Fall leaf viewing peaks between mid-October and mid-November in Sevierville, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains, and produces beautiful scenery and great outdoor adventure opportunities. In Sevierville, there are plenty of unique and adventurous ways to view fall leaves!

5)   Zip through the mountains! Sevierville zip line attractions offer a unique way to view fall leaves. Adventure Park at Five Oaks zips guests through the foothills tree canopy to the edge of the famed Parkway. This course is directly across the street from Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center, providing a great option for those seeking adventure while others enjoy outlet shopping savings. www.adventureparkatfiveoaks.com  Wahoo Adrenaline Park is another adrenaline-fueled way to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Zipline across the French Broad River, ride Jet Boats and step out onto the world’s largest Glass Bottom Sky Bridge for a mountain view. http://www.wahoozip.com/wahooap  Finally, check out Climb Works Canopy Tours for an eco-focused zipline canopy tour. www.climbworkscanopy.com

4)  Ride horseback through the foothills. Douglas Lake View Stables provides rides ranging from one half hour to four hours around beautiful Douglas Lake. www.douglaslakestables.com

3)   Cross America’s longest swinging bridge on a tour that will be both meaningful and adventurous. The hour-long Swinging Bridge Adventure tour crosses the aptly named “Bridge to Prosperity” and then invites participants to hang a wishing tag (complete with heartfelt wish) in the trail’s covered bridge for the winds of prosperity to blow through and grant the wishes. www.foxfiremountain.com

2)  View the leaves from above with Scenic Helicopter Tours. Take a quick flight over the foothills or venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a birds-eye-view view of the park’s incredible fall foliage. Flights range from $9 per person for an introductory experience to flying over a large portion of the national park (approximately 100 miles). www.flyscenic.com

1)  Take a hike in the woods. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of maintained trails for a variety of fitness levels. Choose an easy paved trail for a quick stroll with the family or challenge yourself with a hike to the top of Mt. LeConte. You can even hike a portion of the internationally famous Appalachian Trail while leaf looking in the park. Stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center just inside the park for more information about selecting a trail or visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.htm.

To plan your group’s adventurous fall vacation in Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains, visit us online at www.VisitSevierville.com or call 1-888-738-4378 for information on accommodations, dining and fun.

How to Getaway to the Smoky Mountains: Stay at Alpine Mountain Chalets

Alpine Mountain Chalets: The Finest in Accommodations.

We offer the finest in accommodations known to the Smoky Mountains. We specialize in meeting the individual needs of our customers. Most of our cabins have too many amenities to mention. Our chalets are not just a nice place to stay, but an unforgettable experience. Careful attention to detail is our hallmark. We will provide you with a clean, safe and unique environment during your stay.

Choose from 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom cabins or our private pool cabins, sleeping from two to fourteen people! Our chalets include Jacuzzis, hot tubs, satellite TV, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces and washer/dryers. Relax on the deck while enjoying the sounds of nature and overlooking incredible mountain views. We are located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – only minutes away from everything in The Smokies.

Our cabins and chalets are a peaceful retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life. Dollywood and The Dixie Stampede are just a stone’s throw away from most of our cabins, while Gatlinburg, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Sevierville are all within a few minutes’ drive. The location of our cabins make the entertainment and recreation possibilities endless. Stay in one of our cabins or chalets and you will agree – there is no better place to bring the family for a vacation in the Smokies.

Alpine Mountain Chalets

3066 Veterans Boulevard

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863

888-783-0977

www.alpinemountainchalets.com

Clarion Inn & Suites Gatlinburg: Sleek and Sophisticated

Clarion Inn and Suites Gatlinburg

The newly renovated Clarion Inn & Suites Gatlinburg has a new look that is both sleek and sophisticated. Located downtown on the Parkway, the Clarion is convenient to shopping, dining, attractions and is only 100 yards from the entrance to the national park!

Our standard deluxe rooms have two queen beds and are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves and private balconies – on the parade route. For additional luxury, consider our king suites. Each features the amenities of our deluxe rooms but has a king sized bed, Jacuzzi and a separate living room with a fireplace. For the ultimate in luxury, the Clarion features the only rooftop penthouse suites in the city.

The Clarion is definitely a cut above with a complimentary, full hot breakfast served daily, an enclosed pool with a hot tub and an exercise room. A new level of luxury awaits you at the Clarion Inn & Suites Gatlinburg.

Family reunions can be a lot of fun. You get to see family members you may not have seen for a couple of years. Perhaps, there are ‘new’ family members you haven’t met. The good news is there are plenty of family reunion locations throughout the U.S. The possibilities are endless!

It’s important to make arrangements early and find a place that works for everyone. This is a good way to prevent family feuds! If you wait too long to plan your family reunion, your favorite hotel or resort could be booked solid. Also, family members may not be able to attend due to previous travel plans.

How to Plan a Family Reunion, Cut Costs, and Have a Good Time

Book Your Family Reunion Locations Early! Photo credit: Stock exchange-Sign-Helen Bobis

Book early

Beach family reunion locations are popular. The most popular beach vacation destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you have your heart set on having your family reunion in SC then you better book your location early. Otherwise, the entire family will be left out in the cold.

Tie your family reunion to an important date

If grandma and grandpa are celebrating 65 years of marriage, celebrate their special day at the family reunion. Building your family reunion around a holiday could be tricky. Big holiday’s like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are during the travel ‘high season.’ You may not be able to find accommodations or someone may not be able to attend.

Hold your family reunion in the off-season

It may be cost effective to hold your family reunion in the off-season. Family reunion locations such as Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and other popular destinations can be expensive during the ‘high season’ which is usually during the summer. Some family members may not be able to afford to attend. Take this into consideration when planning your family reunion. Holding in the off-season could work for everyone.

Meet at a family member’s home

Holding your family reunion at a family member’s home is another way to cut costs. Perhaps, a family member with five or more acres of land will be willing to host the family reunion. Everyone can bring something, a hot meal, desert, or soft drinks. Of course, cash would probably be accepted too!

Decide on the size of your family reunion

Your family reunion doesn’t have to be large. A small and intimate family reunion could be more inviting. First-time family reunion planners may want to plan a smaller affair. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to plan reunion.

Raise money for your family reunion 

Send out an email blast and ask family members to have garage sales, silent auctions, raffles, car washes, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for your family reunion.

Plan cost-effective family activities

Ask family members what they like to do. Ask family members what their kids like to do. You can’t please everyone. But you can plan activities ahead of time to keep people entertained. Ideas are:

• Renting a karaoke machine.
• Set up a sound system outside (if you’re holding at your home).
• Booking golf outing.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Going to the park.
• Renting a ‘bouncy castle’ or other inflatable rentals.

Now you know how to plan a family reunion, cut costs, and have a good time! Keep the lines of communication open. Correspond via email or Facebook. Keep in mind that everyone may not have a computer or Facebook page. Contact family members when you have the date, time, and location settled. Keep family up-to-date with the latest information. Happy planning!

CRUISE CONTEST: Win a free cruise! 

Related Articles

• 7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA (guestquest.com/blog)
• 5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation (guestquest.com/blog)

Welcome to the Best Western Toni Inn

The very finest in accommodations are right in the heart of Pigeon Forge, TN. The Best Western Toni Inn offers Family Rooms, Whirlpool Rooms, Queen and King Rooms. Amenities include seasonal fireplaces, in-room coffeemakers, microwaves, color cable TV, free WiFi and more. Free Continental breakfast is available to start your day.

The Best Western Toni Inn is ideally located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You will experience all the comforts, excitement, local events, entertainment, food and shopping to make your visit memorable. The hotel is one mile from the entrance to Dollywood theme park and just steps from Dixie Stampede Dinner Theatre.

For that special occasion, romantic weekend or well-planned family vacation, Best Western Toni Inn in Pigeon Forge is sure to please all travelers.

Best Western Toni Inn

3810 Parkway

Pigeon Forge, TN  37863

800-422-3232

www.bestwesterntoniinn.com

Alpine Mountain Chalets

We offer the finest in accommodations known to the Smoky Mountains. We specialize in meeting the individual needs of our customers. Most of our cabins have too many amenities to mention. Our chalets are not just a nice place to stay, but an unforgettable experience. Careful attention to detail is our hallmark. We will provide you with a clean, safe and unique environment during your stay.

Choose from 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom cabins sleeping from two to fourteen people! Our chalets include Jacuzzis, hot tubs, satellite TV, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces and washer/dryers. Relax on the deck while enjoying the sounds of nature and overlooking incredible mountain views. We are located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – only minutes away from everything in The Smokies.

Our cabins and chalets are a peaceful retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life. Dollywood and The Dixie Stampede are just a stone’s throw away from most of our cabins, while Gatlinburg, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Sevierville are all within a few minutes’ drive. The location of our cabins make the entertainment and recreation possibilities endless. Stay in one of our cabins or chalets and you will agree – there is no better place to bring the family for a vacation in the Smokies. 

Alpine Mountain Chalets

3066 Veterans Boulevard

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee  37863

888-783-0977

www.alpinemountainchalets.com

Mountain House Inn

Located in Gatlinburg, TN in a quiet mountain setting, Mountain House Inn offers a selection of accommodations including spacious king room, room with double beds or two queen beds, Jacuzzi suite with fireplace, efficiency suite with two full baths and a one bedroom condominium.

All accommodations include hi-speed Internet, remote control cable TV, free local calls, refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Amenities include free morning coffee bar, two pools (one heated) with kiddy pools and a picnic area.

We are perfectly located to give you immediate walking access to Downtown Gatlinburg, The Village Shops,Gatlinburg Parkway and just one block from Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies.

Mountain House Motor Inn

247  Newton Lane
P.O. Box 217
Gatlinburg, Tennessee  37738

865-436-6626

Toll Free: 800-462-7298

www.mountainhousemotorinn.com