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Post by scrapulous on Jun 15, 2016 4:39:42 GMT
We're visiting some friends in Greenville, SC, later this summer, and we'd like to go to the Smoky Mountains together for a couple days. We went with them to Gatlinburg a couple years ago. None of us loved the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville. A little too kitschy for us. But we loved the national park. Should we stay near the south eastern part of the park this time? Are there other towns to stay in other than the Gatlinburg area?
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Post by disneypal on Jun 15, 2016 10:20:52 GMT
I recommend renting a cabin near Blue Ridge, GA or Maggie Valley, TN
I often say when I retire, I would love to live near Blue Ridge, GA (note: this might be in the Chattahoochee National Forest instead of Smokey Mtn National Forest - not 100% sure but I love it there)
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Post by Patter on Jun 15, 2016 10:48:06 GMT
Asheville, NC is not far at all from Greenville, SC, plus Biltmore House is there. Why not go to Asheville?  |
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Post by GamGam on Jun 15, 2016 11:47:11 GMT
Highlands, NC is a great choice for you. Beautiful, beautiful scenery. Lots of waterfalls. And a small town that has retained the charm of a small town. We are planning a visit there this September and will stay at Half Mile Farm, a B&B.
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valleyview
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Jun 15, 2016 12:58:17 GMT
I also recommend the North Carolina side of the park.
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Post by scrapulous on Jun 15, 2016 16:11:41 GMT
Thank you guys so much! I'll check into these places. And we are going to Asheville for one day, also. We love it there! I'm so excited for this road trip!
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Post by ilikepink on Jun 15, 2016 16:30:14 GMT
Just took a ride out there last weekend. Thought we were going to Asheville, but went to Silva - on the western side of Asheville - what a delightful little town! Went to Gatlinburg as well - that was a town, also!  We did take the tram to the top of the mountain and that was fun. Drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and through the Smokey Mountains - absolutely beautiful! |
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jun 15, 2016 16:39:52 GMT
I would suggest looking near Bryson City, NC There are a lot of beautiful cabins and hiking, tubing etc in that part of the "woods" not to far of a drive from Greenville or AVL.
Are you looking for a town to stay in or more like a cabin?
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Post by scrappysurfer on Jun 15, 2016 16:42:40 GMT
Brevard is also a cute little town with the Blue Ridge Parkway close by, as well as plenty of waterfalls and Sliding Rock right off 64. We love that area. We tent camp so I can't recommend any cabins, but there are numerous waterfalls that are a short easy hike from the main highway. Brevard has an adorable main street with lots of shops and cafes.
Highlands and Waynesville are also cute little mountain towns that are worth looking at.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jun 15, 2016 17:53:08 GMT
I never think of Brevard but scrappysurfer is right.. cute town, close to a lot of things to see... Pisgah Forest is beautiful. The Cradle of Forestry is near. Pisgah forest was land that had been clear cut and was then reforested, by the Biltmore Estate. It was sold to the US Forestry to create the Pisgah Forest. |
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Post by scrapulous on Jun 15, 2016 22:36:23 GMT
Thank you all! I'm hoping to have time to look into these options later this evening.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jun 15, 2016 22:58:54 GMT
I'm in Asheville so let me know if you have any questions.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,799
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jun 15, 2016 23:25:26 GMT
Note Asheville, NC, is about an hour north of Greenville, SC (on I-26W). Waynesville/Lake Junaluska/Maggie Valley, NC, is less than 30 minutes west of Asheville (on I-40W). You could also drive the Blue Ridge Parkway (its highest point is at the Richland Balsam Overlook; be cautious of the steep/winding route & uneven footing at the overlooks when taking photos) & visit the Cherokee reservation (casino, if interested). There are a few chain hotels, options at Lake Junaluska resort, bed & breakfasts, & several family-owned/seasonal inns. I always recommend Joey's Pancake House (Maggie Valley, NC; prepare to wait for seating) for a homecooked breakfast to order. Hope you & your family have a safe & fun trip!
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Post by airforcemomof1 on Jun 16, 2016 1:09:43 GMT
Townsend, the peaceful side of the Smokies.
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We did take the tram to the top of the mountain and that was fun. Drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and through the Smokey Mountains - absolutely beautiful!
