Fantastic honeymoon, anniversary or romantic getaway. Enjoy privacy from the hot tub, porch swing or rockers. Thank you so much for visiting Rocking Bear! We put together a list of things we have done in our many trips to this beautiful area. We try to take a trip up once or twice each year and hope that the list below of things we have enjoyed over the years will be helpful as you plan your perfect vacation! Wears Valley:
Wears Valley is the small unincorporated town where our cabin is located. This area is beautiful and more low-key than the busy touristy areas.
• Scenic Drives
Drive along the 321 (Wears Valley Rd). This is a very scenic drive through the valley with mountains on either side. You will most likely drive this as you travel to and from the cabin.
• Clingmans Dome
This is on the top of the Smoky Mountains at 6,643 ft. It is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail and offers amazing 360 degree views. http://www.clingmansdome.com/
• Cades Cove
Step into the past in this isolated valley preserved by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend. See buildings from the 1800s including log houses, barns, churches, and a mill. There is also lots of wildlife to be spotted. One of its best qualities is its free! http://www.cadescove.net/
• River Rat Tubing
Rent a tube and float downstream where they are waiting to pick you back up. This isn’t very far from the cabin and great to do during warmer weather. http://smokymtnriverrat.com/
Pigeon Forge:
• Dollywood
Dollywood is an adventure park similar to Busch Gardens or Six Flags. They even have a water park for those hot summer months. http://www.dollywood.com/
• Miscellaneous
There’s a whole lot of family fun things to do in Pigeon forge like: mini golf, go karting, a variety of shows and even a space needle. Gatlinburg:
• Ober
Ober is a ski resort that sits above the city of Gatlinburg. Park and take a 2 mile chair lift ride up to the ski lodge where you can ski, snow board, snow tube, ice skate or just relax by the wood burning fire place. Want to learn to ski? Ski and snowboarding lessons are available! http://obergatlinburg.com/
• Smoky Mountain National Park
Visiting the Smoky Mountain National Park is a must see in any season! Enjoy a picturesque drive, hike to one of its many waterfalls, watch for wildlife or enjoy lunch next to a calming brook. http://smokymountains.com/park/
Ashville, NC:
We love taking day trips over to Ashville! It’s about 2 hours from Rocking Bear.
• Omni Spa at Grove Park Inn
This is a beautiful full service spa (adults only) complete with pools, hot tubs, saunas and a wide variety of treatments. Day passes are sold but we would recommend scheduling a treatment which comes with a day pass for free. Some treatments are even less expensive than the day passes themselves. https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/spa
• Biltmore Estate
This is the largest privately owned home in the US and is great for the whole family. Admission includes access to the gardens and tours are offered year around. http://www.biltmore.com/
• Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful drive through NC and was voted America’s best scenic drive. We enjoy motorcycle rides along the parkway with its winding road and spectacle views. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
Local Dining and Dinner Shows
• Apple Barn
This is a “from scratch” restaurant that uses family recipes. They are famous for their apple cider, apple butter and swing booths.
• Dixie Stampede
Dixie stampede is a patriotic dinner show that showcases horses and the good old red, white and blue. ‘Merica! http://www.dixiestampede.com/
• Biblical Times Dinner Theater
Enjoy a meal while taking a trip back in time with your favorite people and stories from the bible. These live shows offer both a live cast, holographic and 3D technology. http://www.biblicaltimestheater.com/
• Dead End BBQ
It’s no secret that Tennessee is known for its barbecue. We are always searching for that perfect beef brisket. Dead End offers great bbq and a very modern atmosphere. http://www.deadendbbq.com/
We plan on updating this guide as we continue to enjoy time in this wonderful area! Thanks again for visiting,
Paul & Ashley
(Owners)
