Here are just a few tips for those who might be coming into town about which ways might be best to enjoy the Smoky Mountains magic while avoiding the traffic hassles…

Interstate 40 (Exit 407)

Obviously, the pathway that many take to their Smokies and Gatlinburg vacations involves Interstate 40 and exit 407.  After all, I-40 is one of three interstate systems in the eastern region of the state, and is the most logical way to get to there.  Whether coming from the east or the west, you will no doubt encounter some of the most beautiful surroundings you have ever seen.

I-40 (Driving From The West Through Knoxville, TN)

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From the west, you will come through Knoxville, which depending on the time of day, can be a major headache.  Avoiding the rush driving times can help a traveler greatly while making the trip to their Gatlinburg vacations.  Thankfully, the construction that has been taking place on I-40 through the town of the Volunteers has ended, making the run a lot more enjoyable and less time consuming.  I have seen traffic begin as soon as you depart the interstate at exit 407 though, so please be advised.

I-40 / I-81 (Traveling From The East)

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If you are coming from the eastern side of I-40, you’re in better luck as far as traffic goes.  You definitely won’t mind the view, either.  With towns like Bulls Gap and Morristown adorning the path, you will drive through some absolutely gorgeous Smoky Mountains scenery.

***NOTE: I-40 in North Carolina was recently closed near the NC / Tennessee border due to a massive rock slide. As of Late April 2010, it is once again open to traffic, although there might be occasional delays. Please see this info page from NCDOT for complete details and detour information.***

Highway 441

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From the south, there is Highway 441 that has you coming in from North Carolina, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  When it comes to scenery, you can’t beat this pathway into Sevier County.  Of course, traffic through the National Park is a consideration, and obviously, you can’t drive as fast as you can through some of the other ways of getting there.

Insiders’ Tips On Beating Traffic To And From Your Smoky Mountain Vacations

OK, so…you’re going to encounter non-stop traffic no matter how you go, right?  Well, if you go at certain times of the year, that’s probably a given.  With that said, let me offer you two alternate route suggestions that might cause you a little less headache:

Alternate Route #1:  Take Highway 441 South From Knoxville

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If you have to go through Knoxville, you might want to consider getting off the interstate on Highway 441 in downtown. Instead of going straight through Knoxville to the famous exit 407, you’ll go through the town of Seymour, en route to Sevierville, TN.  Once you get to Sevierville though, you’re on your own.

Alternate Route #2:  Take Highway 321

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The other (sort of) secret route involves you coming in from the west, and departing I-40 before you get to Knoxville.  At exit 364, you will see Highway 321 that takes you through Lenoir City, Maryville, and south to Townsend before you make a cut back to the north to Pigeon Forge, where you wind up in the middle of town.  Mileage-wise, it’s not wise, but in my travels there, I can’t remember ever coming to a complete stop, and the drive is absolutely breathtaking.

A Few Additional Insiders’ Travel Tips…

There are a few further tips for travelers driving to the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area that might make your stay more pleasant.  If you are coming in for a mountain run, you might want to make it during the week.  Weekend traffic is crazy.

If you can’t avoid going on a weekend during the fall…check out the Tennessee Volunteers Football Schedule.  Many fans that go cheer on the SEC powerhouse usually devote the second day of their weekend to the mountains.  Even if they don’t, avoid traveling through Knoxville on game day…you’ll drive yourself crazy!

Getting Around The Way The Locals Do

Simply getting to your destination isn’t enough.  You have to navigate your way to the town of your choice.  This sounds easy, but keep in mind, there are lots of people in the area just like you enjoying Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg vacations.  So, let’s start with Sevierville, and work our way up Highway 441.

Sevierville, TN

Exiting off of Interstate 40 onto Highway 66, you will be amazed at how many entertainment and shopping options there are—miles away from what is known as “The Parkway.”  As far as Sevierville goes, traffic is what it is.  You might be able to find a shortcut or two, but it’s not going to be that easy. One possible alternative would be to leave The Parkway, go east on 411 through Sevierville, and finally take Veterans Rd / Middle Creek Rd / Teaster Ln south to where it rejoins The Parkway below Pigeon Forge.

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Due to the basic layout of the town, there are not a lot of updates that can be made.  Still, you have to give credit to city officials for re-working the intersection of Highways 66 and 441 a few years ago, allowing visitors the option of bypassing one of the city’s busiest routes.  You’re still going to have a good amount of volume, but that little step makes it somewhat easier.

Pigeon Forge, TN

Then, you’re at Pigeon Forge.  If you have ever been there on a weekend in the fall, the massive amount of traffic will surely intimidate you if you’ve never been there before.  Do not abandon hope, as there are a few tricks to getting around town, or bypassing it altogether.

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Once you get into Pigeon Forge, you will arrive upon one of the busiest intersections of the area, that of Wears Valley Road (the afore-mentioned Highway 321) and Highway 441, referred to sometimes as “The Parkway.”  If you are coming from Sevierville, and you want to move on to Gatlinburg, or a little farther down the road in Pigeon Forge, take a left by the Timbers Log Motel.  Keep straight, and you will come upon a stop light adjacent to the Belz Outlet Mall.  Turn right, and you will be on one of the best treasures of Pigeon Forge—a road that runs parallel to the Parkway.  You will be able to turn right at a variety of stops that will bring you back out to “The Parkway.”  That should save some headache.

Gatlinburg, TN

The last stop on this ride is Gatlinburg.  Of course, with its location being right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one might think there are not really too many viable choices other than to just deal with the traffic and bargain for some extra time.  Well, you would be pleasantly surprised to find out that you are wrong.  Gatlinburg has an awesome transit system that includes five separate trolleys.  Here’s a link to the official Gatlinburg Trolley Routes Map.

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If you choose to drive around the city during your Gatlinburg vacations, the city has added several new parking lots over the years that make it somewhat easier.  Personally, once you’re there…I would get on the trolley or hoof it.  It’s definitely worth it, as opposed to the frustrating hassle of driving around on the crowded main thoroughfare.

Of course, these are just a few helpful tips for driving in the Smokies.  Plan ahead, so you won’t spend the majority of your Smoky Mountains vacation being stuck in traffic and frustrated.  Enjoying Gatlinburg vacations, along with experiencing the rest of the area’s outstanding attractions, is much better without the traffic!

Pigeon Forge, TN

Of course, it would be very hard to miss the town that is adjacent to Gatlinburg. Incorporated in 1961, the town quickly became a widely-visited hot spot among people who wanted to experience the natural beauty of the mountains. It steadily grew over the years, and then in 1986 hit the mother lode with the opening of Dollywood. Since then, the area has exploded with amusement parks, restaurants, motels, and of course…the shopping. Pigeon Forge is known throughout the United States for having some of the most unique outlet malls in the nation.  It’s well worth a day…or two of your stay!

Sevierville, TN

Because the only thing separating Pigeon Forge and Sevierville from each other geographically is a city limits sign (and trust me, there’s plenty of signs in the area), you just might pass from one town to the other and not even know it. Still, visitors to Sevierville will find one of the Smokies’ fastest-growing communities offering everything from elaborate shopping malls to first-class dining. The town also retains a small-town charm with a beautiful downtown district. Look around, and you will find a statue there of a woman who just happens to be the town’s best-known symbol—Dolly Parton!

Townsend, TN

While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge command the major amount of attention in the area, there are a few smaller towns on the map for folks who just want to get away…without the traffic. If that’s you, Townsend might just be up your alley. The pace might be a little slower, but it’s not without its attractions, as well. Craft shops galore line the sideways of Highway 321, as well as some of the most unique eateries the mountains have to offer. Not as commercially developed as other parts of the region, Townsend truly is a delight!

Newport, TN

Another laid back entity on Highway 321 happens to be Newport, located to the northeast of Gatlinburg. Established in 1797, just one year after Tennessee became a state, the town offers a quaint and peaceful charm, as well as some of the area’s most beautiful waterways and campgrounds. The arts community thrives there, with a dedicated Arts and Crafts Guild, in addition to the Newport Theater Guild, which showcases the many talents of local thespians!

Cherokee, NC

One of the most delightful stops in the area happens to be on the other side of the mountain at Cherokee, NC. While I don’t have to explain how the town got its name, I can tell you that this area has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Part of the reason behind that growth is the gaming industry and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, which offers close to 200,000 feet of excitement. If that isn’t for you, don’t fret. There’s a lot more to do and see. You can enter the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway here, and even see a bear at the Cherokee Bear Zoo, where tigers and monkeys also can be seen. See beautiful Fontana Dam, or simply tour the area in one of their wild water jeep tours, this North Carolina jewel offers something for everyone!

So, as you can see…the surrounding areas of Gatlinburg offer treasures and experiences untold. The biggest question I have is…why are you still reading this?  Get in the car, and find out for yourself!

Most of you know about “The Parkway.”  It is the main road in the body of the Smokies.  It starts in Sevierville and goes through Pigeon Forge, through the mountains, and into Gatlinburg (and beyond if you want too).

But many tourists aren’t aware that there is another parkway called, “Dolly Parton Parkway” off to the left as you enter Sevierville from the popular 407 exit.  Dolly Parton Parkway holds it’s own with businesses, restaurants, and shops, and the majority of the business that is done on this parkway is local stuff.  Some experienced tourists have learned back roads that use Dolly Parton Parkway to skip the traffic from the main parkway.

The point of my story is this—located on Dolly Parton Parkway is a unique furniture store called Ogle Furniture Outlet.  While shopping for new living room furniture, we headed up the hill to this shop to see what they had and if we could afford it.  When we opened the doors of the building we were shocked.  It was huge…really huge!  I had never seen so much furniture in my life.

We weren’t jumped on by sales people.  A lady greeted us with friendly comments and told us if we needed her to just yell.  We spent forever in the store.  In and out of the rooms filled with the neatest furniture I have ever seen in one location.  They had the top names, like many other stores, but the selection and the uniqueness of the shop was memorable.

Displayed along the back wall are museum quality signs and fixtures from various places of the past that were once located in the surrounding area.  Gas station signs, advertisements, and rare pieces were displayed from the floor to the ceiling.  That stuff alone was worth coming in to see (I like old stuff and I am a junk man, so I was in heaven!).

Something that stuck out in my mind was all the pieces that were “mountain” pieces.  There were log bed frames, rockers, tables, chairs, plant stands, and much more.  I thought to myself, if someone was looking for the type of furniture that was in their rental cabin, this is the place.  It made me want to redecorate our house like a cabin!

My wife had other ideas, so we proceeded to shop for our furniture.  We were pleased to find just what we were looking for (under our budget, I might add).  The furniture was delivered within a few days and we have been enjoying it ever since…actually, I am sitting on the couch as I write!

I know going to a furniture store may not be on your list to do when you are vacationing here in the Smoky Mountains, but if by chance you were looking for a unique piece that captures the area, this is the place.  Drive along Dolly Parton Parkway until you see some flags flying on the hill.  The big red and white sign with “Ogle Furniture Outlet” is the place.

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When you walk into this store you will see thousands upon thousands of books.  All the books are family friendly (and many are Christian).  The selection is unlike any place I have ever seen.

The great thing about this place is that it is so cheap…really cheap.  Several of the titles I saw were 90% off the retail price.  These books aren’t seconds or old titles either!  There are books for $5 that are the same on the shelves of other book stores for $24.99!

Family Book Outlet has a large variety of Christmas music, books, and gift items if you are starting to shop!  The kids section is unbelievable; I know I keep saying that, but is practically too good to be true.

My sister came to visit from West Virginia and she went crazy in the store.  She is a public school teacher and a Sunday school teacher and she couldn’t believe the prices on the literature and books she could use in her lessons.  She ended up filling two shopping carts!  I got tired after an hour waiting on her so I sat on the rocking chairs provided on the front porch.

While chatting with the staff there, they were very knowledgeable of the inventory and were most helpful searching for titles for customers.  They told me that if they don’t have the book in stock, they can probably special order for me and have it shipped directly to my home!  If you are in the ministry, you even get a discount.  A preacher was in line behind me and he showed them his “preacher’s card” (or something) and they gave him a ten percent discount.

The store goes beyond books, you can find family-friendly toys and a large variety of music.  My Grandma fell in love with their cookbooks.  She collects them and found several titles she had been looking for.  Some have even been out of print.

And I almost forgot, they have a used book section with some really great deals also.  Customers can bring in their personal books (family-friendly and approved by the store manager) and exchange them for gift cards to be used in the store.  I took in a box of books that we were going to sell at our yard sale and we received a $42 gift card—believe me, $42 goes a long way there!

Their selection of bibles is enormous.  The prices on these are slashed too.  Many of the Bibles are at least 40% off the suggested retail price.  This location is added to my “must take and see” list when my family and friends are in from out of town.

We buy a lot of our gifts there too. You receive quality items for a fraction of the cost at other stores.  It is unlike any bookstore I have ever visited.

So, as you plan your vacation to the Smoky Mountains and your Christmas shopping, make sure you add Family Book Outlet to the list.  You can stop in on your way into town to grab some books to read in your hotel room or on the porch of your cabin, or as you leave for the ride home.  It’s a perfect location!  Make the trip to Family Book Outlet—you will agree with me that it is unlike any bookstore you have ever visited.

I remember my first Holiday Season spent in Pigeon Forge.  I would drive around town and look at the lights every night!  I couldn’t wait to have my family and friends come to town so I could show them the spectacular displays placed around town.

The shops and businesses work night and day to make sure things are exactly perfect for Winterfest to kick off.  In my days working at Dollywood, I was shocked at the amount of time the employees spent decorating for Christmas.  People would work around the clock—for real—24 hours a day for several days!

Lights are wrapped around each tree and building in the park.  They decorate the theaters with pine garland and point all the garland ends in the same direction…now that’s effort!  It is beautiful.  Dollywood also has festive food and drinks like hot chocolate, wassail, and Christmas cookies from their Bakery that will make the trip even better.

Another spot to see the lights is Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge.  It runs along the river, down from The Old Mill.  Lights are displayed in oversized patriotic displays like The Liberty Bell, The Spirit of St. Louis, The American Flag, and Iwo Jima.  You can walk along the trail and see the lights up close.  My little girl loves that!  She asked the other night when we can go to the park and see the lights up close.

If you want to “take it all in” and see what the town has to offer, I suggest taking the Trolley Christmas Tour.  Leaving from their headquarters (beside Patriot Park) the trolleys (decorated with flashing lights themselves) take you around to all the hot spots with the best light displays.

The trolley rides themselves are pretty fun.  When my nephew was a little boy, he thought the trolley ride was an amusement ride, like at Dollywood. I didn’t tell him any different because it was a lot cheaper than riding on a rollercoaster.  The trolley is also a great way to get around town and avoid parking and traffic issues.  They provide a schedule with times and routes—it’s kind of like our very own version of the subway.

While making your plans to visit us over the holidays, remember to take an evening to enjoy the lights.  Hours and hours have been spent to make your trip to The Smokies the best and most memorable trip it can be!

Drive in from Interstate 40, and you will see almost as many shopping outlets and restaurants as you would see anywhere around, but the town also offers a unique charm that sets it apart from the other two towns.  What was originally known as a town named Forks of the Little Pigeon in the late 1790s has blossomed to a town that has both six-lane highways and a downtown district that resembles that of years ago.

Shopping In Sevierville, TN

There’s plenty to see and do in Sevierville.  If you come to the area in search of bargains, you’ll find them in plenty of places.  From outlet malls such as Tanger Five Oaks (featuring one of my faves, Tommy Hilfiger) and the Vanity Fair Outlet, where you are sure to bring home bargains for the entire family, there’s a little something for everyone.

If traditional stand-alone shops are more you’re style, you can experience the thrill of retail at such places as Belk or Wal-Mart, which is open 24 hours a day.  If you like specialty shops, you need go no further than Smoky Mountain Knife Works, which in spite of its name, sells a lot more than just knives. You will also find some nice antique shopping in the area.

Sevierville Restaurants

OK, shopping is not your thing.  You would rather sample some of the delicious offerings that the mountain area has to offer.  No problem!  There are plenty of restaurants that specialize in…just about everything.  From national chains like Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster to local hot spots like Applewood or Tony Gore’s Mountain BBQ and Grill, you will find something to satisfy those taste buds in Sevierville, TN as well.

Attractions In Sevierville

That sounds good, but what about something for the entire family?  You’re in luck, as Sevierville offers plenty to see and do.  For car enthusiasts, you will be amazed at Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum.  If you want to get into the fast lane yourself, there’s the NASCAR SpeedPark.  You can even take in a round of golf at Ripley’s Old-McDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf, which is one of the more interesting mini-golf spots along the world famous Parkway.  It’s a place well worth checking out!

Hotels In Sevierville

As far as where to stay, there are too many options to mention.  Sevierville offers thousands of rooms in the city, but I will tell you that in my trips to the town, I have always enjoyed my stays at Quality Inn River Suites, which have always satisfied whatever my overnight needs.

At the end of the day, I think you will be satisfied with your stay in the town where Dolly Parton grew up.  You just might see the Country Music Hall Of Fame member—if not in person, the statue of her on Sevierville’s courthouse lawn is worth getting a picture of.  It’s proof that dreams do come true in Sevierville.  Maybe yours will too!

The General Store is, without a doubt, one of the most-visited shops in the Smokies. There’s a reason for this—you can find one of the best selections of gifts for the entire family right here.

What’s interesting is how the store and the complex came to be.  The barn was originally built in 1910 by the Mullendore family.  After being sold in the mid 1970s, there was more of an emphasis placed on the apples that grew on the land around the barn.  Close to thirty years, the barn opened to the public, and the apples began selling…and selling…and selling.

In fact, the venture proved to be so successful that more items were added, and now, you can get a wide variety of country-themed products…and yes, you can still get apples at the Apple Barn.  The barn now has three floors, and chances are that when you visit, you will see plenty of customers looking for that unique present from the Smoky Mountains.  You can even see the apples turned into cider in the popular cider room.

OK, I’ve got to mention that’s one of my favorite subjects to do with the Apple Barn—the cider.  You can take it home by the gallon, or simply delight in a refreshing cup of Fall Harvest at the Barn’s Cider Bar.

But wait…there’s more!

You will find some of the most delicious Fried Apple Pies this side of the Pearly Gates at the Apple Barn, as well as their delicious Apple Dumplings.  If you get something to eat at the Cider Bar, make sure that you top it off with a scoop (or two!) of their delicious ice cream.  There has been many a box of pies and gallons of cider that has made it from the Apple Barn all the way back home, and I have a feeling that trend will continue for many years to come!

If you are a connoisseur of wine, be sure to stop by The Apple Barn Winery.  They call it “Award-Winning” for a reason!  Flavors such as Apple-Raspberry, Apple-Peach, and Apple-Strawberry continue to bring back customers year after year.

What if your tastes go beyond Apple?  Well, you’re still in luck, with classic blends like Merlot and Muscadine.

And I didn’t even mention the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, which is one of the anchors of the complex.  To be honest, I can tell you I have never tried their lunch or dinners—I can’t get past their breakfasts!  Go for their Apple Fritters (words can’t begin to tell you!) and stay for their Country Ham—the best I’ve ever had!

The only thing about visiting the Apple Barn is that you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all they have to offer, and by the way, did I mention those fritters?

Need More Info?

The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store
230 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN
800-421-4606 / http://www.applebarncidermill.com/

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Keeping that in mind, the towns unite their marketing and event planning sources each year for several projects, but most notably, the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration.

Kicking off in late fall, each community partners up with several of the local attractions to turn on the lights—literally!  Millions of lights from the hometown of Dolly Parton all the way to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that will no doubt bring out the child in all ages!

Though the gallery of colors and lights are an impressive display, it doesn’t end there.  When you have so many musical theaters lining up over the Parkway, there’s plenty of entertainment value in the area, as well.  Many of Country Music’s biggest stars of all time, as well as many local favorites, bring their Yuletide cheer to the stages of the area, entertaining fans from all around the world.

But wait….there’s more!

What would the season be without snow?  You can find that, as well as some incredible skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, a resort and amusement park that sits high atop the mountains of the city.  You’ll find snow tubing (something I have to try at least once) and their famous indoor ice arena.  It’s definitely a site to behold!

Oh, but we’re not done yet!  Of course, one of the region’s biggest tourist destinations is Dollywood, and the Country Music Hall Of Famer and her staff, as the old saying goes, “put on the dog,” for visitors during the famous Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.  At just the theme park alone, you’ll find over four million holiday lights, and of course…plenty of music.

Babes in Toyland and Christmas in the Smokies are two of the stage presentations that keep people coming back year after year.  Another highlight of the park is Carol of the Trees, as well as Santa’s Workshop—where you just might come face to face with one of your all-time favorite toys…..albeit in life-size form! The food, always a high point of the Dollywood experience, gets even better during this time, with several traditional favorites served up in the restaurants there.

Then, of course, what would Christmas be without the shopping?  Whether you’re looking for a Tommy Hilfiger dress shirt for Dad, a Lodge Cast Iron skillet for Mom, or a Merle Haggard box set for Grandpa, if you can’t find it in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg…..it can’t be found!  There’s a reason why the area is one of the biggest shopping destinations of the South!

That’s just the tip of the mountain, folks.  Smoky Mountain Winterfest is an incredible time of year, one that you’ll be glad you were a part of!