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Hotel: Black Bear Inn and Suites
Breakfast at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin, Painted pottery at Polka dot pots, raced go carts at NASCAR Speed Park, Dinner at Monster Burger.
Favorite part of day: Painting ceramics with the kids.
What would we do differently: We would have chosen another place for dinner. The service was too slow for my hungry crew and the food was not good.
Tips/Wish I would have known: It takes longer then you think to paint the pottery. Allow for more time to do this if you have perfectionist’s in your family. We were there for about 2.5 hours for 4 pieces. Also it takes 24-48 hours for your ceramics to be fired in the kiln so do this early on your vacation so you can take them home with you.
Breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, Swimming in the hotel pool, activities pass at Ober Gatlinburg, dinner at Seasons of Ober restaurant.
Favorite part of the day: Alpine slide at Ober Gatlinburg.
What would we do differently: Get there earlier, there is a lot to do at Ober Gatlinburg.
Tips/Wish I would have known: It is cheaper to drive up to Ober Gatlinburg then to take the tram. Parking is $10. Take the chairlift up the mountain at Ober Gatlinburg. When you get to the top of the mountain there is a live band playing. By the $15 CD while you are up there (see Day 3).
Breakfast at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast in Pigeon Forge, played games at arcade next door to the restaurant, shopping in the art district and downtown Gatlinburg, dinner at Smith and Son Corner Kitchen.
Favorite part of the day: Taking a drive through the back roads while listening to the cd you bought the day before at the top of the mountain.
What would we do differently: Nothing, it was a fun day for everyone.
Tips/Wish I would have known: Downtown Gatlinburg is filled with touristy gifts that kids love however there is an art district on the north side of town with scattered shops you can drive to. Take a look and see what local artists have to offer you! We came home with a great piece of art and several recommendations for places to eat next time we are in town.
Breakfast at Crokett’s breakfast camp, ropes course and zip lining at Paula Dean Lumberjack Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge, shopping and mirror maze at The Island in Pigeon Forge, Mellow Mushroom pizza for dinner at the Island, Chocolate Monkey for dessert.
Favorite part of the day: The ropes course and zip lining were a real adventure!
What would we do differently: Nothing
Tips/Wish I would have known: If you buy your tickets online for the Lumberjack Adventure Park they will email you the liability forms to fill out in advance. I did not know this and it took me almost 30 minutes to fill everything out at the park.
Final Synopsis: Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is the perfect place for a family vacation. The area provides fun adventures for nature lovers and for those who like to be entertained. My family always wants to come back to Gatlinburg and every time we do we always manage to find something new and exciting to try. I recommend staying in a condo or cabin when you come. We have done both and I really missed having my own kitchen for cooking breakfast in the morning. All of the restaurants in the area are VERY busy and if you are trying to get your day off to a quick start it is easier to eat in then go out.
