Wyndham Smoky Mountains questions

[riverdees05]

We have a four day rental:

Resort: Wyndham Smoky Mountains
Unit type: 3 Bedroom Deluxe
Check-in date: 03/31/2017

What should we request for Group of Buildings, Building, Floor and/or unit? My wife has had double knee replacement and it is hard for her to do stairs, but assume that all buildings have elevators - correct?

Recommendations on things to do in the area and the National Park?

 

[eschjw]

I stayed there once a few years ago and I think that all of the buildings have elevators. Some buildings may (?) have a few steps up to the ground floor.

If your wife likes to shop, the Tanger Outlets are very close. My Grandchildren like the NASCAR Speedway that is next to the outlet center. Dollywood will be open and they will be celebrating the Festival of Nations while you are there. This event is a favorite of my wife. It is only a few miles down Veteran's Blvd. We like to eat at the Apple Barn restaurants and the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.

The Aquarium in Gatlinburg is excellent and the Village shopping area across the street is worth a visit. The pancake place there is very popular.

In the Park I like to picnic at the Chimneys picnic area, but it may still be closed because of the fire, so do stop by the visitor center for information. There are nice views from the Newfound Gap parking area. I highly recommend driving through Cades Cove. The Spring wildflowers may be in bloom and the drive in the Cove can be very crowded on a weekend.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Rehdaun]

A second for Cades Cove. Should see a bear or two along with deer, turkey and various small animals.

Another good place for nature are the fields near Oconaluftee Visitor Center (the Cherokee side of Newfound Gap road) near dusk. We have seen elk there every time we passed through. There's a lot to see all along Newfound Gap road. Stop, look and enjoy the view.

 

[eschjw]

The very best time to see the elk in the fields near Oconaluftee is near dusk in the fall. I saw almost a 100 elk in the field last fall.

 

[Kozman]

If you plan on visiting Dolly wood I'd recommend parking at Patrot's Park and take the shuttle. The cost is only $.50 each way versus $12 or so at the Dolly wood lot. The shuttle drops you off directly at the park entrance rather than having to take a tram.