Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg "Do's and Don'ts"

Our family has visited the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area a number of times and we always leave saying we'll be back.

Since we have visited several times, we've begun to compile a list of "do's and don'ts" regarding a visit to the Smokies.  This list is really just my opinion. You may have other tips. Feel free to share below.

Do:

• If you can afford it, skip the hotel on the strip and consider renting a cabin. We've stayed at Dollywood Vacations, Star-crest Resort, Sugar Maple Cabins, and The Preserve Resort. By staying in a cabin, you can cook your own food and enjoy great views and activities during your down time. It sure beats stuffing the family in a one-or-two room hotel.
• Visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I'm amazed at how many people never make it past Gatlinburg. The park is beautiful...and it's free!!!
• Climb to the top of Clingman's Dome in the park. It's a hike, but the view is worth it.
• Visit the Foothills Parkway on the west end of the park. Great views, fewer crowds, and totally worth the drive.
• If you plan to spend your time in the carnival atmosphere of the Parkway in Pigeon Forge or the main drag in Gatlinburg, bring lots of cash. You can burn $100 in less than 5 minutes.
• Paid destinations we found to be a great value: Ripley's Aquarium, Cirque de Chine, Applewood Farms, Dixie Stampede.
• Plan lots of picnic lunches. Whether in the National Park or on the strip, you'll save a ton of dough by packing your lunch. Our favorite picnic spot in Pigeon Forge is Liberty Park next to the Old Mill Restaurant.

Don'ts:

• Avoid arriving on Saturday afternoon / evening. The traffic is the worst. Think "travel one mile in one hour" type of traffic.
• Avoid the Walmart on the parkway for grocery shopping.  There are several other grocery stores off the strip that are less crowded. Try the Kroger on Rt. 321, Light #3.
• Don't forget good walking shoes. There is lots to see and a lot of walking. Flip flops don't cut it.

I'll update this list as more things come to mind. If you have tips you'd like to add, just post below.