Impressive RiverStone Resort Top Choice for Pigeon Forge Visitors

RiverStone Resort is a large, luxurious property that couldn’t have impressed me more. The resort is a beautifully laid out complex which I found to be very convenient to Pigeon Forge’s most popular attraction, Dollywood, but also along a side road that made moving up and down the Parkway quick and easy.  Plus, the amenities at RiverStone create a place to stay in Pigeon Forge that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and entertainment. 

Each building offered covered parking and elevators with views of the Gatlinburg Golf Course (yeah, it's in Pigeon Forge) on one side and the Parkway on the other. All the condos offer both views front to back, with the one bedroom condos facing the Parkway and the two and three bedroom condos facing the golf course.  All units also have a private balcony or patio, although the two and three bedroom units feature a much larger patio/balcony.  Condominiums at RiverStone Resort Pigeon Forge are beautifully appointed with pillow top mattresses, lovely furniture arrangements, walk-in tiled showers, fireplaces, flat screen televisions, spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances….must I go on? The two and three bedroom units also feature an upgraded master bath equipped with dual sinks and 6 ft. deep Jacuzzi tub.  They are luxury condos, but at a reasonable price when you consider how spacious they are, the location and the amenities. 

Amenities at RiverStone Resort and Spa appeal to adults and kids alike.  The on-site spa can pamper and rejuvenate you, with services such as facials, massages, body wraps, nail services, waxing and a variety of others offered.   The indoor swimming pool is large and housed in an atrium-style standalone complex with a sizeable workout facility offering multiple machines upstairs and an arcade style game room downstairs. There is also a walking trail along the creek and a 300 foot outdoor lazy river with waterfall feature for hot summer days.

RiverStone Resort in Pigeon Forge rates well and should be considered for your next trip to the Smokies.

Shular Inn Offers Quality Accommodations at Affordable Price

The Shular Inn Pigeon Forge features clean, convenient, affordable accommodations in the heart of Pigeon Forge entertainment. The newly renovated hotel is a hidden gem, as the rooms are nicely appointed with new case goods, décor and bedding. Plus, there is a wide array of amenities available to guests.

Upon arriving at the Shular Inn, I found their lobby to be cozy and inviting. After checking in, was impressed by the Double Queen unit I had reserved as it had a new feel to it and was extremely clean. I felt like I got a long of “bang for my buck,” so to speak. It featured comfortable pillowtop mattresses with quality bedding and linens, as well as new case goods, microwave, mini-fridge, café style table and chairs, and flat screen TV. The décor is an upscale mix of browns, beiges and blues and is very inviting. The bathroom had a granite vanity located in the interior of the room, with a curved shower rod in place for added spaciousness. Plus, free Wi-Fi is available in every room. There is a 2nd building of rooms at Shular Inn that feature a different décor and slightly larger rooms. These units are extremely similar to the rooms in the 1st building, although they are a bit more spacious and have a slightly more secluded feel.

A deluxe continental breakfast is served from 7:30am-9:30am in Shular Inn’s very large and welcoming breakfast room, located in building 2. The standard breakfast items are served, as well as a hot item like biscuits and gravy and eggs. The room was equipped with a fireplace and featured an earthy décor. It had a restaurant-style feel and was a great place to get a head-start on my mornings.

There is an indoor and outdoor pool located at the Shular Inn Pigeon Forge TN. The indoor pool is open 24 hours a day and located in a large atrium. The area was very clean and had a hot tub, kiddie pool, vending and restrooms available and newly installed lights change the color of the pool at nighttime. A real gem of this moderately priced hotel is the outdoor pool. Located in the courtyard of building 2, it had rock features that added to the appeal of the outdoor pool, especially the rock design around the hot tub. Plus, it had a great sun deck and featured lots of landscaping which added to the private atmosphere.

The Shular Inn is a quality choice for any Smoky Mountain visitor.

White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors an Exhilarating Experience

One of the best outdoor experiences I’ve had in the Smoky Mountains is white water rafting.  The thrill of being on the river, plunging into rapids and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors was a highlight of my vacation and is something I highly recommend to all visitors.  One of the best outfitters on the river is Smoky Mountain Outdoors.  Reliable and trusted, this rafting company has over 15 years of experience guiding trips on the Pigeon River. 

There are two rafting trips available.  The Upper Pigeon River trip features Class III and IV rapids, while a more leisurely trip is available on the Lower Pigeon with Class I and II rapids.  For my first Gatlinburg white water rafting trip, I decided to do the Upper Pigeon River raft trip.  I arrived about 45 minutes prior to my trip time, changed into my swim gear and water shoes at the on-site changing facilities and quickly met with my raft guide and other members of my party to go over rafting safety, get a paddle and get fitted for a lifejacket and helmet.  With the excitement starting to build, I boarded one of the Smoky Mountain Outdoors buses and soon arrived at the put-in location, located about 10 minutes from the outpost. 

After unloading the rafts, my group met with guide Suzy.  She assigned seating arrangements and before I knew it we were on the river.  The trip starts off with a Class IV rapid – Power House – so you are put in the midst of the action right out the gate.  It’s a great way to start the raft trip and really got me amped for the rest of the excursion.  During the 6 ½ mile trip, there are 70 rapids total ranging from Class I to IV.  Big waves, big water and plenty of drops make the two hour trip fly by.  One of my favorite rapids was dubbed the roller coaster.  Our guide, Suzy, took us in sideways, creating an even bigger splash for us to enjoy.  Other rapids like Big Rock, Vegematic, Accelerator and Lost Guide added to the exhilaration of the trip. We also made our raft surf, which is when you try to go up a rapid and surf your raft.  Suzy put everyone at ease too, telling jokes and ensuring everyone knew what to do, when to do it and how to do it safely. 

A trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting is an incredible way to experience the Smoky Mountains in an all-new way.  No experience is necessary either.  All you need to do is bring your sense of adventure for a great experience on the river!   

Award-Winning Accommodations Found at Comfort Inn Apple Valley

The Comfort Inn Apple Valley is an award-winning hotel in Pigeon Forge providing guest with an affordable retreat for their Smoky Mountain vacation.  Located directly on the Parkway, the hotel features budget-friendly yet desirable rooms and amenities that add a little extra bonus to your stay.  It is also within walking distance to several Pigeon Forge attractions and shopping.  A trolley stop is also available right in front of the hotel, so you can easily hop aboard and get to anywhere in the area within minutes. 

Double queen rooms are the standard at Comfort Inn.  Equipped with items such as a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi, the rooms are clean and in quality condition with the cherry wood case goods and landscape photos adding a nice touch.  The bathroom is outfitted with an additional sink, a nice convenience for those used to having double sinks at home.  A sofa sleeper and work desk with chair complete the spacious room.  Each room at the Apple Valley Comfort Inn also has a balcony or patio which is a plus.  Note, though, that smoking is not allowed at this hotel, even on the balconies.  So, if you’re a smoker stay somewhere else.

The grounds of the hotel are very nice and one of the biggest selling points of the property is the landscaped outdoor pool area.  Located in front of the hotel but secluded by shrubbery, the pool was very clean, large and was very enjoyed by everyone at staying at the Pigeon Forge hotel.  There is also plenty of space for lounging and the seating area with umbrellas makes it easy to get some shade if you need it.  An indoor pool and Jacuzzi are also available for guest enjoyment.  The Comfort Inn Pigeon Forge Apple Valley serves up a hot breakfast daily, too, so be sure to fill up before you head out to experience Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Glenstone Lodge Features Quiet Creekside Location in Gatlinburg

At Glenstone Lodge you will find creekside accommodations, affordable rates and ample amenities.  Located directly off the Parkway in Gatlinburg, this hotel allows for quiet and relaxation.  As an added bonus, Glenstone Lodge also has easy access to The Great Smoky Mountains National park so you can hike and sightsee to your heart’s content.

Creekside rooms are a signature of the Glenstone Lodge Gatlinburg TN.  The hotel has a mix of exterior and interior rooms, all of which are outfitted with new flat screen TVs, standard case goods, coffee maker, hair dryer and comfortable beds.  Complimentary wireless internet is available in-room as well.  Some rooms have balconies, and there 60 sets of adjoining rooms, perfect for family vacations.

One of the amenities at the Glenstone Lodge Gatlinburg that really stands out is the indoor pool.  Multi-level, the expansive pool is located in a middle courtyard area with atrium and has a depth of 9ft in certain areas, something you won’t find in most hotel pools.  Of course, 4ft deep levels in the pool provide a good mix of swim levels for all guests.  A hot tub and cascading waterfall that lights up the indoor pool add to the aquatic fun.  A large outdoor pool with plenty of lounge space and spacious river deck pavilion gives guests a lot of space to play, too. 

Be sure to grab breakfast at the Patio Restaurant from 7am-11pm for $8.95pp.  The all-you-can-eat buffet is sure to fill you up before you head out for a day of fun in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Southern Hospitality Signature of a Stay at Ramada Pigeon Forge

Southern hospitality, budget-friendly rates and nicely appointed guestrooms are the signatures of a stay at Ramada Pigeon Forge.   Boasting a convenient location just minutes to Pigeon Forge attractions, shows and restaurants, the interior corridor hotel strives to make your stay a pleasant one.  There is even a trolley stop in front of the hotel, adding to the convenience factor. 

Entirely non-smoking, the standard room type at Ramada is a Double Queen room.  Featuring upgrades like a semi-pillowtop mattresses with duvet, flat screen TV, microwave, fridge and quality case goods, as well as a bathroom with granite vanity, tile floors and curved shower rod, it’s easy to find yourself right at home among the welcoming amenities.  Speaking of amenities, the Ramada has a free Wi-Fi throughout the building as well as a deluxe continental breakfast, medium size fitness center with numerous cardio machines and flat screen TVs, sauna and indoor pool in an atrium-style enclosure. 

For an affordable place to stay that is also inviting and comfortable, choose Ramada Pigeon Forge, TN. 

Charming Smoky Mountain Style Found at Timbers Lodge in Pigeon Forge

Cozy, rustic accommodations located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River can be found at Timbers Lodge.  The hotel offers Pigeon Forge guests the charm of a Smoky Mountain cabin with the convenience of a lodge located in the heart of Pigeon Forge.  Even better, they offer a family suite, as well as a double queen unit, ensuring every guest can find a room to accommodate their needs.

All room types at Timbers Lodge Pigeon Forge feature a lodge décor, with wood floors, rustic timber walls, and lodge-style case goods creating a mountain-esque atmosphere.  Highlighted by warm reds and beige colors, I found it easy to feel right at home at this property.  The double queen room includes a microwave, refrigerator, pedestal vanity with granite top and flat screen TV.  Again, what sets apart this hotel from other places to stay in Pigeon Forge is its unique décor.  You really won’t find another property like it in the area.  If you’re looking for more space, reserve the Family Suite.  With a loft adding extra space and sleeping quarters, the suite is a great choice for families.  The lower level of the suite is equipped with two queen beds, a full bath, sitting area with sofa, dining table and small kitchenette.  Upstairs you’ll find an additional queen bed and a second full bath.  Each floor also has a flat screen TV.  Some units also have a fireplace, and certain units have views of the river. 

Moving on to the amenities available at Timbers Lodge Pigeon Forge, TN, the creekside location is one of the best-selling points.  Greeting the morning with a stroll to the creek is a nice change of pace, and if you’re a pet lover, you’ll be right at home at this hotel as they have a pet area near the river (with clean-up bins) as well as a pet area in the front of the property perfect for walking your dog.  A quaint barbeque area and outdoor pool add to the amenities, as does the continental breakfast served each morning from 6:30-9:00am.

A convenient location, charming atmosphere and Smoky Mountain style combine at Timbers Lodge for a unqiue place to stay in Pigeon Forge.  

Willow Brook Lodge Wonderful Place to Stay for Families

Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Willow Brook Lodge is an expansive property providing guests with comfortable rooms, excellent amenities and a high commitment to customer satisfaction.  A stay at Accommodations by Willow Brook Lodge means you’ll be right at home in the Smoky Mountains.  Plus, there is a to accommodate every need, with balcony rooms, double queen rooms and Jacuzzi suites available. 

I stayed in the Double Queen Balcony room during my visit, which is essentially the same as the standard Double Queen unit, except, of course, for the balcony.  The room was spotlessly clean, and featured nice upgrades like a flat screen TV, tile shower, refrigerator and microwave, and free Wi-Fi.  I especially enjoyed the balcony on this room, so if you can upgrade to this room type I would recommend doing so.  Speaking of upgrades, the Jacuzzi suite available at Willow Brook Lodge Pigeon Forge are equipped with all of the aforementioned amenities but also includes a king bed, sofa sleeper, gas fireplace and in-room Jacuzzi.  The layout of this room was really inviting and spacious, and the highlight of the room – the Jacuzzi – was large and in an open yet private area for your enjoyment. 

Amenities at Willow Brook Lodge TN are a real highlight of a stay here, especially the aquatic amenities.  The hotel is one of the only in Pigeon Forge to feature a twisting 75 ft. pool slide, which is a real hit with the kids.  Slide into outdoor fun, where you’ll discover a hot tub and kiddie pool with raintree for the little tykes.  Sundeck chairs line the pool, too, perfect for sunning and relaxing.  A large indoor pool with hot tub is also located on site for your enjoyment. 

Be sure to stop in for some breakfast before you start your day of Pigeon Forge fun.  With biscuits and gravy, eggs, oatmeal, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and more served, you’ll be able to fill up before you head out.