Trip to the Smokies

Spring in the Smoky Mountain Foothills So you want to take a trip to the Smokies. You have your cabin reservations, and yourdirections to the Smokiesare tucked in your backpack, but you aren't sure what to do while you're there?

Here are my Top 10 tips and things to do to have a great trip from Knoxville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I've had a lot of fun experiencing and remembering activities from this list! Take your time going through it -- everything you need for a great trip to the Smokies is here.

1. For people out to have a great time with no worries, rent a limo from Knoxville to Gatlinburg and back. Traffic can be slow, and you'll miss some beautiful scenery if you're navigating through unfamiliar terrain and heavy traffic.

2. If you followed tip number one, have a rental car waiting for you at your cabin or hotel to take you into town or the mountains.

3. Browse and shop forSmoky Mountain Pictures, Arts and Crafts. The variety and quality of arts and crafts created and sold in the Smoky Mountains is internationally recognized. I'm still amazed by the new artists and shops every time I visit.

4. Bring a picnic on your trip to the Smokies. (NOTE: do your grocery shopping in Knoxville -- you'll be happier with the selection and prices).

There are plenty of places where you can cook on park grills (with your own charcoal), or just bring some nice fruit and sandwich makings. Whatever the fare, you'll be glad you have more than just a snack and a soda after a nice hike or afternoon of rock-hopping.

5. If you're limited in time to plan your trip to the Smokies, any one of the following fun activities can make for a great day trip and picnic into the park.

Ride bicycles around the Cade's Cove loop.

If you're hiking in the Smoky Mountains, a hike to Abram's Falls is beautiful, ending in a pool where you can dip...if you don't mind the cold! (WARNING! Don't dive, and bring safety devices to swim near the falls)

Rock-hop in the Chimneys Camp Ground and Picnic Area

Stop at the visitors center as you enter the park. It's always been a favorite of kids of all ages.

Rainbow Falls is an advanced hike, but well worth the effort if you're looking for some spectacular views and are in good shape.

There's nothing like tubing down a river through the mountains on a warm summer day.

Bring your camera!...and lots of film. There will be many golden moments during your Smoky Mountain vacation, and you'll want to preserve them.

6. Go to Ripley's Aquarium. It's great for kids, and fun for the adults as well.

7. Take in a Pigeon Forge theatre show. I'll put in a plug here for Louise Mandrell; she is in her last season, and puts on a great show.

8. Have a breakfast at the Log Cabin in downtown Gatlinburg. They'll give you lots of great food at a great price.

9. Spend an evening walking the streets andfamily-owned shops of Gatlinburg. You'll find a wide variety of merchandise, food, art and fun.

10. If you're a theme-park fan, Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country are two great ones right in the middle of the Smokies. The two together can make any trip to the Smokies an exciting, memorable family affair.

I've spent many happy days pursuing the above items in my own trip to the Smokies adventures. Pick a few that are right for you, and you'll love your results.

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