Tennessee Travel Forum

I'm planning a vacation next summer and we will be spending 1 1/2 days in Chattanooga, and 6 days in the Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg area. What are the must see's and must do's in these areas? Also, are there any great, moderately-cheaply priced local eateries? Are these area's known for any particular type of food that shouldn't be missed?

This is for Don: Shouldn't you be working on your banana plantation??? This person asked a simple question and you should at least give them a decent answer.

You say "we" are going on vacation soon...children...or adults only??
Chattanooga sightseeing should include the following:
1) The Tennessee Aquarium
2) The Chattanooga Choo-Choo
3) Relax and enjoy downtown Chattanooga
4) Rock City
5) The incline
*Go to Chattanooga's visitor website, there used to be a "package deal" for several attractions.

When leaving Chattanooga and heading for the mountains, if you have a 1/2 day, go whitewater rafting, the company I used was Cherokee Rafting and they were great...between Chattanooga and Knoxville there's a little town called Athens, you'll find the home of Mayfield Ice Cream, tour the plant and then enjoy some great ice cream.

Now for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. My personal preference is to stay in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a "walking" town. Pretty much once you come in from exploring the mountains and stop at your motel, you don't move your car again. You have a choice, trolley or foot.

As for things to do, we explore the mountains. At the top of the list is:
1) Cades Cove (allow lots of time, 1-way loop around approximately 8 miles, but you won't find anything to compare to it!!
2) Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - outside of Gatlinburg...another loop but the streams here are post card worthy...
3) Explore the streams and climb the rocks at the Chimney Tops trail head.
4) Hike to laurel Falls
5) Take a picnic lunch into the mountains and find the pull-off that's perfect for you!!

If you have kids, outside of Seviervlle is the Smoky Mountain Deer Petting Zoo.
Also, in Gatlinburg at night, ton's of things to explore or do...Ripleys, putt-putt golf, numerous museums/shops, sample fudge....

Be sure to sample Smokey Mountain Fudge from one of the shops and have a Fannie Farkles Corndog. Also...no trip to the Mountains is complete without stopping into the Pancake Pantry for their famous pancakes...Chocolate Chip is a family favorite...

Hope this helps..have a wonderful trip!