We have only been to one other aquarium, The Shedd in Chicago. Please keep in mind as you read our review. There is plenty to do here for the kids, can get a bit pricey for larger families but we still think it's worth the money. Among other exhibits there is touch-a-ray bay, the interactive discovery center and the neatest winding acrylic tunnel called shark lagoon. You can either ride the slow moving conveyor belt through the tunnel or walk at your own pace. This particular aquarium has many rare and unique species including the leafy seadragon, my absolute favorite sea creature. We would recommend this aquarium to anyone staying near the Gatlinburg area.

Although we have enjoyed the Smokies before, this was our first experience at Clingmans Dome and we sure were missing an absolutely beautiful area. First let me tell you, make sure you have at least 1/2 tank of gas before taking this scenic, curvy, and steep drive. We had 1/4 tank and by the time we reached our destination, were down to our last 20 miles of gas. Granted, we have an SUV that doesn't get great mileage anyway but it was a little scary wondering if we would make it back to a gas station in time (which we did but I wouldn't want to do it again). Back to the review - even though we didn't have the best weather, it was inspiring to be there. It's a trip for young and old, people coming and going from all over the country (our kids love to see the different license plates when we travel). The observation tower is about .5 miles from the parking area and offers a 360 degree view. It is the highest mountain in the Smokies, the highest point in the state of Tennessee, and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail. It is the third-highest mountain in the state of North Carolina and the third-highest in the entire Appalachian mountain range. It was cold when we went - the normal temp that day at our hotel was in the high 80's and by the time we made it to Clingmans Dome, it had dropped to 63 degrees. Also, this road is closed during the winter so make sure to check the website before going. The best part - it's free!!!

Minigolf in the mountains - our favorite in the area. This is so unique! Take a ride up a 300 foot incline to get to your choice of 2 courses - you golf right in the mountains and under the trees. We have been to the courses where the sun is just beating down on you and the waiting for your turn and the kids are starting to complain... not here. It's so calm and peaceful at this course, you don't mind waiting, there is so much to look at and you are actually on the mountainside. The course itself is not very hard but for the kids, it's perfect. This place is a little out of the way so you will have to watch for it when driving (the website states it is located just past Traffic Light #2 on your left coming from Pigeon Forge). If I remember correctly, the adult price is $11 and children over 4 are $8. Again, for the scenery and uniqueness, we don't mind spending a little more. We really like this attraction and look forward to going whenever we visit the Smoky Mountains.

We recently returned from a trip to the Smoky Mountains and stayed at this hotel for the first time. My husband insisted on having a hotel that included a continental breakfast and this was one of the few in the area we could find. They also carried discounted tickets for other attractions in the area and since we always try to get to Dollywood (we have a review for this also) when traveling in Tennessee, it was a bonus for our family. This Best Western offered a 15% off coupon on their webpage so our total amount for 4 nights came to $296.16. Considering how much we have paid in the past, it was a great deal. There were 2 outdoor pools and one indoor. We didn't know it at the time of booking but there is an old section and new section, we were in the newer location. Our 2 double bed non-smoking room had a 'mountain view' (#285) - it was quiet, close to the breakfast area and one of the outdoor pools. It was a nice hotel, clean, decent housekeeping and we would stay there again in the future.

Any time we visit the Smoky Mountains, we always try to get a day in at Dollywood. We recently returned a few days ago and it was just as we remembered. It is a beautiful park nestled in the mountains. The trees hang over much of the park so there is plenty of shade. The people who work there are so friendly, they have great food and plenty of downhome country charm - our entire family loves this park as much as DisneyWorld. Many of the hotels in the area offer Dollywood deals, we stayed at the Best Western Plaza Hotel (separate review available shortly). As far as rides go, the Mystery Mine was awesome! My husband and I both enjoyed the unique vertical climbs and dark tunnels. Our 11 and 10 year old boys loved the water rides best, especially River Battle - be careful with this ride especially with your little ones because people from the walkway can shoot water at you and there is nowhere to go while sitting in the boat. Another ride we enjoyed was the Dizzy Disk, lots of spinning and turning. Our 4 year olds favorite ride was the waltzing swinger. This park has plenty of huge oscillating fans that spray a fine mist to help keep you cool. Dollywood also has a separate water adventure park called Splash Country (like Great America) you can go to. I do not have a review for the water park. Thanks for reading and hope this was a helpful review!