A birthday is a special event! It should be celebrated and cherished each year, with great memories made and epic photos taken. This is precisely why a Smoky Mountains getaway would create those unforgettable moments! Here are our top 5 ways to have a rip-roaring fun time in the Smoky Mountains region.
Dollywood
Who wouldn’t want to have a fun filled day at Miss Dolly Parton’s amusement park? The park boasts southern eats, country music, funny entertainment shows, and of course thrilling rides! Have a look inside a replica of Dolly’s childhood home. Ride the incredible Dollywood Express through the mountains. Treat yourself to a birthday souvenir.
Splash Around
Right next door to Dollywood you’ll find Splash Country. Adults and children alike can find something fun at Splash Country! The 8,000 square foot Cascades Lagoon has 25 interactive elements and a beach-style entry. Splash around, ride the slides, or rent a waterside retreat and relax. For the thrill seekers, take a thrilling 70-foot drop from the park’s tallest water slide. Or, race down the corkscrew tunnels of Mountain Scream!
Raining during your trip? No problem! Check out Wild WaterDome – an indoor waterpark just down the road in Sevierville. This 66,000 square foot indoor waterpark is located in a massive building with a see-through roof. Try your hand at the Smokies Surfrider, where 19,000 gallons of water per minute flow beneath you to create the ultimate indoor surfing experience.
Camping
Get close to nature again by camping in the Smokies. Whether you crave the solitude of a backcountry camp, or a group camp with 20 of your closest friends, the Smokies has a spot for you. Of course, if the primitive life doesn’t sound great to you, there are plenty of campgrounds in neighboring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Take an RV trip with your closest pals.
A camping trip in the Smoky Mountains doesn’t have to mean roughing it, though! Glamping is all the rage. New companies are popping up, and one of those is Under Canvas. Stay in a luxury canvas tent in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Book a package with ziplining or a guided hike to truly experience the Great Smoky Mountains.
Cabins
A rustic cabin experience is one of a kind. From family lodges to romantic hideaways for two, you can find exactly what you are looking for. Cabins equipped with a full kitchen, so play confectioner and whip up a birthday cake. Instead of a night on the town, opt for a night in. Many cabins come equipped with a game room, and some even have a theater room! Spend the evening soaking in the hot tub under the starry skies of the Smokies.
Sightseeing in the Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has so much to see and do! Start the day by capturing sunrise at Newfound Gap – the Tennessee and North Carolina State line. You might even catch glimpse of an Appalachian Trail thru hiker or two. Head up to Clingman’s Dome and see the highest point of the park. Head over to the Oconoluftee Visitor Center and see the mountain farm museum. This collection of historic Smokies buildings will give you a real glimpse of early settler life. Bring the fixin’s for a picnic and stop at one of the many picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
Have a happy birthday and make sure that it’s one to remember by spending it in the wonderful Smoky Mountains!
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