Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls.... - Has anyone been to either place?

MommyToAshley wrote: We are planning a mini vacation at the end of September. We have narrowed it down to Gatlinburg or Niagra Falls. We will be taking Ashley with us. Has anyone been to either of these places? If so, what did you think of it? Would you recommend for a family vacation? Can you recommend a place to stay and/or things we should do?

aspenblue1 replied: We go to Gatlinburg about 1 a year. Actually got married there. It is a great place to visit. Pigeon Forge has tons of family stuff to do and so does Gatlinburg. It has otterbien (sp?) up in the mountains.

MommyToAshley replied:
I remember your vacation pics, I think it was last year. You stayed in a cabin, right? Is there a place you recommend for lodging?

3xsthefun replied: We stayed in Pigeon Forge last year, twice actually. But we did go to Gatlinburg too. I thought there was alot of stuff to do with family at both places. We stayed in a cabin in Pigeon Forge, but they also have tons of cabins in Gatlinburg also you could more then likely stay in.

amymom replied: I love Niagara Falls. We have gone a few times, but it has been over 7 years since our last trip there. We usually stay at a name hotel, nothing special. The Canadian side is really clean and has lots of tourist type things to do. May or may not interest me. The first time I ever went, I had a good time going through all the wax museums and things like that. But since then I mostly like to view the falls and relax and picnic type things. You should take the ride over part of the area (I don't remember what they call it) but it is kind of like a ski lift. Also you must see the falls at night. I like it from the Canadian side at night better, much prettier to look at the US side. There is an amusement park not too far, Called something like Marineland or the like. My kids enjoyed that alot.

Never been to Gatlinburg, so can't comment on that. Have fun whatever you choose.

Oh the end of September the leaves will begin to change, it will be gorgeous!!!

kimberley replied: NIAGARA FALLS!!!!!!!!!! then we can meet!

it is great because you're going off season so everything is cheaper but still so much to do. the falls, arcades, museums, rainforest cafe, butterfly park and much more. and your money goes further here . plus if you get a sitter for a night, you can see a show at one of the casinos or gamble a bit if you are into that.

ashtonsmama replied: Never heard of Gatlinburg, sorry! But we've been to Niagara Falls, and it's gorgeous!

Brias3 replied: I'd vote for Niagara Falls too. However, I have never visited Gatlinburg so I don't want to be biased either. We went on this amazing boat trip that literally takes you INTO the Falls, I believe it was called "The Maid of the Mist". We stayed nearby in town, I believe at the Hilton hotel in that area. It was a really nice trip. We did a long weekend there and did hit a couple of other attractions in the area, it all seemed very kid-friendly and we all had a great time.

Jackie012007 replied: we got to Niagara Falls all the time, it's just a few hours away from here and a great trip! Duty free shopping is awesome and there is tons of stuff to do... we went in the gondolas over the falls a few years ago (like amymom mentioned)- not for the faint of heart but really cool if you don't mind heights. I highly reccommend it!

kit_kats_mom replied: I haven't been to Gatlinburg in decades (two to be exact) but DH says that the Canadian side of Niagra Falls is awesome.

CantWait replied: Niagara Falls. It's beautiful, and tons of stuff to do. You can go on the Maid of the Mist tour.

C&K*s Mommie replied: No reccos. Just wanted to say enjoy your family vacation!

MommyToAshley replied:
Yes, meeting would be awesome!

What's the weather like there at the end of September/ beginning of Oct?

booey2 replied: Just popping in here quick this morning. We WENT to Niagara Falls, really Marineland yesterday and the kids had a blast even in the drizzelly rain all day. I will post pics later. The weather up here is usually pretty warm then and can be real nice with all the leaves turning colour. We may be up to meeting you all too, just gotta talk DH into it. Here is one picture of the boys infront of the bear exhibit. DH hasn't sent me the rest yet.

Terri

PS wanted to add that it rained all day literally and only cleared as we were leaving the park at 5pm but we all enjoyed the day and the rides ran regardless of the weather.