Current Travel Deals

• Travel through Feb. 2
  
• $199 per night ... in a Resort Suite with one king or two queen beds
  
• Upgrade to a Deluxe Suite for +$20 per night for better views
  
• $25 discounted daily resort fee (reg. $50); covers high-speed Wi-Fi, athletic club admittance, valet and overnight parking, shuttle to Arizona Mills mall and more
  
• Not available on: Jan. 28-30
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  
• Note: The water park is seasonal and currently closed until spring
  

• Available Thursday-Sunday, January-February and April-June; daily in March and between July 1 - Sept. 5
  
• $89 per night in a standard room (choose one queen or two double beds)
  
• $99 per night in a queen or king suite, featuring a separate bedroom and living area
  
• Two tickets to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (per stay; reg. $30)
  
• Two drink tickets for the No Name Bar (per stay; closed Sunday)
  
• Full breakfast for up to four, along with free parking and Wi-Fi
  
• Room price is based on up to two adults and two children ages 11 and younger
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• Pool View king room in January
  • $175 per night, Sunday-Thursday
    
  
  
• Pool View king room in February
  • $195 per night, Sunday-Thursday
    
  • $219 per night, Friday-Saturday
    
  
  
• One Bedroom Villa, January-February
  • $399 per night, Sunday-Thursday
    
  • $459 per night, Friday-Saturday
    
  
  
• Reduced resort fee of $15 (reg. $29), which covers Wi-Fi, golf bag storage, bike rentals and outdoor games
  
• Room rate is based on two guests
  
• Pool View rooms are not available on: Jan. 18-19, 25-26, 30-31; Feb. 1, 14-16
  
• One-Bedroom Villas are not available on: Jan. 18-20, 24-26, 30-31; Feb. 1, 15-16
  

• Stay through March
• 2 nights for $269; Sunday-Wednesday arrivals
  
• 2 nights for $429; Friday arrivals
  
• Accommodations in a Vineyard View room with a balcony and fireplace
  
• Daily breakfast for two
  
• Bottle of welcome wine; afternoon wine hour for two
  
• Not available on: Jan. 20; Feb. 14, 17, 21
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• Daily arrivals through April 30
  
• $219 for 2 nights in a Hillside Yurt (sleeps four)
  
• $249 for 2 nights in a Meadow Yurt (sleeps five)
  
• $265 for 2 nights in a River Yurt (sleeps five)
  
• $189 for 2 nights in a Cabin (offers a full-size bed)
  
• $209 for 2 nights in a Cottage (sleeps six)
  
• Each heated yurt features either a queen bed or bunk bed (call to inquire), sleeper sofa and private deck with grill
  
• Contact the campground to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund. If wait times are long when calling to check availability or make a reservation, Travelzoo members are able to provide a call back number, rather than continuing to hold.
  
• Note: Yosemite National Park is open during the partial government shutdown. Roads normally open this time of year remain open, conditions permitting. As of this offer publication, Big Oak Flat Road -- a continuation of Highway 120 from the west -- and the west gate entrance are open. Admission is currently free as no rangers are stationed at this gate.
  

• Sunday-Wednesday arrivals through March 13; daily March 17 - April 13
  
• $399 for 2 nights ... Superior Room at Black Bear Lodge for two
  
• $499 for 2 nights ... One-Bedroom Condo at Long Trail House for two
  
• $799 for 2 nights ... Two-Bedroom Condo at Long Trail House for four
  
• Includes three-day lift tickets per guests ($199 per person value) and one-day access to Stratton Training and Fitness Center ($20 per person value)
  
• Parking and Wi-Fi are complimentary for all guests
  
• Not available on: Jan. 20; Feb. 3-21
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• $149 for 1 night ... Sunday-Thursday through March 31
  
• $499 for 2 nights ... Friday arrivals only through March 29
  
• Stay in a Deluxe King or Superior Two Queen (based on availability)
  
• $30 spa credit, once per stay
  
• Travelzoo guests also receive a $100 credit toward a Land Rover Experience (reg. $275) for an hourlong off-road driving lesson for up to four people, once per stay
  
• Not available on: Jan. 18-20, 24-26; Feb. 15-17, 21-23
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• $359 for 2 nights, arrive Sundays or Tuesday-Thursday
  
• $489 for 2 nights, arrive Friday-Saturday
  
• Stay in any Inn or Thayer House room (based on availability)
  
• One four-course dinner for two at the Old Inn on the Green Restaurant ($92 value)
  
• One three-course lunch for two at the nearby Southfield Store Cafe ($40 value)
  
• Daily breakfast for two ($32 value)
  
• Rate based on two guests
  
• Not available on: Feb. 15-17
  
• Note: The Old Inn on the Green Restaurant is closed for dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays
  

• Stay through March in a One-Bedroom Suite
  
• $119 per night ... Sunday-Thursday, January-March
  
• $159 per night ... Friday-Saturday, January-March
  
• Cheese tasting for two ($20 value)
  
• Hot a la carte breakfast at Buttonwood Grill for two ($25 value)
  
• Two tickets to the Grand Carousel ($12 value)
  
• Turndown service with custom-made truffles, available exclusively to Travelzoo members ($15 value)
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• Travel Jan. 2 through April 18 for two guests
  
• $89 per night for a Classic King room, Sunday-Thursday
  • Two tickets to the Borgata Comedy Club ($40 value)
    
  
  
• $119 per night for a Fiore King Suite, Sunday-Thursday
  • Two tickets to the Borgata Comedy Club ($40 value)
    
  
  
• $169 per night for a Classic King room, Sunday-Thursday
  • Two tickets to the Borgata Comedy Club ($40 value)
    
  • $100 dining credit
    
  
  
• Not available on: Jan. 20; Feb. 14, 17-21; March 28; April 3, 10-11
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• 2 nights in a Historic Room
  • $89 ... Sunday-Wednesday arrivals
    
  • $109 ... Thursday-Saturday arrivals
    
  • Many of these rustic rooms include a sitting room, golf course views or a balcony
    
  
  
• 2 nights in a Mountain View Room
  • $99 ... Sunday-Wednesday arrivals
    
  • $119 ... Thursday-Saturday arrivals
    
  • Located in the newer building on property, these rooms have a balcony or patio with views of the golf course and mountains
    
  
  
• Not available on: March 1-2, 14-16
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• Accommodations for two in a standard queen room
  
• 2 nights for $299
  
• $75 coupon toward a 60-minute massage for two
  
• Wine passport with tastings for two (reg. $50)
  
• All guests receive a daily two-course breakfast
  
• Welcome glass of wine at reception, available from 3-7 p.m.
  
• Not available for arrivals: Feb. 14-16
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• Stay in a City View room
  • $89 per night ... April 13 - Sept. 30
    
  • $149 per night ... through March 31
    
  
  
• Stay in a Bay View room
  • $109 per night ... April 13 - Sept. 30
    
  • $169 per night ... through March 31
    
  
  
• Daily breakfast for two guests (reg. $24)
  
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking
  
• Room price based on two guests; children under 17 stay free
  
• Not available on: Feb. 7-9, 14-19, 22-23; March 15-18; May 24-27; June 5-6; Aug. 30-31; Sept. 1-2
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm that your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• Travel through March 28
  
• $109 per night ... Sundays-Thursdays
  
• $149 per night ... Fridays
  
• $199 per night ... Saturdays
  
• Stay in a Canyon View King room
  
• +$20 per night for a Canyon View Two Queen room
  
• Daily $20 free casino play
  
• $25 off one 50-minute spa treatment per day
  
• Not available on: Jan. 20-21; Feb. 3, 14, 17-18
  
• If your dates are not available, contact Travelzoo or visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  

• March-May in a one-bedroom suite for up to four
  • $569 for 3 nights Scenic View
    
  • $689 for 3 nights Ocean View
    
  • $795 for 5 nights Scenic View
    
  • $995 for 5 nights Ocean View
    
  
  
• June 1 - Aug. 3 in a one-bedroom suite for up to four
  • $735 for 3 nights Scenic View
    
  • $885 for 3 nights Ocean View
    
  • $1025 for 5 nights Scenic View
    
  • $1275 for 5 nights Ocean View
    
  
  
• 3-night stays include a $50 American Express gift card; 5-night stays include a $100 American Express gift card
  
• Contact the hotel to confirm your desired travel dates are available. If your dates are not available, visit My Account within 7 days of purchase for a full refund
  
• Note: Guests will be asked to attend a timeshare presentation; however, Travelzoo members are not required to attend
  

• $165 per night for Sunday-Friday arrivals; $195 per night for Saturday arrivals. All stays include:
  • One night's accommodations for two people in an Annex, Classic King or Deluxe King guest room
    
  • A three-course dinner for two from the feature menu at the hotel's on-site restaurant, Zees Grill (CA$110 value)
    
  • A bottle of local red or white wine in the room upon arrival (CA$40 value)
    
  • Wine tasting vouchers valid for two local wineries (CA$40 value)
    
  
  
• Not valid on: Dec 31; Jan. 19; Feb. 16
  

• $149 per night … Sunday-Friday through Apr. 5
  
• Stays include:
  • Accommodations for two people in a Premium guest room
    
  • Full European-style breakfast for two and a daily wine and cheese reception (4-5 p.m.)
    
  • CA$25 spa credit to use at the Secret Garden Spa for treatments of 50 minutes or more (excludes manicures and pedicures)
    
  • CA$40 dining credit to use at HobNob Restaurant or Zees Grill, valid with the purchase of two entrees for dinner
    
  • Wine-tasting vouchers for two area wineries
    
  
  
• This deal is not available on: Jan. 18, 25
  

• Three-night package with two full days fishing:
  • $949 per person (reg. $1585) ... based on double occupancy
    
  • $905 per person (reg. $1509) ... based on triple occupancy
    
  • $770 per person (reg. $1282) ... based on quadruple occupancy
    
  
  
• Four-night package with three full days fishing:
  • $1339 per person (reg. $2232) ... based on double occupancy
    
  • $1225 per person (reg. $2039) ... based on triple occupancy
    
  • $1089 per person (reg. $1812) ... based on quadruple occupancy
    
  
  
• All packages include private accommodations in a resort guest room with a private bathroom
  
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided for the length of the trip
  
• Trips are guided on 21- to 25-foot fully-covered boats and all fishing gear (rods, reels and tackle), fishing processing and transfers to the lodge are included
  
• Note: Pricing is per person and based on double, triple or quadruple occupancy; please purchase one voucher per person and reserve in groups of two, three or four
  

• $165 per night, Sun-Fri, Dec. 13 - March 31; $215 per night, Saturdays
  
• Includes accommodations for two in a Deluxe guest room, plus:
  • Dinner for two from Cannery Restaurant's Winter Feature menu (reg. CA$120)
    
  • Two passes for Reif Estate Wine tasting (CA$30 value)
    
  • Two passes for wine tasting at Konzelmann Estate Winery (CA$30 value)
    
  • Tour for two at NEOB Lavender Farm with culinary samplings and a 20% boutique product discount (CA$30 value)
    
  • Note: The wine-tasting passes and lavender farm experience can be used during or after your trip, as they don't expire
    
  
  
• A resort fee of CA$15 per night is not included and will be paid directly to the hotel
  
• Not available on: Jan. 18-19, 21-25, 26; Feb. 2, 7-9, 15-17, 22-23; March 20
  

• $825 per person for a standard three-day package; arrive Thursdays or Saturdays
  
• $1275 per person for a standard four-day package; arrive Mondays
  
• $1650 per person for a standard five-day package; arrive Thursdays
  
• Includes a minimum of eight hours of guided fishing per day; all gear including rods, reels and tackle; rain gear and boots; all meals; and the cleaning and packing of your catch
  
• Accommodations are either private or shared; all packages include a guaranteed shared room, and private rooms are available upon request
  

Hotel at a Glance: Baymont by Wyndham Helen

With its Tudor-style wood timbering and pitched roofs, Baymont by Wyndham Helen blends in seamlessly with Helen’s signature Bavarian architecture. The quaint, old-fashioned exterior belies the modern amenities inside, which include free WiFi, flat-screen HDTVs, and mini-fridges in every room.

• Fuel up for the day with a free breakfast.
• Share vacation pictures with ease when you hop on the inn’s free WiFi network.
• Explore the town: a walk down Main Street takes about 15 minutes, and you can admire Helen’s German-inspired architecture along the way.
• Go hiking in Unicoi State Park. The edge of the property is just across the Chattahoochee River from the inn, and a 12-minute car trip will take you to the visitors’ center.

Helen, Georgia: Replica Bavarian Village Surrounded by the Appalachians

In 1968, the townspeople of Helen, Georgia—a struggling sawmill town in the Blue Ridge Mountains—hatched a dramatic plan to reinvigorate the economy and boost tourism. Led by local business owners and artists, Helen adopted a German identity, complete with cobblestone alleys, timber-frame cottages, and Old-World towers. Ever since, the town has thrived as a Bavarian-style village, now welcoming nearly two million visitors a year. Several festivals take place in the town every year, most notably a hot-air balloon race, a German-style Mardi Gras, and an eight-week-long Oktoberfest.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is also home to some incredible countryside scenery. Unicoi State Park and Lodge contains trout streams, mountain-biking trails, and a freshwater lake. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes nearby, and the Anna Ruby Falls drop off in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The area’s natural setting lends itself to scenic outdoor activities, including tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

Hotel at a Glance: The Ridges Resort & Marina

The Ridges Resort sits on the shores of Lake Chatuge, surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Its setting and agreeable climate make it a popular place for outdoor activities year-round, with a full-service marina, plus pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. You can also go fishing off the lakefront pier or hike the nearby Appalachian Trail.

• Where you’ll stay: Resort-view rooms feature private balconies and flat-screen TVs.
• Get cozy and eat some marshmallows by the outdoor fire pit.
• Fuel up for the day: Select option of this Getaway includes a $25 breakfast credit, per stay.

Lake Chatuge, Georgia: Hiking and Fishing amid Blue Ridge Forest

Located about two hours from Atlanta, The Ridges Resort & Marina is sandwiched between the Nantahala and Chattahoochee National Forests. It’s a fine spot to go hiking or mountain biking, and you can access a number of scenic trails within 5 miles of the resort. If you walk up to the summit of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, you can see four states—Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. You can also fish for trout in the nearby Hiwassee River any time of year.

In the nearby town of Hiawassee, charming galleries and stores display quilts and crafts by local artists and artisans. A handful of wineries in the area offer samples in intimate countryside tasting rooms.

Hotel at a Glance: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Perimeter Center

There’s a homey feel to these suites, located about 15 miles north of downtown Atlanta. Full kitchens complete with cookware let travelers avoid dining out for every meal. On cooler evenings, in-suite fireplaces warm the spaces as guests relax on their couches.

• Free breakfast starts the day with options such as waffles, fresh fruit, pastries, and hot items.
• Pet-friendly hotel: One pet weighing less than 25 pounds is welcome for additional fee (varies according to the number of nights).
• Ways to work out: There’s a gym with cardio equipment and free weights, plus an outdoor basketball court.
• What’s nearby: The hotel is about 1 mile from Perimeter Mall, whose 150 stores and restaurants include Sephora and Shake Shack.

Atlanta, Georgia: Urban Parks and Renowned Aquarium in Capital of the South

Named 1 of 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Atlanta lies near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia’s northwest region known for its famed trees: magnolias, pines, and dogwoods. Despite a metropolitan population of more than five million and what is considered the world’s busiest airport by passenger count, Atlanta seems to always offer a relaxing escape. Stroll through the 185 acres of botanical gardens, hiking trails, and oaks at Piedmont Park, or study one of the country’s largest Civil War exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center.

Anchored by historical Peachtree Street, the city’s midtown area boasts a thriving arts-and-culture scene. Opened in 1929, the Fox Theatre features imposing Egyptian architecture and a custom-made organ with a network of 3,622 pipes. Tours take place on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The High Museum of Art spotlights more than 12,000 pieces of contemporary and folk art, ranging from Renaissance paintings to photographs from the civil-rights era. Kids might better enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, located downtown at Centennial Olympic Park. One of the world’s largest aquariums with more than 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more than 100,000 animals, the aquarium is home to beluga whales, lionfish, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Hotel at a Glance: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

There are many ways to enjoy this rural resort, which is tucked amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia. To give you a taste of its many amenities, this Getaway comes with daily resort credit. Play a round on the 18-hole golf course, weave through forests and fields on a horseback trail ride, or indulge in a massage.

• Where you’ll stay: Rooms reflect the surrounding woodland scenery with handcrafted elegant furniture.
• Fireside dining: Try seared sea scallops or a Georgian trout with roasted almonds at two restaurants.
• Get moving: Hike a portion of the resort’s 9-mile trail network, then go swimming in the outdoor/indoor pool.

Young Harris, Georgia: Year-Round Outdoor Recreation with a Scenic Mountain Backdrop

The wooded landscape around Young Harris is rife with gorgeous waterfalls, mountain trails, and places for rafting and kayaking. Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet, offers views of four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) from its summit, and year-round trout fishing in the Hiawassee River nets tasty catches in a peaceful setting. For a taste of civilization, head to Young Harris and Hiawassee, where you’ll find art galleries, restaurants, and cinemas.

Hotel at a Glance: Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta

Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta is located in the peaceful town of Duluth, just 30 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta. The hotel earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016, and 2017, as well as the top spot on the travel site’s list of Duluth hotels.

• Grab a meal at the onsite Grapevine Restaurant, or enjoy signature dishes and drinks at the gastropub, ArtBar.
• Take a dip: The hotel features a jetted tub and a heated indoor/outdoor pool.
• Newly renovated rooms have flat-screen LCD TVs and free WiFi.

Duluth, Georgia: Historical Town on Chattahoochee River Just Outside Atlanta

A few years after the Civil War, a railroad came to Duluth, infusing the small town with a newfound vitality. Duluth’s Southeastern Railway Museum chronicles the history of Georgia’s railroads with exhibits of century-old Pullman cars and restored cabooses, as well as special events for kids. The town’s rich past is also evident at the Duluth Historical Society, which is housed in the stately former home of Georgia’s first female mayor.

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is about 30 minutes outside of town and is well suited for kayaking, rafting, and hiking. The park is known for its colorful wildflowers, including rare Georgia asters, which show off brilliant purple blooms in October and November. For a more urban day trip, travel the 30 miles to Atlanta to tour the CNN headquarters, explore the Georgia Aquarium, or visit the High Museum of Art, where works by Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec hang alongside historic photographs of the civil rights movement.

Hotel at a Glance: Kingwood Resort

The majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is on full display at northern Georgia’s Kingwood Resort. Each guest room has a private balcony looking out to the peaks, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining room add the stellar scenery to mealtimes. Players will find even more great vantage points on the 18-hole golf course, where rolling greens are surrounded by tree-lined hillsides.

• In-room amenities include a mini fridge and free WiFi.
• Swimming and splashing in the indoor pool.
• Seasonal menus at the restaurant may feature dishes such as grilled salmon and bourbon pecan pie.
• Signature spa treatment: the Golfer’s Par 3, which includes a foot soak and a massage meant to improve golf swings.
• Relaxation awaits: Guests unwind in the hot tub and with time in the steam room and sauna.
• Staying fit: The resort has tennis courts as well as a gym with cardio equipment and free weights.

Clayton, Georgia: Small Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Clayton, Georgia, might be small—its population hovers around 2,000—but its landscape looms large. The city is part of the Nantahala National Forest, more than half a million acres with waterfalls, river gorges, and old-growth trees. It’s a natural playground where tourists come to go whitewater rafting or fly-fishing for trout on the Chattooga River and ride horseback on tree-lined trails fringed with wildflowers. Back in town, visitors step back in time at Clayton Pharmacy, where cola and strawberry drinks are poured from an old-fashioned soda fountain. Guests can also visit the Main Street Gallery to see works by local artists.

Hotel at a Glance: Historic Banning Mills

Located amidst the stunning natural scenery of Snake Creek Gorge, Historic Banning Mills is a country B&B that doubles as an adventure park. It holds two Guinness World Records: one for the largest zipline canopy tour and adventure destination, and one for the tallest freestanding artificial climbing wall.

• Start your day with a complimentary full country breakfast.
• Relax and unwind with in-room jetted tubs and fireplaces.
• Zipline canopy tours are available in six levels and explore nearly 10 miles of ziplines and giant sky bridges.
• Banning’s history: Once a thriving mill town that produced its own electricity before even Atlanta, Banning eventually became a ghost town.

Property at a Glance: Unicoi State Park and Lodge

Unicoi State Park and Lodge overlooks the rolling landscape of northern Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled near Unicoi Lake, its spacious cabins and lodge rooms are set amid more than 1,000 acres of protected wilderness. Postcard-perfect views can be had from the lodge’s picture windows and the cabins’ outdoor spaces.

• Lodge rooms have WiFi and are close to the restaurant and the tavern.
• Cabins sleep up to eight guests and are outfitted with fireplaces and full kitchens.
• Locally sourced ingredients such as mountain trout power the Southern-inspired menu at Unicoi Restaurant.
• Local beers and custom pizzas are enjoyed at Smith Creek Tavern.
• Things to do: Hiking and biking trails weave across the park, and guests can fish for trout from lakeside docks or stream banks.

Helen, Georgia: Replica Bavarian Village Surrounded by the Appalachians

In 1968, the townspeople of Helen, Georgia—a struggling sawmill town in the Blue Ridge Mountains—hatched a dramatic plan to reinvigorate the economy and boost tourism. Led by local business owners and artists, Helen adopted a German identity, complete with cobblestone alleys, timber-frame cottages, and Old-World towers. Ever since, the town has thrived as a Bavarian-style village, now welcoming nearly two million visitors a year. Several festivals take place in the town every year, most notably a hot-air balloon race, a German-style Mardi Gras, and an eight-week-long Oktoberfest.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is also home to some incredible countryside scenery. Unicoi State Park and Lodge contains trout streams, mountain-biking trails, and a freshwater lake. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes nearby, and the Anna Ruby Falls drop off in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The area’s natural setting lends itself to scenic outdoor activities, including tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

Hotel at a Glance: Chateau Elan

Embracing both California-grown grapes and the Southeast’s native muscadine, Chateau Elan has become Georgia’s largest wine producer. The 3,500-acre estate bottles more than 20 styles, including the tropically flavored muscadry and a peppery merlot aged in French oak barrels. Visitors can learn more about the winery during guided tours and themed tastings.

• French country style: The 4.5-star hotel’s guest rooms are outfitted with soaking tubs and touches such as wingback chairs and upholstered bed frames.
• Seven restaurants range from gourmet American food to bar bites.
• For sporty types, the property has a Stan Smith-designed tennis center and three championship golf courses.
• Resort life: Guests can unwind during a deep-tissue massage or winery ritual treatment at a luxurious spa.
• Praise: 2018 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor and AAA Four Diamond Award since 2002

Braselton, Georgia: Hiking and Boating in North Georgia Mountains

Set in the foothills of the Blue Mountain Mountains, Northeast Georgia is known for its rugged outdoors and scenic beauty. Frommer’s calls it one of “the best-kept travel secrets in the South,” noting its vast open park spaces and purple-hued peaks. The tiny town of Braselton, located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, is a gateway to some of the region’s top recreation spots. Fort Yargo State Park offers 20.5 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails, as well as a 260-acre lake with swimming, fishing, and boating. Lake Lanier is also a popular boating spot, and it’s near a ziplining course and a water park.

Property at a Glance: Whitewater Express - Ocoee

Despite what you may infer from the name, there isn’t adventure at every turn on the grounds of Whitewater Express’ Ocoee camp. Sure, the sprawling property acts as the launching point for thrilling whitewater trips down the eponymous Ocoee River, one of the most rafted waterways in the country for its 5-mile stretch of rapids that wends alongside sheer cliff walls and indigenous wildlife. But it’s also known for its cozy, well-equipped cabins, which were built with native logs that emanate a peacefully rustic, back-to-nature vibe.

• Go for a ride on the river: This voucher includes a whitewater rafting trip for two down the Middle Ocoee section of the river, whose class III and IV rapids slalom through the picture-worthy Ocoee River gorge.
• Keep the adrenaline going with one of the camp’s many non-rafting activities, including paintball, a high-ropes challenge course, mountain biking, and horseback riding. One activity is included with this voucher.
• Have your camera ready to snap pics of the breathtaking Appalachian mountains surrounding the more than 225-acre property.
• Fill downtime with disc golf at the onsite 18-hole course, which is open and free to play for all guests.

Property at a Glance: Mountain Top Inn and Resort

Mountain Top Inn and Resort presides over Georgia’s F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The main lodge consists of three wood-trimmed buildings with porches and plenty of rocking chairs—ideal for relaxing and enjoying views of the nearby Pine Mountain.

• All lodge and inn rooms are a little different, but each one comes with free WiFi, a coffeemaker, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and satellite TV.
• For extra space: Choose a two-bedroom cabin, they line the woods surrounding the lodge and are equipped with linens and full kitchens. Many also have hot tubs, fireplaces, and porches.
• Take a hike on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail—the park’s most famous—which skirts past forests and the Wolfden Loop’s four waterfalls.
• Dine out at one of the many beautiful turn-of-the-century restaurants in historic downtown Warm Springs.

Warm Springs and Pine Mountain, Georgia: Sprawling State Park and Gardens

F.D. Roosevelt State Park—Georgia’s largest state park—unfurls across 9,000 rolling acres between the towns of Warm Springs and Pine Mountain, just 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. It’s named after the 32nd US president, who picnicked here and swam in the park’s warm springs in the 1920s to ease his polio-related aches and pains. You can tour the Little White House Historic Site, the vacation cottage where he stayed. Hike along the Pine Mountain Trail or go horseback riding via Roosevelt Stables; horse trails often wind past Lake Franklin and group camps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Just outside the park in Pine Mountain, you can bicycle through Callaway Gardens, zip line through the forest canopy, or tee off on one of its two 18-hole golf courses. Callaway Gardens also offers you a number of ways to connect with nature: watch raptors in flight during daily Birds of Prey shows, marvel at more than 1,000 butterflies flitting around the conservatory, and see seasonal plant displays in the horticultural center. Kids will enjoy Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari Park, a drive-thru safari home to lions, tigers, monkeys, and giraffes. After a day of outdoor adventure, head to downtown Pine Mountain or Warm Springs to shop for antiques and collectibles.

Hotel at a Glance: The Fitzpatrick Hotel

Located in historic downtown Washington, Georgia, The Fitzpatrick Hotel exudes the stately elegance of small-town life in the early 20th century. Originally constructed in 1898 and carefully restored in 2004, the Victorian hotel has a terra-cotta exterior accented by stained-glass windows and wrought-iron balconies. Inside, a honey-color palette marks the long, narrow entrance hall, where antique velvet sofas and ornate wooden arches emanate turn-of-the-century class.

• Victorian furnishings in the rooms include gentleman’s chairs, upholstered ottomans, and claw-foot tubs.
• In-room amenities: flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and climate control
• Free continental breakfast: fresh fruit, bread, hot and cold cereals, coffee, and tea
• Stay in shape: Fitzpatrick guests get complimentary access to gym facilities.

Washington, Georgia: Civil-War City with Small-Town Charm

The first city to be named after George Washington (about 18 years before Washington, DC), the antebellum community of Washington charms visitors with Victorian and colonial homes. Built in 1785, the Callaway Plantation is a living museum housing many of its original 18th-century artifacts. Visitors can tour the homes, barns, outbuildings, and cemetery on its 3,000-acre cotton plantation, which features a Greek Revival–style mansion furnished with 150-year-old doors. A hewn-log cabin, the Callaway Plantation’s oldest building, contains original domestic and agricultural tools, primitive furniture, and a large fireplace.

The nearby Robert Toombs House was once home to one of Washington’s most powerful and notorious characters. A state legislator and US congressman from the late 1830s through the 1860s, Robert Toombs ardently advocated for Georgia’s secession from the Union on the eve of the Civil War. Visitors can tour Toombs’s two-story colonial home and sprawling grounds after viewing a short film recounting the life and turbulent times of its former owner.

Hotel at a Glance: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cherokee

Set in the foothills of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, this hotel is surrounded by natural beauty. Another eye-catching spectacle is just 1 mile away: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. There, the gaming floor buzzes with the sounds of slot machines and diners fill up at restaurants including Ruth’s Chris Steak House. It’s all just a three-minute ride away by car or the Microtel’s local shuttle.

• Best way to start the day: with free continental breakfast that includes waffles.
• In-room amenities: free WiFi in all units.
• What’s nearby: The shops of downtown Cherokee (about 2 miles away) sell gifts like fudge and handmade moccasins.

Whittier, North Carolina: Riverside Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains

Whittier is set along the banks of the Tuckasiegee River, just a 10-minute drive from the southern entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Inside the park are more than 800 miles of hiking trails winding past wildflower fields and waterfalls, with scenic overlooks along the way (for the best experience, hike at sunrise or sunset). The 1-mile trek to Clingmans Dome—about 35 miles northwest of town—is especially nice, and it’s doable for hikers of all levels. To see even more of the park, take a spin on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It meanders nearly 500 miles through the Appalachian Highlands. As you drive, keep on the lookout for wildlife such as black bears, woodchucks, and turkeys.

From spring through fall, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad chugs past colorful hemlock, birch, and sugar-maple trees along the Tuckasiegee River. Board the old-fashioned locomotive at nearby Bryson City and you’ll be whisked on a journey through historical railroad towns and depots.

Hotel At a Glance: Highland Manor Inn

The Highland Manor Inn is a two-minute drive from the Western entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” The inn provides a comfy place to call home as you explore the natural wonders of the Smokies. Innkeepers Don and Sandy Headrick have operated the inn for 36 years and have given it several homey touches, from baking in-house muffins to loaning coffee pots if you’d like to make coffee in your room.

• Dig in to the free continental breakfast, which includes English muffins, hard-boiled eggs, bagels, cream cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereals, pastries, and a variety of homemade muffins. Beverages include juice, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee.
• Stroll the grounds and admire the views of the Great Smoky Mountains
• Hang out on your private terrace or balcony and watch the sun come up
• Things to do: Explore the area and its sight-seeing opportunities through natural activities, ranging from hikes and horseback riding along the local trails to fishing and biking with friends and family.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 2 miles from the inn
• Distance to Gatlinburg: You’re just 22 miles from the more commercialized tourist towns and 15 miles to Pigeon Forge.

Townsend, Tennessee: Peaceful Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains

Townsend’s nickname is “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” This tiny town (population 400) in eastern Tennessee has the least-busy entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with more than 500,000 acres of protected forests, hiking trails, and picturesque streams. Here, you’ll find none of the kitsch and tourist-geared trappings of Gatlinburg, another of the park’s main entrances. Instead, you’ll find a few local restaurants and stunning mountain views at every turn. Plus, the Foothills Parkway has just opened from Walland into Wears Valley, sporting its own breathtaking views.

Head to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, a museum that documents the area’s history, to see a hand-built log cabin and Native American artifacts, as well as shows at the outdoor theater. For more of a local look, visit the Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum, where you can see the history of the area in action, and includes indoor and outdoor exhibits. If you’re in the mood to get out of town, visit the nearby theme parks and other attractions that provide hours of entertainment.

Property at a Glance: Nantahala Cabins

For the traveler looking to get away from it all, Nantahala Cabins offers seclusion and tranquility amid one of America’s most scenic regions. Tucked alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cabins are 10 miles from the nearest towns, Bryson City and Nantahala. Various activities are available nearby, along with mountain biking and horseback riding.

• Choose your cabin: Customers can choose from 10 units. Cabin #6—the three-bedroom Wolf Den—offers space for up to eight people. Cabins #8 and #9 are two-bedroom, two-bath units with views of the mountains.
• For extra seclusion: Book the two-bedroom Edelweiss or Silvermine Hideaway cabins, located about 6 miles from the main office.
• In all units: full kitchens, satellite TV, wireless Internet, air conditioning, heating, porches, and picnic areas with fire pits
• In most units: hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain views
• Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: about 20 miles

Bryson City, North Carolina: Small-Town Charm in Great Smoky Mountains

The small town of Bryson City sits amid the woodsy slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains in southwestern North Carolina. The Tuckasegee River flows right through town, creating picturesque waterfalls and fishing holes teeming with rainbow and brook trout. On clear days, head a few miles north to catch a 360-degree view of the entire range from the 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can also tour the rugged wilderness by train—the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year-round excursions in restored historic railroad cars that depart from Bryson City.

In winter, the Cataloochee Ski Area opens 18 trails and slopes on its challenging downhill course. Once all the snow thaws, whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular at nearby Nantahala Gorge. All the while, downtown Bryson City charms visitors with antique shops, handcrafted pottery, and housemade chocolates.

Hotel at a Glance: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sylva Dillsboro Area

This family-friendly hotel serves up free deluxe continental breakfast near picturesque Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s built into a hillside dotted with trees, making it a peaceful place to rest up before hiking mountain trails or browsing the shops in charming downtown Dillsboro.

• Free breakfast: Fill your plate with fresh-baked pastries or make-your-own waffles.
• Comfortable guest rooms feature modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.
• Find vintage and antique treasures in the shops along Front and Weber Streets in nearby Dillsboro.
• Nearby attractions: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and downtown Dillsboro are a short drive from the hotel. 

Dillsboro, North Carolina: Old-Fashioned Railroad Town near Great Smoky Mountains

Dillsboro has welcomed tourists since the late 19th century, when it was a major stop on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. With the trains came a booming downtown area that hasn’t changed much in the past 200 years. Take a walk down the pedestrian-friendly streets and pop into old-fashioned storefronts to sample homemade fudge and browse locally made crafts. To really stretch your legs, take to the hiking trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can see waterfalls tucked into dense forests.

Hotel at a Glance: Nantahala Village

Nantahala Village’s lodge, cottages, and log cabins occupy their own secluded tree-lined paths in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s a peaceful setting, but close to heart-pounding outdoor adventures that include zipline canopy tours, rafting on the Nantahala River, and mountain hiking just outside the resort. Guests can take in the scenery more passively at the onsite Bistro, where dining affords views of distant, mist-veiled mountains.

• Mountain suites have full kitchens and some have the added luxury of a fireplace and deck.
• Fireplace suites all have indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
• Start the day right with the included bagged breakfast to go.
• Lake Fontana has over 240 miles of shoreline and clear waters perfect for relaxing or recreation

Bryson City, North Carolina: Small-Town Charm in Great Smoky Mountains

The small town of Bryson City sits amid the woodsy slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains in southwestern North Carolina. The Tuckasegee River flows right through town, creating picturesque waterfalls and fishing holes teeming with rainbow and brook trout. On clear days, head a few miles north to catch a 360-degree view of the entire range from the 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can also tour the rugged wilderness by train—the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year-round excursions in restored historic railroad cars that depart from Bryson City.

In winter, the Cataloochee Ski Area opens 18 trails and slopes on its challenging downhill course. Once all the snow thaws, whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular at nearby Nantahala Gorge. All the while, downtown Bryson City charms visitors with antique shops, handcrafted pottery, and housemade chocolates.

Hotel at a Glance: Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club

Just outside Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, pontoons and kayaks glide on the peaceful waters of Lake Blackshear. The resort offers myriad distractions on and off the water, from sportfishing for crappies and bass to golfing on a championship course—a year-round activity due to southwest Georgia’s mild winter weather.

• Villas feature screened patios or terraces with views of the water.
• Lodge rooms are outfitted with mini fridges and are set near amenities including the fitness center.
• Tee off on the 18-hole golf course’s Dwarf Bermuda greens, which are surrounded by towering pine trees.
• Prime rib and seafood cannelloni are among the gourmet dishes at Cordelia’s. Pair your meal with a bottle from the extensive wine list.
• Bring Fido!: Pets are welcome in select villas for an additional fee (contact the hotel).

Cordele, Georgia: Outdoor Activities and Small-Town Attractions Off the Beaten Path

In his poem “Back Roads to Macon,” Raymond Farr captures the small-town charm of Cordele when he describes a mailbox’s hand-painted sign scribbled with the folksy adage, “Whatever your destination, thank God you arrive.” The town that inspired Farr sits off the beaten path—about 2.5 hours south of Atlanta. It’s dotted with antique shops and quirky specialty museums showcasing the history of cotton-harvesting tools and vast collections of telephones.

The dry Atlantic coastal-plain climate permits year-round outdoor activities. Three miles of hiking trails wind through a wetland ecosystem inhabited by deer, red foxes, and lost hikers.

Hotel at a Glance: The Cabins at Seven Foxes

When the time came for Marilyn Krone to name the cabins on her property, inspiration came relatively easy. “We knew we wanted a wildlife theme for the property,” she said. She named them after five animals that are native to the Blue Ridge Mountains: the raccoon, bear, squirrel, fox, and deer. The pet-friendly cabins are tucked in the woods on seven acres. Each private cabin has its own personality, but all have fully stocked kitchens, gas fireplaces, full satellite HDTV, DVD players, gas grills on the porch, and lots of outdoor space. Linens and paper supplies are also provided.

• Cabin close-up: The 1,200-square-foot Deer Lodge is the deluxe cabin perched on a hill overlooking Toxaway Mountain. It features a private outdoor hot tub, furnished front and back porches, and locally handmade furniture.
• Sip hot coffeeon a chilly morning, sitting on your private porch.
• Onsite fun includes a tree house, waterfall pond, pavilion, and a small creek with a gem mine area and swing area.
• Nearby waterfall: 411-foot-high Whitewater Falls.
• Hit the trails: More than 10,000 acres of state parks and national forests surround the cabins, and all of them have nice hiking, mountain biking, and skiing trails. These include: Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park, Dupont State Forest and Whitewater Falls (largest on the East Coast), and Sapphire Ski & tubing Resort in the winter.

Transylvania County, North Carolina: Outdoor Recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains

More than 260 waterfalls flow in the mountains surrounding Transylvania County in western North Carolina. Whitewater Falls is one of the most accessible as well as one of the most impressive—at 411 feet, it’s the highest waterfall east of the Rockies.

Hiking trails are also abundant here; 1,000 miles of them are scattered across Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park. For an especially scenic trek, hit the Bearwallow Valley Trail in Gorges. It leads to a 3,200-foot lookout where you can see mountain vistas stretching all the way to South Carolina.

Hotel at a Glance: Red Lion Hotel Atlanta Airport

This suburban hotel is a convenient choice whether guests are vacationing in Atlanta or flying out of the city’s airport. A free shuttle whisks travelers between the terminal and the hotel in about 5 minutes. The shuttle also takes visitors to a MARTA light-rail station with service to downtown Atlanta.

• Free breakfast includes fruit, cereals, yogurt, and pastries.
• In-room entertainment: 55-inch TVs and free WiFi
• Fajitas and margaritas are served up at the onsite La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant.
• Downtown Atlanta is about 25 minutes away by car.
• Bring Fido: Your furry kids stay at the hotel free of charge.

Atlanta, Georgia: Urban Parks and Renowned Aquarium in Capital of the South

Named 1 of 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Atlanta lies near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia’s northwest region known for its famed trees: magnolias, pines, and dogwoods. Despite a metropolitan population of more than five million and what is considered the world’s busiest airport by passenger count, Atlanta seems to always offer a relaxing escape. Stroll through the 185 acres of botanical gardens, hiking trails, and oaks at Piedmont Park, or study one of the country’s largest Civil War exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center.

Anchored by historical Peachtree Street, the city’s midtown area boasts a thriving arts-and-culture scene. Opened in 1929, the Fox Theatre features imposing Egyptian architecture and a custom-made organ with a network of 3,622 pipes. Tours take place on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The High Museum of Art spotlights more than 12,000 pieces of contemporary and folk art, ranging from Renaissance paintings to photographs from the civil-rights era. Kids might better enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, located downtown at Centennial Olympic Park. One of the world’s largest aquariums with more than 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more than 100,000 animals, the aquarium is home to beluga whales, lionfish, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Hotel at a Glance: GuestHouse Inn Pigeon Forge

Cowboy hats and painted-on jeans aren’t required at the GuestHouse Inn Pigeon Forge, but they’ll certainly help you fit in. The inn is near the glitz-and-glam epicenter of Tennessee—Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is right down the street, and Dollywood is just a few miles away.

• Take a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park headquarters and several trailheads are about 10 miles away.
• Fuel up for a long day: The inn’s continental breakfast includes staples such as coffee and pastries, along with make-your-own Belgian waffles and three flavors of grits.
• Dining options aplenty: Themed restaurants, diners, and pancake houses pepper the parkway that runs past the hotel.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.

Hotel at a Glance: Glenstone Lodge

The Glenstone Lodge is situated in the heart of Gatlinburg, and within walking distance to all of the most popular Gatlinburg attractions, distilleries, shops and restaurants. Great for visitors who are ready to experience all that Gatlinburg has to offer, the Glenstone Lodge is just a short distance away from fantastic attractions and outdoor destinations including fishing, golfing, biking, horseback riding, skiing, shopping, Rocky Top Sports World, a AA baseball team and theme parks. Homey guest rooms welcome travelers with cozy furnishings and contemporary amenities, including flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and coffeemakers.

• Start the morning right with a trip to the Mountain Trail Cafe for breakfast.
• Hone your short game on the indoor putting green.
• Splash around in the two-level indoor pool tucked inside a tropical atrium.
• Take the Trolley: The Gatlinburg Trolley stops at all of the bustling mountain town’s major attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, and an aerial cable-car tramway.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Sidney James Mountain Lodge

The Sidney James Mountain Lodge has something for every season. When it’s chilly, a trolley takes guests to local ski resorts. Warm-weather days can be spent at the two seasonal outdoor pools—and their poolside cafe—or within the adjacent Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Creekside double rooms are the property’s newest units; suites have jetted tubs.
• Take a dip in the heated indoor pool.
• Break a sweat in the lodge’s exercise room or sauna.
• Mountaintop activities such as wildlife encounters and aerial tram rides await at the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area.
• Touch a stingray at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which also has a shark lagoon and penguin playhouse. The aquarium is less than a mile away from the resort.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and vacationing college mascots. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Property at a Glance: River Place Condos

These spacious condos overlook the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge. Many one-, two-, and three-bedroom units have private balconies with views of the water or the Great Smoky Mountains, and the property’s owners often get compliments about the quiet atmosphere.

• Luxurious amenities include full or partial kitchens, gas fireplaces, and hot tubs.
• Stay connected with high-speed WiFi, complimentary local newspapers, and flat-screen TVs with HBO.
• Distance from the Smokies: about 10 miles

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.

Hotel at a Glance: The Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast

Rolling evergreen forests and rugged mountains stretch as far as the eye can see at The Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast, which sits near the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The cedar-and-stone bed and breakfast has particularly nice views of Mount LeConte, which is the park’s third-highest peak at more than 6,500 feet.

• Hit the slopes: Nearby Ober Gatlinburg is scheduled to open for skiing in early to mid-December.
• Professional chefs prepare a three-course breakfast each morning and teach cooking classes from January to March.
• In-room amenities: bathrobes and free WiFi
• Cozy up with a book: Guests can pull up an overstuffed armchair and read by the fireplace in the library.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Island Drive Lodge

Island Drive Lodge lies in Pigeon Forge, a resort town at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nearby attractions include Dollywood’s dinner show, Dolly’s Stampede, and their new attraction Dolly’s Smoky Mountain Adventures. Other options include the Titanic Museum Attraction, and all the shops and restaurants of The Island entertainment complex.

• Complimentary breakfast served each morning, including waffles, and biscuits and gravy.
• Where you’ll stay: Spacious guest rooms feature mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves, and free WiFi.
• Across the street: The Island, an outdoor entertainment, shopping, and dining center with a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel
• Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 9 miles

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.

Resort at a Glance: Elk Springs Resort

What began as Gatlinburg’s small artists’ loop became an 8-mile-long arts-and-crafts haven for weavers, whittlers, and glassblowers. Elk Springs Resort sits in the midst of this creative hub. It’s a private 68-acre estate dotted with luxury log cabins offering rustic decor and contemporary amenities. One-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom cabins each sleep at least two guests. Furnishings nod to the resort’s native cedars and hemlocks with woodsy accents such as hardwood floors and bed frames made from finished tree branches.

• Spy on the Smokies: Most units have good views of the mountains, including some with outdoor decks and patios.
• Mountain luxury: Depending on the unit, you may spend some time soaking in a hot tub, playing games on pool tables, or enjoying other amenities.
• Party time: Four- and five-bedroom cabins can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Bear Pen Gap Resort

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bear Pen Gap Resort boasts stunning views of Mt. Le Conte. And that mountain locale means there are plenty of cold-weather activities to keep guests busy: Ober Gatlinburg ski resort is just 10 miles away. And the Smoky Mountain Winterfest, which runs from November through February, enchants visitors and transforms Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge with millions of twinkling holiday lights.

• Cozy cabins: Each cabin is decorated differently, but they all share the same feeling of a rustic mountain retreat.
• Dollywood and its theme-park rides are less than 10 minutes away by car.
• Explore the Arts & Crafts community of nearby Gatlinburg, with more than 100 artists and craftsmen just a 5-minute drive away.
• Do some retail therapy at the Tanger Outlet, only 10 miles from the resort.
• Romantic perks: Select options of this Getaway include a sparkling cider and bed of rose petals.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.

Hotel at a Glance: The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center

The Ramsey Hotel lies near the center of Pigeon Forge, putting the city’s family-friendly activities within easy reach. After visiting local theme parks and museums, guests can wind down with free nightly movies in the hotel’s pool area.

• Included with this deal: either a $25 dining credit per stay at the onsite restaurant, or two adult tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies per stay
• Free breakfast fills plates with dishes like home fries and biscuits and gravy.
• Newly updated rooms are outfitted with microwaves and mini fridges.
• Southern comfort food and craft beers are served in the lounge.
• Splashy fun: There’s a 24-hour indoor pool and hot tub area with its own pool bar.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions and Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. But the top draw is, of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located roughly 10 miles south of Pigeon Forge. You can hike along more than 800 miles of trails that lead past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins. One of the best places to catch a glowing sunset is Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,600 feet.

In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s. Another nearby attraction is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, located a few miles down the road in Gatlinburg. Here, exotic stingrays and four-eyed anableps swim with other sea creatures beneath a backlit waterfall. At the shark lagoon, you can stand inside an enclosed glass tunnel to get an up-close view of green eels, sand tiger sharks, and sea turtles.

Hotel at a Glance: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Knoxville

If you like to pair outdoor adventures with big-city attractions, consider Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. This hotel puts you within 40 miles of the national park and just 10 miles from downtown Knoxville, where you can dive into the town’s bluegrass scene, try its famous biscuits, and visit the iconic Sunsphere.

• Where you’ll stay: Spacious guest rooms feature free WiFi and beds swathed in signature bedding.
• Most important meal of the day: Guests can start their day with hotel’s complimentary breakfast spread including a selection of hot dishes.
• Many restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the hotel.
• Stuff to do: Catch a show at the Clarence Brown Theatre or lock eyes with a western lowland gorilla at the Knoxville Zoo.

Knoxville, Tennessee: College Town near the Great Smoky Mountains

The Tennessee River cuts right through the middle of Knoxville, and along its banks lies one of the cornerstones of the city: the University of Tennessee campus. The university’s football team, the Tennessee Volunteers (or “Vols”), has won six national championships since their first season in 1891. They play right on campus in Neyland Stadium, a beast of a venue that can hold more than 100,000 fans. Not to be outdone, the women’s basketball team has won eight national championships and are a perennial powerhouse. It’s largely thanks to the Lady Vols’ success that Knoxville was chosen as the site for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

But there’s more to Knoxville than its fabled athletic programs. In 1982, it hosted the World’s Fair, which produced perhaps the city’s most recognizable landmark: the Sunsphere, a giant, shimmering golden ball on top of a tower. From World’s Fair Park downtown, you can walk to Market Square, which features boutiques, restaurants, and a seasonal farmers’ market. A few blocks away, the opulent Tennessee Theatre hosts musical acts, touring Broadway shows, and classic films.

Hotel at a Glance: Bent Creek Golf Village

An entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only 5 miles away from Bent Creek Golf Village. The park encompasses more than 520,000 acres filled with trees, majestic waterfalls, and rugged mountains. Visitors can hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail or watch for elk and white-tailed deer roaming the dense forests.

• One-bedroom condos feature full kitchens equipped with refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves.
• Face off against your relatives in the game room and take in spectacular mountain views from the picnic area.
• Newly-renovated18-hole championship golf course: designed by three-time Masters and British Open–winner Gary Player. Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the course features a bubbling stream framed by valley forests.
• Family-friendly attractions nearby include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre.
• Splash around in the indoor heated pool or relax in the indoor hot tub.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Hamilton Inn Bessemer/Birmingham

Set near Interstates 20 and 59, the Hamilton Inn is convenient for both road trips and simple day trips to Birmingham. The hotel is also minutes from Bessemer attractions including the 18-hole Frank House Golf Course and more than a dozen restaurants. Among them is The Bright Star, a Greek-Southern hybrid that opened in 1907 and won the America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2010.

• Free breakfast gets the day going with waffles and cereal.
• In-room amenities include free WiFi, as well as fridges and microwaves.
• Staying in shape: The fitness room is outfitted with cardio equipment.
• Snack time: Drinks and treats are available in the shop 24 hours a day.

Birmingham, Alabama: Civil-Rights History in Cultural Hub

Birmingham was a hotbed of activity during America’s civil rights movement in the 1960s. Marches and other protests against segregation regularly took over the streets; one such demonstration, in 1963, led Martin Luther King Jr. to write his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail. These acts ultimately led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended racial segregation in schools and other public places across the nation. You can learn more about the city’s role in the movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute downtown.

The Birmingham of today is a thriving, diverse cultural hub where new and old intersect. Sleek shopping complexes share sidewalks with historic landmarks, such as the circa-1927 Alabama Theatre and the impressive Vulcan, the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Downtown, you’ll find funky art galleries next door to antique shops, lively nightclubs just down the street from historic churches, and restaurants serving hearty Southern dishes alongside James Beard–recognized ones. The walkable Five Points South neighborhood has a particularly high concentration of award-winning restaurants. For a dose of nature, head south of downtown to the popular Birmingham Zoo and the adjacent Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Top Reasons to Stay at Engadine Inn & Cabins

• The Queen Anne–style mansion, built in 1885, stands on 12 wooded acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Guests can enjoy the drama of sunrise or sunset from vista points on the property. There also is a wood-burning firepit outfitted with Adirondack chairs, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine at the end of a day spent on Asheville’s adventures.
• The well-appointed cabins have fully equipped kitchens, porches, and mountain views.
• Guest rooms in the inn are decorated with period furnishings and luxury bedding.
• A hearty multi-course breakfast is served in the dining room. Guests staying in cabins can enjoy breakfast at the inn ($18/person daily) or a continental breakfast delivered at check-in ($15/person daily).
• Travel to downtown Asheville (15 minutes), Waynesville (20 minutes), or Hendersonville (40 minutes), each of which offers shops, restaurants, and cultural activities.
• Nearby Interstates 26 and 40 make it easy to access attractions such as the famed Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Arboretum, Dupont State Forest, and Chimney Rock State Park.

Candler, North Carolina: Outdoorsy Activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville

The small community of Candler, North Carolina, sits in the southwest corner of the state, near the Pisgah National Forest and Asheville. The forest spreads across more than half a million acres, encompassing waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and tree-covered peaks. It’s an ideal landscape for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking along hundreds of scenic trails.

Nearby Asheville has received numerous accolades from various news and travel resources because the city combines awe-inspiring Appalachian scenery with an artsy spirit, a taste for great food and beer and a burgeoning music scene. Downtown you’ll find art-deco and Victorian-era buildings housing galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Biltmore Estate, the 250-room chateau built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. Guided tours of the 8,000 acre estate include information on the construction of the house and gossip about its famous residents. You can also tour the onsite winery.

Asheville Media Mentions:

• Forbes, “The 15 Coolest Places To Go In 2018”
• CNN, “18 Best Places To Visit In 2018”
• SmartAsset, finished in the top two cities for the third consecutive year, calling Asheville a “beer lover’s paradise.”
• Expedia names Asheville as one of the “Top Rated Vacation Destinations in North America” in May 2018
• National Geographic Traveler names Asheville as on the the “Top 10 Music Cities in the US” in May 2018
• FlipKey, a TripAdvisor company, names Asheville as one of the “Top 25 Best Pet
• Friendly Vacations in America” in February 2018

Property at a Glance: Mill House Lodge

Even after winter strips the Blue Ridge Mountains of their celebrated fall foliage, Mill House Lodge maintains a scenic woodland setting. The lodge’s buildings ring around Jordans Lake, which cascades into a waterfall as it pours over the property’s dam.

• Home-cooked meals: Rooms and suites are outfitted with kitchenettes or full kitchens.
• Country style: Some units have details such as fireplaces and pull-out sofas.
• Behind the name: The original building was part of a mill that produced corn and wheat goods for the Carolinas starting in 1830.
• Things to do near Flat Rock: Visit the Carl Sandburg Home, downtown Hendersonville or historic downtown Flat Rock, all within a few miles. Shop in downtown Asheville and tour the 250-room Biltmore House. Hike to nearby waterfalls like Pearson Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and many more. Or, visit the scenic Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, or Jump-Off Rock before catching a play at the Flat Rock Playhouse.

Flat Rock, North Carolina: Grand Estates and Scenic Parks

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Flat Rock, a village listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its large number of Old South antebellum manors. The stately home where poet Carl Sandburg spent the last two decades of his life is located right off Flat Rock’s main highway. To the north, in Asheville, is the palatial [Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s private estate. Dubbed America’s largest home, the Biltmore House features 250 rooms and gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Two national forests and Chimney Rock State Park are within driving distance, so visitors can hike mountain trails crisscrossing the countryside. A popular day-trip destination is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to miles of walking trails and a thriving black-bear population.

Things to do near Flat Rock:

Adventurist guests—when they’re not canoeing, paddle boating, fishing on the private lake, or picnicing on the expansive green lawn—they shuffle through art galleries and shops in the Historic Village of Flat Rock. Before dining and seeing a show at the Playhouse, they visit the home of the beloved Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Carl Sandburg. In downtown Hendersonville, just a short 3.5 mile drive away, they stroll the charming walkways of Main Street, share a pint of craft brew over live music, and dine at a partnering restaurant for 10% off their bill.

Hikers take to the lush trails of Pearson Falls, DuPont State Forest, and the Looking Glass Falls, walking beside the misty fall. History-lovers visit the castle-like Biltmore Estate and enjoy the lively Asheville scene. Movie-lovers, after stopping off to see Chimney Rock State Park along the way, visit the shooting grounds of Dirty Dancing at Lake Lure.

Hotel at a Glance: All Season Suites

The All Season Suites positions visitors to Tennessee perfectly between three of the state’s top sites: Knoxville, Dollywood, and Gatlinburg. That means that in less than an hour’s drive, you can head to the gateway to the Smoky Mountains and back again with enough time to enjoy the thriving nightlife of the city in K-Town.

• Wake up to a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast.
• Make home-cooked meals in your room’s kitchenette complete with refrigerator, stovetop, and dishwasher.
• Stay active: The fitness center is open 24 hours.
• Surf the web: Free WiFi is included.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.

Hotel at a Glance: Mountain View Inn

As its name suggests, the Mountain View Inn is conveniently nestled in the Southern Appalachian mountain range within reach of various natural parks and outdoor attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive from the inn, guests can hike the forests of Red Clay State Park and learn about local Cherokee history. Venturing into nearby Chattanooga, the Incline Railway at Lookout Mountain ferries visitors up a steep slope to breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and towns.

• Pet-friendly: Guests don’t have to leave their furry family members behind when staying at the inn (fees may apply).
• Free perks: WiFi and long-distance calling are complimentary.
• Things to do in Cleveland: A few miles from the inn is the Cherokee National Forest, with its two rivers, Museum Center, and arboretum.

Cleveland, Tennessee: Scenic Town near Cherokee National Forest

Situated on the Hiwassee River in southeastern Tennessee, Calhoun is a dot on the map about a half hour from Chattanooga. The town’s proximity to the Cherokee National Forest makes it a good home base for outdoor adventure. The forest stretches along the North Carolina border, encompassing more than 640,000 acres of wilderness. Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the scenic Appalachian Mountains, and you can fish for large-mouth bass and yellow perch in the many lakes, rivers, and streams. The area also offers some of the region’s best whitewater rafting. In fact, the Ocoee Whitewater Center hosted a number of events during the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Inn at a Glance: 1898 Waverly Inn

Owners Mike and Tracey Burnette cherish the history and charm of the area, which is obvious when you take a look at 1898 Waverly Inn. The oldest surviving inn in Hendersonville, it’s full of nods to the past from some of the rooms’ clawfoot tubs to the four-poster beds. The free WiFi shows the warm welcome that modern amenities have been getting since the inn adopted electricity all the way back in 1903.

• Romance package included with two options, features a dining credit valid at Brandy’s on Main, wine tasting at Burntshirt Vineyards and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Free farm-to-table breakfast: Breakfast is included in all stays, with specialties that include banana pecan French toast bake, pimento cheese grit bowl, and artisanal, locally-made jams.
• Pamper yourself with a massage or a reflexology treatment at Le Petite Spa.
• Sample local brews at the Southern Appalachian Brewery, located just a five-minute walk from the inn.
• Distance to Asheville: 26 miles (30 min. drive)

Hendersonville, North Carolina: Artsy Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

In Hendersonville you’ll find western North Carolina’s most charming downtown with virtually all independent restaurants, shops and breweries. Best of all, it’s all accessible from a short walk from the 1898 Waverly. Venturing out from downtown, you’ll find you are close to a plethora of attractions such as the Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock, DuPont State Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wine lovers will find great refreshment at three mountain vineyards and craft beer drinkers will rejoice at the selection of breweries close by including Sierra Nevada’s east cost brewery affectionately known as Malt Disney World.

Hotel at a Glance: Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa

The Blue Ridge Parkway twists and turns through the Great Balsam Mountains, reaching a height of more than 6,000 feet as it passes over Richland Balsam mountain, the road’s highest point. Just a short distance northwest of this spot, Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa sits amid Appalachian ridges and ancient forests.

• Enjoy the view: Most rooms have balconies. Historic guest rooms are in the original 1920s-era wing, and mountain view rooms are in a newer building.
• Tee off on the resort’s three golf courses, which dates back nearly 100 years.
• Grab a bite: Savor delicious sandwiches or half-pound burgers at the onsite Tap Room Sports Bar & Grill.
• Get pampered with a soothing massage or body treatment at the Balsam Spa.

Waynesville, North Carolina: Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway

Waynesville is nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, 30 miles west of Asheville. The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the country’s most popular scenic drives, meanders through mountain valleys and loops around Waynesville en route to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The picturesque thoroughfare branches out to more than 100 hiking trails, ranging from short footpaths to the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.

Waynesville is a charming, old-fashioned town, with a Main Street lined with pretty trees and brick sidewalks. There are also many quaint storefronts, including a general store, a candy store, and antique shops housed in old buildings. But anyone visiting Waynesville should also spend at least a day exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park covers cascading waterfalls, more than 1,500 types of wildflowers, and dozens of historical mills and barns. While you’re exploring, keep an eye out for elk, black-bear cubs, eastern box turtles, and white-tailed deer.

Hotel at a Glance: The Belle Aire

The Belle Aire lies between downtown Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, giving guests easy access to both. Visitors can walk to shops and restaurants in town, or drive about five minutes to explore the wilderness.

• In-room amenities include a mini fridge, a microwave, and free WiFi.
• Best way to start the day: with the free continental breakfast.
• A piece of history: The A-frame hotel opened in 1958.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Wilderness at the Smokies

Despite its name, you might find a few things at Wilderness at the Smokies that aren’t naturally occurring in the wild. For one, it’s rare that you find water slides growing with the trees, but you’ll definitely find them at the Wilderness at the Smokies. In fact, you’ll find enough to fill three water parks—one indoor and two out—which are exclusively reserved for guests to the resort. But that’s not all the fun: ropes courses, rock climbing, and a mega arcade full of games are also part of the resort’s entertainment options. This Getaway comes with two, all-stay passes to Adventure Forest which include admission to attractions such as Tree Top Towers, Daredevils Drop, and Moonshine Run.

• Ready, aim, fire!: Perfect your sharp-shooting at the laser tag arena.
• Secret agents welcome: Test out your super-spy skills with the Copperhead, a laser course where you’ll twist and contort your body to avoid the beams.
• Bring your appetite to the onsite Thirsty Miner and Hidden Trail Restaurants, where kids eat free.
• Get creative at paint-your-own-pottery nights.
• Perfect your southern twang at Dollywood, which is about 9 miles away.
• Hike through a different kind of wilderness at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is about 18 miles away.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.