Are you making travel plans to East Tennessee? Do not miss out on spending a few days exploring the lush and mesmerizing town of Gatlinburg. Less than 5,000 people live in this picturesque alpine town. Yet, you will never be able to guess that given the constant stream of tourists that keep turning to the city year-round. Gatlinburg is an iconic tourist spot, thanks to its proximity to the Smoky Mountains and other stunning natural assets.
7 Top Things to Do in Gatlinburg
If you have never visited Gatlinburg, you may have difficulty deciding how to make the most of your time. In that case, reading this post will offer much clarity:
- Stroll Around Dollywood
Dollywood is packed with entertainment and fun rides. Anyone looking for an adrenaline rush should make their way to the roller coasters. Thunderhead, Wild Eagle, and the Tennessee Tornado are some of the best roller coasters.
After you have had your fill of rides, do not forget to watch a show at Dollywood. Stop by one of the musical performances to experience a fresh spin on some of today’s most popular songs or listen to some traditional gospel music. The shows at Dollywood are fun for people of all ages.
Food is also a standout feature in Dollywood. To give you an idea, Aunt Granny’s serves delicious traditional southern dishes. You can also sample the legendary cinnamon bread, funnel cakes, kettle corn, frozen lemonade, and more.
Unlike in the past, making your way to Dollywood has become considerably easier. The reason behind this is that you can find accommodation in Gatlinburg campgrounds, which are not only within proximity of the destination but also offer all the necessary amenities.
- Drive on the Cades Cove Loop Road
Drive or ride through the beautiful landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Cades Cove Loop Road. The 11-mile trip might take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the traffic speed and the number of stops you make.
The area’s pastoral landscapes, pioneer cottages, churches, and panoramic mountain vistas have long attracted visitors. You will also come across black bears and browsing deer along the way. Nearly 2 million people visit this place every year. In peak leaf-peeping season, the queue might stretch for kilometers. So, if you want to beat the massive crowd, arriving in the morning is your best bet.
- Visit Space Needle
The Space Needle is a 407-foot tower with spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. Take the glass elevators up to the lookout, and you will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area of Tennessee. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding region, which are further enhanced by the complementary use of viewfinders. That said, the place is not just about scenic views. It also provides a wealth of information about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Additionally, you can enjoy the arcades, pizza eateries, and souvenir stores in the ground floor lobby before taking the elevator up to the tower. The pizzas at Slice Pizza Bakery are among the best in the state. So, if Italian cuisine is your thing, you must check it out.
- Plan an Anakeesta Adventure
The blossoming of the flowers is a sight to behold in Anakeesta. The mountaintop amusement park’s botanical gardens are home to more than 3,000 different types of plants and flowers, making it a great spot to take in the East Tennessee scenery.
You can see more of Gatlinburg from a different perspective by taking advantage of the cable car and ziplining. To reach the peak of Anakeesta Mountain, use the cable car from the Chondola terminal. You can admire the breathtaking views from the summit or embark on a thrilling zipline experience through the trees. For a bird’s-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains, climb the 60-foot-tall AnaVista Tower.
Need something to eat after all that excitement? Visit the Cliff Top or Pearl’s Pie in the Sky for beverages and cuisine.
- Make Your Way to The Smoky Mountain Winery
When in Gatlinburg, ensure to stop at the region’s first and longest continuously operating winery. It has been making exceptional wine since 1981. If you dislike sweet fruit varietals, consider a range of American Oak-aged dry white wines.
Stop by the sample room to taste some of the best wines the South has to offer. Not only are the prices affordable, but canine companions are also welcome.
- Drop By Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Do you want to see how much of a passionate car lover you are? Test your knowledge of celebrity automobiles by visiting the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. You may also experience first-hand how Hollywood’s A-list drove in luxury. All automobiles date back to the 1950s and feature their original lighting and sound effects. Mike Tyson’s 2000 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster is a must-see for sports lovers. Visitors can even take photographs while sitting inside one of these automobiles for a nominal price.
The museum’s proximity to public transportation is one of its best features. Likewise, the Park Grill and Crockett’s Breakfast Camp are great places to stop for a meal before or after a stroll around the downtown strip.
- Explore Ripley’s Aquarium
Everyone loves gazing at fascinating animals. Enjoy observing various aquatic species at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The sight of a flounder with its eyes on the same side of its body is fascinating, and so is the sight of sharks swimming alongside sea turtles and eels. The Japanese snow crab and the scorpion fish are likely to stand out visually.
You can make your trip even more awesome by participating in unique activities. Experience Shark Lagoon from a new perspective by taking a glass-bottom boat ride. Or, observe the penguins as they create artwork and interact with them in person.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg is a wonderful mountain town. Every traveler lover should place it high on their travel bucket list. The town ensures an ideal getaway for couples looking to rekindle their love for one another. It is also ideal for families looking for fun things to do and people needing gear and supplies to extend their mountain adventures. If you have no idea what to do in Gatlinburg, our comprehensive guide can help you plan your vacation.