Planning a visit to the Smokies or its surrounding areas? We know what you are looking to do so here are our honest and unbiased suggestions!
#1 Shopping: Tanger Outlet Mall for serious bargain shopping and they have coupons on their website. But for unique boutiques and in a beautiful setting, don't miss the Village in Gatlinburg.
#2 Scenic Drives: Well, it really just depends on what you want! The best way to figure that out is to go to Sugarlands visitors center and get information on all of the roads in the park. Or click here for the park's day planner.
#3 Eating at Unique Restaurants: The Greenbriar Restaurant is rich with history and has great views in the evenings. The Park Grill is always a favorite. It has the cabin feel with murals on the walls and great atmosphere. The food is good and they have an incredible salad bar. Both are open for dinner only.
#4 The Smoky Mountains: Well, I always suggest staying somewhere that you will have a good view of the mountains (shameless plug for our resort......every site has a great view!). If you are interested in getting into the mountains and being in nature, the park has many walks or hikes and they vary from easy to difficult. If you have children and/or you have a stroller, several of the walks and hikes are still available to you. Click here for trail maps. Please note many of the trials do not allow pets, please don't feed the wildlife and be sure to take all trash to an appropriate container.
#5 Historic Sites: The Park is home to nearly 80 historic structures—houses, barns, churches, schools, outbuildings, and grist mills that have been preserved or rehabilitated. The best places to see them are at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Oconaluftee, and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Self-guiding auto tour booklets are available at each place so you can understand the history behind every historic site.
#6 Live Music: In the evening during the summertime you can listen to live bluegrass at Settlers Village in a little white gazebo in the parking lot. Occassionallly street musicians can be found among the Gatlinburg shops, and mostly perfom bluegrass as well. There is no charge to listen but if you appreciate what you hear be sure to let them know. Dollywood is also a great place to find a variety of music and they are home to the Kingdom Heirs. .
#7 Dollywood: Pretty self-expanitory. Just jump on thier site and you can see everything that is going on and plan your visit with show times, what the rides are and where they are. They have a "Play Another Day" offer where you actually get two days at Dollywood for the price of one day. And offer "Splash and Play" where you have three full days at Splash Country and Dollywood; and you can combine the two parks however you like. (We do offer these tickets at our office, and you can purchase ahead of time to avoid waiting in line!)
#8 Antique Shopping: Rebecca's Thyme, Yesterdays Antiques, and Bears Valley Antique mall. These are only a few and an attraction in itsself is the Flea Market where you will find lots of antiques and anything imaginable.
#9 Hiking and Biking: See numbers 2 and 4. In Townsend they have a bike trail that is really nice and easy, click here. And there is Cades Cove which is a little more challenging. The smokies offers all levels of hikes and trails to explore on foot just click here for a day planner.
#10 Art Galleries: Paul Murray, Alewine Pottery, G Webb, and definitely Arrowcraft gallery; all in Gatlinburg.
And there you have it! If you have any questions just give us a call or send out an email, we will give you the best answer we know. We hope you enjoy our beautiful back yard!
The Smokies Best
Our beautiful back yard!
April 9, 2011
Wears Valley Businesses for Bear Safety
A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR!
1. Do not feed or toss food to a bear or any wild animal.
2. Keep children close at hand.
3. Keep pets indoors or in a vehicle or camper. For K9 safety keep your pet on a leash. Dogs will confront bears and may get serious injuries due to the bears strength, long claws and sharp teeth.
4. Do not approach a bear at any time. They are dangerous and unpredictable. If a bear changes its natural behavior (feeding, foraging, or movement) because of your presence, you are too close and the bear is going to respond.
5. Never surround or corner a bear.
6. Never run from a bear. Slowly back away and make lots of noise. Bears understand oral confrontation and will often use their own abilities to voice their disapproval.
7. Encourage others to follow all safety instructions when they are in your presence.
8.. Be responsible. Improper behavior on your part may cause the bear to die or a human to be seriously injured.
Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear is illegal in the park. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Use binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals.
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