Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.

[blueriver]

blueriver,

I want to add...be real careful in making your Motel reservations...We have been going to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for over 40 yrs. but over the last few years we have noticed many of the Motels are getting worn out and run down, poor interior maintenance to down right nasty inside..We have actually made reservations, gone to the room on arrival and right back to the front desk to get our money back and go look for another place to stay...The ads on line make the Motels look great but when you get there it can be a real surprise...From the outside they look great and then once inside ..it is worn out carpet, fixtures, tvs and furniture...There are some nice ones but they are pricey and we pay the price to not stay in a dump...Just be careful.

The boy already made cabin reservations and I'm still searching for the shows, attractions and of course the shopping side of this ... if momma aint happy .....

 

[brin]

The boy already made cabin reservations and I'm still searching for the shows, attractions and of course the shopping side of this ... if momma aint happy .....

While I understand how important it is to keep our better halves happy...we can be happy too...Here is how...In Pigeon Forge, at the factory outlets there are some huge Factory Tool Stores...etc. Last time I was there they had some really good deals and closeouts on all kinds of power tools and anything else you can think of related to tools, hardware, knives etc. The aquarium in Pigeon Forge is really interesting and well worth a visit..

 

[blueriver]

Ah Ha ... factory tool stores. me and the boy will like them ... Thanks

 

[Bird]

Ah Ha ... factory tool stores. me and the boy will like them ... Thanks

Factory Outlet malls or shopping centers or whatever you want to call them became quite common but in recent years a lot of them are losing money, closing up, etc. (at least in this part of the country). But I remember that the first one I ever heard of was in Wytheville, VA, and my favorite store there was a big Black & Decker outlet store.:laughing:

 

[brin]

Here is a link to the Factory Outlet in Pigeon Forge that I am referring to...and like Bird said they have a Black & Decker Tool outlet...
Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall - Pigeon Forge TN

 

[blueriver]

Tanger 5 oaks is on my list ... its winding down. Do the Horse sale on Saturday and plan to pull out Sunday early a.m. Knock out about 10-12 hrs and roll in Monday .... Let the fun begin!!!!

 

[brin]

Tanger 5 oaks is on my list ... its winding down. Do the Horse sale on Saturday and plan to pull out Sunday early a.m. Knock out about 10-12 hrs and roll in Monday .... Let the fun begin!!!!

You will have a good time there...by the way you can stop for an hour or so in Cherokee, NC at the Harrah's Casino - it is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation...the main drag...Weather is real nice too.

 

[KentT]

Just discovered this thread. I was born in Sevierville, and my ancestors have lived in that area since the 1840s or thereabouts. My Dad's family was originally from the Gatlinburg and Jones Cove area, while my Mother's was from the Cades Cove and Tuckaleechee Cove area...

For example, I have two sets of great-grandparents whose graves are in this photo of Cades Cove, one set at the Methodist Church and the other in a family cemetary in woods...

If you think its tough to watch the commercialization from the outside, it's even tougher to watch it as a native. Reminds me of Joan Baez's song "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot..."

Enjoy your visit -- enjoy the Smokies -- the reason that it's all there...

OBTW -- Two of my older brothers went to high school with Dolly... :laughing:

 

[jonyyuma]

I have to remark, Joan Boaz's song really fits the part of Smoky resorts.It is nothing like it was when we started going...Silverdollar city is where Dolly"s is now.I wonder if that is the same steam locomotive, they should still be using it?

 

[KentT]

I have to remark, Joan Boaz's song really fits the part of Smoky resorts.It is nothing like it was when we started going...Silverdollar city is where Dolly"s is now.I wonder if that is the same steam locomotive, they should still be using it?

Yes, it is the same narrow-gauge locomotive. The theme park was originally called "Rebel Railroad" then it was renamed to ""Silver Dollar City" to match the "sister park" in Branson, MO.

Here's the "history" of Dollywood:

Theme Park Timelines