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Cozy in a Cabin

Great views, tranquil settings, and nice accommodations have made mountain cabins a popular lodging choice in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

When you see the words log cabin, don’t think Davy Crockett, according to Chuck McGinnis of Cove Mountain Realty in Wears Valley, Tennessee. “During prime vacation periods, you can get a cabin and all the goodies that go with it for pretty much what you’d pay for a nice hotel room.”

And the goodies often include a fully equipped kitchen, cable or satellite TV, VCR, fireplaces, plus central heat and air conditioning; most have decks or screened-in porches. Old Davy never had it so good.

“When the Downtowner Hotel I worked for was full, I felt like apologizing for putting our guests in cabins,” says Darrell Huskey, of the Wonderland Hotel, who rents these accommodations near Pigeon Forge. “Now, I’m amazed at how popular they are. I’d say that 25% of our calls are about renting a cabin.”

Many cabins, as well as chalets and mountain cottages, are private residences rented out on occasion. Here are some tips for getting the most from your rental.

Make sure you have good directions before heading out. A lot of these places are out in the sticks (that’s what you want, right?) on narrow, two-lane roads, and some are on dirt and gravel drives. Nothing is worse than arriving at nightfall in the bustling area around Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville, and not knowing where to turn.

Find out about the cancellation policy. It’s usually not as forgiving as what chain motels offer. Most require a minimum two-night stay on weekends.

Some rentals are not handicapped accessible. Call the property for specific information.

So how big a cabin do you really need? For a family of three, a one-bedroom might be just the right size. Most lodgings have a sleeper sofa, so if your youngster doesn’t mind sacking out on the foldaway, you can get by at less cost than in a larger two-bedroom cabin.

Ask the management to tell you a little about the setting. Some sites offer great mountaintop views (and you’ll pay a little more). Tactfully inquire as to whether or not there is any construction going on nearby. One place we stayed in had workers hammerin’ and hollerin’ at the crack of dawn.

Here’s a partial listing of cabins in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend areas. Rates are for one-bedroom cabins unless otherwise noted. Hidden Mountain Resorts, 1-800-541-6837, $150-$175; Eagle’s Ridge Resort, 1-800-807-4343, $114-$154; Smoky Mountain Log Cabins, (423) 448-6016, $85-$90.

This article is from the May 1998 issue of Southern Living.

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