The Great Smoky Mountains run along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Many people don't automatically think of this area for a weekend getaway, but there are a variety of activities for different tastes in this region of the U.S. From a romantic bed and breakfast to a wild amusement park, you can find an escape for your two-day break from work.
Located in Tennessee just minutes away from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Eight Gables is the perfect country inn for a brief respite, especially for adult couples. The inn has 19 rooms, all with a view of the woods. Some rooms feature fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Other special touches include an evening dessert and non-alcoholic beverage (guests can bring their own alcohol onto the premises). Guests can also request special touches like fresh flowers or a fruit platter. Additionally, an on-site massage therapist is available by appointment.
Townsend, a delightfully small town in the midst of the Smoky Mountains, is literally right next to Cades Cove, one of the most-visited locations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This wide valley surrounded by mountains is known for its wildlife viewing, including large numbers of white-tailed deer, and less-often spotted animals such as black bear and coyote. Townsend is a relaxing getaway if you love the great outdoors and look forward to activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking and fishing. There are many hotels, cabins and inns in or near Townsend.
Departing from Bryson City in North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has a variety of routes and schedules that take guests through the mountains. These trips typically take around four to five hours, and often include stops in small towns like Dillsboro for shopping and sightseeing. This is a great weekend day trip that encompasses a variety of sights for tourists who may be unfamiliar with the area. Make a weekend of it with an overnight stay nearby. The company behind the train trips offers up to five packages with stays at area hotels, including the Charleston Inn Bed & Breakfast in Bryson City, or a stay at the Best Western River Escape Inn in Dillsboro.
A trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is incomplete without visiting Dollywood. An amusement park started by country music legend Dolly Parton, the park features wild animals, musical performances, a model country town and amusement park rides. A water park is open when temperatures heat up in the spring and summer. Nearby Pigeon Forge has several hotels and cabins which are minutes from the gateway to Dollywood. The Dollywood website, at dollywood.com, has a search engine available for people looking for that perfect place to stay. There are several incentives for making a weekend out of your visit through the website, including complimentary parking at Dollywood and a free ticket to Dollywood's Splash Country.
Cherokee in North Carolina is home to the Cherokee Indian reservation on the east coast of the United States. There truly is a little something for everyone in this town. With plenty of shopping, tourists will enjoy the many Native American-themed stores. Those interested in history will enjoy going through the museum, which features detailed exhibits on Cherokee Indian history along with exhibits on the Trail of Tears. There is a casino on the reservation grounds for tourists looking to test their skills and luck. And outdoors enthusiasts will love the many opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding that abound in this area. Cherokee's Welcome Center offers value packages that are planned around special events, including the Festival of Native Peoples and the Southeastern Tribal Arts Celebration. Additionally, tourists have their choice of hotels and motels in the area, including the hotel on-site at Harrah's Cherokee Casino.
