[Sly Fox]

No, Haize. I am not referring to law enforcement.

We will be stopping for a few days at a cabin in Gatlinburg on our way back to Texas from Homecoming. We have stopped for the night a couple of times in recent years while passing through. But this will be our first real stay in the Smokies as a family. I haven't been for more than a night since I was a kid. So I need some help from you guys.

What do you recommend for a family with kids 7-12 to do in the Smokies in October?

[Purple Haize]

I thought you meant

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Or these guys

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[flamehunter]

Cades Cove. Haven't been yet but it is top of my list for our next visit.

[Sly Fox]

Good guesses but wrong nonetheless, Haize.

flamehunter - That always gets raves on TripAdvisor. I had that tentatively on my agenda.

About all we have done in the Smokies is head up to Clingman's Dome and hiked out to Grotto Falls. Anybody have anything we shouldn't miss in the area whether it is in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or the Park?

[SuperJon]

Wilderness At The Smokies

[SuperJon]

If you like hiking, try the chimney tops.

[vastrightwinger]

I second chimney tops and I would recommend stopping by New Found Gap especially in October. Its half way from Gatlinburg to Cherokee on the boarder of Tennessee and North Carolina.

[SuperJon]

Also, know there's a ton of construction at the Sevierville exit on I-40. Give yourself a little time to navigate through there if you're coming during a normal tourist time.

[ALUmnus]

Just find a trail and follow it, adventure awaits!

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Keep in mind that i have a 7-year-old girl in tow.

[BJWilliams]

Have you guys done the dixie Stampede?

[ATrain]

I recommend avoiding the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville tourist trap triangle.

That's just me though

[Cider Jim]

Mrs. Cider and I did the wax museum and Dollywood. Bennett's BBQ in Pigeon Forge is pretty good eating. And for any NCIS fans, Gibbs' 1970s yellow Dodge Charger is on display in Gatlinburg. Mrs. Cider also loved the beef jerkey outlet.

[alabama24]

I love the area. Dollywood is great fun. Also, consider the Lost Sea.

http://www.thelostsea.com

[JakeP50]

Nascar Speedpark in Pigeon Forge has go-karts of all sizes and is A LOT of fun for all ages. The Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg is a little on the small side but has plenty to see. Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge has a lot of cool "science" stuff and a great magic show. And if you do nothing else eat at the Old Mill it's a little expensive but you get a five course meal with most entrees and it is DELECIOUS. And I would add to the recommendations of Dollywood and Dixie Stampede.


See I do know about stuff outside of Maryland

[SuperJon]

If we're talking food, Pancake Pantry is a no brainer. I have friends that will drive there on a weekend just to eat.

[JakeP50]

Not going there is the one regret I have from my week in Gatlinburg last summer. My friends who went there have told me how amazing it is.

[JK37]

I second the Old Mill. And the pottery shop near it is great!

Ober Gatlinburg is not worth your time. Haven't been in years, but it's a huge tourist trap.

There is a Christmas store in Pigeon Forge the wife and so really like.

[VAGolf]

Just saw this, my fiance and I will be honeymooning in the smokies from October 5th through the 9th.

[flamehunter]

Just saw this, my fiance and I will be honeymooning in the smokies from October 5th through the 9th.

Really? Where? We'd love to stop in and say hi!

[VAGolf]

One of the chalets at Smoky Mountain Christian Village. Feel free to come by but you may want to knock first.


Please, dear God, please never let my fiance discover Flamefans.

[Sly Fox]

We were just about to book one of those chalets when my work just put my plans on hold. Ugh.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have never hit the Pancake Pantry but have heard the rave reviews. If we get to Gatlinburg, it will be a must.