By Scott Tidwell

If you're looking for a wholesome alternative to the out-of-control spring break vacations often depicted on TV, keep reading. Here’s your chance to leave the beaches, Blackberrys and juvenile antics far behind. The Smokies offer much more valuable rewards including solitude, serenity, bonding, fresh air and a do-it-yourself approach to getting reacquainted with nature and your family.

When staying on budget and creating a stronger family bond is your vacation's goal, the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee are a much better option. One of the advantages of a Smoky Mountain vacation is a substantial savings to your bank account. For less than the cost of two hotel rooms you can reserve a gorgeous log cabin for parties of up to 10. Located in and around Gatlinburg and the folkloric Smokies, you'll find numerous cabins that give your mind a serious siesta and your body an invigorating wake-up call. These cabins are as unique as the stars they lie under.

This typically gives you more space and amenities than standard hotel rooms. And, if you have kids and would need to book two or more rooms, a log cabin will almost always save you money.

With lodging covered, the Smokies are fully prepared to satisfy your wilderness indulgences without putting a dent in your wallet. With a wide range of nature activities at hand, from fishing to horseback riding and wildlife watching, the Smokies prove that spring is the best time to take a break.

After you and your family have enjoyed Mother Nature, it’s time to treat the kids to their kind of fun. Whether staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge you are just minutes from a variety of big city entertainment. It’s not only a stone’s throw from over 200 specialty shops and outlet malls: it’s a hop, skip and jump from three major entertainment venues.

Dollywood, a Disneyland-style amusement park sprawled across 125 acres.

Splash County, a massive water park complete with 23 water rides and slides to keep you and your family on the move (and very, VERY wet!) all day.

Wonder Works, the ultimate entertainment attraction for the intellectually curious. From the outside this amazing hands-on museum appears to have been built upside-down (or is it you that is upside down?).

As for food and drink options, the usual array of family-oriented, reasonably priced restaurants and cafes are at your immediate disposal. Some cabins located near streams packed with trout, bass and other tasty fish have fully equipped kitchens and grills, where you can do your own cooking.

Are you and your family in the mood for something completely different? If so, rather than forking out (pun intended) forty dollars for a prepared meal, why not treat yourself and the family to the freshest catches of the day as you take in the picture book scenery on the heavenly confines of the private deck on your log cabin rental?

Make plans now to put a new twist on the typical ho-hum spring break vacation. Pack up the kids and head for a refreshing family-friendly getaway you won't soon forget!