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! 

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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

Who says value can’t be fun?    Sevierville, Tennessee
Located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville is a value destination within a day’s drive of over half the nation’s population. Dolly Parton’s hometown, Sevierville is surrounded by natural wonders like the Great Smoky Mountains (America’s most visited national park which is also free to enter and enjoy), jaw-dropping shows, family-friendly attractions, unique museums and world-class outlet shopping. There is so much to do, it’s no wonder folks say Sevierville is Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins!

Soul of Shaolin, Sevierville’s newest show, is a moving love story and Kung Fu extravaganza straight from Broadway where it earned a 2009 Tony nomination. Its sister show, Cirque de Chine, features China’s top acrobatic troupe performing amazing feats of skill, strength and contortion in a two-hour show that is appropriate for all ages. Get tickets to either show for under $30 each.

After the show, race to NASCAR SpeedPark where eight tracks, an arcade and carnival style rides offer something for everyone. Purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $32.99 for those with a need for speed. Or check out a ballgame at Tennessee Smokies Stadium where the team is an AA Minor League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Tickets are under $10 for everyone.

Looking for something a little wilder? Check out Rainforest Adventures for under $12 per ticket. Lemurs, exotic birds, reptiles, kangaroos and more populate this educational attraction where zoo keepers are actively involved in breeding and rescue programs and are committed to sharing the facts about these unique creatures. For even more fun, take to the sky with a trip to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation (tickets under $13) where you can see airworthy warbird aircraft, memorabilia and historical aviation artifacts, like the Jimmy Doolittle Medal of Honor, presented in a patriotic atmosphere. If you really want a bird’s eye view, elevate your trip to the Smokies with a flight above it all at Scenic Helicopter Tours. Helicopter rides start as low as $10 per person for a quick trip and go up to $250 for a grand tour of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Sevierville is a shopper’s delight. You don’t have to hunt hard to find great savings at Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center, the largest authentic outlet mall in Tennessee. With over 100 name-brand outlet stores from Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren to Old Navy, you’ll capture plenty of great deals. Then shop the Governor’s Crossing complex with over 30 stores, restaurants, attractions and lodging facilities.

More and more people are discovering that Sevierville is the place to stay in the Smoky Mountains every time you visit. With a convenient location, the newest hotels and attractions, great lodging rates and a newly implemented public transit system, staying in Sevierville is more convenient than ever. From amazing water park resorts like Wilderness at the Smokies to luxury log cabin resorts, elegant hotels and affordable motels, visitors will find a variety of lodging options at very reasonable rates.

With so much to do and so many memories to make, enjoy a value vacation in Sevierville—Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins!

For more information about visiting Sevierville, please contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce:

1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378)   www.VisitSevierville.com