Things To Do

There are so many things to do near Heavenly Cabins that it's overwhelming. Of course, relaxing and taking in God's beauty should be at the top of your list.  Here is just the tip of the iceberg:

Cades Cove
This is a place that you just can't describe, it must be seen to be appreciated. It is one of the most beautiful, serene places that I have ever been. It is such a blessing to know that it is protected in the National Park, although we hear changes are in the future.(details to follow) 

This lovely valley situated between two mountain ranges was home to a few families in the 1800's.  The National Park Service purchased the property to preserve it and the story of those families.  You enter on a one-way paved road that takes you on an 11 mile loop through the Cove.   They reconstructed many of the original log structures, homes, churches and a grist mill to name a few.  Pick up a guide as you enter and read about the families and their lives. You can stop and go inside many of the structures as well as walk several trails.  Abrahm Falls is a popular trail out to a beautiful waterfall.  Park in any of the designated areas and just take in the view or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy there. 

You can rent horses and ride the trails in Cades Cove.  Also, you can take your bicycles or rent one and ride the loop.  The area is open from sun up till sun down.  On certain mornings in the summmer, the loop is closed from sunrise until 10:00 am for bicycles only,  a great way to view the wildlife.  You can also enjoy a ride in a hay wagon,  call the Cades Cove Riding Stables: 865-448-6286.

Roger's favorite part of Cades Cove are the deer and wildlife.  Early evening, before dusk is the best time to view the deer.  We often see as many as 30-40 deer in a field at a time.  All the wildlife here is protected so deer feel very comfortable coming near the road to eat also.  This is what you call an "up close and personal" look.  Occasionally, we also have the privilege of seeing wild turkey, bear, bear cubs and lots of other animals.

Please feel free to send your suggestions.

We'll be adding more information about our favorites but here is a start:

Wears Valley Info:

Wears Valley is such a unique place with country charm, awesome mountain views, friendly people, great food, art, furniture, antiques and just that feeling of being "at home" in the Smokies.  We feel so privileged and blessed to be able to spend time there and be able to share it with others. 

Steven Spangler Gallery -  Wears Valley   Wonderful local artist and he also now carries unique furniture and accessories which I enjoy checking out.

Wears Valley Antique Gallery - Right in the middle of Wears Valley - A great place to find unusual gifts, artwork or antiques. 

Rocky Top Country Store  - Wears Valley, very close to the cabins. Lots of unique gift items but you might know, they are best known for the FUDGE,  all kinds with new flavors all the time!!!! I went to pick up some for my sister-in-law and ended up taking home 4 lbs and I was on a diet!

Lee Roberson Gallery  - A "must see"  just a couple miles from the cabin going toward Townsend on Hwy 321/Wears Valley Rd.  Look for the sign on the left and take a drive back in time. This is just a narrow driveway with a few turnouts (watch out for the UPS trucks!) back into the woods bordering the Great Smoky National Park. You arrive at  Lee's gallery which is an old rustic log structure he had shipped in and rebuilt on site. A clear trout stream flows by the parking lot and Lee's log home sits on the beautiful hillside above. Check out the gallery filled with Lee's world famous art and you may even have the pleasure of meeting him.

Grandmother's Kitchen - Wears Valley,  a great little hometown diner.  Super breakfast with great homemade biscuits.

The Citgo Station-Wears Country Market in Wears Valley has a very good variety of burgers, sandwiches, breakfast and pizza,  very convenient to the cabins.  Pick up your picnic items here. Phone:  865-429-3243

There is a Pizza Hut in Townsend which is only about 5-7 miles from the cabins. They offered delivery to the cabins the last time that I checked.  Phone: 865-448-6676

Townsend  TN  Info 

We enjoy this lovely  little community of Townsend, Tn by the Little River and prefer eating here when the traffic is heavy in Pigeon Forge.  Burger Master has great "sloppy" cheeseburgers and yummy soft serve ice cream.   Smokin' Joes has some of the BEST Ribs, BBQ and chicken we have ever eaten,  although I do miss the good ole North Carolina (Lexington style) BBQ slaw and vinegar based sauce!   We definitely have to take a walk on the trail through town after all this great food!     See other Townsend info below:

Townsend Visitors Center   (865) 448-6134, 800-525-6834

Parkway Drive-In Theatre   - Check this out, one of the few Drive-In Theatres left in the nation.
2909 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 379-7884  ***  Step back in time!!  Call to see what's playing since it is difficult to find suitable, decent movies anymore.

Mountain Bear Cabins Mountain Bear Cabins, in conjunction with Smoky Mountain Getaways in Dillsboro, offers five wonderful Smoky Mountain cabins in the heart of North Carolina's Smoky Mountains. Conveniently located to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Fontana Lake, the Nantahala River Gorge, and the towns of Bryson City, Cherokee, and Dillsboro, our Smoky Mountain cabins are a great place to start your mountain adventure.

Dillsboro Chocolate Factory The Dillsboro Chocolate Factory located in the heart of North Carolina’s famed Smoky Mountains offers a wide selection and variety of hand-dipped chocolates, home-made fudge, gourmet coffees from around the world, Jelly-Bellies, Joseph Schmidt truffles, gifts and more. Step inside our virtual store or visit us in Dillsboro, North Carolina the next time you are here. We also offer WI-Fi high speed internet access in our store as well.

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks

 Randall Ogle Gallery - Pigeon Forge, near the Old Mill -  One of our favorite local artists,  you will find several of his paintings in our cabins.

Apple Barn -   Pigeon Forge  -  Great Place to Buy Gifts, Eat Breakfast or Get WONDERFUL Fried Apple Pies to take home!

Smokies Baseball

Ripley's Aquarium - Gatlinburg

Weddings: We can refer you to an ordained minister that will perform your wedding at your cabin or in the National Park,  what about by a waterfall?

You Can Obtain a Marriage License For  Your  Smoky Mountain Wedding at the following locations:
Sevier County Courthouse
Phone: 865-453-5502
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am-11:00 am
Cost: $36.00

Pigeon Forge City Hall
Phone: 865-908-6613
Hours: Saturdays only: 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Gatlinburg Shilling Center
Phone: 865-430-3404
Hours: Monday and Friday: 8:30 am-3:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am-11:30 am
Saturday: 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Both individuals must be 18 years of age or older and must show proof of age.  Residence is not required.

Our Favorite Scenic Drives

All the different routes to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area  and the cool things on the way from Hickory or that area.

• I-40 quickest
• Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville  to  I-40,  19-23 thru Hot Springs - beautiful  (found this way due to rock slide)
• Foothills Parkway into Gatlinburg  scenic
  Hwy 411 off 1-40 lovely pastoral scenes,  green bean factory
• I-40  Maggie Valley,  Cherokee,  parkway into Gatlinburg or back on Parkway to Metcalf Bottoms and Lyon Springs Rd - this is a wonderful drive!!
• Other great stops on the way,  Asheville, NC ,  Biltmore Estate, Blowing Rock  NC  Dillsboro,  NC,  Train trips

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks

Pigeon Forge Lodging, Shopping, Attractions

(828)310-6305
(828)328-6305
  e-mail
Heavenly Cabins
PO Box 746
HICKORY, NC
28603