Attractions for Kids

Picture the scenario: you're planning your long-awaited vacation to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You've finished the packing, made arrangements for the pets, ensured that everything around the house is in order, when suddenly it dawns on you – what are the kids going to do?! While vacations are generally escapes from the stressors and agitations of everyday life, accommodating your children, particularly those young kids ten and under, can be a trying task on its own. Because of this, it always helps to gain some insight into some kid-friendly sites in the area. Below are just a few of the locations in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area that can ensure entertainment (some of which can even be educational) for your little ones.

The Gatlinburg Space Needle – Features a 400 foot glass elevator ride, laser tag, an arcade, and more

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Aquarium – Over 10,000 creatures from 350 different individual species, along with many other activities

The Christmas Place – A Christmas village filled with all the wonders of the season

Dixie Stampede – A dinner and show combination featuring a four-course meal with live animals and a light show

Gatlinburg Sky Lift – The number one scenic overlook of the area

The Comedy Barn Theater – A comedy variety show that has something for all age groups

Hillbilly Golf – A non-strenuous mini-golf course that is perfect for younger children

Magic Beyond Belief Theater – A masterful magic performance that is free for kids

Dollywood – The famous family friendly, downhome amusement park

Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center – Attractions include bumper cars, 3-D movies, and more

These are just a few of the many locations in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area that can provide ample entertainment for younger children. As for how to escape and get some time for yourself. . .well, that's a task for another article.

Gatlinburg Candy

One of the guiding principles of a good vacation is to treat yourself every once in a while (or more, if the desire strikes you). So, after a long day of exploring the various sights and sounds of Gatlinburg, you might be wondering where to go to reward yourself for time well spent. If your belly is growling and your sweet tooth is calling, then you should definitely shift your focus to one of the city's many candy and sweets shops. These are especially nice locations for you to take your younger children to, and it will help them remember your family vacation for a long time to come. Also, the fact that many of the stores in the area feature homemade treats will ensure that you are getting an authentic taste of Gatlinburg!

To start your sweet shop excursion, you might try Aunt Mahalia's Candies, the oldest candy store in the area. For over fifty years (since 1939 to be exact) this location has been providing chocolate, taffy, fudge, various pecan-based candies, crunchy brittle, fruit jellies, and other assorted treats to its patrons. The Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is another well-known and much-loved candy store of the city. Here you can get taffy, caramel apples, hand-dipped chocolate, and more made right before your eyes! This will definitely be a sight to remember for you and your family.

Looking for a specific kind of treat? Then you should turn to one of Gatlinburg's specialty sweet shops. If fudge is your sweet tooth's weakness of choice, then it is definitely recommended to check The Fudgery. This location revolutionized the fudge-making process back in 1980, and the Gatlinburg store is ready to treat you with the fruits of the shop's labor. If you're a popcorn fan, then how about exploring the Karmelkorn Shoppe for a wide variety of gourmet popcorn types?

Whether you're enjoying one of these fine treats yourself or just looking for something your children will love, let one of Gatlinburg's fine candy shops be your one-stop shop for pleasure. After all, part of the fun of a vacation is treating yourself, right? These shops can certainly help you achieve that goal!

Cabin Description

In the vacation or travel industry, all owners understand the same terms. Sometimes, through no fault of their own, guests get lost in the vacation cabin rental lingo. And in all fairness, there can be reasonable confusion between private and secluded, or wooded view and mountain view, and maybe even maybe Jacuzzi Tub and Hot Tub. This can be especially true for the Gatlinburg TN industry.

The reason for some many terms is to help distinguish between so many different cabins. If a rental company manages 100 properties it can be very difficult to separate cabins for marketing purposes. Thus, the advent of many separate terms.

These terms can be somewhat tricky from company to company depending on their definitions. So at all cost, remember question are your friend. As for Cabins For You, the definitions for a few terms are going to be listed below.

1. Private vs Secluded - No, not all cabins can easily fall into either of these categories. Obviously, if a cabin is in a resort it is not going to be either. With that said, we label cabins "private" because guests should feel comfortable on the decks of cabins. This does not mean that cabins are not next door or around, this just means that the owner might have added a few extras to insure privacy. This can be done easily through landscaping or lattice walls. "Secluded" cabins can attain this label because of a few things. From the deck you will not be able to see other cabins, the cabin is not physically near any cabins, or both. Very few cabins will fall totally within in the "secluded" category.
2. Wooded View or Mountain View - "Mountain view" cabins are typically cabins that have unobstructed, long range mountain views. This does not mean that "wooded view" cabins have no mountain view. Rather, it might be obstructed by trees/shubbery or only visible during winter months.
3. Internet vs Wireless - All wireless connections are internet connections, but not all internet connections are wireless. For a cabin to be wireless, it must state specifically that it is wireless.
4. Jacuzzi Tub vs Hot Tub - For the most part, hot tubs are located outside on the deck and Jacuzzi Tubs are in the cabin. A popular place for Jacuzzi Tubs is the master bedrooms. All hot tubs are outside unless specifically stated on the cabin page.
   

Dog Friendly Ideas

The "pet friendly" industry has greatly increased across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee. This is partly because cabin owners are trying to monetize their income but it is mainly because dog owners are demanding the option to bring their pets. With the increase of furry visitors comes the increase of activities that allow pets.

With that said, most dog owners are not aware of dog friendly activities in Gatlinburg TN. Listed below are several activities in Gatlinburg that are dog friendly.

1. Downtown Gatlinburg - Almost everyone who visits Gatlinburg makes one or two trips to the Parkway to enjoy strolling along the sidewalks and window shopping. Most individuals are probably aware of this, but dogs are allowed to enjoy this activity with their owners. Some stores might let dogs inside, but most probably don't allow dogs. However, they can still enjoy some nice fresh air and a walk on the Parkway.
2. Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Despite the 800 miles of hiking trails in the National Park, dogs are only allowed on two trails. The first trail is the Gatlinburg Trail. The Gatlinburg Trail starts at the edge of town and follows to the Sugarland Visitor Center. This trail follows a stream which creates a great playground for dogs who love the water. The next trail is the Oconaluftee River Trail. This trail goes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to just outside of Cherokee NC. Please keep in mind that your dog must be on a lease and well behaved. Also, make sure you clean up after them.
3. Gatlinburg Sky Lift - I have never experienced this and not sure how it would work out if I did, but I hear that the Gatlinburg Sky Lift offers dogs a ride to the top of the mountain with their owners.

Like anything else you do with your pets, please follow all rules and regulations regarding pets. Observe leash laws and clean up after your furry buddies.

Advice About Damage Fees

Anyone who has had the pleasure (not so much) of paying damage fees might have appreciated this article before they went on vacation. In a continuing effort to make our guests vacations more relaxing, we have decided to explain damage fees and how to avoid them.

In short, damage fees cover the cost of items broken during a renter's stay. In an ideal world, business would love to cover costs regarding damages, but it hardly ever happens. Damage fees can occur for several different reasons. Normal things include broken lamps, hot tubs, beds, TV's, or excessive trash.

On a more positive note, the overwhelming majority of visitors have no issues relating to damages. The damages policy is in place to help protect the items and belongings of cabin rental owners.

There are a few things individuals can do to help avoid damages. In no particular order...

1. Inspections - Upon arriving at the cabin rental, take a few minutes to inspect the cabin. Look for things out of the ordinary or that might need to be fixed. This take just a few moments and can eliminate the possiblity of you being charged for something you did not break.
2. Don't Take Anything - Regardless of how much you might like something in your cabin rental, you can't take it home with you. If you do, you will be charged.
   
3. Pet Friendly Cabins - If you are a pet enthusiasts reserve a cabin that is pet friendly. Yes, you might have to look longer and pay a little more but it is worth it.
   
4. Ask For Help - If you think something is broken and needs repair, please call the management company. They have individuals on staff for these type problems. Do not attempt to fix something because you might actually break it. Also, if you are unfamiliar with how something works ask the management company for advice.
5. Be Honest - This is an easy one.
6. Be Aware Of Breakables - If children are present, be aware of breakables that are close to the ground. Try, within reason, to move breakables out of reach of children.
   
7. Lastly, Treat The Cabin Like It's Yours - This might be the easiest way to make sure the property stays in tip top condition.

Following just a few easy tips can help save time and money. If you still have questions, please call our office at 1-800-684-7865.

Celebrate Veterans in Gatlinburg TN

Voted as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Veteran's Day Celebration will be held on November 11, 2009. It will take place at the Smokies Plaza near Ripley's Aquarium and will start at 11am. The 7th annual Gatlinburg Veteran's Day Celebration will have many activities for you to watch and enjoy. There will be a flyover by military planes, music, speakers and memorials for those who fought for our country. Also, Gatlinburg is now a regional site for the Observance of Veterans Day that couples with the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Only 40 cities throughout the nation are official regional sites. It's an honor to be chosen as an official site and also an honor to show our respect to those who fight for our country. Many veterans will be at this Veteran's Day celebration. They all have interesting stories to tell about what all they have seen by serving in the military.

Be sure you get to Ripley's Aquarium to help celebrate this day. Wear your red, white and blue. Also an American Bald Eagle will be there celebrating too. Music will be provided by three local high school bands and also Knoxville Pipe and Drum will be there. Celebrate with everyone as they recognize the heroic work our veterans have done for our country!

As fall rapidly moves to winter, Gatlinburg TN will continue to be busy through the Holiday season till around January 2. For more information about our Gatlinburg Cabins or questions you may have, please call our office at 1-800-684-7865.