The Steel Guitar Forum

Me and the family are taking our vacation in the Smokey Mountain area this year and I could really use some advice and insight into the area. This will be our first time there. We are going the first 2 weeks of August taking a couple days in Nashville and the Opry before getting to the Smokies. I want to make the most of our time...and money. I.E., Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, the area shows, the log cabin resorts (i.e. Oak Haven, etc.). What's worth the money and what ain't. Any and all opinions and ideas will be much appreciated.
Thanks a bunch,
Harold Bullard
Harrisonville, MO

Harold, if you're lookin' for some good steel, my buddy Stoney Stonecipher is the steel player at Dollywood's Kinfolks Show. The Smoky Mountain Jubilee also features steel. Brett, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel, GFI Ultra D-10

Take a morning to tour Cades Cove. No steel, but it's free. The crowds are smallest and the wildlife most abundant just after dawn. After you tour the cove by car or bike, take the hike to the waterfall and have a swim. It's less tnan an hour in, and an hour out. Bring a small picnic.

Karen and I own a time share at Westgate Smokey Mountain resort it is on the return road from Gatlinburg to Piegon Forge just across the road from the info center. Dollywood is great lots of shows. They have been bring in Opry star to the main stage threate. Most show do not have a steel but are still very good. Another must is Country Tonight show. Lodging is fair just make sure you have reservations they can sell out this time of year. Lots of place to eat that are budget friendly. Just Google Piegon Forge and Gatlinburg. We loved the Riples Aquarium in Gatlinburg. The state parks is wonderful. Lots for things for teens,kids and grandkids to do. Lot of great shopping. There is a great music store about 9 miles south of I40 on the right they have a huge guitar and bass upright outside. I spent 2 hours in there. Last time I was there they did not have steels or tubas but I think everyrhing else was covered. We hope you have a great time and spend lots. Need to keep my property taxes down. God knows Texas gets enough of my money. God bless and be safe. email me and I can tell you more it you want.

------------------
Thomas SD10 3/4,Thomas D10 8/5 and Desert Rose S10 3/4. Beginner

The entire city of cincinnati goes there in the summer I am going there in a few weeks myself and when I am there I forget about everything work, problems, bills, and yes my steel, what John said is right check out Ripples Aquarium it is worth it! and I don't know the age of your kids but up on cheerokee indian resorvation is a big Harrahs casino that is nice. I have been down there probably 30x, I really miss HERBY WALLACE PSG, man that was a nice store. check out the buckboard one and two in gatlinburg, if you want to walk stores at night you may want to stay in gatlinburg, everything is within walking, whereas pigion forge you would have to drive a little but you can get better deals on your room. keep in touch.

Also I didn't like "cades cove" it was a long hot drive of argueing. go into the national park and head toward cheerokee you will see great views .

We go up each year and enjoy Country Tonight,Larry Stewart is the Steelman.good show.Dollywood is nice with some good shows and we enjoyed the wildlfe on the way into and out of Cades Cove,stop at the old church,My Buddy is running for mayor and we have a nice visit with them.Bluegrass music each night at the Earnest Tubb record shop (free)and a lot of friendly folks.Also plenty of shopping,Take MONEY
Vern<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Vernon Hester on 08 July 2006 at 06:17 AM.]</p></FONT>

Hallord and Vern stay out of that ET Record store the money just jumps out of your wallet. LOL.

There is a neat reconstructed mountain village between G'burg and Cherokee that is free and nice to wander thru. Go canoeing or floating at Townsend. In Cherokee there is a mill where you can get all kinds of flour, meal, etc. ENJOY