Local Information - Smok Mountains

[Vincent M.]

Hi Everyone, 

I continue to dig into the Smokey Mountain region for STR's and am trying to learn more about the local areas before I commit to a visit down there. I would love some feedback from you all.

There are a couple different areas that seem to be where the actions is - Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley etc - can anyone share a bit about the pros/cons to each area. Is it a case where one area is saturated and people are moving to other areas to meet a need?  Is there an area that's up and coming and why?  Is there one area that I should be focused on over an other?   

Second question is more historical, how did the STR strategy in this area fair during the last downturn.  I know money is made generally based on the purchase price, but how impacted was the rental market from 2007-09?  Is there any information / stats available about this?

Thanks also for suggestion to connect with @Avery Carl. Very helpful so far.

Vincent