WHERE: Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
WHEN: Arrive Thursday, Oct. 20; depart Sunday, Oct. 23 (or other arrangements as you prefer)
AIRPORT: McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, TN: It's about 40 miles from the airport to Gatlinburg and a taxi is $65 and up. If you're flying in, best to rent a car at the airport.
MOTEL: Quality Inn Creekside, 125 Leconte Creek Road, Gatlinburg, 37738. Rates: night of Oct. 20 is $74.99; next two nights are $89.99 for a total of $287.48 including tax for Oct. 20-24. If you wish to arrive earlier that week, it will be $74.99 for each night before Thursday, and the same rate should you choose to stay an extra night on Sunday and not leave until Monday. To reserve, call the motel at 865-436-4865, and tell them you're reserving at the XI rate for that weekend.
PARKING: Pigeon Ford and Gatlinburg are both crammed with tourist attractions. They are about seven miles apart and shuttles run between them several times per hour. You will not need a car to drive to any events and it's suggested that you park at the motel and leave your vehicle there because the roads are very heavily congested every hour of the day.
DINNER/DRINKS: Saturday, Oct. 22, 5 p.m. (or whenever you arrive) Smoky Mountain Brewery, adjacent to the motel (see map below)
OFFICIAL XI EVENTS:
- Friday dayside: (Open)
- Friday PM: (Open)
- Saturday dayside: (Open)
- Saturday PM: Smoky Mountain Brewery, 5 p.m. on.
WHY ARE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENTS OPEN?
Because this year's XI Fest is in a huge tourist area with literally hundreds of activities to choose from, we are relying on those of you who plan to attend to suggest, and ultimately decide, what official clan activities will take place Friday morning and afternoon, and, Saturday morning.
Please use the following links as well as Google to find events you are interested in and which you think others may be interested in. For instance, Mule is exploring GoCart activities and will be suggesting locations and prices.
Please use this thread to suggest activities.
Here are some useful links:
What to do In Gatlinburg:
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60842-Activities-Gatlinburg_Tennessee.html
- http://www.gatlinburg.com/things-to-do/attractions.aspx
What to do in Pigeon Forge"
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g55270-Activities-Pigeon_Forge_Tennessee.html
- http://www.pigeonforge.com/have-fun/attractions/