South - Help me plan a 2 day dream getaway! Smoky area-TN

Okay guys,

So i need to plan an awesome 2 day weekend for someone special on a short notice. The best place i thought was Pigeon Forge and surrounding areas since she wants to go there.

budget wise, I am looking for something $400 ish for lodging and food.

1. I need a good suite, not a hotel room. Any suggestions? I can't find anything good and not overly expensive on this short of a notice, my T-share isn't pulling up any availability either.

2. Is there a good show or two where I can take her? She is vegeterian...so any info would help...

3. I only been 1 riding stable but it wasn't that good, anyone have personal experience with a good riding stable?

4. Any thing in the area that I should ABSOLUTELY not miss? any romantic spots?

Thanks!

:) Being an old hillbilly myself, I like Fontana Lake .:)

I may need to do some research into who I've rented from before but, I would try for a log cabin or condo rental in Gatlinburg (you don't really want to spend more time than necessary in Pigeon Forge, do you?).

If you're into music and rides, Dollywood is an excellent park. The water rides are especially fun. There's one ride that's like a rubber toboggan that starts at the top of a decent hill (be prepapred to walk up it) and we always try and tip it on the curves.

For shopping, the PF outlets are extensive. The most upscale has the word "Oaks" in its name - maybe Five Oaks, almost on the Pigeon Forge-Sevierville line. Mrs BV can't stay away from the Apple Barn in the same vicinity. It's a gift shop, restaurant, winery combo with usually excellent apple cider donuts. There's a 3 winery wine trail with a passport that gets you something free if you score all three. I'll confess I wasn't a fan of the wines.

Everyone walks the Parkway in Gatlinburg. There's shops, restaurants, "museums" and an excellent aquarium (full of kids on weekends). I like Calhouns for dinner (not vegetarian) and Dolce Uva wine bar for a drink and a meal (vegetarian possibility - try the website).

For shows, there's only one I recommend. Sweet Fanny Adams theater in Gatlinburg is pretty neat. It's funny, old fashioned, good clean fun. There's a small resident company that presents 2 shows a summer on alternating nights (not Sunday).

For romance, nothing beats the Great Smoky Mountains national park. We hike there when we can and know a few good trails with waterfalls and places to cool your feet.

If all else fails, give me and Mrs BV a buzz. We're about 45 minutes away. PM me if you need anything.

Wow thanks BV! that was really helpful!! The PF outlets are the prime outlets there? I am not sure what you are referring to the FiveOaks, are there more than one factory outlets there? I only been to the area once and not sure if there are multiple outlets. Google time! I was thinking about Dollywood but I wasn't sure if its for little kids only? I mean the ads they run are usually kid geared.

Wow thanks BV! that was really helpful!! The PF outlets are the prime outlets there? I am not sure what you are referring to the FiveOaks, are there more than one factory outlets there? I only been to the area once and not sure if there are multiple outlets. Google time! I was thinking about Dollywood but I wasn't sure if its for little kids only? I mean the ads they run are usually kid geared.

Five Oaks is a collection of outlet stores (not a mall, more of a shopping village), most on the upscale side. I think they're a Tanger property and they appear to be doing well. There are a number of outlet malls, outlet strip malls and outlet stores in Pigeon Forge but my only visit this spring, it looking like business was slow and there were quite a few empty stores. Pigeon Forge also has lots of hotels/motels, restaurants and attractions, but it is crowded and the traffic is heavy - a lot is located on the Parkway. I avoid it, especially in the summer.

Dollywood has more than rides, which creates a dual focus. The kiddies want the rides, but adults can enjoy the shows and crafts. There are other places to experience magic and music and glitz, but honestly I can't keep up with what's there and don't know which of it is any good. I have been warned away from the new Titanic attraction in Pigeon Forge by neighbors who have attended. Mostly it's an exhibit and pretty dry unless you are into the history of the sinking. Very cool looking from the outside, though.

Bottom line recommendations reiterated:

To shop - 5 Oaks outlet center in Sevierville
To be entertained - Sweet Fanny Adams theatre in Gatlinburg and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge
For nature & outdoors - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For a vegetarian meal - Dolce Uva wine bar in Gatlinburg
To stay - Cabin or condo rental in Gatlinburg (lots of choices)
For exercise - hike the national park or walk the Parkway in Gatlinburg

Do not:

- stop in Pigeon Forge
- stay in Pigeon Forge
- eat in Pigeon Forge
- buy airbrushed t-shirts