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Spend the Holidays in the
Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

By Becky J. Beall

Traditional family vacations bring thoughts of warm, sandy beaches and tropical sunsets or crowded lines at popular theme parks. Thinking outside the box to plan a family vacation can lead to some of the most awesome trips that not only bring families closer together but also, create traditions for generations to come.

One such vacation is found in the experience of Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Encompassing the areas of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, this region is a well-known tourist attraction but visiting there has a whole new added dimension during the holiday season (between Thanksgiving and New Year’s).

To say it’s enchanting is quite an understatement! All the comforts of childhood quickly come to mind amidst the showcase of winter scenery. Twinkling white lights, glowing colored lights – there are lights of every conceivable shape and size beaming from the streets, the shops and the restaurants. The brilliance of an illuminated snowman mixed with chilly weather and Christmas carols vividly illustrates the feeling of being the closest to Santa’s North Pole that we will ever be. And if it melts the heart of an adult in such a nostalgic way, then what must it make a child feel like?

What attractions to see.

So many attractions, so little time. Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville have so much to impart in the way of FUN, it’s hard to know where to begin. The best way to approach this is to decide what your family likes to do, then lean in that direction. Some of the most popular attractions are, of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood Theme Park, The Space Needle, outlet shopping and The Incredible Christmas Place.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts some 11 million visitors a year offering great outdoor adventures. If you enjoy hiking and nature, then you must visit Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet, this is the highest point in the Smokies and in Tennessee. Seven states may be seen from the 54’ observation tower on a clear, pollution-free day. The road to Clingmans Dome is closed from December 1st to April 1st due to the weather prospects, as well as any other time wintry weather threatens.

Ober Gatlinburg offers outdoor recreation via ski slopes, ice skating and other outdoor adventures. Many hotels offer special packages that include Ober Gatlinburg. If this is of interest to your family, inquire about it when making reservations.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has created quite a stir with over two million visitors in its first two years after opening. Located downtown Gatlinburg, this $42 million, 100,000 square-foot marine attraction allows for observation of exotic undersea life including thousands of fish and other aquatic life from around the world. The facility is open Sunday – Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday 9am to 11pm. Admission is $17.95 for adults 12 and older; $9.95 for ages 6–11; $3.95 for ages 2–5; 2 and under are free. (Prices are one-day passes, without tax).

Another attraction made famous in the Smokies is the theme park of Dollywood. In 1986, hometown girl (now internationally known singer – songwriter – entertainer) Dolly Parton became an owner of the park along with the current management, Herschend Enterprises and gave her name to the attraction. In turn, visitors come out in droves (two million a year) to be entertained through the shows and music; to be thrilled by the amusement rides; and simply to visit the namesake of their favorite country singer. Whatever the reason, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. Even more so during the Christmas season when the park is transformed into a winter wonderland. This is a family event that could turn into a family tradition. For pricing information, please call 1800-DOLLYWOOD.

The Space Needle is a year-round favorite for families, especially teenagers. The Space Needle is located across from the Gatlinburg Convention Center at traffic light #8. A 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city is granted from the Observation Deck some 342’ above downtown Gatlinburg. The arcade area is home to pool tables, laser tag and air hockey, aside from the various arcade games. Also, Old Tyme Photos can be taken here, along with caricature drawings. A great bargain is the Space Needle Power Pass which offers two Quantum Motion Rides, two Elevator tickets, two games of Laser Tag and 40 game tokens for $25. To obtain this pass, go to the web site and click on pricing, then power pass… print out the coupon and redeem at the ticket counter. It’s a $50 value!

Outlet shopping is an attraction within itself in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. From the first outlet mall of the Smokies (Z Buda Mall) to the upscale Tanger Five Oaks Mall, one thing is clear --- where there is high quality coupled with great prices, there will be shoppers! Brand name clothing stores, trendy accessory shops, unique home furnishings, you name it --- you can probably find it in these fine shopping outlets.

Yes, the best is usually last and this is no exception. My family favorite and your soon-to-be family favorite is without a doubt, the Incredible Christmas Place. Walking in the front door, the sights and sounds (not to mention the smells) of the holidays almost make time stand still for a moment. Childlike and spellbound, each corner holds the expectation of meeting up with Santa. And if you are there in November or December, chances are you will see Santa – not just Santa, the Singing Santa. Clad in trousers upheld by suspenders, Santa will delight your children with old familiar holiday tunes accompanied by his own guitar. As children sit beneath a beautifully trimmed tree listening to a bearded Dean Townsend portray Jolly St. Nick, the reflection of Christmas lights will sparkle in their eyes and you’ll be reminded of the true “reason for the season”. It won’t matter that you are amidst Department 56 collectibles or Lee Middleton dolls. It will matter that you, if only for an instant, are witnessing the beginning of a family tradition that can only happen here --- holidays in the Smokies… you know you’ll be back!

Where to stay.

Keep in mind, it is crowded during this season, but go anyway --- it’s that good! The size of your family and the amenities that you require may help make the decision between hotels, chalets or cabins an easier task. Downtown Gatlinburg is loaded with quality hotels and most are within walking distance of hundreds of shops and restaurants. Hampton Inn is always a safe choice because of the free breakfast and clean rooms. The Hampton Inn in Gatlinburg is close to the new Ripley’s Aquarium and every room has a private balcony overlooking a rustling mountain stream or a breath-taking view of the Great Smoky Mountains. This hotel boasts 97 rooms with large TV/VCR combinations and many rooms have fireplaces, jacuzzis and in-room refrigerators. Rooms start at around $89.00/night and may be viewed and booked right over the internet. There is also the Clarion Inn & Suites where rooms start at $119.99. Clarion is on the parkway, adjacent to Ober Gatlinburg Tramway to the ski resort. This Clarion received the 1999 Inn of the Year award and may be viewed on the internet.

If a cabin or chalet is more on your line of thinking, then check out Ski Mountain Chalet and Condos. One to six bedroom units are available. Also, Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg offers chalets, condos and cabins from one to five bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, charcoal grills and linens. Some units have two and four person whirlpools and washer/dryers. A personal favorite is Heritage Mountain Rentals. The rentals are convenient to Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Additionally, the one to four bedroom cabins and chalets are all fully equipped and have wood-burning fireplaces, jacuzzis, hot tubs, complete kitchens and a fabulous mountain view. Imagine having your morning coffee on the deck of a cabin nestled in the quiet woods, watching wildlife in its natural habitat. Who knows – you might just see a bear!

Where to dine.

Like any tourist attraction, this area offers many quality dining opportunities. Some, like the chain O’Charley’s Restaurant, offer kids-eat-free with the purchase of an adult entrée (limit two per adult), which is a help on the wallet, especially when traveling on a budget. The food is reasonable and there is something for everyone’s taste.

One place you simply must visit is The Apple Barn and Cider Mill. It is so much more than a meal… it’s a tourist attraction within itself. Inside the general store, you may purchase apples, apple products, crafts and gifts. You can watch as cider is being pressed and candy is being made – you can even taste it! The homemade fried apple pies are to die for and yes, you can have it with a heaping scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. Separate from the general store but also neatly settled amidst the apple orchards, is the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Overlooking the Little Pigeon River, this “good ole days” type eating is ideal for a family. Lunch is a great time to dine at the Applewood Farmhouse but be prepared for a wait. Tip: Get on the waiting list and find out how long the wait is anticipated to be, then go over to the general store and look around for a while. Make sure you come back about 15 minutes before the anticipated wait time so you do not lose your spot. The lunch menu offers a variety of comforting, southern foods such as meatloaf, ham, country chicken, etc. Each lunch entrée comes with Applewood Julep, Apple Fritters with homemade apple butter, biscuits or cornbread muffins, a cup of homemade soup, mashed potatoes and one other veggie. Starting at $6.95/adult, this is a bargain. Children’s menus are available (for children 12 and under) with most items around $4.50 and include the Julep, Fritters, one veggie and ice cream. You can’t visit the Smokies without eating at the Applewood Farmhouse.

Another dining experience in the Great Smoky Mountains is the famous Dixie Stampede (an additional creation by Dolly Parton). From early November til the end of December, the 32 horse-riding extravaganza takes on a holiday theme including twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias and old-fashioned holiday music. In keeping with the theme, “North/South rivalry”, the elves take over in a friendly competition (North and South Pole) while serving a holiday feast (a four-course meal, nonetheless). Before the show, guests gather in the Carriage Room, where non-alcoholic beverages consent to a family atmosphere. There are live nativity scenes offering a dramatic flair to the occasion and Santa comes on a real sleigh. Most likely, advance reservations will be needed and discount show tickets may be purchased online, saving a couple of bucks per ticket.

How to get there.

The interstates are favorable for the trip. I-75 toward Knoxville, TN; then take TN-66 exit 407 which will lead directly to Gatlinburg/Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, better known as holiday paradise.

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Photos 

Sources:

The Apple Barn and Cider Mill
www.applebarncidermill.com

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
www.applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com

Clarion Inn
www.clariongatlinburg.com

Discount show tickets:
www.discountshowtickets.com

Dixie Stampede
www.dixiestampede.com

Dollywood
www.dollywood.com or 1800-DOLLYWOOD

Hampton Inn
www.hamptoninn.com

Heritage Mountain Rentals
www.heritagerentals.com or 888-711-8981

Incredible Christmas Place
www.christmasplace.com

Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg
www.mountainchalets.com or 866-482-1044

Ober Gatlinburg
www.obergatlinburg.com or 800-251-9202

Restaurant discounts may be found at:
www.smokymountainexpress.com/coupons/

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com

Ski Mountain Chalet and Condos
www.skimtnchalets.com or 800-824-4077

The Space Needle
www.gatlinburgspaceneedle.com

Becky Beall is the editor of Tennessee Valley Christian Family™ magazine and a freelance travel writer. She lives in Pelham, Alabama with her husband and four children.

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