Brookside Resort

From its retro roadside sign to a bear statue that has been on the front lawn since the 1940s, the Brookside Resort is a monument of sorts to a bygone era, with a location that lives up to its “City Close -- Country Quiet” motto. Even though it’s located on the busy East Parkway, the property feels secluded in the forest and there's a walkway with two covered bridges that runs along the Roaring Fork River.

The family-owned and run resort was built in 1931 and takes its name from the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Geared toward returning families, the peaceful grounds are made up of large lawns designed for outdoor activities, with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and rustic basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts. A large stone fireplace dominates the lobby, which feels spacious thanks to vaulted ceilings and large windows. A caged parrot greets guests by the front desk. There are also a lobby TV lounge and a spiral staircase that leads to the second floor. 

Set on the Roaring Fork River, the hotel has a secluded atmosphere despite also being on East Parkway. It's across the street from the Gatlinburg Trolley stop that makes the trip into downtown, stopping at the Ripley’s Aquarium, which can also be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. It's also across the street from Flapjacks Pancake Cabin, Hungry Bear BBQ, the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, and the Smoky Mountain Angler fishing shop.

The downtown area is home to tons of restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center, and the Ole Smoky Distillery. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park -- five minutes away by car -- offers fishing and hiking trails. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park takes 15 minutes by car, while Dollywood and the Lumberjack Feud are a 25-minute drive. Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport is a half-hour car trip and reaching the McGhee Tyson Airport takes about an hour.

Rooms, which have either pinewood paneling or standard white walls, are located in the four-story Clingman Tower (which has an elevator), the three-story Le Conte Tower (with cathedral ceilings on the top floor), or the two-floor Creekside Ranch House. Furnishings are old-fashioned -- aside from entrance tiles, carpeting, and other small updates completed in 2013 -- but many guests are charmed by the retro touches, stone fireplaces, rushing river sounds, and wingback chairs. Free firewood is available seasonally. 

Most rooms have balconies with creek views, mini-fridges, microwaves, irons/ironing boards, safes, and coffeemakers, and some have kitchens or kitchenettes. Tiled bathrooms feature hairdryers and shower/tub combos, and some have jetted tubs (the Honeymoon Suites have two-person whirlpool tubs). ADA accessible and connecting rooms are available, but must be booked directly through the hotel rather than through a third party.

The family-friendly outdoor amenities offered at the Brookside Resort certainly aren’t fancy, but the wide array of options gives this value property an edge above the competition. At the center of the resort are two older-looking outdoor pools (full of leaves during our visit) with waterslides, a waterfall feature, a kids' pool, and a hot tub. There are plastic-strap lounge chairs around the pool and on the second-floor sun deck. 

Breakfast is served every morning in the Clingman Tower and features an oatmeal bar and Southern-style fixings such as biscuits and gravy. The small exercise room is basic, with modern weight and cardio machines and a flat-screen TV. Private functions for up to 220 people can be held at the hotel's event space, which has a dance floor and portable bar. Guests can also rent out the Pavilion, a log cabin that offers a large barbecue. Private catering can be arranged. Pets are not allowed; dog owners may want to consider the Sidney James Mountain Lodge.