Families have flocked to Gatlinburg for years. The myriad activities and attractions available keep every member pleased and occupied. Adults and kids alike can never claim boredom with the nature, amusement parks, museums and food all at their Gatlinburg cabin doorstep. The entire family find such a wide variety of ways to enjoy vacation in Gatlinburg together!
The Great Outdoors:
For incomparable fishing, hiking, and breathtaking views of nature not found anywhere else spend a day together in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Inside the park, families can drive to Cades Cove and see 150-year-old, preserved settler’s cabins and churches. Afterwards, walk, bike, drive, or take a hayride around the valley and through the intricate trails. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day unplugged together. Before you leave the park for the day, head to the “Y”. This is a great place to splash around and cool off before heading back to the cabin.
Food and Shopping:
If you treasure family-friendly dining, get your taste buds ready. In Gatlinburg, or nearby Pigeon Forge, there’s a pancake waiting for you. Tennessee’s very first pancake house, The Pancake Pantry, which opened in 1960 and hasn’t stopped serving all-day breakfasts since. Pancake Pantry is a family-owned tradition that creates everything from scratch. For lunch and dinner dining, the various Gatlinburg restaurants offer everything from down-home cooking to fine dining. Whether the menu calls for a family gathering or social rendezvous, you’ll find the perfect family meal.
As for the sprawling shopping experience for the family, everybody, bring your lists and get prepared for discounts. No matter what souvenir or handcrafted artwork you seek, one of Gatlinburg’s specialty shops has it. Take your time and peruse the malls and shops, such as the Mountain Mall or the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Furniture, jewelry, homemade candy and fudge, fishing gear, collectibles, and a general store all can be found within walking distance in downtown Gatlinburg.
Entertainment and Attractions:
Depending on the time of year, some of the best seasonal events and shows not found anywhere else in the world are found in Gatlinburg. Check out the calendar of events to purchase tickets for live music, magic, craft shows, and even all-you-can-eat contests!
To fill the hours in other ways, several one-of-a-kind museums give you a chance to escape for a bit and perhaps learn something new. For a twist on the traditional day at the museum, try one of many Ripley’s attractions calling Gatlinburg home. With more than 500 exhibits, the museum that inspired the hit TV Show “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” has all the strange, shocking, unexpected, and absurd sights you could think of.
Or, check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Often voted the best aquarium in America, the 1.4 million gallon aquarium filled with thousands of exotic sea creatures. There’s even a shark lagoon and an underwater tunnel.
And, of course, in nearby Pigeon Forge, everyone can find something to love at Dollywood, an amusement park, museum, nature sanctuary, and fried cooking emporium all rolled into one.
So, parents, kids, pets; pack your suitcases and check out the brochures. Gatlinburg is prepared to serve and entertain you all.
Be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information!
