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wants to know which place to go, Gatlinburg or Asheville?  What is your guys call on that one?

Nm

Asheville for sure.

IMO, it's an apples-oranges comparison. But if you just have to choose one, it's going to be based largely on personal preference. Asheville is more upscale; Gatlinburg is just a tacky tourist burg, but it does have that down-home and cozy feel to it.

Me, I would choose Gatlinburg...maybe I'm weird (some of my friends say I am), but I really like Gatlinburg. It's largely going to come down to what the guy wants to do while he's down here, though. If fine dining is his thing, Asheville. If the arts are his thing, Asheville. If getting out and enjoying the scenery is his thing, Gatlinburg. If the prototypical touristy type of weekend is his thing, Gatlinburg. Shopping...well, if you don't mind the drive back to the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area, Gatlinburg will suffice. Otherwise, Asheville gets the nod.

Like I said, I just enjoy Gatlinburg on occasion. We usually try to go over around Christmas and just get out and walk through town, stop at Best Italian for some of the best italian food you'll eat anywhere, etc.

I'd say it mainly depends on if he has kids.  I'm sure they'd enjoy G'burg more.  If not, go to Asheville.

I've lived 20 min away from Gburg pretty much all my life (except while in college)  and it still never gets old to me.  Been to Asheville a lot, too of course.   But I don't do art, I do not enjoy fine dining.  Give me a half dozen garlic knots and a big pizza pie from Best Italian and I'm happy as can be.

Call me weird along with Creek if you like but me personally, I'll pick Gburg every time with no hesitation.

(http://quotespictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/youre-weird-sorry-no-that-was-a-compliment.jpg)

Two very different locations.

If one likes crowds and bright lights and shopping, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is the place to go.  

If one likes laid back, microbreweries and eclectic eateries, then Asheville is definitely where you want to be.  

Asheville gets a big bonus this time of the year with Christmas at Biltmore.  

Apples and oranges.  No kids - I would go to Asheville this time of year.  

And even with kids I probably would, because most of the "kid stuff" in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is geared more towards the summer than the winter.  

I just really find no draw to Gatlinburg whatsoever. I've been there several dozen times and unless you get up into the hills in a quiet cabin, I find little to enjoy-- and those cabins can be found anywhere in the mountains (including near Asheville).

Asheville, on the other hand, is a really cool little town with great places to eat, a great craft beer scene, good live music if you like that, and all of the outdoors activities you can find around Gatlinburg without actually having to be in in a tourist trap like Gatlinburg.

One more thing......Asheville is close to Flat Rock, where Volvetta could likely be doing some of his Tuna Christmas stuff. That right there is worth the whole trip. (well, that and the wine at Biltmore.  :dance: