441 from gattlenburg to cherokee is one of the most amazing roads i have ever been on.

 

Yup. I live off of 441.


Gatlinburg is a nice place, but can be touristy. There are better places... lot of cabins off of Wears Valley Road to rent, and the cost of the cabin can be more than affordable if a few people are chipping in for it. There is a member here who has a place to rent, matter of fact. Check out the classifieds section... I think it is under the "gear and other stuff" part of the classies.

 

Now for my .

Lodging. Covered that in the above post, but if you are looking at staying in a hotel, check it out first. There are some on the strip that are cheap, some that are "cheap", and some that are really nice. The Christmas Inn is absolutely amazing, but you pay for it. There is also a hotel that is pretty nice that looks like a log cabin. I can drop a name if you like... just have to go to it first, as the name leaves me for now. It is in Pigeon Forge, off the main drag (not directly).

As for food, here is my recommendation.
For a nice steak dinner, check out The Peddler. Not terribly cheap, but worth it at least one night. Incredible place to eat! Expect to spend around $25- $30 and up per person for a steak meal. Salad bar is included. It is located on the lower side of the Gatlinburg main strip. You owe it to yourself to go there at least once... trust me. Here is a .pdf menu.
http://www.peddlergatlinburg.com/menu.php

At the top of the Gatlinburg strip is a restaurant called The Park Grill. Owned by the Peddler, the cost is about the same. They are a great restaurant that specializes in fish.

For good food at "Applebees" prices, there is a restaurant in Pigeon Forge called Damon's. They have great BBQ.
Also look at the Apple Barn. They have a restaurant inside the store. Nice for lunches and light eating.
The Old Mill. They have a great selection of really good foods. Expect to spend $15-$20 per person. You can't miss the place, it is the giant grist mill on the left side of the road when going toward Pigeon Forge.
There is a pottery place across from the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge that has an indoor and outdoor restaurant. Good for lunches. Prices are about the same as the Old Mill.
Mama's Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge. Down home cooking, and they refill your food. Prices are around $15 per person.
Taste Of Tennessee is a little out of your way, but a nice place for some down home cooking. Price is around $15 or so per person. It is about fifteen minutes from Sevierville/Pigeon Forge.

There is a restaurant called the Smoky Mountain Brewing Company located in downtown Pigeon Forge/ Sevierville. Really good food! Prices are "Olive Garden" range, and yes... they DO sell beer.

If ordering pizza, stay away from Genos! It is horrible!!!

To do.
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville have a TON of things to do, from miniature golf to the Gatlinburg strip, to go-kart tracks, to skiing and all sorts of activities in Ober Gatlinburg. This time of year though, you might want to take the tram if you go to Ober instead of riding, because the twisty mountain roads can be a good 10 degrees colder at the top than at the bottom.
Hope this helps!

 

Thank you guys for all the info!!! Don't know when the ride is going to happen? Still getting everybody info on trip.Thanks again, Mark

 

Any time Mark, and good luck. I can scout anything out for you locally, as well as the weather if you need it. Just let me know. I think you will really enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains though. Check out Cades Cove, you won't regret it.

 

I'd go to Asheville NC before Gatlinburg; much less "touristy". Microbrewries, good places to eat and some great asphalt in and around the local Asheville area. Some great rides to the west of Asheville; if you are looking for drink, be aware Graham County is the only Dry county in NC.

 

If you are a group and want a good cabin to stay at, we usually use this place near Cherokee... www.carolinamountainvacations.com military discounts, all linent, utensils condiments are there...these are fairly new cabins... just log on and look for the number of rooms, and motorcycle friendly...Is anybody trailering...look at trailer icons etc...i have stayed there for the past 3 years. away from the hustle, clean, close enough to Bryson city for groceries, liquor store restaurants, gambling /.....right off 441

 

Go to the west side of the Smokey Mountain State Park and stay on the Tail of The Dragon side...

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

Stay at the Iron Horse..awesome! This is about 15 miles from Cherokee, military discounts, linens, full kitchens, restaurant on site with awesome steak night...

http://www.ironhorsenc.com/accommodations.html

 

Ditto

 

We did the BRP and Skyline Drive all the way down and back last year during the week before labor day. Stayed at the Harrahs Casino/Hotel in Cherokee. If any of your party are members of their Total Rewards program, you can get discounted rooms. (Cost us less than $25 for 4 nights total), plus they have a covered parking garage free of charge. I found it to be well located for riding in the area. We would go out all day all return to a clean large room. They've just doubled their hotel rooms and it is a modern well kept hotel. Cherokee is right in the middle of lots of goog riding, just avoid it on 4th of July weekend. Made the mistake of coming thru it last year and it was a tourist parking lot. Labor day weekend it was empty. We're going back same time this year and it was the best 10 day ride I've made. Just under 3000 miles total.