Smoky mountains

Travel America, Sept-Oct, 2004

Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, makes a convenient base of operations for touring the Smokies. All 163 rooms offer a private balcony, microwave, and refrigerator; some units have a fireplace and Jacuzzi. The largest rooms sleep up to eight people. Rates include a breakfast buffet. The indoor pool and game arcade are open 24 hours. There is also a mini-water park with waterslide and lazy river. Across the street, the sister Music Road Inn opened last year. Area attractions include Dollywood theme park, Dixie Stampede dinner theater, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, music theaters, outlet malls, and shops specializing in mountain crafts.

Contact: Music Road Hotel, 303 Henderson Chapel Rd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (866) 516-7567; www.musicroadhotel.com.