This is one of my favorite places to be. Cades Cove is great I have seen a bear on the last half of the loop yearly but the best place to see bear is to stay in a cabin high in the mnts overlooking Gatlinburg. The best shopping is here. But Pigeon Forge neighboring town has best place to eat The Old Mill is a #1 place to go get there early or you will have a long wait but worth the wait. Hopefully Belle Island will open soon. Check out www.mypigeonforge.com for info. I love this area Its amazing!!! They need to do a show on this area.