Road-tripping this summer? Why these Great Smoky Mountains destinations are ranked among the best in the U.S.
Planning a road trip this summer? USA Today has got you covered. And if your vehicular vacation happens to head to the Great Smoky Mountains, you're in luck, because USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice awards has just named several East Tennessee destinations in its list of road trip award winners.
From best rental car companies to best gas stations for food, USA TODAY editors picked 10 nominees in each category and then asked its readers to vote. The road trip categories also included glamping, luxury RV resorts and campgrounds, roadside attractions and motels, as well as the somewhat niche category of vintage trailer hotels.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend nominated for best glamping, best luxury RV resort
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, made two of the lists, earning the No. 7 glamping spot and the No. 10 luxury RV resort pick.
"Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is a top spot for basking in the verdant beauty of Appalachia," USA TODAY noted. "Incredible hiking opportunities abound all around the site, while activities like bingo and trivia are perfect for befriending fellow travelers − and to sweeten the deal, spa services can be booked for guests as well."
Little Arrow features RV sites, Airstreams, cabins, tiny homes and glamping tents. Luxury tents come with heating and air conditioning, plush bedding, private bathrooms, separate living spaces, and a small kitchen. All guests enjoy access to a coffee lounge, swimming pool, splash pad, dog park, playground, laundry facilities, basketball court and community fire pit.
Pigeon Forge Landing makes list of best RV campgrounds
Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort was named the ninth best RV campground in the Reader's Choice awards. The resort "serves as a top spot for a leisurely Tennessee vacation, with tent sites, full RV hookups, and a natural lazy river all found within its limits," USA TODAY said, adding, "While guests are welcome to float to their hearts' content, those in need of a more action-packed day on the water can engage in a lengthy bout of fly fishing to pass the time."
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort recognized for its vintage trailers
If you're not familiar with the concept, vintage trailer hotels transform restored Airstreams and other vintage trailers into unique accommodations set amid some of the nation’s best scenery.
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort in Gatlinburg was named No. 9 on the USA Today list.
"Travelers can choose between three retro camper sites: Glamping at Tiffany’s, Miss Daisy and The Ruby Slipper," USA TODAY said. "All guests − whether staying in the campers, safari tents, treehouses, or tent sites − enjoy free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and a picnic pavilion."
Weigel's, Buc-Ee's, Casey's all get the nod
Everyone knows that the secret to a stellar road trip is snacks − and a go-to gas station where you know the restrooms will be clean and the fuel costs are reasonable. (Also, a good playlist.)
Casey's was named the No. 2 best gas station for food, with USA TODAY noting, "Casey’s stores are popular for their pizza, in addition to sandwiches, wings, and breakfast items." Casey's also was ranked the No. 3 gas station overall.
Weigel's, meanwhile, was rated the No. 8 best gas station for food. Weigel's. which is headquartered in Knoxville, has dozens of locations in the East Tennessee region, each serving up sweets from the bakery and hot foods like pizzas, sandwiches, fried chicken and breakfast foods.
And in a puzzling turn of events, the legendary Buc-ee's was ranked the No. 10 best gas station overall and best gas station for food. We firmly believe there's no better place for a travel stop than Buc-ee's − Southern Living readers rated the behemoth of a convenience store No. 1 this year. The Sevierville outpost is currently the world's largest at a staggering 74,707 square feet.
Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why these Great Smoky Mountains road-trip picks are top ranked in US
