Smoky Mountain Attractions: 5 Tips for Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains with Children
There’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin getaway in November. The air is crisp, the trees are bursting with color, and the Smoky Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a quiet escape with friends, here’s how to make the most of your cozy cabin stay this fall.
1. Settle In and Get Cozy
Start by creating that classic cabin atmosphere. Light a fire in the fireplace, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a good book or conversation by the glow. Make use of the cabin’s amenities, play a round of pool or board games, watch a movie on the big screen, or soak in the private hot tub while taking in the cool autumn air. With a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill, you can cook up a hearty dinner and enjoy your meal on the deck surrounded by the beauty of fall.
2. Explore the Great Outdoors
When you’re ready to venture outside, take advantage of the season’s stunning scenery. Drive along scenic routes like Cades Cove Loop Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Go for a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just start early to avoid crowds. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch, explore Gatlinburg’s charming downtown, or stop by the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival for crafts and seasonal fun.
3. Plan Ahead for a Perfect Trip
November is a busy month in the Smokies, so book your cabin and activities early. For a quieter experience, try visiting midweek instead of the weekend. And don’t forget to plan your meals and stock up on groceries before you arrive so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your autumn escape.
If you're ready to take the plunge or are just interested in where you should stay this fall click here for the best autumn cabins around.
Kids can be a lot of fun while you’re on vacation, but it can also be a lot of work for mom and dad. Keeping kids satisfied and happy while you’re out and about in the Smoky Mountains can be easy if you just follow these 5 tips:
1. Bring New Toys
Even though the scenery is new, kids love having new toys to play with and new books to read. Pack a few new things for your trip and take them out when you need your little one to be patient. These new toys can also help keep him or her busy while you’re cooking dinner or enjoying time in one of the beautiful cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge.
2. Pack Extra Clothes
All kids make messes, and that’s okay! Just make sure you are prepared for sudden spills or messy moments by packing a few extra outfits. It helps to keep extra clothes with you while you travel to and from each of the Pigeon Forge attractions.
3. Make Sure You Have Snacks in Your Bag
So many parents forget to pack snacks in their bags. The easiest way to make sure your little one is happy is to be sure to have a snack or two in your purse or backpack.
4. Try to Stick to the Normal Routine
As difficult as this may sound, young children need the structure of a scheduled routine. If your little one normally goes to bed at 7 p.m., do your best to make sure their 7 p.m. bedtime doesn’t change. Older kids can adjust to a different sleeping pattern, but young children need the scheduled sleep to remain constant, even on vacation. If you would normally eat dinner at 5 p.m., make sure those hours stay similar as well. If you change the schedule too much, you’ll wind up with a fussy child.
5. Plan for Extra Time
One of the great things about vacationing to the Smoky Mountains is that you can relax in the comfort of one of our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge. Don’t worry if you’re running a little late to get from one attraction to the next. Spend time resting and enjoying the Smokies. If you plan to take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to allow for extra hiking time for the kids. There are many family-friendly hikes in the national park, so be sure to choose hikes that are easy enough for everyone in your group.
To start planning your vacation to Pigeon Forge, you can contact us at (800) 705-6346 to speak with one of our vacation specialists. We look forward to helping you make your family vacation special.
Photo Credit: daylmer
