How to Plan Your Family Reunion

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

How to Plan Your Family Reunion in the Smokies

Family Reunions are FUN…

… but not so fun to plan. We’ve assembled a list of great options which should make planning your next family reunion a lot easier. Each year we welcome many new guests, families, and developments in the Smoky Mountains and new memories that we were blessed to receive in our little part of the world. We expect to see much more of that in years to come and we'd like to give our guests who are planning a family reunion in the Smokies an updated guide for what we recommend to get the most out of your reunion.

1. For Convenience - Stick to "Centers".

For the context of this article, we'll refer to "centers" as places in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or Sevierville that are centers of activity and feature restaurants, shopping and attractions all in one spot. Here are several centers that are also conveniently located near our cabins: 

• The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

• The Island in Pigeon Forge

• Lumberjack Square in Pigeon Forge (formerly Walden's Landing)

• Five Oaks Tanger Outlet Mall in Sevierville

• Governor's Crossing in Sevierville

• The Apple Barn in Sevierville

• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg

• Ober Gatlinburg
   

2. Make Use of the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Trolleys

The main roads and traffic areas of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville are pretty straightforward, but it remains that getting to, and finding places can be difficult for those who are new here just the same as it is for everyone when they go to places they are not readily familiar with. That's where our trolley systems come in - these are low-cost city "buses" that travel on designated routes throughout the cities and make stops at high traffic areas and many other convenient places.

For about $0.50 to $1.00 per ride, you will take a medium speed, safe and reliable trolley bus that can go all throughout Pigeon Forge, connect to Gatlinburg and vice-versa, all throughout Gatlinburg, and as far into Sevierville as Wal-Mart and Governor's Crossing (the city of Sevierville does not have a trolley system). The trolleys are handicap-accessible and are equipped to bring aboard persons with oxygen canisters or wheelchairs. Routes for each trolley are marked by color and their information can be found at trolley stops up and down the main streets of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as well as the main trolley hubs at Patriot Park (Pigeon Forge) and the Ripley's Aquarium (Gatlinburg).

See more on the Pigeon Forge trolleys and Gatlinburg Trolleys

3. Get Familiar With Our Reunion Vendors

Here are just a few of our local businesses that help specialize in providing for family reunions:

Photographers:

• Don Fields - Photography

• Kathy Smith - Photography

• Alisha Bacon -Photography

• Gary Woods - Photography

• Mary Mason - Photography

Restaurants:

• The Best Italian -

• Alamo Steakhouse - 

• Smoky Mountain Brewery - 

• The Old Mill Restaurant - 

• Sawyer's Farmhouse -

• Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - 

Meeting space:

• Smoky Mountain Convention Center 

• The Lily Barn 

• 4 Points Farm

• Swann Plantation

• The Barn Event Center  

Caterers:

• Collier Restaurant Group 

• Chef Tony Catering 

• Great Smoky Mountain Catering Company

• Absolutely Sensational Catering 

• Wright Stuff Catering 

• Johnson Family of Restaurants
   

4. Take time to appreciate the smaller things in the Smokies.

For all the big things our area offers, the truth of the matter is that the Smokies aren’t just about all the big things we have to offer. Take time to seek out the small things! Do you see a Mom and Pop sandwich shop that's hidden almost out of sight in the mall? Go have some lunch there! See that weird little walkway underneath the bridge? Take a look! Not sure what kind of pictures you want to take with the family? How about that goofy little Old Time Photo Place right over there?  

Remember that memories and favorite areas always come in small packages, too. How many times have you heard your dad talk about that one little hole-in-the-wall place that he can't remember the name of that made the best burger he had all year? Family stories that amuse perennially always include something like when you had to change plans from Dollywood to the arcade down the street that still ended up being fun and when your little cousin got to drive the go-kart for the first time. It's the small things that sometimes sparkle the brightest in our mind's eyes.

We hope this is helpful for any upcoming plans you have with the family any time of the year. See the many other things Bear Camp Cabin Rentals can provide for your family on your getaway by exploring our cabins.