Fireside Retreat: A Family Cabin Near Dollywood theme park with Cozy Mornings & Cost-Saving Perks (Milo Approved!)
When we embarked on our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN getaway, we were looking for the perfect cabin for our party of eight, a bustling, energetic family seeking a retreat that could comfortably house us all, plus our sweet pup, Milo. Finding a place that could accommodate such a large group, while also providing the creature comforts we craved and easy access to the excitement of Dollywood, felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. But Fireside Retreat, booked through Eden Crest Vacation Rentals, proved to be the perfect answer to our family.
The Amenities
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the sheer spaciousness of the cabin. It wasn’t just big; it was thoughtfully designed to provide both communal gathering spaces and private retreats. The open-plan living area became the hub of our family activities, where we could gather for meals and games. For movie nights, we had the incredible movie theater, located in the basement, complete with comfortable seating and a large screen that made family film time truly immersive. With six bedrooms, our family had plenty of space to unwind and recharge after a day of adventure. The basement also housed another fantastic amenity: a private indoor swimming pool! This became a huge hit with the kids (and adults!), offering a fun way to splash and play regardless of the weather outside.
The “resounding success” of our stay wasn’t just about the size, though. It was about the feeling of home, the sense that this cabin was designed with families like ours in mind. We weren’t just renting a space; we were stepping into a welcoming environment that anticipated our needs. The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed to prepare family meals, the game room provided endless hours of entertainment, and the indoor pool became our own private oasis.
Pet Friendly
And then there was Milo. Finding a pet-friendly cabin that didn’t compromise on comfort, cleanliness, or amenities was a huge win for us. He was welcomed, adding an extra layer of warmth and joy to our stay.
Location
The location was also ideal. We wanted to be close enough to Dollywood to make daily trips convenient, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountains. Fireside Retreat struck the perfect balance, allowing us to seamlessly blend the excitement of the theme park with the serenity of our cabin retreat. It also allowed us to be close to Gatlinburg to embark on all the adventures there! In essence, Fireside Retreat didn’t just meet our expectations; it exceeded them, delivering a truly memorable and comfortable vacation experience for our entire family.
While the postcard-perfect, sweeping mountain vistas that some Gatlinburg cabins are renowned for weren’t the focal point at Fireside Retreat, we quickly discovered that the cabin’s interior offerings were nothing short of exceptional, more than making up for the lack of a grand view. Instead of gazing out at distant peaks, we found ourselves immersed in a world of family-friendly entertainment and relaxation.
Indoor Pool and Hot Tub
The indoor pool, a veritable oasis for our children, became the heart of our evenings. After long, exhilarating days exploring Dollywood’s thrilling rides and captivating shows, the kids would eagerly plunge into the, inviting waters. Their laughter echoed through the cabin, a soundtrack to our vacation memories. The hot tub offered a soothing respite for the adults, easing tired muscles and providing a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the joyous chaos, well that was until everyone piled into the hot tub. It was a perfect way to unwind and reconnect after a day of adventure.
Cleanliness is Key
Perhaps most importantly, the cabin was immaculately clean upon our arrival. This might seem like a given, but when traveling, we haven’t always experienced this. We were immediately impressed by the attention to detail, the spotless surfaces, and the fresh, welcoming atmosphere. It was evident that the cabin was meticulously prepared for our arrival, allowing us to settle in and begin our vacation without a single worry. The feeling of stepping into a clean and well-maintained space truly set the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Our Thoughts
One of the standout features was the fully equipped kitchen. As a large family, dining out for every meal can quickly become expensive. Having the ability to prepare our own meals saved us a considerable amount of money, allowing us to allocate our budget towards other memorable experiences, like Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner and Show. The movie theater and game room were also fantastic additions, providing endless entertainment options for both the kids and adults.
The six bedrooms offered ample space for everyone to spread out and enjoy some privacy. The location was a great balance of accessibility and seclusion. We found it conveniently located for day trips to Dollywood, while still providing a sense of peaceful retreat. The master bedroom was an oasis, complete with a fireplace and whirlpool tub!
One of our favorite moments was enjoying our morning coffee by the outdoor fireplace on the middle level back deck. The crackling fire and crisp mountain air created a truly serene and relaxing atmosphere.
The pet-friendly policy was a significant advantage, allowing us to bring Milo along on our family vacation. We were required to bring proof of his current shot records as well as a crate to secure him in when we were away from the cabin. Dollywood also provides Doggywood for guests with little dogs like Milo to take advantage of.
Our only minor inconvenience was the limited parking space, which required some coordination when we had multiple vehicles.
Overall, Fireside Retreat provided an exceptional experience for our large family. It was a comfortable, well-equipped, and cost-effective option for a Dollywood getaway. We would highly recommend this cabin to other large families or groups looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation.
Making the Most of Fireside Retreat: Tips for Your Stay
- Dollywood Adventures: Plan your park days with extra time for travel, especially if you’re aiming for early entry so you will arrive on time to rope drop!
- Budget-Friendly Meals: Take advantage of the fully stocked kitchen to prepare delicious meals and save on dining out.
- Peaceful Mornings: Savor a quiet cup of coffee by the outdoor fireplace on the middle deck.
- Parking Made Easy: Coordinate parking arrangements with your group, particularly if you have multiple vehicles. There is very limited parking.
- Entertainment Galore: Don’t forget to enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, movie theater, and game room for relaxing downtime. Don’t overschedule your vacation! You paid for these amenities, so we recommend you use them!
- Pet-Friendly Travel: If you’re bringing a pet, ensure you have all the necessary supplies, proof of current vaccinations, and a crate that secures your dog. You can learn more about Eden Crest’s Pet Policies here!
