Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Your First Resorts For Smoky Mountain Lodging - Part One
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on February 20, 2024
If you're toying with the idea of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains this year, it's not too early to start the planning process. Even if your arrival isn't until this summer or fall, getting a head start on making all the arrangements can ensure that you're not left out in the cold when it comes to air travel, accommodations or attractions.
It especially makes good sense to book your lodging reservations as far in advance as possible to guarantee that you get the type of property you want and in the location you want. And that brings up a whole different conversation revolving around the types of accommodations that will best suit you. This area has it all, from hotel and motel properties to overnight cabin and chalet rentals to properties rented through Air BnB and VRBO.
This week, however, we're going to share an overview of one accommodations option that doesn't get a lot of discussion - the resort property. This type of lodging often gets overlooked, because the term is nebulous. What one person considers to be a resort may not be defined that way by another person. But we're going to take our best stab at explaining what a resort is and passing along a few of the more popular options for such destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains area. Some of the ones we'll mention are even conveniently located near our Smoky Mountain zip line attraction.
Margaritaville Resort
One way to be fairly certain you're choosing a resort is to look for properties that have “Resort” in their name. Such is the case with Margaritaville, which is located in downtown Gatlinburg. (There's a Margaritaville Island Hotel at The Island in Pigeon Forge, but it doesn't bill itself as a resort, per se.) The Gatlinburg site has in-room and in-suite amenities like 50-inch TVs, private balconies, refrigerators, microwaves and LED fireplaces. Property amenities include multiple restaurants and bars, a spa that offers massages and beauty treatments, and facilities capable of hosting functions ranging from corporate meetings to weddings and receptions. Also look for indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and a covered terrace with fireplace.
Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa
This was the first lodging property to officially become a part of the Dollywood entertainment empire in the Smokies. Other Dollywood resorts have followed, but DreamMore offers particular convenience to guests who want to stay near the theme park and Dollywood's Splash Country water park. It's only a three-minute drive from those destinations. Features include indoor and outdoor pools, the latter of which has two waterfalls and a hot tub. Also look for on-site dining options as well as an on-site salon and spa. Free WiFi and door-to-door transportation to and from the theme parks are available. Kids can play on the outdoor playground or enjoy indoor gaming. Each room comes with a 42-inch TV, a small refrigerator and a coffee maker. Those headed to the Smokies to do some golfing should know that Gatlinburg Golf Course (in Pigeon Forge) is only a seven-minute drive away.
Wilderness at the Smokies
Billing itself as having “rustic mountain-modern charm with world-class amenities,” this resort is located in Sevierville, TN, roughly between downtown and Interstate 40. It's a popular destination for groups meeting at the nearby Sevierville Convention Center, and families with children love it as well. One of the main reasons for that is the resort's indoor and outdoor water parks. Wild Water Dome is Tennessee's largest indoor water park, featuring a see-through, weatherproof roof that allows for wet play all year long. In warmer weather, two different outdoor water parks also serve guests with a wide variety of slides and other water features suitable for all ages. Also look for Adventure Forest, a 25,000-square-foot indoor family entertainment center that offers dry activities like a three-story ropes course, laser tag and a mega arcade.
Next week, we'll introduce you to a few more great Smoky Mountain resorts!
