Gatlinburg Restaurants and other Smoky Mountain Restaurnats

This is Adam again with some of my favorite restaurants in our area. Some of these are local secrets so?shhhh! I have broken these eateries down by city so that while you are in town you can stay close to your accommodations. In Sevierville for breakfast I recommend: The Applewood Farmhouse also good for lunch and dinner), for lunch Firehouse Subs is unbeatable if you like steamed sandwiches, and last but not least Mountain Edge Grill. For dinner there are several options; Longhorn steakhouse, The Chop house, and El Paso. Stop by The Marble Slab for unbeatable ice cream. If you are staying in Pigeon Forge stop by the Old Mill Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Pottery House Restaurant is unbeatable and has a unique menu for lunch. There are several choices for dinner. Bullfish Grill has wonderful steaks and seafood. Mamas Farmhouse is a great place for country cookin', but go hungry! The Smoky Mountain Brewery has a neat environment and excellent brewed beer unique to the restaurant. Calhouns is the best if you are in the mood for ribs! In my opinion Gatlinburg has the best selection for food. I have a couple of breakfast favorites. First, the Pancake Pantry is AWESOME!!! You must stop by and try their pigs in a blanket. Just behind in the Pancake Pantry in The Village is a place called the Donut Friar. They offer all varieties of donuts and you just cant beat the place, eat your heart out Krispy Kreme!! Also, there is a place called the Mountain Lodge located on Hwy. 321. They offer breakfast and lunch and you cant go wrong with anything on their menu. I recommend Parton?s Deli for lunch. They offer wonderful steamed subs. There are so many choices for dinner that I am going to list them. 1.The Peddler 2.Linebergers Seafood 3.Greenbriar Restaurant 4.Bubba Gump Shrimp 5.Best Italian 6.Cherokee Grill 7. The Park Grill. When you check in ask for Adam and I will give more detail about any of the above eateries! I love food and would love to share with you the best of the best in our area!

Gatlinburg Event Planning & Pigeon Forge Events by Adam

Hello again! This is Adam and I wanted to give you some events that are being planned for May so that you can plan you May trip to the Smokies!
1. May 1-2-2010 Rumble in the Hills Motorcycle Rally
2. May 7th - 25th annual Dolly Parade 6:00 in Pigeon Forge
3. May 8th Shrine FunFest Parade 9:00am on the Parkway. Pigeon Forge
4. May 11th -13th - 6th Annual Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass This is the largest event in Sevierville. This features the Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, Free concerts from rising stars and Bluegrass legends, kids games, and mountain crafts. Admission is FREE!!!
5. May 13th-15th- 29th Annual F-100Supernationals and all Ford show. Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking.
6. May 14th - 29th Annual Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games. All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade as a kickoff to the Games. Parade begins at 6:00 pm in Gatlinburg at traffic light #10.
7. May 15th and 16th – 6th annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival. Family oriented fine arts and cuisine from around the country.
8. May 21st and 22nd – Relay For Life. Patriot Park Pigeon Forge

Give us a call and we would be happy to assist you in finding a rental near your desired event. 866-286-8284.

Cabin Rentals vs. Gatlinburg Hotel Room or Pigeon Forge condo

Benefits & Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge


Vacation home rentals are, hands down, the best way for you to enjoy a truly relaxing, rewarding and budget-friendly family vacation – one you’ll remember forever! Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals give you the room to relax after a long day and provide unique and luxurious amenities and services versus the limited accommodations and space found at even the highest-rated resorts and hotels. And for some, vacation homes are a vacation unto themselves.

Exclusive Luxury, Unmatched Privacy

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge rentals provide – luxurious amenities like:
Private pools, spas, patios or decks, fireplaces, river/creek access
State-of-the-art home theatres
Multiple master suites and bedrooms
Game rooms with amenities like billiard tables, air hockey, stand-up arcade games and more
Full kitchens plus large and multiple dining areas
Entertainment and electronics amenities like TVs and DVD players throughout, computers with high-speed Wi-Fi internet access and even Wii, Xbox and PlayStation video game systems!

When it comes to privacy, Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals are second to none. You’ll rest easy knowing that you’re in a spacious cabin as opposed to just a single room. Moreover, many vacation homes are located in cabin communities in the mountains with some homes featuring seclusion and added privacy.

Want more vacation luxury? Many cabins provide access to premier services like pre-arrival grocery shopping, massage delivery and in-home chefs.

In essence, Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals give you more luxury than the top resorts plus the privacy and comforts of home.

Location, Location, Location
Whether you’re looking for a secluded mountain cabin, a quiet wooded cottage or a home close to the ski resort or attractions and theme parks, vacation cabin rentals are the best choice for getting away from it all while staying close to the fun. Most vacation home rentals are just minutes away from your favorite sightseeing spots, attractions, golf courses, restaurants, shopping centers and other vacation area hot spots.

Renting from a Professional Property Management Company like Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals
When renting from a management company, guests enjoy additional benefits and services that are not typically offered by single homeowners, including a 24-hour emergency customer service contact, concierge services, housekeeping, partnerships with local vendors, and the ability to search and reserve a home securely online. If a vacation home is not managed, the individual homeowner is responsible for the property’s maintenance, upkeep, and the customer service offered to renters, often as an absentee owner from other states or even countries abroad. We handle all of this for individual homeowners, ensuring consistency and quality in both customer service and the level of accommodations.

Major Savings. Priceless Value.
You’ll discover great savings and value when renting a cabin or chalet– sometimes in ways you’d least expect! Vacation homes make it easy to save on:
Dining – with full kitchens, you can make your own meals and snacks at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at restaurants and area attractions

Entertainment – with private pools, community playgrounds, clubhouses, game rooms, theaters and other unique amenities to enjoy, you’ll save big when staying in

Accommodations – with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, you’ll keep your family or group together instead of spending more on additional rooms

Beyond saving you money, vacation homes provide truly unique values you can’t put a price on:

Time for yourself and family to kick back and relax

Room for your group or family to play – indoors or out

Lasting memories of a truly relaxing, one-of-a-kind vacation experience

Courtesy of DVH.

Fun day of Shopping & Fun with Misty. Pamper Yourself in Pigeon Forge.

Well it has always been tradition for me and my mother to do a day of fun together once a week so I decided to let you in on some of the local hot spots for a great girls day out.  To start out we do a wonderul lunch at a great Japanese hibachi restaurant located right here in town off Teaster Lane not far from the Aunt Bug's Cabin Office called Little Tokyo.   I always have the chicken hibachi & highly recommend it. Next stop is always popular on a girls' day out- the nail salon.  Justin at Saigon nails, which is located off Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville, definitely does the best Pedi in town.  Last ,but definitely not least, Tanger Outlet mall is located off the main pigeon forge parkway in Sevierville.  It has everything a girl could possibly ask for from journeys to find your perfect pair of shoes to Coach for the perfect purse or American eagle for your favorite summer clothes. That’s my fun day in a nutshell & I hope it was helpful.

The Best Place in the USA to ride your Motorcycle by Rachel

If you love a challenging ride in the Smoky Mountains like I do then I have THE place for you. It is called Deals Gap or as we motorcycle enthusiasts call it THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON. This is an eleven mile stretch with 318 curves. I usually take this ride 2-3 times a month during spring, summer, and fall. I have a 250 Kawasaki ninja and my husband has a 750 Kawasaki Vulcan. We love taking this ride as I am sure you will. This ride is for the more experienced rider. Please be safe and have fun. Always ride with the appropriate gear.

Tail of the Dragon April 9, 2010: The rock slide on US 129 is located between the Dragon and Happy Valley Road/Foothills Parkway. TDOT has announced in a press release that the 11 mile section known as the Tail of the Dragon will be open from 8 am to 8 pm beginning Monday April 12, 2010. The only access is from North Carolina US 129. THP... announced that there will be zero tolerance for traffic violations.

Smoky Mountains National Park hikes in a nutshell by Adam

I would like to introduce you to our areas best kept secret. Once you get through Sevierville then Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg you will enter The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I am born and raised in Sevierville and feel so blessed to have the national park in my back yard. My dad exposed me to this great escape every chance he had. I found myself on the trails pondering what nature is. I found that my definition is the equal of spirituality. Once outside of the hustle and bustle of town there is serenity, quiet, and insight to all blessings and problems as well. There are so many options and skill levels to choose from. You can see waterfalls or rise above and see what seems to be a never ending view of mountain tops peeking through the clouds. For beginners I recommend the Gatlinburg Trail. You can park at The Happy Hiker at traffic light #10 and the trail head is located across the street behind the water treatment plant. This trail will take you to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Just before you get to the visitors center there is a waterfall called Cataract Falls, a must see. While you are there go through the visitor’s center. There you will see wildlife and have Park Rangers on duty to help you plan your ideal hike. If you are looking for intermediate hiking, check out Alum Cave Bluff. This trail will take you to the highest peak in the Smokies, Mt. LeConte. Last but not least, for the strenuous hike I recommend Chimney Tops Trail. This hike is great but will wear you out. At the top of the Chimneys there is a huge rock to walk out onto for the added experience of standing on a mountain side peak. I highly recommend any hike in the park. You do have park rangers available to you at the Sugarlands Visitors Center to assist you in finding the perfect hike for you! Next time you are in our area I would encourage you to go to the Smokies, find a trail, park your car, and take a hike!  And Best of all, they are FREE!!!!  They also allow you to spend time with your friends & family and make memories that last a lifetime! - Adam

Smoky Mountain Recommendations courtesy of Janelle

Weekly Recommendations by Aunt Bug's Cabin Rental Staff- Janelle

Favorite Restaurant:
My favorite place for lunch is The Old Mill Pottery House Café. It is in a neat little village, and I really like all the shops there. There is an ice cream shop, a pottery shop and an old fashioned toy store. The food at the Pottery House Café is really good, and you can sit outside by a waterfall and eat your lunch.

Favorite Attraction for Kids:
Ripley's Aquarium is a lot of fun if you have kids. The kids love the cross-walk where you can see the sharks and fish pass by. There is also a little cafeteria there, and you can walk along the river on River Road when you are finished at the Aquarium. The aquarium is well-suited for children of all ages.

Great Shopping Deals-The Burkes outlet in the Belz Outlet Mall is a good place to find great deals on clothes and home décor. The Carter's children's store in the red roof outlets is also a great place to get children's clothes, because the whole upstairs is 50-70% off. You can't get those discounts at the other children's stores. I also like the Arts & Crafts community in Gatlinburg. It is a neat drive, and there are a lot of shops to see.

Favorite Trail in the National Park:
I like the Laurel Falls trail, because it is a nice hike and would be good for almost anybody. Plus, it is right there by the Welcome Center, which makes it easy access.

- Janelle
 
Laurel Falls


Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.

The trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers.   Access trail: Laurel Falls Trail

Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

Hiking with Terry at Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals

Weekly Recommendations by Aunt Bug's Cabin Rental Staff - One of my favorite places to take a little hike is in Gatlinburg. You park at the end around #10, and walk the trail that begins there along the river and it goes to the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Its not that hard of a walk, but I always see at least a bear in the trees and the river is great and it is always peaceful. I think round trip its like 2 ½ miles but at the end it makes you feel good, and its still close to home. So that is my life. - Terry

Sugarlands Visitor Center
Open every day except Christmas Day.
January - February 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
March 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April - May 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
June - August 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
September - October 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
November 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location
Inside the park, 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441.

Special Programs
Ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Check at the visitor center for locations and times.

Exhibits
Free admission to 20-minute film about the park. Extensive natural history exhibits.
Available Facilities
Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms and telephones. Soda and water machines. Backcountry permit station. Photo courtesy of Real Travel Adventures.

Great Fishing Hole and Park for Families and Kids

Herbert Holt Park, located on the right, as you are coming into Gatlinburg, is a subtle quiet park hidden away from the bustling city. It features a pavilion, play area, walking trail, and free fishing for kids under 12 in the river! The pavilion can be reserved, please call the Gatlinburg Community Center for reservations.  The city of Gatlinburg is the only city in Tennessee which stocks the rivers weekly with Rainbow Trout to provide the experience of trout fishing for visitors and locals alike. There are very few cities in the nation that spend resources to stock animals for the enjoyment of the population, and Gatlinburg is one of them. Gatlinburg also provides many children's fishing areas to allow children to participate in one of the great outdoor traditions of the Smokies. The trout-stocking project began in 1980 and continues strong today. In 2005, Gatlinburg ordered a large upgrade of their trout farm, ensuring a steady supply of trout for city waters.  Anywhere from 35,000 to 45,000 fish ranging from 8-14 inches long are placed in Gatlinburg streams annually. The trout hatchery is located at Herbert Holt Park, just past the Gatlinburg entrance from Pigeon Forge.