Smokies FAQ

This is the FAQ for our cabins in the Smokies

If you are looking for the FAQ for our Siesta Key Condo? Click here!

 

We have assembled these from actual guest questions both before and during stays at our cabins. If you have other questions that aren't answered here, call, text, or drop us a note info@peaksandpalms.com 

 

QUICK LINKS

GSMNP Parking: https://peaksandpalmsrentals.com/gsmnp-parking-tag

Remodels: https://peaksandpalmsrentals.com/remodels 

Things to do: https://peaksandpalmsrentals.com/out-and-about 

Area Webcams: https://peaksandpalmsrentals.com/webcams 

 

Is Wireless Internet Available?

Yes, each cabin is equipped with free high speed WiFi. You'll find the password in the Guest Information book at the cabin.

 

Are there minimum night stay requirements?

Depending on cabin, we have a 2-night or 3-night minimum requirement to book your stay. Some holidays may have a 4-night or more booking requirement.

 

Is there a minimum age to rent your cabins?

You must be at least 25 years of age to rent our cabins. The person who initiates the reservation and signs the rental agreement must have proof of age and must reside in the cabin for the entire length of stay

 

Where do I go to pick up a key to the cabin?

Our cabins have electronic locks. A couple of weeks before your arrival date, we will email the cabin address, driving directions, and your personalized door code for the cabin. When you come into town, you do not have to check in with us, just go straight to the cabin!

 

May we bring our pet to your cabin?

No, we do not allow animals of any kind. This restriction is strictly enforced. See the rental agreement for more details.

 

Is there a nearby kennel?

There are a few places in the area including Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg pretty close to the cabins:

Just fer Paws Kennels - www.justferpaws.net, 865-430-3383, justferpaws@gmail.com

Smoky Dog Lodge - www.smokydoglodge.com, 865-774-3140, smokydoglodge@gmail.com

 

Is your online booking safe/secure?

(See also Reservation Process FAQ) Yes, our website is SSL secured which establishes an encrypted connection between our hosted site and you. The back-end vacation rental management service powering our online calendar and online booking is OwnerRez. As you move through the booking process your session is encrypted on their secure site. Their service integrates with both our credit card processor (Elavon), and PayPal to ensure your booking transaction is encrypted and secure. Transactions for your reservation will be listed as *Peaks & Palms Vacation Rentals* on your statement.

 

Where are the cabins?

All cabins are located in Gatlinburg city limits - in Mountain Shadows Resort, a neighborhood style resort with all cabins independently owned. Owners can choose to list on their own or with a rental/management company. We are a just off of East Parkway near the historic Arts & Crafts district. The cabins are 3 miles from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and a short drive to Pigeon Forge (about 10 miles). Thanks to modern mapping programs, you can navigate to each cabin without having to get on the Parkway, which can help you avoid the traffic during busy season! We are also less than 10 minutes from the Greenbriar entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park!

 

How far are you from ..... ? (times are variable depending on traffic and route)

 

​How treacherous are the roads? What should I do if it snows and I can't access my cabin?

The main road into the resort is a moderate incline leading up to the cabins – it may appear intimidating at first, but we find that most drivers quickly become comfortable as it is wide enough for cars to pass each other, with no hair-raising turns or drop offs. The resort roads are maintained by our HOA and are in great shape! We plow our roads during bouts of snow, as with all mountain driving, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during heavy snow. Road surface conditions are not guaranteed at any time - there are no refunds given due to weather and we do not provide transportation or take responsibility for towing service.

 

How "tricky" is parking?

​

Do the cabins have a mountain view?

We have a view of Mt. LeConte from the porches of each cabin​, but we don't have what could be described as a "rolling mountain view." There are cabins at higher altitudes with better views - the roads to those cabins also tend to be more winding and steep. Those areas sometimes have well water, and limited internet. A rolling mountain view will have a higher nightly rate, so there are trade-offs either way.

 

Do you have surveillance cameras at the property?

There are cameras at the resort entrance, adjacent cabins, and on the front porch of the cabin only showing the front porch, cabin entrance, and parking in front of the cabin. There are no cameras inside the cabin or any that intrude on private space.

 

What do we need to bring on our Gatlinburg vacation?

Our cabins are well stocked. You'll have all the cooking appliances including natural gas grills, linens, utensils, entertainment, and laundry facilities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. We also provide starter supplies of toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent and dish soap, so depending on consumption you may need to bring or buy extra supply of these items during your stay. You will want to bring your own bath soap and shampoo along with beach towels for the hot tub and pool - other than that staying at one of our cabins is turnkey easy!

 

Do we need to bring linens, towels, or pillows?

We provide all the basic necessities. All the beds will be made with fresh linens and bath towels and washcloths are provided to match the occupancy of the cabin. We recommend you bring beach towels for hot tub and pool use.

 

Can we do laundry at the cabins?

You bet! Each cabin has a washer and dryer units!

 

Is the kitchen fully equipped?

Yes, the kitchens at each cabin vary slightly, but in general we work to ensure you have everything you need to whip up a gourmet meal. From updated appliances, to dishware, glassware, bakeware, utensils, pots/pans, a crock pot, blender, hand-mixer, toaster, and coffee makers (both filter and Keurig). Each cabin has new countertops and you can see below the timeline of many of our updates.

 

Why no certain utensil / small appliance?

Rest assured we had it stocked. However, utensils get broken or misplaced. If no one reports it missing, or our cleaning crew does not realize that it is not there, it is not replaced until we are notified. If you find something missing, please let us know - we've been known to drop off toasters and tea kettles in the middle of guest stays! We stock common utensils and small appliances. Mixer, blender, toaster, can opener, coffee maker, iron, crock pot, are standard. Other small appliances are optional and we may or may not have stocked those.

 

What common items are not included in the kitchens?

We do not guarantee spices, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or condiments. However, we stock them when we are at the cabin and previous guests often leave them behind so you may find these in the drawers and cabinets. We do not have a waffle maker. None of the kitchens have a garbage disposal.

 

Coffee Maker .... is it K-Cup or filter type?

Each cabin has both Keurig and traditional 12 cup drip/filter types.

 

Why sometimes not all dishes / drinkware match?

We started out with matched sets. However, items do get broken, and as much as we try to replenish with exact same ones, sometimes they are no longer being sold.

 

Do you provide daily housekeeping service?

We schedule housekeeping service in between guests, however, each cabin is equipped with a washer/dryer and dishwasher as well as a starter supply of dish soap, and dishwasher detergent. We can accommodate cleaning of the cabin during your stay at your request for an extra fee. If your stay is longer than 4 nights, we schedule a mid-stay trash pickup at no charge to you.

 

Is there a grocery store nearby?

Absolutely! There is a Food City grocery store located on Highway 321 (East Parkway) approximately 5 minutes from the cabins. It offers a pharmacy, bakery, deli and video rentals. This is where we do all our grocery shopping when we are at the cabin. There are also Walmart and Kroger in the area if you'd prefer those.

 

Is grocery delivery available?

Yes, you may use Instacart but you must be at the cabin at time of delivery! If any food is left on the deck/porch while you aren’t there, animals will get in the food and make a mess! 

A local alternative to Instacart is Smoky Mountain Grocery Delivery and they will actually deliver inside your cabin if you aren’t there. You will need to provide them with your door code.

 

Are hair dryers included?

Hair dryers are included and located in each bathroom, if you can’t find one, please let us know as they have been known to disappear.

 

Where can we go swimming?

Each cabin is located in Mountain Shadows Resort. We have 2 outdoor pools within walking distance of the cabins - open daily (weather permitting) May 1st thru September 30th, 10am to dusk. Additionally, there are many indoor and outdoor water parks located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There is also the Gatlinburg Community Center located just down the road which offers a reasonably priced year-round indoor pool as well as other recreation options. If you dare, you can also go swimming in the cool streams of the national park, which are just right down the road.

 

Where can we go fishing?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. Fishing is permitted in all streams year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.

Follow these links to find out more about the fishing and license requirements:   www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fishing.htm 

www.visitmysmokies.com/blog/smoky-mountains/smoky-mountains-and-gatlinburg-fishing

 

Can you tell me about the parking fee in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park?

Yes, GSMNP visitors are able to purchase daily or weekly parking tags online through recreation.gov, at various visitor and welcome centers, and automated fee machines.. 

You can purchase annual tags through Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Visitors MUST print and display their parking tag. Park staff will not print the tag for you.

More info here and at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm

 

Is the hot tub cleaned between guests?

Of course, this is also a regulatory requirement for vacation rentals in Gatlinburg. After each guest departs, our cleaning crew drains the hot tub water, cleans the hot tub, installs a chemically sanitized filter, refills the hot tub, and chemically sanitizes the new water with bromine shock. A bromine floater helps the water stay clear and sanitized during your stay.

 

Where can I rent a crib, high chair, scooter or wheelchair?

We may be able to provide a limited number of baby items (pack-n-play, high chair and baby gate) upon request. These items are on a first come first served basis. Any of those items can be rented from the following:

--Baby Quip - https://www.babyquip.com/gatlinburg

--Baby Gear Smoky Mountains - www.babygearsmokymountains.com, 865-325-3070, babygearsmokymountains@gmail.com

--Smoky Strollers - www.smokystrollers.com, 865-325-3072,  smokystrollers@gmail.com

--Scooter Rentals and Sales - www.scooterrentalsandsales.com, 865-259-2255

 

What if we find a problem at the cabin upon check-in?

Please walk through the cabin upon check-in. Should you notice any problem at the cabin just call us. We will make every attempt to rectify the issue in a timely manner. We want to ensure that your vacation is to your liking – from beginning to end.

 

What should I do if there is an issue with the cabin during my stay?

Issues can occur during your stay that can tend to be a nuisance. In the event there is something with your cabin that is less than satisfactory please call or text us right away. We will be more than happy to fix the issue for you in a timely manner so you can go back to enjoying your vacation.

 

Are there certain times of the year that I cannot use the fireplace?

During the warmer months (April-October), most gas fireplaces are disabled as operation of gas fireplaces during these times could cause an A/C failure.

 

Do you decorate for the holidays?

Yes, we typically decorate in early December with some winter décor and a Christmas tree.

 

Why are some of the pictures screwed to the wall?

If they are not, it often happens that guests accidentally knock a picture down. It falls down, nicks the floor, gets damaged or the frame gets broken, etc. In past experiences, guests would not report it and would just dispose of the damaged picture. It is a safety measure too – we do not want anyone to get hurt by a falling object. We have a few wall items at the cabin that are original, or one of a kind and we want them to remain in good condition.

 

Dust / cobwebs

We are not sure why, but dust is very prevalent in log homes. The cabin may have been cleaned mere hours ago, and yet there is dust again. Cobwebs are common and they appear very fast – after all, the cabin is in the middle of woods and there are a lot of insects trying to make their home inside the cabin. You'll find our cabin is cleaned to meticulous standards, it's cleanliness is often mentioned in our reviews.

 

Bugs / ladybugs

Our cabins are proactively treated monthly by a professional pest control service. Insects just find their way inside no matter what we do. Even after the cabin is cleaned, it takes only a few hours for bugs/ladybugs to appear. Of course they get trapped and die inside. This is especially prevalent in spring as they emerge and then again in fall when it gets colder outside. An expectation of completely insect-free environment is probably reasonable in a high-rise beachfront condo, but not in a cabin in the middle of the woods. Ladybugs (actually, Asian Lady Beetle) are harmless if not touched.

 

Wasps / carpenter bees

Wasps try to make their nests, usually under the roof overhangs and eaves, and some may get inside and die. We try to keep up as much as we can but they are often much faster than us. Carpenter bees (big loud black bees) are harmless to humans – they make a lot of noise and may hover around humans, but they do not have stingers. They do however damage wood by boring holes in it. They rarely get inside the cabin. In addition to regular professional pest control, we also spray the cabins in early spring to deter the carpenter bees.

 

Is there a fire pit at the cabin or in the resort?

No, we do not have a fire pit at the cabin or within the resort.

 

Should we bring propane or charcoal for the grill?

No, the grill uses natural gas connected to the cabin.

 

Can we bring a propane turkey fryer or charcoal grill?

No, outdoor grills and flames in the City of Gatlinburg are regulated by city ordinance. Propane tanks are not permitted on wood decks. Charcoal grilling is not permitted within 10ft of a building structure. There are charcoal grills located in the rec area of the resort.

 

What type of cell phone reception should I expect?

It depends on the provider. We use Verizon and have fairly good coverage when we are at the cabins. Many providers and devices now offer voice over WiFi. The internet/WiFi speeds at each cabin support this without issue.

 

May we smoke/vape inside at the cabin?

No. Our cabins are smoke-free and vape-free. This restriction is strictly enforced. You may, however, smoke and vape outside of the cabins. We ask that you dispose of the waste prior to your departure.

 

What is there to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area?

Well, there is just way too much to list here - as a starting point, check out our Out & About page, along with our Pinterest page. You may also find the 2023/2024 Gatlinburg Visitor Guide to be helpful. All have lots of links for different activities and interests. We love to help our guests find things to do based on their specific interests, whether it be shopping, hiking, scenic drives, or amusements, please just ask us, we love talking about the area!

 

What are the check-in/check-out times and may I check-in early/check-out late?

The check-in and check-out times vary by cabin. They are listed in the rental agreement and provided to you with your welcome letter. We may be able to accommodate an early check-in if there is not a guest checking out the morning of your arrival. If we can accommodate this request, we will – these are rarely available during the busy summer months (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Late checkouts are not possible as our cleaning crew takes care of more than just our cabins and they need to get started right away.

 

Are the pictures of the cabin on your website accurate?

What you see is what you get - there should be no surprises when you walk in the door of your cabin! Our website has a combination of both professional and amateur photos. We also have a collection of pictures taken during cabin updates/upgrades posted in photo albums on our facebook site:  https://www.facebook.com/peaksandpalmsrentals/photos There is a photo album for each cabin

 

Do we need to clean the cabin before we leave?

Checkout is pretty easy and there are a few simple requests outlined in the Guest Information Booklet located at your cabin. The few things that we ask that you do prior to your departure help expedite the cleaning of the cabin in preparation for our next guests such as ensuring the refrigerator is emptied, your trash is all placed in the proper location, load the dishwasher and start the cycle - Other than that, no housekeeping is needed.

 

What if we leave something behind at the cabin?

Contact us immediately. We will work with our cleaning team to see if they can locate the item. If found, we will happily mail the item back to you! We've sent back wallets, tablets, even teddy bears!

 

Do the TV's have cable / Can I watch a DVD we brought with us?

All TV’s in the cabins are LED TVs and are connected to cable. Mudpuppies cabin has Blu-ray players which will also play DVD’s in both master bedroom suites, the living room, as well as the “bunk room”. Fireflies cabin has Blu-ray players in the living room, loft, and 1st floor bedroom. Five Bears cabin has Blu-ray players in the rec room and the living room.

 

Do you provide streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon, etc?

Each TV is connected to a cable box and provides a "Spectrum Silver" service. Some of the TVs may have "SMART" technology but we do not guarantee availability nor provide any streaming service subscriptions.

 

Why did you change your name from Moonshine Cabins?

When we expanded in 2021 with a condo in Florida the name just didn't fit. 

We adopted the name "Peaks & Palms Vacation Rental Group" in 2021.

 

What updates have you done at the cabins?

Remodel summary here: https://peaksandpalmsrentals.com/remodels

Timeline below and we've taken pictures along the way, check out the cabin photo albums on Facebook.

 

Five Bears Cabin Updates (purchased in 2020) This cabin had been on a rental program for many years with a rental agency and received only basic maintenance during that time. When we took possession the cabin was long overdue for updates and needed TLC. 

 

Fireflies & Moonshine Cabin Updates (purchased in 2016) ​This cabin was in excellent condition when we took possession. The couple who owned it previously used it as a second home and were very diligent with maintenance and updates. They replaced the roof, HVAC and mechanicals. They also enclosed the original rear deck to create a sunroom. 

 

Mudpuppies & Moonshine Cabin Updates (purchased in 2014) This cabin had been on a rental program for many years with a rental agency and was on the market for about a year. When we took possession the cabin was "guest ready" but overdue for updates and needed TLC. 

It has since become our flagship cabin with many guest focused updates!