Recommendations for Knoxville/Gatlinburg summer trip

[Serious Conversation]

Agree of the layout in Pigeon Forge. It’s terrible. If you like shopping, go to Tanger Outlets.

Local Goat is far and away the best dining option in PF. That whole area, as a whole, has absolutely terrible food.

For distilleries, Sugarland is my preference, but they all basically do free tasting, and there is such a wide array of spirits down there that you definitely find something you like.

[G in MP]

2 votes for Local Goat, excellent. Thanks Serious!

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by G in MP

Hi, can I get some things-around-town ideas for Knoxville? We're flying into McGhee in June, and have a full day/night in Knoxville. What are some areas and sights to explore, and what area to book a hotel room at?

No kids with, just us married gen-x'ers. We like architecture, museums, locale history, tours, sightseeing in general, stuff along those lines. We'll rent a car, so could travel around town. Restaurant recommendations are welcome as well. Budget wise, we're not on a tight one, but also not looking for opulent luxury or anything.

We'll also be going on to Gatlinburg, with a full day/night there as well. I already briefly researched a few of the attractions there, but could use input on what's actually worth checking out.

Thanks much!

I just browsed past a YouTube video about things to do in Gatlinburg. Do a YouTube search on Gatlinburg 35 Best Things To Do, then ask about the things that interest you here..

[G in MP]

Originally Posted by LauraC

I just browsed past a YouTube video about things to do in Gatlinburg. Do a YouTube search on Gatlinburg 35 Best Things To Do, then ask about the things that interest you here..

I'll check it out, thanks! Me and wifey did watch a few youtube vids earlier on Gatlinburg already.

[clevergirl67]

Originally Posted by G in MP

We'll also be going on to Gatlinburg, with a full day/night there as well. I already briefly researched a few of the attractions there, but could use input on what's actually worth checking out.

I sure hope you scored a rental near downtown Gatlinburg where the action is, or you will spend hours in traffic just getting there and back to your room through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

[G in MP]

Originally Posted by clevergirl67

I sure hope you scored a rental near downtown Gatlinburg where the action is, or you will spend hours in traffic just getting there and back to your room through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

No lol no way, we're staying in town for that, got a motel booked.

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by G in MP

No lol no way, we're staying in town for that, got a motel booked.

Best value is to stay somewhere in Gatlinburg. You can be 1/2 mile from Ripley's Aquarium. Then you can try Ober Gatlinburg or Gatlinburg Space Needle. Wherever you stay be on the lookout for bears. They can be in the creek behind your place. Several shops, moonshine, usual tourist shopping up & down the Parkway.

At some point check out the Smoky Mountain National Park.

Between Sevierville and Pigeon Forge plenty of attractions to get your money. Check if you can get discount tickets. Because of the crowds at times plan ahead.

[TheShadow]

I forgot to mention that when you are in PF and GB, if you're a veteran, ask for a veteran's discount. Restaurants, and even most attractions, there will often give a 5 to 15% discount to vets. They are very patriotic and happy to offer it.

[sluggermatt15]

Originally Posted by GWoodle

Best value is to stay somewhere in Gatlinburg. You can be 1/2 mile from Ripley's Aquarium. Then you can try Ober Gatlinburg or Gatlinburg Space Needle. Wherever you stay be on the lookout for bears. They can be in the creek behind your place. Several shops, moonshine, usual tourist shopping up & down the Parkway.

At some point check out the Smoky Mountain National Park.

Between Sevierville and Pigeon Forge plenty of attractions to get your money. Check if you can get discount tickets. Because of the crowds at times plan ahead.

This is an excellent suggestion. Go early! And be mindful if one parks their vehicle longer than 15 minutes, a parking pass is required.

[Coney]

If you have a few minutes, there's a small quirky museum of salt and pepper shakers. The collector passed away and turned her collection into a museum.

https://thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com/