Travel

THINGS TO DO IN GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

October 11, 2020

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is also known as The Great Smoky Mountains. One of the many destinations that have been on my bucket list for quite some time now. I’ve always heard how beautiful the GSM was, but I hadn’t got the chance to go.

That was until two weeks ago. My husband and I decided to take a road trip to the Smoky Mountains. Although I’ve seen many photos of Gatlinburg’s most beautiful views on social media, it’s different when you experience it for yourself.

I was overwhelmed with excitement to explore the town after arriving in Gatlinburg. There’s so much to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether you’re going alone, on a romantic getaway, or a family vacation. In this post, I’ll share some of the many things to do while in Gatlinburg, Tenessee. Hopefully, this will help make the most of your Gatlinburg experience no matter what time of year you’re visiting!

WHERE TO STAY

WESTGATE RESORTS

There are many accommodations when it comes to finding a place to stay in Gatlinburg. However, there are a few things to consider when booking your stay in the Smoky Mountains. Therefore, depending on your preferences and what area you want to stay in during your trip, it’ll help narrow down your destination.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa was the place I chose, and it was lovely! This resort is just minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and many more attractions!

What I love most about this place, in particular, is its amazing customer service. At Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, you will feel more than welcome. While staying at Westgate Resorts, you’ll enjoy your fully-furnished studio or villa. Both of them come with a balcony, where you can enjoy the Smoky Mountains’ beautiful scenery.

I can’t forget to mention that this resort is pet-friendly. I know how difficult it can be to find a place that you and your pet will enjoy when it comes to traveling. We brought our pup along with us, and she enjoyed Gatlinburg just as much as we did! However, there are pet limitations, and you may have to pay a pet-fee.

WHERE TO EAT

LANDSHARK BAR & GRILL

Landshark Bar & Grill is a family-friendly restaurant located in downtown Gatlinburg. The service is great! If you’re into seafood or American food, they have them both. It has a clean and fresh atmosphere that gives you a tropical vibe. Also, there are HDTVs around the restaurant to keep you company as well.

MELLOW MUSHROOM

Mellow Mushroom is a chain pizzeria that you can bring your family to or even a group of friends. This particular location was pretty crafty with their art and style. The service here was also good, and the pizza was even better!

THINGS TO DO

ANAKEESTA

Another great place you’ll want to check out while you’re in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta. Anakeesta is located downtown in the heart of Gatlinburg at traffic light #5. So if you’re staying in the area, you won’t be far from this amazing attraction.

However, there are two city parking garages that you can park your vehicle. Those locations are Ripley’s Aquarium or McMahan Parking Garage. Both parking garages are within walking distance of Anakeesta located at traffic light #3.

You can also park on-site at the Public Parkway Parking lot, where you’ll begin your mountain top experience.

Before entering Anakeesta, you’ll enjoy an AMAZING scenic ride to the mountain top. You have the choice to choose from a Chondola or an enclosed gondola cabin.

The Chondola seats up to 4 people and has a safety bar while the enclosed gondola cabin seats 6 to 8 people. This ride will take you up 600ft to the summit of Anakeesta’s mountain top theme park. Where you can eat, play, relax, and shop!

Anakeesta has so many things to do at a reasonable price. My husband and I enjoyed our experience. We could see some pretty amazing views from Anakeesta while walking through Vista Gardens, enjoying incredible views from the Anavista Tower, walk the Treetop Skywalk, and so much more!

DOLLYWOOD

Dollywood is more than just an amusement park. It has tons of boutique shops, great food, plenty of fun rides, and various accommodations to choose from. You’ll want to add this attraction to your list of things to do while in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Also, be sure that you don’t miss out on any of their seasonal events while you’re there. During our time at Dollywood, my husband and I enjoyed the theme park during the day and experienced the Great Pumpkin LumiNights at night.

There are also little snack shops throughout the theme park as well. From all the fun and walking you’ll be doing, be sure to take a break. Me and my husband stopped at this “Sweets and Treats” snack shop and tried their Fried Apple Pie. It was delicious!

Furthermore, you wouldn’t want to miss out on riding the Dollywood Express. The Dollywood Express train is a 20-minute excursion that takes you through the mountains. From there, you’ll be able to see some of the best views of the park.

This train does have scheduled departure times. So you can choose a time that you would like to partake in this tour, whether you would like to enjoy the train ride during the day or by sunset!

OLE SMOKEY MOONSHINE

Moonshine tasting is another fun thing to do in The Smokies! The Ole Smokey Moonshine Distillery is one of the most popular distilleries where you can tour and sample authentic moonshine.

VISIT GIFT SHOPS AND BUY SOUVENIRS

During your time in Gatlinburg, be sure to visit a gift shop. There’s a town nearby called Pigeon Forge that’s not far from Gatlinburg at all. In this area, you’ll find stores that sell many items for $9.99 or less—an easier way to bring home some souvenirs during your visit!