something different to do in Gatlinburg

We are leaving for Gatlinburg this Friday and are staying at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek. It will just be my husband and me on this trip...we have been to Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains many many times, and I would like any ideas on something different to see or do besides doing the Roaring Fork or Cades Cove drives. Can%26#39;t do any hiking or much walking this trip as I have just been diagonsed w/heart condition. Thanks for any suggestions.

something different to do in Gatlinburg

As far as sightseeing goes, you could either drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and see the awesome views of the mountains or drive to Cataloochee and see the Elk. We usually go to Cataloochee the same time we go to the Biltmore Estate since it is in the same direction. You could also go to one of many shows. We really like the Black Bear Jamboree. It is a dinner show in Pigeon Forge. Call ahead of time to get reservations. It is usually crowded. Hope you have a good time.

something different to do in Gatlinburg

We have never driven the Blue Ridge Parkway but I have heard it has beautiful views. Sounds like something we will try. How do we get to it from the Smokies? Will the welcome center have this info? Thanks!

When you get on the Parkway be sure to go at least to Water rock knob. The views from the parking lot are fantastic!!

Don%26#39;t bother with the climb up the short trail unless you just want some exercise, the view does not improve much at the top.

Leave Gatlinburg and head towards Cherokee on 441. Right before you get to Cherokee you will see the Blue Ridge Parkway sign on the left. It is a pretty long drive to come out around Waynesville, NC. The views should be incredible, especially with the leaves changing late this year. You might want to stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center to see if the Blue Ridge Parkway is open. I%26#39;d hate for you to drive all that way to find the road closed due to snow. If you haven%26#39;t been to the Black Bear Jamboree, I%26#39;d recommend it highly, too.

thanks!

Grab a detailed map of the area at the Welcome Center near Gatlinburg. Head east on Hwy 321 for five miles and pull into McCarters Market and Grill for some real good comfort food in a bonafide general merchantile. Better yet, grab a box lunch here and proceed two miles further east on 321 taking a left at Greenbrier Cove Drive. This is a really pretty drive into the Park along the Little Pigeon River which has a picnic area a couple of miles in. The road terminates at the site of an old railroad grade formerly used for mining which now serves as a not too steep trailhead. Theres literature available there and I believe driving tour brochures. Also in this area just off 321 is a craftsmans loop; several joints semi-authentic selling their wares along with a few neat places to eat and often some authentic country music jammers out front.

Also, if you do find yourself once again in Cades Cove, try a beautiful and little used scenic drive called Parsons Branch Road (a bit over halfway around the loop) It is one-way and you can return to G%26#39;burg via US 129W, the Foothills Parkway, US 321E to Townsend and gorgeous State Hwy 73 from Townsend to G%26#39;burg. Allow a full day for this drive, and check 1st with a ranger at thye welcome center to be sure all the roads are open.

Oops! I made a mistake; it is a RIGHT on Greenbrier Cove Road. Also, the craftsmans loop is known as the %26#39;Arts and Crafts Community%26#39; which you may very well be familiar with.

danyoob, interesting you would mention Parson%26#39;s Branch road. Some of my family lived back in there before the Park Service took over. George Powell was Justice of the Peace in 1867. Married a Burchfield in 1884. He legally made moonshine for the government. He turned in two other moonshiners and one of them later shot him. It took him a couple of days to die (doctor was not near). His wife was pregnant with their 12th (I think) child. She named her Georgie. I remember when we would go to visit her when I was young. She was born in 1898 and died in 1975.

Thanks for prompting the memory..........

cqshot, your family history sounds colorful! Who needs the movies?? If we just take the time to search it out, I bet most of us have family histories that are plenty interesting enough!

We drove from gatlinburg to north carolina for the day and visited the great smoky railroad museum

Roads are probably much safer in the summer.

Also visited Harrah%26#39;s Casino