Tennessee's cheesy and kid-oriented attractions are original and delightful enough to woo over the most skeptical globe trotter, while the Great Smoky Mountains make the state a must-visit for any nature buff. If you're planning a visit to Tennessee, the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville ought to be on your radar. And no matter which town you base your stay at, it's easy to hit up all three – they're all located just minutes from each other. You might find it hard to put together a clear-cut itinerary, though. That's where this guide comes in. Here are some quick tips to making the most of this well-known trio of family-friendly mountain towns.

Gatlinburg Things to Do: Parked right at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg's main attraction is good ol' Mother Nature. Bike along the serene Cades Cove valley, catch a trout at Lynn Camp Prong stream, see the sights on a kayak, or spot a white-tailed deer on the Appalachian Trail. That's not to say Gatlinburg doesn't lack in indoor fun. Check out the musical comedy shows at the acclaimed Sweet Fanny Adams Theater or the penguins and sharks at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. By the way, Ripley's has a whopping seven other attractions, including the Guinness World of Records Museum, also based in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg Interesting Fact: Gatlinburg was first settled in the 1800s, but not as Gatlinburg. Its founders called it “White Oaks Flats,” for the native white oak trees dominating the land.

Gatlinburg Lodging: Gatlinburg cabin rentals offer up a variety of affordable and spacious choices for the budget-minded or those preferring a taste of the good-life with sprawling lavishness cabins with amenities such as hot tubs, breathtaking mountainous views, porches overlooking rivers, gourmet kitchens, game rooms and more.

Pigeon Forge Things to Do: One word: Dollywood. The 118-acre theme park is packed with roller coasters, carnival rides, water slides, and live bluegrass and country music (of course). Need more Dolly Parton? Head to her Dixie Stampede & Dinner Show, where the North and South are always battling it out in a live Civil War (on real horses)! Oh, and there's dinner, too. Other worthwhile Pigeon Forge attractions include the hands-on Wonderworks museum, the Dinosaur Walk Museum, the memorabilia-stuffed Elvis Museum, the Titanic Museum, and Parrot Mountain and Gardens, home to several hundred tropical birds.

Pigeon Forge Interesting Fact: Pigeon Forge is known as the Outlet Shopping Capital of the Southeast – so,make sure you've make room in your suitcase for some souvenirs. Pigeon Forge Lodging: Pigeon Forge cabin rentals and mountain homes are close to the attractions or secluded away from it all – your choice – your rental.
Sevierville Things to Do: A visit here can be as laid-back or adventurous as you want. Sevierville is heavy on the natural attractions, with zip lining and horseback riding at Adventure Park, fishing in Douglas Lake, wagon-led wildlife tours at the Briarwood Ranch Safari Park, the Rainforest Zoo, and more. Other must dos include a tour of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, and a round of mini golf at the adorable Ripley's Old McDonald's Farm, complete with 18 holes, interactive barnyard characters, and other surprises.

Sevierville Interesting Fact: Sevierville is the hometown of Dolly Parton and her 11 siblings; she performed here for years before hitting it big in Nashville. Sevierville Lodging: Instead of booking an undersized, overpriced hotel room for your stay, why not go for a luxurious, yet budget-friendly Sevierville cabin rental?

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