Activities are all over at the Smoky Mountain Door cabin. Starting with the obvious- Hot Tub, Arcade, Smart TV's, and the Giant Connect Four. But there are more that might not be as obvious. 

Starting in the closet upstairs there are some board games, turn around and look at the floor and you will discover a rug for the kids to play cars on, hiding on the front porch you will find the Hook and Loop on a pole, on the back porch there are some wooden Tic Tac Toe games to enjoy with a kiddo or your spouse. 

You could play "count the decorative bears", but nobody knows the real answer because everywhere you look, another one pops up! While you are outside, be sure to snap a few pictures in front of the colorful Mural! Bring a fishing pole and bait so you can go to the pond, a short walk from the cabin, bring a bike to enjoy a nice ride on the quiet roads of the neighborhood. 

This is all on top of the many, many other things to do in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park!! 

We know you are on vacation. If you don't want to do any of the following, we don't blame or judge you! But sometimes it's nice to not get too far off schedule from your home life, so we are sure to offer the things to make sure you don't need a vacation from your vacation when you get home!

First on the list is a washer and dryer. If you want to wash some of your laundry before you get home, or maybe your son had a little "too much" fun at the pond while fishing! Conveniece is just upstairs in the loft closet! Start a load while you go relax in the hot tub!

Next up we have the fully equipt kitchen! There is pots, pans, bowls, serving spoons, pizza cutter, wine opener, hot pads, glass and plastic plates, spoons, and cups! Drip coffee maker, toaster, and cutting board! Save some money by cooking a few meals at the cabin so you can spend it on the fun stuff, like mountain coasters! The oven, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator are all there to assist!

We try to think of as much as possible- like night lights for the kiddo's or alarm clocks to make sure you get up for your sunrise hike! But feel free to shoot us a message if there is anything we missed to make your stay the best one yet!

I will start with a non-hike, just in case you want to see nature without getting out of the car! Cades Cove is a great loop to drive around to view the mountain scenery, the bears, the birds, and never even have to put on your tennis shoes! If you want some mini-hikes while there, feel free to try out any of the short hikes to see the different historic cabins around! This same loop will lead you to Abrams Falls which is much more advanced at 5.2 miles, but leads to a 20 foot waterfall!

Now lets go to the top of the mountain! Here you will find Clingmans Dome! This is the highest point in Tennessee and the view is worth it if you go on a day with a clear sky! This hike is fully paved all the way to the top of the dome. It is a pretty steep climb so take your time! There is a parking lot before for you to park at, but I suggest you give yourself plenty of extra time because it is a popular spot and a lot of others have the same plans as you! 

Another family favorite, Grotto Falls, is 2.6 miles roundtrip and is accessed at the Trillium Gap trailhead.  The waterfall here isn't as large, but a lovely scene in the middle of nature for sure! 

There are several other trails not listed here, and if you do a quick google search you can narrow down what you are looking for in just a few clicks! Short, long, flat, steep, waterfalls, views- You choose! There is something for everyone in the mountains! Make sure to bring snacks and plenty of water. Oh and download any maps you may need, as there is not great cell service once you are up in the mountains! 

Food! We love all of the choices you have when driving down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge! Everything from fast food to sit down steak dinners. From breakfast to dessert after dinner! 

The Old Mill has some great history lessons, make sure to read the signs on the ramp walking up to the front doors! This is the best place to go for a good southern meal! Sides are even served family style! You can also check out a gift store and some other local shopping all while in this area. 

Local Goat is a great choice if you are in the mood to sit down for a great plate! I would think of these plates as your staple meals. Alfredo, steaks, chicken, and vegetable's. Great for when the family can't all decide on the same thing for dinner, they have it all!

JT Hanna's Kitchen is so good. It covers your burgers, steaks, and ribs, along with all of the delicious sides! Can't go wrong here! 

Mama's Farmhouse is family style and you can do breakfast, lunch, or dinner here! Kids 5 and under are free, so that is a plus! The food will defiantly fill you up! It is so good too!

There is so many to try, we try to test out different places each time we go to the cabin! I will try to update this blog with more if there are any new places that we try that are at the top of our list!