Plan Your Stay

Curated Smoky Mountain Itineraries

Ready-made 3- to 5-day trip plans for couples, families, groups, and corporate retreats - built by locals who know the best routes, restaurants, and hidden gems in the Smokies.

Ready-Made Plans

Choose Your Adventure

Each itinerary is designed for the Smoky Mountains and tailored for groups staying in large cabins. Mix and match days across itineraries to build your perfect trip.

4-Day Couples Escape
4 Days / 3 Nights

4-Day Couples Escape

Best for: Anniversary Trips & Double Dates

Romance and relaxation in the Smoky Mountains, with spa experiences, scenic drives, and intimate dining - all in a long-weekend getaway.

Day 1: Arrive, scenic drive through Cades Cove, wine & charcuterie at cabin
Day 2: Spa day, Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, dinner at The Peddler
Day 3: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, waterfall hikes, winery tour (Sugarlands Distillery), evening downtown Gatlinburg
Day 4: Sleep in, brunch at Pancake Pantry, depart
1
Arrive & Scenic Exploration
Afternoon
Arrive at your romantic cabin retreat. Check in and settle in around 3-4 PM.
Head out for scenic drive through Cades Cove - 11-mile loop with stunning mountain views and frequent wildlife spotting (elk, black bears, deer).
Stop at Cades Cove Visitor Center to learn about the area's history and ecology.
Evening
Return to cabin as sunset approaches. Prepare wine and charcuterie board with local cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Enjoy romantic evening on the cabin deck watching the sunset over the mountains.
Pro Tip: Enter Cades Cove before 3 PM to avoid crowds. The loop is busiest in late afternoon.
2
Spa & Artisan Exploration
Morning
Enjoy leisurely cabin breakfast or schedule an in-cabin couples massage through concierge.
Alternatively, visit Westgate Spa for professional spa treatments - hot stone massage, facials, or couples packages.
Afternoon
Explore Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community - 8-mile loop featuring 140+ local artisan shops, galleries, and studios.
Browse pottery, jewelry, paintings, glass art, and handmade goods. Many shops offer demonstrations of artist at work.
Stop at a local café for coffee or light lunch.
Evening
Dinner reservation at The Peddler Steakhouse - upscale dining with river views and prime steaks.
Pro Tip: Reserve The Peddler at least 2 weeks in advance, especially on weekends. Request a riverside table for romance.
3
Nature & Whiskey
Morning
Early start for Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - scenic 5.5-mile one-way drive through old-growth forest with multiple pull-offs.
Stop at Cathedral of the Pines overlook and other scenic vistas.
Late Morning
Hike to Grotto Falls - 2.6 miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty. Beautiful 25-foot waterfall with waterfall flowing behind cave area.
Pack water and snacks for the hike. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the round trip.
Afternoon
Visit Sugarlands Distillery & Ole Smoky Moonshine for guided tastings of local craft spirits and moonshine.
Learn about Tennessee distilling traditions and sample flavors like peach, apple cinnamon, and original recipe.
Purchase bottles to take back to the cabin.
Evening
Stroll downtown Gatlinburg along Parkway - shops, galleries, and street performers.
Dinner at Cherokee Grill for Southern cuisine with mountain views.
4
Relaxed Departure
Morning
Sleep in as late as you'd like. Enjoy cabin coffee on the porch with mountain views.
Late brunch at Pancake Pantry (original since 1960) - famous for fluffy pancakes, omelets, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Pro Tip: Pancake Pantry has long waits in peak season; visit early (before 9 AM) or go on a weekday.
Late Morning
Browse The Village shops in Gatlinburg - upscale shopping with local brands, galleries, and boutiques.
Noon
Depart by checkout time (typically noon). Safe travels back home with mountain memories!
What to Pack
Comfortable hiking shoes
Layers (lightweight sweater, fleece)
Nice dinner outfit for The Peddler
Swimsuit for cabin hot tub
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Corkscrew/wine opener
Casual walking shoes
Lightweight rain jacket
Best Season
Fall (October foliage)
Spring (wildflower blooms)
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5-Day Family Getaway
5 Days

5-Day Family Getaway

Best for: Families with Kids

A fun-filled extended escape perfect for families with children - enough time to hit the top attractions, explore the national park, and still have downtime at the cabin.

Day 1: Arrive & settle in, explore the cabin, hot tub, grill dinner
Day 2: Dollywood theme park (free tickets included!), dinner in Pigeon Forge
Day 3: Morning hike at Laurel Falls, Ripley's Aquarium, ice cream on the Parkway
Day 4: Cades Cove scenic loop & wildlife spotting, picnic lunch, afternoon pool time, family game night
Day 5: Pancake Pantry brunch, souvenir shopping in Gatlinburg, depart
1
Arrive & Get Settled
Afternoon
Arrive and check into your family cabin. Do a full cabin orientation with the kids - show them their rooms, the game room, pool area, and hot tub.
Unpack and let kids explore the property. Many cabins have swing sets, trampolines, or scenic decks to enjoy.
Late Afternoon
Start the grill for dinner. Burgers, hot dogs, and sides - classic family meal to kick off the trip!
Kids can play games while dinner cooks.
Evening
Family hot tub time under the stars. This sets a magical tone for the whole week.
Early bedtime for kids to recover from travel.
2
Dollywood Theme Park
Early Morning
Early breakfast at the cabin (pack energy snacks) and head to Dollywood at park opening.
Pro Tip: Arrive at park open (typically 9 or 10 AM) to maximize ride time and avoid crowds. Head straight to Wildwood Grove area first.
Full Day
Your cabin rental includes free Xplorie admission tickets to Dollywood! Enjoy classic rides: Big Bear Mountain, Thunderhead, Splash Mountain.
Wildwood Grove (newer area) has family-friendly attractions perfect for all ages.
Grab lunch at one of the many in-park restaurants. Budget time for character meet-and-greets.
Afternoon: take a rest break at cabin, return for evening parade or fireworks.
Evening
Return to Pigeon Forge for dinner at Mama's Farmhouse - family-style Southern cooking with corn bread, fried chicken, sides served on large platters to share.
No kids' menus needed; everything is family-friendly portions.
3
Nature & Aquarium
Morning
Early start for Laurel Falls hike - 2.6 miles roundtrip, PAVED trail, kid-friendly (best for ages 4+).
Waterfall is stunning and not too far. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
Pro Tip: Laurel Falls trailhead parking fills by 10 AM during peak season. Arrive by 9 AM. Alternatively, visit early morning or late afternoon.
Afternoon
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - 680,000-gallon freshwater aquarium with sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and interactive touch pools.
Plan 2-3 hours here. Kids love the shark tunnel walk-through and ray touch tank.
Grab ice cream at The Mad Platter afterward as a special treat.
Evening
Return to cabin for relaxed dinner and family movie night in the theater room (if available) or outdoor fire pit.
4
Scenic Loop & Cabin Time
Morning
Scenic Cades Cove loop drive - 11-mile loop with frequent wildlife viewing (bears, elk, deer, wild turkeys).
Multiple pull-offs and picnic areas. Stop at historic cabin ruins and churches to explore mountain history.
Late Morning
Pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks. Eat at one of the picnic areas inside Cades Cove.
Afternoon
Return to cabin for afternoon pool or hot tub time. Let kids splash around while adults relax.
Nap or quiet time for younger kids.
Evening
Family game tournament - board games, card games, ping pong, foosball in the game room.
Casual dinner at the cabin (order pizza or cook simple meal).
5
Brunch & Shopping
Morning
Leisurely breakfast at the cabin or special brunch at Pancake Pantry - famous for buttermilk pancakes, omelets, and fresh juice.
Late Morning
Souvenir shopping in Gatlinburg at The Village - upscale shops with local crafts, toys, and mountain-themed items. Kids can pick out one special souvenir.
Browse candy shops and ice cream parlors along the Parkway.
Noon
Return to cabin, pack up, and depart by checkout time. Safe travels home!
What to Pack
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm
Swimsuits and cover-ups
Comfortable walking shoes
Casual layers for weather changes
Rain jackets or ponchos
Snacks and water bottles for hikes
Car entertainment for driving days
Cameras or GoPro for memories
Best Season
Summer (Dollywood daily operations)
Winter (Winterfest lights and entertainment)
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Group Adventure Retreat
4 Days

Group Adventure Retreat

Best for: Friend Groups & Bachelor/ette Parties

Action-packed days with adrenaline-pumping activities, games, and unforgettable memories with your crew.

Day 1: Arrive, game room tournament, hot tub
Day 2: Whitewater rafting, zipline tour, bonfire & s'mores
Day 3: ATV mountain tour, go-karts, dinner in Pigeon Forge
Day 4: Depart or extend
1
Arrival & Game Night
Afternoon
Arrive at the cabin and do full group orientation. Assign rooms (host a fun drawing or game).
Unpack and settle in. Tour the game room - pool table, foosball, arcade games, darts, and board games.
Evening
Organize a game room tournament with brackets - pool, foosball, darts, or arcade competitions. Award silly prizes!
Order pizza or barbecue for group dinner.
Hot tub time under the stars - perfect bonding moment for the group.
Late-night hangout on the deck or around a bonfire if the cabin has a fire pit.
2
Adrenaline Rush Day
Morning
Quick cabin breakfast and head to Rafting in the Smokies on the Pigeon River for guided whitewater rafting.
Class III-IV rapids - perfect for thrill-seekers. Guides provide all safety gear and instructions. Trip takes about 2-3 hours.
Lunch at the rafting company's riverside facility.
Afternoon
Head to CLIMB Works for an exhilarating zipline tour over the national park canopy - 8 ziplines totaling 2+ miles.
Safety briefing, harness setup, and guide for the whole adventure. Soar 75+ feet above the forest floor!
Pro Tip: Book a rafting + zipline combo package for a discount and seamless day-of coordination.
Evening
Return to cabin exhausted and exhilarated. Easy dinner (grill, takeout, or simple home-cooked meal).
Bonfire with s'mores - gather around the fire pit, roast marshmallows, and share stories from the day.
Late-night hang under the stars.
3
Off-Road & Racing
Morning
ATV mountain tour with Bluff Mountain Adventures - scenic trails with professional guides, beautiful overlooks, and adrenaline-pumping terrain.
Tours usually last 2-3 hours. Safety gear provided. No prior experience needed.
Lunch break included in most tours, or grab food back in town.
Afternoon
Head to The Track in Pigeon Forge for multi-level elevated go-kart racing - the highest elevation kart track in the Smokies!
Organize friendly racing competitions between your group. Multiple heats, leaderboards, fun rivalries!
Pro Tip: The Track has multi-level elevated go-karts - way more exciting than traditional flat tracks. Arrive early to beat crowds.
Evening
Group dinner at Local Goat in Pigeon Forge - casual, fun atmosphere with excellent burgers, appetizers, and drinks.
Perfect spot for a group celebration after an adventure-packed day!
4
Relaxation & Departure
Morning
Sleep in! Recovery day after three intense days of activity.
Leisurely cabin breakfast with the group. Enjoy hot coffee and good conversation.
Late Morning
Special brunch at Flapjack's Pancake Cabin - huge fluffy pancakes, omelets, and hearty breakfast fare.
Perfect ending to your adventure retreat.
Afternoon
Option 1: Pack up and depart by checkout time (usually noon-1 PM). Safe travels home!
Option 2: Extend your stay! Contact your cabin host about adding extra nights to squeeze more fun out of your group getaway.
What to Pack
Quick-dry clothes for water activities
Secure footwear for rafting/zipline
GoPro or action camera for memories
Extra towels and water bottles
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Casual party outfit for dining
Layers for temperature changes
Board games or card decks
Best Season
Late Spring (May)
Summer (June-August)
Early Fall (September-October)
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Corporate Offsite
3 Days

Corporate Offsite (3-Day)

Best for: Teams of 8-20

Team building in a luxurious mountain setting with flexibility for planning sessions and group activities.

Day 1: Arrive, team dinner (private chef available), evening planning session
Day 2: Morning workshop/meeting (cabin has WiFi), afternoon team activity (hiking or Dollywood), group dinner
Day 3: Wrap-up session, lunch, depart
1
Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Afternoon
Arrive mid-afternoon at your luxury cabin retreat. Check in and do a full cabin orientation with team leaders.
Assign rooms and common spaces. Familiarize team with WiFi setup (strong connectivity in the cabin), meeting spaces, and AV equipment.
Set up registration area or team check-in point.
Late Afternoon
Informal team bonding time - explore grounds, settle into rooms, grab coffee or snacks.
Evening
Private chef welcome dinner (book through Vantage Concierge in advance). Chef prepares a multi-course meal tailored to team dietary needs.
Alternatively, catered meal delivery from local upscale restaurant.
Evening strategy session in front of the fireplace (loft or great room). Informal kickoff remarks, team introductions, agenda for next 2 days.
Pro Tip: Book a cabin with a loft space or conference-ready dining room - perfect for breakout sessions and small group meetings.
2
Work, Activity & Team Bonding
Morning
Morning workshop/meeting session in the cabin's main dining area or loft. Strong WiFi supports video calls, presentations, and collaboration.
Plan 2-3 hours for core business content. Use breakout rooms or outdoor deck areas for smaller group discussions.
Mid-morning coffee and snack break.
Midday
Working lunch with the team. Catered meal or casual lunch delivered to the cabin.
Continue informal discussions or allow individual meal time.
Afternoon
Choose Team Activity A (Outdoor Hiking): Guided group hike at Chimney Tops Trail (moderate difficulty, 3.4 miles roundtrip) with scenic ridge views. Promotes wellness, nature connection, and team bonding without structured agenda.
OR Choose Team Activity B (Theme Park Outing): Group outing to Dollywood for casual team bonding, rides, and casual entertainment. More relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Return to cabin by late afternoon for rest/prep time.
Evening
Group dinner at The Old Mill restaurant - upscale Southern cuisine, scenic location by water, private dining room available for groups.
Excellent for team dinner with natural conversation flow and comfortable atmosphere.
Return to cabin for relaxed evening - optional bonfire, games, or team hangout.
3
Wrap-Up & Departure
Morning
Final morning wrap-up session (30-45 min). Team leaders share key takeaways, recap decisions, preview next steps.
Awards and recognition time - celebrate team achievements, highlight standout contributions, present any team awards or recognitions.
Late Morning
Cabin group photo in a scenic location (front porch, deck overlooking mountains).
Pack up and prepare for departure.
Lunch
Lunch at Elvira's Café - casual, quick, family-friendly spot perfect for team groups before departure.
Early Afternoon
Depart by early afternoon (1-2 PM). Safe travels back to the office with renewed team energy!
What to Pack
Laptop and chargers for presentations
Business casual & outdoor layers
Presentation materials/printing
Team swag or branded items
Hiking shoes (if doing Chimney Tops)
Comfortable casual clothes
Sunscreen and water bottles
Phone chargers and power banks
Best Season
Spring (pleasant weather, outdoor activities)
Fall (foliage, fewer tourists)
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Church/Youth Group Retreat
3 Days

Church/Youth Group Retreat

Best for: Faith-Based Groups

Spiritual renewal and fellowship in the tranquility of the Smoky Mountains with structured reflection time.

Day 1: Arrive, cabin orientation, opening session, fellowship dinner
Day 2: Morning devotional, service project or nature hike, evening worship, s'mores & stargazing
Day 3: Free time exploration, closing session, depart
1
Arrival & Opening Worship
Afternoon
Arrive at the cabin and welcome group members. Cabin orientation - show bedrooms, bathrooms, great room, kitchen, and outdoor spaces.
Assign room groups and help settle in. Group members can explore the scenic grounds and mountain views.
Late Afternoon
Opening worship session in the great room. Song, prayer, and spiritual introduction to the retreat theme.
Set the tone for spiritual focus and group bonding throughout the weekend.
Evening
Fellowship dinner - potluck style (everyone brings a prepared dish) or catered meal by the Vantage concierge.
Casual gathering, introductions, and community building around the table.
2
Devotional, Service & Evening Worship
Morning
Morning devotional & small group sessions in the great room or on the deck. Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection on the retreat theme.
Small group breakout sessions (by age, interest, or guided reflection topics).
Break for cabin breakfast (prepare together or catered).
Midday
Option A (Service Project): Organize a local service day - collect and distribute supplies, volunteer at community org, or help with local trail maintenance.
OR Option B (Nature Hike): Guided hike on Porters Creek Trail - moderate difficulty (3.8 miles roundtrip), beautiful old-growth forest, peaceful setting for reflection and prayer.
Lunch packed or eaten outdoors on the hike.
Late Afternoon
Return to cabin. Free personal reflection time - journaling, prayer walks on the property, quiet rest in nature.
Evening
Dinner prepared by the group or catered.
Evening worship service - music, testimonies, prayer, and spiritual message. Many groups bring musical instruments for worship.
S'mores and stargazing around the fire pit or on the deck - perfect for fellowship and open conversation.
3
Reflection, Closing & Departure
Morning
Quiet morning in the cabin - coffee, breakfast, personal reflection, journaling.
Morning devotional (short, 15-20 min) to center the group.
Late Morning
Free time for small groups or individual exploration - nature walk, quiet prayer, reading, or informal hangout time.
Some groups organize a fellowship hike or scenic drive at this time.
Midday
Closing worship session - final message, group prayer, hymns or praise songs, and benediction.
Share personal reflections or testimonies from the weekend.
Exchange contact info and make closing remarks about spiritual takeaways.
Afternoon
Group photo on the cabin porch or scenic overlook - capture the retreat group.
Cabin cleanup and pack up. Assign cleanup teams for smooth departure.
Depart by checkout time (usually noon-1 PM). Safe travels back home, renewed and refreshed!
What to Pack
Bible and personal journal
Musical instruments (guitars, ukuleles, etc.)
Comfortable casual clothes
Hiking shoes for trails
Flashlights for evening walks
Layers for temperature changes
Toiletries and personal items
Potluck dish ingredients (if contributing)
Best Season
Any season (spiritual renewal year-round)
Spring & Fall (mild weather, beautiful scenery)
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Multi-Family Reunion
5 Days

Multi-Family Reunion (5-Day)

Best for: Extended Families in 8-12 BR Cabins

Multigenerational bonding with a mix of structured activities and downtime across a large mountain compound.

Day 1: Arrive & settle multiple families, welcome potluck, cabin tour, hot tub
Day 2: Dollywood (free tickets!), group dinner back at cabin
Day 3: Split activities - hikers take Chimney Tops trail, kids do mini golf & go-karts, evening game night
Day 4: Cades Cove scenic loop, bears & wildlife, picnic lunch, afternoon at cabin pool, family photo session
Day 5: Pancake Pantry brunch, souvenir shopping in Gatlinburg, pack & depart
1
Arrival & Family Welcome
Afternoon
Multiple families arrive throughout the afternoon. Coordinate staggered check-in times to avoid bottlenecks.
Full cabin tour - show all bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, game room, theaters, pools, and outdoor decks/common areas.
Assign rooms to families and help them settle in. Kids can explore the property while adults unpack.
Late Afternoon
Welcome potluck on the main deck - each family contributes a dish. Great way to set a fun, casual tone for the week.
Casual conversation, reacquaintance, and informal hang time.
Evening
Family hot tub time - generations mixing, laughter, and bonding under the stars.
Early bedtime for young kids; adults can hangout on the deck.
2
Dollywood Theme Park
Early Morning
Early breakfast at the cabin. Quick energy boost before heading to Dollywood.
Organize carpool logistics - coordinate who's driving, car assignments, meeting points at the park.
Full Day
Dollywood theme park - your cabin includes free Xplorie admission tickets!
Break into smaller groups by age preference - some families with young kids hit Wildwood Grove, teens go on thrill rides (Thunderhead, Smoky Mountain Log Ride), grandparents enjoy show performances.
In-park lunch at family restaurants. Grab snacks and ice cream throughout the day.
Afternoon: some families rest at cabin, others extend park time to evening for fireworks/shows.
Evening
Return to cabin. Assign cooking teams to prepare group dinner OR order catering from local restaurant.
Relaxed, family-style dinner celebrating the full day together.
3
Split Activities by Age & Interest
Morning
Cabin breakfast. Organize groups by activity preference:
Group 1 - Hikers: Chimney Tops Trail (moderate difficulty, 3.4 miles roundtrip) with scenic ridge views. Includes adults and older teens who enjoy hiking.
Group 2 - Families with Young Kids: Mini golf at Gatlin's Fun Center & go-karts. Fun, manageable activity for smaller children.
Group 3 - Teens & Adventure Seekers: Gatlinburg SkyLift Park & SkyBridge - scenic chairlift up mountain, longest suspension bridge in North America (700 ft), zip-line experience.
Afternoon
Activities continue. Groups break for lunch independently or at designated cabin rendezvous point.
Late Afternoon
All groups return to cabin by 5 PM for regrouping.
Evening
Family game tournament - board games, cards, charades, Pictionary, team competitions across generations.
Light dinner - casual snacks, pizza, or simple prepared meal.
4
Cades Cove & Family Photo Session
Morning
Breakfast at cabin. Prep picnic lunches - sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks for the group.
Head to Cades Cove scenic loop (11-mile loop).
Midday
Drive and stop at scenic pull-offs. Watch for bears, elk, deer, and wild turkeys! Many families have their best wildlife spotting here.
Visit historic buildings - old cabins, churches, and barns from 1800s. Great photo ops and history lesson.
Picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas inside Cades Cove.
Afternoon
Return to cabin. Afternoon pool time - multiple generations enjoying the pool, kids playing, parents relaxing.
Hot tub for the adults while kids play.
Late Afternoon
Professional or casual family photo session on the main cabin deck or scenic overlook.
Group photos, family sub-group photos, candid moments - memories to last for years!
Evening
Potluck dinner featuring family recipes - each family brings a signature dish. Wonderful way to celebrate family heritage and cooking traditions.
Share stories about the dishes and family memories. Perfect bonding moment.
5
Brunch, Shopping & Goodbye
Morning
Pancake Pantry brunch - establish this as the family tradition! Famous for huge, fluffy pancakes, omelets, and bacon.
Multiple seatings may be needed for large family. Coordinate reservations or early arrival to beat crowds.
Late Morning
Souvenir shopping in Gatlinburg at The Village - upscale shopping with local crafts, candy, and fun family items.
Each family member can pick out one special souvenir to remember the trip.
Midday
Group photo at the iconic Gatlinburg sign for the family reunion official picture!
Return to cabin to pack and prepare for departure.
Afternoon
Cabin cleanup - assign cleanup teams for smooth checkout. Divide responsibilities: kitchen, bedrooms, common areas.
Staggered departures as families head home. Safe travels! Can't wait for next year's reunion!
What to Pack
Matching family reunion t-shirts
Board games and card decks
Swimsuits and pool towels
Hiking shoes for trails
Cameras and GoPros for videos
Coolers for picnic items
Recipe ingredients for potluck nights
Comfortable casual layers
Best Season
Summer (pool weather, Dollywood daily)
Thanksgiving week (cozy gathering)
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Make It Yours

Build Your Own Itinerary

Use these as starting points and customize with our interactive Trip Builder tool.

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Best Times to Visit

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

Mar-May: Wildflower blooms, spring festivals, fewer crowds, mild temperatures

Summer

Jun-Aug: Peak season, waterfall swimming, Dollywood open daily, tubing on Little River

Fall

Sep-Nov: Fall foliage (peak mid-October), harvest festivals, scenic drives

Winter

Dec-Feb: Winterfest light displays, hot tub season, skiing at Ober Mountain, cozy fireplaces (open Oct-Apr)

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