One of the major benefits, then, of getting a vacation package for your mountain cabin trip is stress prevention. Vacations can already be hectic in their own way, and having to search for romantic activities for you and your partner to engage in can only add to the unwanted and unneeded stress of these situations. Vacation packages can nip this issue in the bud from the get-go! Certain vacation packages offer features such as romantic amenities as roses, chocolates, dinner for two, and even an in-cabin massage for two, making them the perfect addition to any couples’ vacation. By letting a vacation package help in arranging your romantic outings, you’ll find ample stress-relief by not having to search for your own appropriate activities.

One other major benefit of purchasing a vacation package for your trip is that they can help you get to know the area for yourself. Many packages offer tickets or passes to local shows and events, and thus visitors can gain insight into local areas of interest. By purchasing such packages you can gain quick experiences into the locale and the areas of interest within you cabin destination.

Vacation packages also come completely customizable, making them even more convenient in the way they suit your particular needs. Thus, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just a simple vacation away from home, these packages have you covered!

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With that said, parents need some extra planning to help ensure the car ride is as pleasant as the vacation itself. While planning road trips is easier said than done, we have listed some vacation road tips below to help turn those car rides into more enjoyable experiences.

Tips For Parents

• Expect Mistakes – Unfortunately, some thing might go wrong. This does not have to be the end of the world. Small mishaps are not emergencies if you have a plan. Some things to consider planning for include lost money, minor injuries (cuts or burns), or car trouble.
• Rent A Car – For the most part, all cabin destinations have one thing in common. The cabin rentals are located in and around mountains. Renting a car can ease some damage you might receive on your regular vehicle. Having a car with four wheel drive or tire chains something you should consider as well.
• Take Short Break – I know making great time is part of the vacation experience, but it is not necessary for having fun. Not only is it not necessary, it can add a lot of stress. Stopping every few hours and stretching your legs can help a lot children and teens.
• GPS Device – While GPS devices are not perfect they do help when you are not familiar with certain areas.

Tips For Young Children

• Extra Necessities – Make sure to pack extra bottles, wipes, snacks, medicine, and blankets.
• Games – This one small idea can entertain kids for several hours. Include games like 20 questions or I Spy.
• TV/DVD Player – This can be very helpful for shorter increments if you have younger kids. They might not be able to watch an entire movie, but you can break a two hour movie into several 30 minute segments.
• Plan your Departure Time – Planning your departure time around your child’s nap time can be very helpful.

Tips For Teens

• Put Them In Charge – Putting a teen in charge (possibly co-piloting for the driver) can help occupy a teen. Let them pick out the rest stops and restaurants.
• Portable Electronics -  If teens have an mp3 device or portable DVD player they will be able to entertain themselves.
• Snacks – Even though they are older your teens will still enjoy some snacks.
• Engaging Questions – Take this opportunity to talk to your teen about important issues.

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There are three well known locations that allow you to see The Great Smoky Mountains at their most magnificent angle. So if it’s a mountain view you crave, you will most likely want to land a cabin in one of these areas: Ober Gatlinburg (there not actually cabins located within the park), Chalet Village, or Ski Mountain. Ober Gatlinburg is accessed by the Aerial Tram and takes you soaring to the top where you will find a ski resort, a wildlife exhibit, shopping and an amusement park. Ober Gatlinburg is open year-round, except for a brief period in the spring when they perform scheduled maintenance.  Nearby to Ober Gatlinburg is a location called Chalet Village. Chalet Village is a wonderful community complete with Gatlinburg cabins of all sizes, playgrounds  and 3 club houses. Ski Mountain will offer some great views along with Chalet Village. The higher up the mountain the better the views will become. 4 wheel drive is highly recommended in winter. These 3 locations can be accessed from traffic light 10 in downtown Gatlinburg TN.

If you are interested in being close to downtown Gatlinburg the Baskins Creek Area comes highly recommended. A lot of cabins are less than one mile from the downtown area. You can even find some that are within walking distance. If you want to be in between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge then you will want to find a cabin in The Spur. Most of these cabins have great views and access to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. So come enjoy the beauty and entertainment of Gatlinburg, TN.

If you are interested in being close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you could reserve on the spur. The spur is a five mile strip that connects the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The advantage of this location is the easy access to town. Some mountain views are available.

If you are interested in outdoor activites, then reserve near the Pittman Center or Roaring Forks. All types of activites can be enjoyed including biking and horseback riding. Most cabins will be on wooded lots without mountain views.

Privacay or seclusion can be obtained in all locations. If you are interested in privacy/seclusion, be sure to mention this to your reservation specialist. Regardless of where you decide to reserve, I am sure that you will have an enjoyable time in Gatlinburg Tennessee.

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Sugarland Wedding Chapel
(865) 430-1555
Get married in a chapel at the heart of Gatlinburg, TN. This white wedding chapel is the perfect place for you to wed.

Gatlinburg’s Log Wedding Chapel
(800)-554-1451
Constructed entirely out of logs, Gatlinburg Log Chapel is one of the premier chapels in Gatlinburg TN. Located in a secluded area away from downtown Gatlinburg in the historic Arts And Crafts Community.

Wedding Chapel in the Glades
(865) 436-3338
You’ll fall in love all over again in this rustic log chapel with large Gothic windows. Perfect setting for your wedding.

Chapel at The Park
(865) 430-3372
Our white wood Chapel is located in a forest of trees, flowering rhododendron, mountain laurel, dogwood and can accommodate up to 50 guests. Chapel At The Park will help make this day last forever.

Chapel in the Glen
(865) 436-5356
Award winning log wedding chapel in the Smokey Mountains. You also have the option of getting married at their waterfall on site.

Creekside Wedding Chapel
(865) 436-4153
Decide between having your wedding in the chapel, by the fireplace in the great room or out on the deck with the creek running right by you.

Chalet Mountain Wedding Chapel
(865) 430-5568
Get married in this beautiful Gatlinburg wedding chapel with many different areas on site to get married.

Catering

Absolutely Sensational Catering
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
423-436-8978

Catering Unique
Knoxville, Tennessee
423-579-5960

The Wright Stuff
Sevierville, Tennessee
423-428-1315

Limousines

Limousines of the Smokies
(865) 436-2467
Take a ride to and from your wedding in the luxury of a ten passenger Jaguar limo.

Cupid’s Limousine
423-436-LIMO (5466)
Arrive and depart in style from your wedding location in your very own limousine.

South Fork Limo Service INC
423-429-LIMO (5466)
Ride in style to your wedding venue and in the comfort of your own limo.

Photographers

Gatlinburg Photo
1-866-621-6273
Their portable studio will go where you want for your pictures. They offer all types of photography services at affordable prices.

Larry Miller Photography, INC
865-436-8769
Photography services for your large or small wedding in the Smokey Mountains. They’ll go to your location.

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Grove Park
(828) 252-2711
Grove Park Golf Course has received many recognition for the design and layout throughout the years. It has seen “facelifts” for many of the holes to make it more challenging and appealing. This beautiful course has plenty of scenery for you to enjoy while playing. Breathe in the fresh air as you putt from hole to hole. It’s an 18 hole, par 70 course that has a combined putting distance of 6720 yards. Golf carts are available for rent and golf lessons are also available for those who are interested.

Country Club of Asheville Inc: Golf Pro Shop
(828) 258-9762
This course was one of the first one hundred golf courses in the US. It was designed by Donald Ross in 1928. Play along the beautiful layout and design of this course that is so well maintained it’s almost hard to believe it’s over 80 years old. It’s open every day each week unless posted otherwise! It’s a great club to go to for a relaxing morning of golf while visiting Asheville, NC.

Reem’s Creek Golf
(828) 645-4393
At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is this golf course who claims the title of one of the top golf courses in western North Carolina. This challenging course offers many twists and turns for you to putt through. Plenty of trees and water bodies grace this course and increase the challenge throughout the play. Beginner and expert golfers alike will find this course to be a great way to spend an afternoon.

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Dandridge Golf & Country Club
(865) 397-2655
Play your way through hills, valleys and along the woods in the golf course designed by Dan Maples. This course features 27 holes and 3 different selections for tee offs. As you play you’ll be greeted with views of the Smoky Mountains and you will also catch a glimpse of Douglas Lake. If golfing interests you but you don’t know how to play you’ll be welcomed here. They have PGA instructors on site available for lessons. This is a public golf course. Membership isn’t necessary to enjoy a day out on the green.

Bays Mountain Golf Course
(865) 577-8172
A public, 18 hole golf course that was constructed in 1964. You’ll play on a hilly course with water hazards and beautiful scenery. The price to play on this course ranges in prices up to $16! If you aren’t familiar with how to golf their golf pro’s can teach you a thing or two. This is a 70 par course. See if you can beat the current high score leader at 87 par.

Bent Creek Golf Course
(865) 436-3947
Opened in 1972 and designed by Gary Player this golf course has you playing through the valleys and in the mountains. Playing at the Bent Creek Golf Course gives you the joy of golfing and seeing the Smoky Mountains while you visit. It was voted as one of the top 50 golf courses in the south by Southern Living Travel Guide. Take advantage of the creek side grill, golf course condominiums, golf shop, PGA staff and many other perks this course offers.

Gatlinburg Golf Course
(865) 453-3912
Located in Pigeon Forge TN, the Gatlinburg Golf Course has been named one of the most beautiful golf courses in America. Not only will you get the enjoyment of golfing through 18 holes but you’ll also be rewarded with views of the Great Smoky Mountains as you play along. It was designed by William Langford and has been renovated twice since it opened, one in 1993 and again in 2007. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner you’ll be challenged by the different holes. One of the hardest holes drops 200 feet over it’s 194 yard tee to green hole. All holes combined expand over 6200 yards. Test your luck at the Gatlinburg Golf Course next time you’re in town.

Eagle’s Landing Golf Club
(865) 429-4223
This golf course was opened in 1994. It is one of the most popular courses in the states and received recognition by GolfDigest. There is a par 72 championship layout and there are five different sets of tees you could choose from. Any golfer of all skill levels will be able to enjoy this course. This course was used for the Tennessee PGA Championship, Tennessee State Open Qualifying, Mid- South Collegiate Championships and many others. Breakfast and lunch are served at Eagle’s Landing Golf Club so if you get hungry after a day of gold you will be able to satisfy your hunger while at the course.

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If you prefer fishing off rivers then there are many rivers to choose from…

• America River. If you’re looking for cutthroat, brook trout and rainbow trout you will enjoy this river. It is at a high elevation and it right under 5 miles long.
• Bumping River. This is one of the popular rivers to fish on while at Mount Rainier. You’ll have to go to the Cascade Range for this river to fish for rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat.
• Butter Creek River. You’ll have to visit this river between June and October. It’s closed during the winter months. There are special rules for fishing on this river. You can only use unscented, artificial flies and lures with single barbless hook. No bait and it’s catch and release only. You’ll find ranbow trout, cutthroat and white fish at this river.
• Cowlitz River. This river runs off the slops of Mount Rainier. It is over 100 miles long and features coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, cutthroat trout and whitefish. Cowlitz is known for it’s steelhead and salmon so you’re sure to catch plenty of those. This river does run through private properties so the best way to get to it is from road access.
• Naches River. Located in the eastern part of the Cascade Range this river is approximately 75 miles long. It’s exceptionally close to campgrounds and if you’re looking to catch rainbow or cutthroat trout and whitefish you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
• Nisqually River. The best time to fish for the salmon, steelhead and trout at this river is during the month of October. It’s approximately 81 miles long and runs from the slopes of Mountain Rainer and drains off into the Puget Sound.
• Skate Creek. You’ll only be able to access this river from June until October as well. This river will be stocked with rainbow trout and whitefish. It’s a short creek at right over 3 miles long.

If fishing by a lake is more your style then here are some choices for you…

• Alder Lake. This huge lake is over 2900 acres. It’s open year round but keep in my the water freezes in the winter months. You’ll find rainbow and cutthroat trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, bullhead catfish, black crappie and yellow perch at this lake. It’s easily accessible for handicapped as well.
• Clear Lake. This lake is right under 6 acres large and has plenty of rainbow trout. It’s over 3500 feet above sea level and is the best area to fish in. It’s open year round but is stocked every April, June and October with a combined 25,000 trout.
• Dog Lake. Great for a beginner fisherman. It’s 60+ acres is home to rainbow and eastern brook trout. The best time to fish this lake is June-October. Take your boat out and fish and retire to the campground when you’re done for the day.
• Mineral Lake. It’s only open from April 1- September 30 and you can catch rainbow or brown trout here. Many consider Mineral Lake to be the best trout fishing lake in western Washington. Enjoy over 250 acres of lake and catch a trophy fish or two.
• Mowich Lake. The largest lake completely inside the Mount Rainier National Park limits. Mowich Lake is home to kokanee, and ester trout. You’ll have to take a hike to get to this lake though but there is a campground near by if you plan on fishing there a couple of days in a row.
• Riffe Lake. Over 11,500 acres and open year round. A very popular lake to fish on if you’re looking to catch a cutthroat, brown or rainbow trout, coho, kokanee or largemouth bass. It does not have boat access so you’ll have to fish from shore at this lake.

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It is a good rule of thumb to keep an open mind about reading reviews. One thing to keep in mind is not every traveler is going to want or care about the same thing. Keeping this in mind, it is also important to remember that you should never just take one person’s advice when reading a review. Reading more than three lodging reviews will give you a greater idea about what people are really saying. Keep in the back of your mind that some people just can’t be pleased. Some individuals will spam message boards and blast companies because of small inconveniences or because they did not get a full refund.

Online guest reviews are very important for new travelers. A past customer will give you minor details that you may not find anywhere else. These details, like the location, privacy, and cleanliness of a property, can give you relevant information about what your cabin rental will be like before you even leave your home.

What should you look for when reading reviews? This is simple. You should look for anything that makes you feel more comfortable or more uncomfortable about booking a specific mountain cabin. Again, each person’s vacation and lodging ideas are different so it is always important to look for things, good or bad, that can make or break your family vacation. If location is important make sure you try to find a review that talks about the cabins locations. If you are concerned about amenities, ask questions if the website has an open discussion board. If you find out that the service was poor or reservations were rude to guests allow the company to answer the negative review.

By reading online travel reviews you can decide if this place is going to suit your specific travel needs and wants. When it comes down to start planning the lodging aspect one of the most important parts is checking out guest reviews. It seems as though it sets your mood for the rest of your vacation, and of course you want that to be great. If anything, reading reviews will add peace of mind and maybe save a few headaches

Consider reading travel blogs and visit travel forums for more information. For a comprehensive database of reviews visit Flip Key.

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The busiest times of the year are holidays, events and peak season (June – December). During those periods of time you could spend plenty of time sitting in traffic. To help ease the vehicle congestion Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have a trolley system. There are trolleys that go different places in Gatlinburg and also for Pigeon Forge. If you choose to use the trolley system not only does this cut down on the traffic problems but it is also a cheaper mode of transportation. If you’re in Gatlinburg and want to ride to Pigeon Forge they have a trolley system to run between the two cities. Choosing to ride the trolley is an inexpensive cost and since it has access to over 100 different sites in the two cities they could cut down on time waiting in the car. The price to ride the trolley is cheaper than the gas you would use in your own car. They also offer all day trolley passes that could pay for themselves if you use it enough in one day.

Just like in Telluride CO, Gatlinburg TN offers an aerial tramway to Ober Gatlinburg. This is the easiest way to visit Ober Gatlinburg if you are interested in skiing, ice skating, or plenty of other attractions.

Some people fly into town. Since some places are not walking distance to a trolley there are also other modes of transportation you could choose. There are rental companies that would rent cars, trucks, SUV’s etc. to you. There are also companies who specialize in off roading vehicles for you to rent. You could also opt to rent a scooter, dirt bike, motorcycle, etc. from some rental companies.

Another way to cut down on traffic is to rent one of the many cabin rentals that is walking distance to downtown. Not only can you leave your car parked at your cabin rental on vacation but it’s good exercise too. Plan your vacation accordingly and get ready to have fun on your vacation to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg TN.

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For hikers considering easy trails…

• The Carolina Mountain Trail is a 1.2 mile hike. It winds around the magnificent pine trees. Take in the beauty of your surrounding with a break at Brent’s Creek. This overlook is a rest place and has a great view.
• Great Woodland Adventure is a short hike that is ideal for children or those who can’t or don’t want to hike far. It’s a .6 mile trail with a little surprise along the way. The park’s mascot Grady the Groundhog and some of his woodland friends have been set out for people to enjoy. The handmade wood and metal sculptures are great to take a break at and take pictures.
• Another trail that might interest you is the Boogerman Trail (named so in tribute to Robert “Boogerman” Palmer).This trail is 7 miles along and circles around old houses. Also along the trail you’ll see mountain streams. The refreshing sound of the water will ease your stress as your trek along. Other sites on this trail are the Cataloochee Creek, Robert Palmer’s old house, Snake Branch, etc. This scenic trail is a favorite if you’re up for the 7 miles hike/walk.

For hikers considering moderate trails…

• Graveyard Fields Trail is a great hike for families. The 3.2 miles trail takes you through a field that has wading pools to stop and wade at during your hike. Graveyard is a popular hike for the families with children that don’t mind the distance.
• In Chimney Rock Park you could take a short hike on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.  The .75 mile hike passes many different species of trees and plants. At the end is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Hickory Nut Falls.
• Just two miles north of Cherokee, NC is the Oconaluftee River Trail. This gravel trail is 1.5 miles long and is one of the only trails that will allow you to bring your pet along with you (don’t forget the doggy bag). The trail is relatively flat with a few small hills and runs along beside the Oconaluftee River.

For hikers considering moderately-hard difficult trails:

• The Deep Creek Loop Trail is 4.6 miles round trip and has some of the most beautiful scenic points as you go. The wildlife and trees are photo worthy along this trail but the points you’ll want to stop at are Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls which are located right off the path. The highest point along this path is the top of Sunkota Ridge at 2437 feet in elevation.
• Kanati Fork Trail is about 2 miles long with a steady inclination as you progress. The trail runs alongside the Kanati River but as you hike you’ll start to lose sight of the river since you start climbing up.

There are more hiking trails in Asheville NC than the ones listed above. For more information and advice about hiking trails visit Explore Asheville or Romantic Asheville.

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