Greeneville – From Pioneers to Presidents Greeneville is a vacation destination like no other! Established in 1783, Tennessee’s second oldest town showcases its history in brick sidewalks and immaculate historic sites, churches and homes against a backdrop of majestic mountains and breathtaking waterways and streams spectacularly enhanced in panoramic color by four very definite seasons. Located in one of the largest counties in the state, Greeneville offers the lifestyle and amenities of much larger towns
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while maintaining a distinctive small-town ambiance. Greeneville is also home to Country Music Stars The Band Perry and NHRA 2012 Pro Stock World Champion Allen Johnson. Home of the 17th President of the United States Andrew Johnson and the birthplace of celebrated hero Davy Crockett, Greeneville combines a progressive approach to the future with a distinctive drive to promote and preserve its unique heritage. ¤
Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia
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South Carolina
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North Carolina
Pg 10-11 Florida Pg 12
Tennessee
GuestQuest Vacations takes you on a guided tour to various vacation locations. We feature information about accommodations, attractions and activities in many travel and vacation destinations. Providing you with article coverage on our advertisers, their amenities and services will assist you in making the right decision on choosing your accommodations, recreation, entertainment and more. Please visit our web site www.guestquest.com for additional advertiser information and links to their web sites. Distributed three times a year, Spring, Summer and Winter, with separate editions to Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois/Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia/Alabama, Tennessee/Kentucky and Virginia/Washington D.C. Serving our advertisers and readers since 1984. For advertising information, questions or comments, call 1-800-644-8460. P. O. Box 33547, Cleveland, OH 44133. The accuracy of the information contained in these listings is the responsibility of each individual advertiser. Every effort has been made to offer up-to-date information. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without written consent of the editor is prohibited. 2
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travel
TRAVEL
Don’t Break These Rules for Family Travel Traveling with the entire family can be an adventure in and of itself. Kids get tired and cranky as do moms and dads. Lighten up! Family travel is supposed to be enjoyable and fun. Follow the rules below to make your next family vacation the best one yet. Rules for Family Travel Choose a family vacation that’s right for the whole family. Before scheduling your next family vacation, vote on it. Gather everyone’s input and weigh the pros and cons of each travel vacation idea. If a vacation is
vetoed, explain why. Kids need to understand that while their effort is appreciated, their vacation idea may not be feasible at this time. Select the right time for a family vacation. It’s important to schedule a family vacation that works for everyone. If you kids look forward to summer camp each year, don’t schedule a vacation during this time. Gather the entire family together for a ‘vacation meeting’ and find out when everyone would like to go on vacation.
Pack lightly. There’s no reason to bring your entire closet with you on vacation. Besides, do you want to carry a ton of luggage? Remember this travel rule, “When in doubt, leave it out.” Smaller children should choose one or two stuffed animals or toys they’d like to bring with them. Books are always a good idea. Older kids will probably want to bring their iPod, MP3, etc. Try to convince them to leave their electronic gadgets at home. After all, it’s a vacation.
Everyone is supposed to be relaxing and getting away from it all. Don’t travel with full size personal care products – bring travel size products. Forget something? You can always buy it. If you can’t find your favorite products, try something new. Sometimes, it’s nice to ‘check out’ products that are popular with the locals. Bring a digital camera to capture fun family vacation moments. Make frequent stops on your road trip. Whether you travel by RV, car, minivan, or SUV, stop at rest stops and parks. It’s good to get out and
stretch your legs – the exercise will do everyone good. Plus, smaller kids could become cranky from the long drives. The fresh air will tire them out which means they’ll sleep for most of the road trip. Bring snacks. Keep children happy by packing their favorite snacks, but make sure you bring plenty with you. If you run out, you can always buy more. Have fun! If children start to fight, whine, or complain, turn those frowns upside down with a hug and smile. Laughter really is the best medicine! ¤
Award Winning Beachside Hotel Days Inn & Suites features 40 Oceanfront one-bedroom suites, 76 double-bed guest rooms and 8 King rooms. All rooms contain “free” in-room coffee, micro-fridges, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, clock radios, and free WIFI access. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy the Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast including fresh “cooked to order” Belgian Waffles and assorted
NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
yogurt in an abundant breakfast bar Please visit overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. www.DaysInnJekyll.com to learn This moderately priced sparkling more about our many specials and oceanfront hotel in Jekyll Island, GA packages – also sign up for our last offers many things for guests to enjoy minute “Hot Deals”! while at the hotel and on the island – Days Inn & Suites great beach access, two spacious 60 S. Beachview Drive swimming pools – one of which is Jekyll Island, GA 31527 heated seasonally, kiddie pool, hot toll free: 888-635-3003 tub, grilling, picnic areas and a new Direct Line: 912-635-9800 fire pit. Bike rentals on property. Fax: 912-635-2287 ¤
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STAY WHERE IT’S ALWAYS
Restore and renew at the Courtyard Myrtle Beach at Barefoot Landing located just a mile from the beachfront. Featuring free WiFi, on-site dining at the Bistro, business and fitness centers, indoor pool and whirlpool. Book your stay and get ready to hit the beach.
Helping Families Create
Perfect Vacations Since 1964
MYRTLE BEACH BAREFOOT LANDING
marriott.com/MYRCN 1000 Commons Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC
866.236.2427 4
www.odresort.com 800-438-9590
Vacation Homes & Condos www.odbeachrentals.com 877-287-2977
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1-800-939-4483 White-Realty.com NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
south carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina coast features 200 miles of sun and surf A mix of easy public access, private retreats and natural preserves highlights the 200 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline that South Carolina calls its own. For generations, beach trips to millions of Americans and Canadians has meant an easy drive to Myrtle Beach and later, Hilton Head, while expanded air travel has added more international travelers in recent years. Reliable, decent weather year-round and a burgeoning menu of attractions and amenities continue to drive that growth in popularity. Starting from the north, Myrtle Beach anchors the 60-mile crescent of shoreline known as the Grand Strand. Characterized by long, sweeping stretches of sand and surf, the Strand offers both bustling and
less-boisterous choices for plopping that plastic chaise lounge and propping the umbrella. In Myrtle Beach proper, hotels old and new, restaurants and shops line the beach, with public access points interspersed. Then there are the quiet ocean-side beach communities such as Cherry Grove, Atlantic Beach (considered perhaps the nation’s first predominantly African American beach town), Garden City and “elegantly shabby” Pawleys Island. Each offers varying degrees of public beach access and wide choices of hotel, cottage and condo rentals, as well as package deals with many of the more than 100 golf courses on the Strand. Cozy Myrtle Beach and expansive Huntington Beach state parks also offer beach
access, camping, environmental education programs and more. Much of the coast is protected wildlife refuges until the Charleston area, itself a world-class destination for lovers of history and architecture but also home to popular beach destinations such as Wild Dunes Resort and the Isle of Palms to the north of town and Folly Beach and its popular public beach just to the south. Next up going south is storied Edisto Island. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss overhang the narrow highway across the big island to Edisto Beach, long beloved for its great shelling. The park also has a robust environmental education center, camping and cabins.
Then there’s the Beaufort area. The big park has four miles of beach, cabins and thousands of acres of maritime forest and marsh for exploring. It even has a historic, 100-foot lighthouse. At the south end of South Carolina’s coast is Hilton Head, a golf and tennis haven. Hilton Head is world famous for its plantation resorts, which combine beachfront
dining, pools and cabanas with tennis, a range of accommodations and public and private golf. There are literally thousands of hotel rooms, condos, campsites and other accommodations along the South Carolina coast, as well as a myriad of dining, entertainment and educational options to help spice up the trip. -Marc Rapport
Where Families Come to Play: Edisto Sales & Rentals Realty If you are searching for a relaxing might even slip up and tell you about Edisto Island, SC vacation rental, our favorite fishing hole. Edisto Realty can help you rent a We’ll do whatever it takes to make home for a wonderful family vacation your visit something to remember. to enjoy. We are experts on our area because our roots go deep into Edisto’s sand. Edisto Island, one of the last non-commercial Sea Islands, allows you to escape the anxiety of everyday life. Retreat to an oasis of sandy beaches with ocean breezes, enjoy our many nature preserves, cruise through the many creeks crabbing, shrimping, fishing or exploring the beauty of Edisto. Stop by our office and we’ll be happy to tell you about our local shops, where to get a good low country meal or how to catch and cook our local Atlantic blue crabs. We
Edisto Sales & Rentals Realty 1405 Palmetto Blvd Edisto Island, SC 29438 1-800-868-5398 www.edistorealty.com ¤
With over 900 vacation properties to fit every budget, bringing your family together has never been easier. Start planning your unforgettable getaway today! dunes.com
888.899.0311
Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach & Myrtle Beach's largest selection of vacation rentals.
Premier Vacation Homes Virtual tours & online www.seasiderentalsonline.com reservations available. 12 South Ocean Boulevard View website for Surfside Beach, SC 29575 SPECIALS! 866-613-7983 Order your FREE SEASIDE RENTALS vacation guide today! NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
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south carolina
Oceanfront Fun with Ocean Lakes Family Campground Located in Myrtle Beach, SC, Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a national award winning resort destination. Ocean Lakes features 300 beach house rentals that sleep 4 to 22 people. Our 893 campsites are large, pull-through, with full hook-ups, including Wi-Fi and concrete pads are available. Our rates are inclusive, we don’t add on for pets, people or hookups. Big Rig friendly, but tents
are welcome! Our amenities include Sandy Harbor Games, Mini-Golf, Splash Zone, indoor and outdoor pools, Sandy Mart, Sandy’s Soapy Suds, Wireless Zone and more. Ocean Lakes RV Center offers RV service, sales and supplies. Built by Mary Emily, Nelson Jackson and their five daughters starting in 1970, it opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in
1971. Ocean Lakes is ranked in the top 1% of the 8,000 private campgrounds included in the 2015 Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory. Ocean Lakes Family Campground Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 877-506-1053 www.OceanLakes.com ¤
Myrtle Beach’s Grand Atlantic Resort Is the Perfect Time…Anytime It’s the perfect time…anytime at Myrtle Beach’s Grand Atlantic oceanfront resort in SC. Sixty miles of white sandy beaches stretch just outside of your door. Watch the sun rise and set over the Atlantic Ocean from the beautiful grassy lawn, or from the privacy of your private, oceanfront balcony. Grand Atlantic
offers the flexibility of one to four bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens in the heart of Myrtle Beach, SC. Water venues abound at the Grand Atlantic and guests are sure to enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub, lazy river or swimming in our sparkling heated indoor and oceanfront pools.
The resort features an attached covered parking garage, and the convenience of an onsite restaurant and store. Grand Atlantic is ideally located near all of Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions. Come discover why Myrtle Beach’s Grand Atlantic resort is the perfect time…anytime. ¤
Celebrate over 60 Years of Fun in the Sun at Sea Mist Oceanfront in Myrtle Beach Getting a real bargain never grows events that are FREE to Sea Mist old. Sea Mist has been blessed with guests. multi-generations of families over the Call 1.800.732.6478 or visit years and we look forward to hosting www.SeaMist.com to download many more. Come wiggle your toes in the sand with us on our 15-acre oceanfront playground and enjoy the biggest and best bargains on the beach at our Myrtle Beach SC resort! Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort affords you Family Vacation Packages that include daily Amusement Park and Water Park Passes, miniature golf and much more for each person in the family! It’s one great price for an entire family of four. And as far as lodging, the options are endless. There are over 750 units and 50 different room types to choose from making it convenient for any requirement and budget. Amenities include fun in the water, fun on the land, and places to eat. There is the areas largest on-site Water Park with a three-story high tubular slide and a 670-foot long, 7-foot wide lazy river. There are multiple swimming pools, 2 indoor, 8 kiddie pools, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a 3,000 square foot oceanfront wading pool, a huge arcade, multiple restaurants and snack shacks, a Quick Stop Grocery, fitness center, gift shop, a beachfront cabana, and special 6
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your free vacation brochure for our Myrtle Beach SC resort or to request one to be sent to you in the mail. Hope to see you here! ¤
NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
Outer Banks Vacations – Sand, Sun & Fun! Whether you’re looking for a daring outdoor adventure or a more relaxing escape, an Outer Banks vacation will fill your days with new experiences and unforgettable memories. Engage your senses at Cape Hatteras, named one of 2014’s “Ten Best Beaches in the US” by Dr. Beach, the county’s first
national seashore and try some board surfing or beachcombing. Climb any of the OBX coastal lighthouses for amazing ocean views. These lighthouses include Currituck Beach, Roanoke Marshes, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse. Visit the Wright
Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk and stand where the Wright brothers took flight. While in Kitty Hawk, go fly a kite on the beach, or pick up a surfboard or kayak and experience the Outer Banks from a different vantage point. Watch wild horses run free along towering dunes and
stretching shores in Corolla, a must see sight. Charter a fishing boat out of Nags Head and try your luck catching cobia, flounder or mackerel. If relaxation is on your agenda, head out to any of the OBX beaches and enjoy the rolling sand dunes and the sound of waves crashing. When the sun
sets, you’ll find many popular hotels, as well as Outer Banks beach house rentals to rest up for another day. GuestQuest is your Outer Banks vacation guide, featuring the best OBX attractions and sights for your and your family!
OUTER BANKS
• • • • • • • •
180 guest rooms w/private balconies Indoor pool w/Jacuzzi and outdoor pool In-room coffee, microwave, refrigerator Fishing pier ballroom Meeting and banquet space/5800 sq ft FREE exercise room & business center High-speed\wireless internet in all rooms Kilmarlic special golf rates/packages
• • • • • • • •
Oceanfront indoor/outdoor pool w/Jacuzzi In-room coffee, microwave, refrigerator Jacuzzi rooms Peppercorns Oceanfront Restaurant Oceanfront ballroom Private balconies Exercise room & business center High speed/wireless internet Kill Devil Hills, NC • 252-441-2151 800-635-1824 • ramadaplazanagshead.com
COTTAGES & EFFICIENCIES:
with kitchen, appliances & utensils Swimming pool • Ample parking Individually controlled heat / air Sundecks or screened front porches Private bath with tub and shower
800-995-1233 www.OuterBanksMotel.com P.O. BOX 428 • BUXTON, NC 27920
Enjoy the scenery overlooking picturesque Silver Lake Harbor from your own private deck or relax at the waters edge. The Ocracoke Harbor Inn has 16 rooms & 7 suites designed to provide you a quiet, relaxing vacation while surrounding you in uncompromising luxury. Join us on our waterfront deck in the morning for a complimentary continental breakfast and watch the fishing boats depart for the day.
Inn Rooms • Suites Vacation Homes 144 Silver Lake Road, Ocracoke Island, NC 27960
252-928-5731 • 888-456-1998 w w w. O c r a c o k e H a r b o r I n n . c o m NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
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NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
north carolina
NORTH CAROLINA
From the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, North Carolina has it all! Eastern North Carolina is ready to tempt you with more than 300 miles of sandy beaches and two national seashores. Get lost beachcombing, exploring lighthouses, boating, or playing in the ocean. The pristine landscape of the North Carolina coast
NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
is made for relaxation and rejuvenation. Eastern North Carolina features charming small towns where you can appreciate life at an easier, relaxed pace. Experience wild horses as they prance along the sand dunes and beach in Corolla. Stroll through unique NC coastal towns to shop and dine on the catch of the day. Visit historic sites featuring Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts. Take in a sunrise and sunset at Brunswick Islands where south facing beaches allow you to see both. Check out the Crystal Coast for the nation’s best wreck diving. Just want some rest and relaxation? Head over to the quieter beach destinations at Topsail. Enjoy sailing, fishing, paddling, swimming, and any other water sport imaginable. Appreciate the sunsets, sand between your toes and feeling of bliss as you visit eastern North Carolina. Climb the Cape Lookout
National Seashore Lighthouse. Indulge in fishing, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing in the Outer Banks. Visit New Bern and explore the Birthplace of Pepsi, Tryon Palace and the Firemen’s Museum. The southernmost North Carolina beaches span 45 miles long – a beachcombers dream! Spend the day swimming and playing at Topsail or Ocean Isle Beach. See newly hatched baby sea turtles begin their journey to the sea. Tee off at any of the thirty championship golf courses in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Discover the Western North Carolina mountains for an unforgettable vacation! Explore the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, world renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, and America’s most visited national park. Celebrate the Cherokee Indians heritage by visiting the museums, art exhibits and
outdoor drama in the North Carolina mountains region. Hop on a vintage locomotive and sit back while you view mile after mile of scenic mountain terrain. Head over to Grandfather Mountain for amazing mile-high views of North Carolina High Country. See the area at your own pace while you hike, ski or snowboard the highest peaks in the East. As it warms up outside, enjoy camping, hiking, biking and fishing. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and be sure to stop over in Boone or Blowing Rock for shopping, local attractions and dining. Discover Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and other sights and attractions in the Asheville area. Spend the day in Asheville, NC, which is home to the famous Biltmore Estate. Biltmore is America’s largest home, and most visited winery. Visit Lake Lure for boating, or set up camp and stay awhile at Chimney Rock. Pack up the family for high altitude
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adventures in Hendersonville. Enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking and golfing while admiring the views from 22,000 feet above sea level! You’ll soon find out there are plenty of things to do in the NC Mountains.¤
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FLORIDA
A Vacation in Florida has Something for Everyone When you need to get away from it all and relax, let the sandy beaches and fun-filled destinations of the Sunshine State provide the backdrop for your Florida vacation. Whether you are looking for a relaxing time lounging on the beaches of the Florida Keys, a pulse-pounding adventure at one of the many theme parks, or an exciting time exploring the hot nightlife destinations, a Florida vacation can provide you with unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime. It’s hard to visit Florida without feeling drawn to the vacation mecca that is Orlando. This central Florida city is home to all things fun is the perfect destination for families and couples alike. Enjoy a thrilling day at one of the city’s many theme parks. Splash and play at one of the gigantic water parks. Indulge your taste buds at an award-winning restaurant. No
matter what your age, it’s easy to find something for everyone to enjoy. For the wildlife fan, no vacation in Florida is complete without a trip to the Everglades National Park. This historic site is home to one of the most unique and breathtaking ecosystems in the world. Alligators, crocodiles, falcons, and even panthers are among the rare sights that can be seen at this beautiful locale. For those looking to explore the active nightlife, Florida’s South Beach is where you want to be. From laid-back lounges to the intense dance clubs, South Beach is world-renowned for its exciting nightlife. And with many locations open until dawn, you can literally dance the night away. And for fun in the sun, Florida offers some of the best relaxation spots in the world. The gorgeous white-sands of Clearwater Beach
Experience Small Town Charm and World Class Amenities As soon as you arrive in Vero Beach, you will understand why USA Today named it one of the 2014 top beach destinations! Surrounded by the serene blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon, forget your worries and lose yourself in the quaint charm this hospitable city. Vero Beach offers an array of activities from water sports to professional theatre. If a unique culinary experience is on your to do list you, won’t be disappointed. The area is known on the East Coast as
span a three-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast, and provides an amazing view. With numerous activities including volleyball, parasailing, and dolphin-watching, your Florida vacation will be filled with endless possibilities. Historic Key West offers vacationers an enthralling and
tropical excursion. Once the home to Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, this beautiful city is the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re looking to embark on one of the many walking tours, swim with the dolphins along one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, or visit the many shopping destinations, Key
West is the perfect choice for a Florida vacation. No matter what you are looking for, or what your budget may be, a vacation in Florida offers something for everyone to love. Wherever you choose to spend your time in Florida, when you step out into the sun-soaked beauty, you’ll be glad you came.
Awarded Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for “Top Romance in US”
Bungalow Beach Resort
being the city with the largest amount of chef-owned restaurants. Accommodations are as varied as the activities are plenty. Award winning properties add to the ambiance of the city. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Vero Beach Hotel & Spa & Costa d’ Este Beach Resort have been named among the top 40 resorts in Florida by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Directly on the beach, nestled among the white-sand dunes, sea oats and coconut palms of Anna Maria Island, Bungalow Beach Resort offers 15 beautifully restored 1930s island-style 1, 2 & 3 bedroom bungalows ~ perfect for any size family. Enjoy a heated pool, private beach and much more!
Visit www.IndianRiverChamber.com or download our mobile app: Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere FL ¤
800-779-3601 www.bungalowbeach.com 2000 Gulf Drive • Anna Maria Island, FL 34217
“#1 Best Beach in America” by Dr. Beach
Siesta Key Bungalows Our 10 charming Bungalows are nestled within a tropical garden and offer large one-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Located less than a mile from the #1 Beach in America, as well as great shops & restaurants. Overlook peaceful Heron lagoon as you enjoy our pool, bicycle to the beach, kayak in the peaceful waters, or grab a fishing pole and relax on our dock. Near the #1 Whitest, Finest Sand Beach in the World.
888-574-3782
www.siestakeybungalows.com
8212 Midnight Pass Rd. • Siesta Key, FL 34242
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NORTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2015
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For over 20 years, our family has worked to make your Smoky Mountain vacation
EXTRAORDINARY... 1-7 Bedroom Cabins Spectacular Mtn. Views ! Resort Pool ! Honeymoon Cabins ! Pet Friendly ! Hot Tubs & Jacuzzis ! Non Smoking ! Secluded / Semi Secluded ! Minutes from Dollywood ! Pool Table / Game Rooms ! Handicap Accessible !
!
Alpine Mountain Chalets • Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
888.902.4774 • www.AlpineMountainChalets.com
GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE
58 Spacious Rooms | 2 Bedroom Condominiums Handicap Accessible and Non-Smoking Rooms Refrigerator | Cable | Private Balconies In-Room Coffee Makers | Wireless Internet Outdoor Pool | Guest Coin Laundry
1-800-842-1930 www.JohnsonsInn.com 242 Bishop Lane Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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