Hello all, taking my 4 year old trick or treating, we are from out of town and I was told to take him up and down the strip. I’m wondering what would be a good time to take him? We were going to go to the aquarium but I don’t know if he would want to walk around in his costume for hours after that lol.

It would just be an over night trip b/c it's not a far drive from where I live. I have the Monday before Christmas off so I was thinking of coming Sunday and Monday. Will it be crazy crowded or is it worth it? I would love any advice.

Hi everyone! My girlfriend and I were planning to visit the smokies but we are only free to travel in mid-November.

But from what I see online we would have just missed the fall foliage and it might start to get a bit cold for hikes. Happy to hear any recommendations and if its still worth a visit!

Hi!! Tomorrow is my last full day here. I’ll be starting at the Sugarlands visitor center. After my day, I really need to stock up on postcards as gifts and a sweatshirt. Does anyone have favorite shops? Local preferably? And a good price range xx.

Thank you 😊

I am heading to TN dec 6th weekend, do you guys recommend purchasing tickets upon arrival or before hand. Things we have in mind is the titanic museum, ankeesta, skybridge.

Also, any recommendations of what activities to do during the colder season of December as a couple?

I’ve scrolled through the sub and used the search feature but not really getting what I’m looking for.

We will be visiting Friday - Sunday. I know this weekend is the opening weekend for Dollywood Christmas festival which we will be going to. Other than that, needing some suggestions for a family of 3 that includes a 4yo.

Any restaurants reccs for breakfast, lunch & dinner, dessert/cafe reccs, attraction reccs. We had anakeesta on our list but I’m seeing very mixed reviews and I’m not sure I want to go if it’s going to be a waste of time for us.

Also any suggestions for kid friendly hikes where we can see waterfalls and cavern tours! Our son can do a 1.1 round trip hike so anything around that round trip will be good.

I’ll take any suggestions for anything! Thank you!!

We are vacationing in a few weeks we were wondering fun things to do that is not centered around children. I saw the wine trail and the moonshine tasting just curious if there is anything else?

Wife and I are visiting and looking for the best BBQ place to dine it at.

Is there anywhere I could go to have a family photo taken? (Besides old time photos lol) I don’t need a full blown session, one good picture would be fine. We will be there Nov 16th weekend, so if there’s a place that does mini Christmas sessions that would work too.

My son has a field trip to the aquarium on Friday. Due to a medical condition I have, we will be staying Thursday night so I can enjoy the trip with him. I have to use a mobility scooter, will the strip be too crowded to get around with it? I have other adults that will be coming so they can walk him if I'll be in the way. I don't want to be a burden.

I paid 20 dollars to park In the lot right next to annakeesta. My time ends at 8:20, (10 hour limit) I just got back to my car at 1:15 from annakeesta. I’m gonna go get lunch somewhere on the strip walk around for a few hours then go back to annakeesta for lumina at 7:45. If I’m not back by 8:20 am I gonna get towed? A ticket? How strick is that time? Should I just pay another 20$ for the 30 minutes I might be late?

I’m by myself with my 1 and 2 year old. What can I easily do that isn’t going to be too overwhelming. They both constantly try to run away from me lol

Will be at Smokey mountains next week. However, I’m staying at Townsend, not a fan of crowds. Which means my drive to alum cove will be about 50 minutes.

Going to do this hike on a Monday, how early should I aim to get to the parking lot before it gets completely packed and I’m parking half a mile down the road? I was thinking at least get there by 7:30am and I should still be able to park close to the start of the trail.

Any insight from people familiar with going here at this time of year? Should I get there earlier?

Update: I'd like to thanks everyone for sharing their insight. After reading the replies I decided to cancel my reservation at townsend and stay at gatlinberg instead. Found a good deal right by the park entrance that hopefully should be far enough from the downtown noise. It'll definitely help with getting to alum cave early much easier.

We will be there on Thanksgiving and looking for ideas on where to eat, breakfast and dinner specifically. No idea what will even be open.

This will be our first time vacationing to the area. What should I look for/be aware of when renting a cabin? Any rental sites better than others? Any “gotchas” I need to know? I’m overwhelmed by the choices!

In town next weekend and excited to do Roaring Fork Motor Trail and Grotto Falls on Saturday. How early should we get there in the morning? I've read it gets busy and parking can be difficult but the way our itinerary is Sat morning is our only opportunity to go. Thanks so much!

Coming up to the mountains the weekend of November 16th. My friend wants to go on a good zipline. Group of 4 in their 30s mind you we ride motorcycles, dirtbikes, skydiving. Any other outdoorsy adventures recommended?? Maybe horseback riding or trails? Sightseeing spots!! Aneekesta, skypark or ober mountain?? We want to be constantly going during the day so any recommendations are welcome!!!

Has anyone had professional photos taken in Gatlinburg during December? What did the trees look like and what colors did you wear? Bonus points if you can include photos!

Hey yall, came with the family and we’d like to get some hiking in. Staying near downtown Gatlinburg. We have kids with us (mostly around 6-7 yrs old) and so we want to make sure we’re choosing trails that are “friendly” to them (showing them sights and that hiking is actually fun, but also making sure we’re not physically or metaphorically killing em). Any suggestions would be great.

Also, are there any must do things you’d suggest we try to do while here for the next few days—or things we should 100% avoid. Some things seem like tourist traps and we just kinda wanna steer clear of that. Thank yall in advance.

I'm really wanting a great weekend brunch but don't know if I'll have time to make a reservation for anything, table for 1.

I'm also looking for some recs for great places that are less common (I'm coming from rural SC so we don't have much variety). I love good home cooking as much as I love diner food, Dim Sum, curry, etc. and I delight in trying new things.

I'm also seeking recommendations for the best fudge.

It's been years since I've visited, way before the big fire and all that, so I can't even imagine how different it is now.

My wife and I are visiting the end of February for our 5 year anniversary. From what I've found, snow could be a bit of an issue, and we will just be in a FWD sedan.

For places to stay, I know to probably avoid west of Gatlinburg in the 'ski mountain rd' area as it can get pretty steep and switch-backy. And north east of town can get a little tricky too.

Does anyone have a recommendation of an area that has low change of elevation with any kind of view?

I'm also considering just staying in the flat areas around Pigeon Forge to just walk to a few places and avoid any issue with possible snow.

Hey everyone, visiting the area with a group in a couple weeks and we want to hike to Grotto Falls. I see the only way to get to the trailhead is a winding one way road. Is this drive possible in a 15 passenger van that is 11 foot tall?

What’s your preferred hotel in Gatlinburg? My boyfriend and I always stay at the Appy Lodge when driving between Chicago and Florida but want to try another this trip. I’m overwhelmed by all the options when googling.

Anyone have any experience or recommendations on some of the small businesses here and there around the county that sell used 4 wheelers/utility/riding mowers?

Any corn maze still available on nov 2-3 near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

Will be in G-burg from out of town in a few weeks and wanted to do a little fishing. We would like to try to catch some trout on the Little Pigeon. Are there any spots we should try? Also, any places we are not allowed to be?

Notes: we will all get TN fishing licenses and know bag limit is 7/day