. To my wife the Pigeon Forge area is the shopping capital of the world. If you like shopping this is the place to come, with every kind of store you can think of. From outlet stores, to specialty shops, you will have a wonderful time browsing the craft stores and all the tourist shops the area has to offer. About halfway through the day my son and I were starting to get sore feet, so we decided to let my wife enjoy herself without our tagging along.

We decided to take a short trip that a local told us about while shopping. It is called “The Dragon”. The Dragon is an 11-mile trip between Tennessee and North Carolina. On this 11-mile trip there 318 curves that travel along Route 129. We found out quickly why we saw so many motorcycles on this road, it attracts riders from everywhere, trying to navigate the curves without kissing a tree or the grill of an oncoming vehicle. Above

When the third day came Dollywood was our destination, we had held off the 15-year-old long enough. On our arrival we found plenty of parking, with buses and trams to take you to the front entrance of the park. Upon entering the park the first thing I noticed was that the place was very clean, then it just got better. We enjoyed the large variety of rides; the rollercoaster’s were some of the best we have ever ridden. The shows were wonderful and very entertaining and there were an endless supply of them.

I particularly enjoyed the glass blowers and the blacksmith, who make a variety of products that are for sale. There were plenty of water rides to cool you off, and what I liked is that the lines for the rides move smoothly and quickly. The shops have a large variety of goods to please everyone’s needs. And the restaurants were some of the best in the Great Smokey Mountains. Make it a point to ride the train into the wilderness of the mountains; you will have a great experience. When you are anywhere near the area be sure to visit Dollywood, you will have the greatest time of your life, I know we did.

            Be sure to make plans to visit The Great Smokey Mountain’s for the time of your life and to give yourself the greatest vacation you have ever taken.

Plan Your Trip

 To plan your trip to the Smokey Mountains visit the Sevierville Convention & Visitors Bureau at http://www.VisitSevierville.com, the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at: http://www.gatlinburg.com. or www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-251-9100 for more packages, attractions, and event schedules.

To explore getaway options visit the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development at http://www.tnvacation.com or call 1-800-462-8366.

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