Despite the Sevierville address, the Price cottages are actually around Pittman Center outside of Gatlinburg, the "doorway to the Smokies" or some touristy slogan. If you want to stay in the sideshow that is Gatlinburg and eat lots of crappy pancakes and buy cheap "authentic" country goods, you probably won't want to stay out here. If, however, on the other hand you are a traveler in search of a lovely, quiet, and even romantic spot to hide away from the world yet be close enough to occasionally restock the champagne, then you've found your haven.
We stayed in cottage #9, River Rhapsody (or according to the wooden sign by the door, "River Rapsody"). Located right next to the Little Pigeon River, it had HUGE windows that made up the one whole side overlooking the water, with nothing on the other side but a field, some trees, and at least one adorable bunny rabbit.
The bed was supposed to be a queen, but it felt more like a full. That's okay, I'm on a diet anyway. The mattress pad and fitted sheet came off every night too, but that may be a result of the both of us trying desperately not to elbow each others' noses in the middle of the night.
Check-in and check-out was really super-easy, walk in and the key's on the table, and when you leave wash the dishes and take out the trash. No maid service, but that's great: I don't want some stranger walking in on our romantic getaway anyhow!
There's a Food City and a liquor store a few miles away, and restaurants in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge. Be warned, however, that the traffic is horrendous in those areas, due to the Smokies and Dollywood. At my first glimpse of the horror that is Pigeon Forge I thought I was back in Orlando...neon everywhere, all tourist trap. It's a bad sign when your dining choices are Shoney's, Shoney's, Golden Corral, and Shoney's. We found a Cracker Barrel at one end, which while no healthier is at least generally more palatable in a pinch.
Also, the cottages are very near Greenbrier, a park along the river that has picnic facilities and hiking (up to the mouth of the river, I believe). The water is cold but fresh and clear, and generally deeper than near the cottages. Common sense dictates you avoid the river during storms: if you don't get swept away completely, you will get covered in mud, silt, and other debris washing down. But otherwise it's fun and really good exercise, swimming upstream! read more
