{"id":5891,"date":"2020-02-24T16:25:54","date_gmt":"2020-02-24T21:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/?p=5891"},"modified":"2026-04-28T11:12:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:12:22","slug":"smoky-mountain-vacation-info","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/attractions\/smoky-mountain-vacation-info.htm","title":{"rendered":"New to the Smokies? Here\u2019s What YOU Should Know\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

First time visiting the <\/span>Great Smoky Mountains<\/span><\/a>? Let us be YOUR guide \u2014 with insider tips and tricks, savings on the best attractions, national park advice, the best local shopping and dining options, and cabin rentals for days! Our goal is to make your first visit to the Smokies hassle-free, fun, and memorable, so we\u2019ve jotted down everything you\u2019ll need to know as a newbie to the area. Check out our guide for first-time visitors and make your first trip to the Smokies the start of an annual tradition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips + Tricks
\n<\/b>Perhaps the best way to start a trip to a new area is heeding tips and tricks from locals\u2026that\u2019s us! We\u2019ve got the inside scoop on how to make the most of your first stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Plan for events. <\/b>Events are always around, and planning your trip with an event in mind could make or break your plans. Look ahead to see if there\u2019s an event you\u2019ll love and book your stay for it! Or\u2026make sure the Parkway (our main road) isn\u2019t jam packed from a popular event that doesn\u2019t interest you and steer away from those dates.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Avoid crowds. <\/b>Not a fan of tourist crowds? Come during the week when others are working (and kids are in school) for a more relaxed experience. Or opt to visit just after the holidays in January and February or after kids go back to school in September.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Take the trolleys. <\/b>If you\u2019re planning to peruse the Parkway for shops, eateries, and attractions, then we suggest saving gas and mileage and taking the <\/span>trolleys in town<\/span><\/a>. One line even connects Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for twice the benefit!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Consider mountain roads. <\/b>Do keep in mind our mountain roads are dynamic and can get a little windy, steep, and adventurous the further you go from town. So, we highly recommend bringing an all- or 4-wheel drive vehicle to conquer them like a pro.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Book in advance. <\/b>Our attractions are pretty popular with tourists and locals alike. Secure your seat at a dinner show, spot snow tubing, time at the indoor trampoline park, and more by booking ahead of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Must-see Attractions + Discounts
    \n<\/b>With tons of attraction options that range from fascinating museums and haunted houses to amusement parks and miniature golf, the Smokies may feel a tad overwhelming if you\u2019re the new kid on the block. So, we\u2019ve narrowed down a handful of must-see attractions to ease you in.<\/span><\/p>\n