Greetings and Salutations...
On Fri, 6 Aug 2004 10:45:58 -0500, "Ron Williams" wrote:
Well, it depends on what you are interested in. Pigeon Forge has one of the few Delta Tool Outlets in America, and the malls that have grown up there are REALLY popular. As others have mentioned, though, both cities can suck cash out of your pocket for junk faster than the IRS. The good news is that there IS a lot of quality stuff available in Gatlinburg. However, for example, just next to Arrowmont is the Carousel Mall..which has a fair number of shops with stuff from local crafts-folk. There is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge...which is a pricy way to spend the day, but, as a theme park is pretty amusing. There are the usual collection of rides, and, again, a bunch of shops, most of which DO offer the work of local crafts-folk at prices that are only slightly painful. Of course, you are right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park...one of the most popular parks in the system. it is a fairly short drive to Townsend, and Cades Cove, which provides one with a nice, 11 mile loop drive through some geologically interesting terrain, and, a pleasant collection of old houses and a working Grist Mill to visit. It is a very nice place to have a picnic, and, in years past, I have spent pleasant hours there in some of the fields, flying kites. Also, within a short drive of Gatlinburg are a number of hiking trails, ranging from short walks just off the road to several miles back into what passes for wilderness these days. Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smoky's is a short hike up (and i do mean UP) from Newfound Gap. Closer in, if you take the main drag through Gatlinburg and turn left at (I think) light #10 (by the space needle), you will be on Airport road. it leads you to the Roaring Fork motor trail, which is a very nice drive through the wilds. There is another great place for a picnic on this road, too...the old Ogle Farm. It is a preserved farm from decades ago, and, has an easy, 45 loop trail that leads to a tub mill on the stream. Wonderful place to sit on the rocks, have a picnic, and watch the water. Hope you get this in time *smile*...And enjoy your time at Arromont. It is going to be QUITE a good experience I expect. Regards Dave MUndt