Web Exclusive:
Message Boards: Know of a great cabin in the Smokies? Tell us about it!
More Smokey Mountain Lodging:
Cozy Cabin Getaway
Cozy in a Cabin
Head to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this month, where the rates are low, availability is high, and the crowds have thinned, leaving you the space and peace for a quiet getaway.
Here's the only rub: picking your cabin. With more than 100 rental companies and more than 1,000 cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, choosing from so many options can be a bewildering task. Here are a few tips to pick the winners from the rest.
1. Know the system. Most rental companies manage dozens or even hundreds of cabins. Everything about them can vary widely--most notably price and quality. Companies have a contractual obligation not to favor some properties over others, so the due diligence is up to you.
2. Define your priorities. What's more important to you--a pool table or a stunning view? Proximity to town or privacy? A great bargain or a spectacular cabin? If you have a preference, name it. Be specific when you talk to a rental manager, and be prepared to make a few trade-offs.