There are a lot of things to think about when planning a Smoky Mountain vacation. How much can you spend, where do you want to stay, what do you want to do, what will you eat? Thankfully, there are plenty of options – from restaurants and attractions to cabins and shops – to fit any style. Check out our top 8 questions to ask when planning your Smoky Mountain vacation to get you started.
- Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Only 6 miles apart, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are easily the most well-known cities in the Smokies, and when you book your stay with Cabins for YOU, you can choose a cabin rental in either one. If you’re looking for a place to stay where you can shop for your favorite brands, try Pigeon Forge, where you’ll find the Red Roof Mall and the outlets. You’ll also be close to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, which are easily two of the most popular attractions in all of the Smokies. In Gatlinburg, look for boutiques and specialty stores at The Village and craft shops on the Arts and Crafts Loop. You’ll also enjoy close access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the all-inclusive attraction Ober Gatlinburg, and Ripley’s attractions galore on the Parkway. - Cook in the cabin or eat out?
No matter where you stay—Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg—you’ll find delicious restaurants where you can take a date or the entire family. Enjoy steakhouses and fine dining restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or look for comfort foods and Southern classics like fried chicken, pancakes, and buttery biscuits with gravy. But don’t forget that when you stay at one of our Smoky Mountain cabins, you’ll also have the option to cook in the cabin with the family. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a private dining experience in the Smokies, and in many of our cabins with mountain views, you can enjoy better scenery from your very own dining room than any downtown restaurant! So cook in, eat out, or plan to do both during this year’s visit to the Smokies. - Are we driving, riding, or walking?
Are you traveling with a caravan of cars to the Smokies? Bringing a trailer? Riding a motorcycle? We have cabins to accommodate all three or a combination of your choice. For your convenience, Gatlinburg also provides a trolley service that’s free in the summer and extremely affordable in every other season. In Pigeon Forge, Fun Time Trolley runs up and down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, and Wears Valley. Finally, one of the easiest ways to get around the Smokies is with your own two feet! Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for navigating the Parkway and hiking shoes for getting around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. - Are the kids coming?
There aren’t many travel destinations as family-friendly as the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy huge arcades in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and all-in-one attractions with rides, shops, restaurants, and even toddler-friendly sections at The Island and Ober Gatlinburg. Pack up a family picnic and enjoy time outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or spend the day at Dollywood, where you find roller coasters, live shows, Southern restaurants, and museums. In short, if you’re wondering whether to bring the kids when you book your stay in the Smokies, the answer is “yes”! - Are we bringing the dog?
We said the Smokies is family-friendly, right? Well, we meant the entire family! Yes, that means you can even bring the family dog when you book your stay in the Smokies! Visit our website or call one of our vacation planners to find out more information about our pet-friendly cabins. We have a variety of sizes and locations to best accommodate your needs, and that brings us to our next question… - How much space do we need?
Are you bringing the entire family—the kids, Grandma, Uncle Stu and all? Meeting a small group of friends for the weekend? Perhaps you’re in charge of planning the church retreat this year or a wedding party getaway. We have Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg rentals to match whatever size group you’ve got in the works. Check out our large group cabins for a massive family reunion, or look through our wide range of small group cabins with activities and amenities galore. - Will we spend a lot of time at the cabin?
You’ll care more about the long list of amenities your cabin has to offer if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the cabin. So if that sounds like your group, then look for a Smoky Mountain rental with game tables, a private home theater, and even a private indoor pool! If your group would rather sip coffee on the porch, look for a cabin with mountain views, or if a cozy evening around t8. he fire suits your style, check out our cabins with indoor fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. - Are we on a budget?
Finally, ask yourself whether you’ll be on a budget during this year’s Smoky Mountain vacation; if your answer is yes, trust us, that won’t be a problem! At Cabins for YOU, we have budget-friendly cabins for couples and families. We’ve already told you about the affordable options for getting around, and the Smokies provides tons of options for affordable entertainment like FREE access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike and bike, or tubing down the river with River Rage or riding a mountain coaster or…you get the idea! Whatever your budget, you’ll find something fun to do in the Smokies!