Everyone has their own vacation style. For some, a weekend of spas, wine, hot tubs, and lounging couldn’t possibly be topped. Others love exploring what a city has to offer, from restaurants and shops to attractions and local events. Some travelers are all about the great outdoors. What are the best trails? How many miles can I log? What’s the best mountaintop view? Still others are focused on the food, want to stay busy for a whole week, or just want to get as much family time as possible.
Whatever it is you love to do on vacation, we’re here to help. We want to help YOU create the ultimate getaway for yourself, your family, and your friends. Vacations are what we do, and we’re obsessed with the Smokies. From the food to the fun to the views, we love it all. Read on to see our top picks to fit every vacation style!
Explore the City
Gatlinburg (and neighboring Pigeon Forge) has so much to offer. Restaurants, shops, attractions, events…it’s all here and easily accessible. If you just want to immerse yourself in everything the area offers, hop aboard a Gatlinburg Trolley and explore!
Play, shop, and eat at The Island
Spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Browse The Village Shops in Gatlinburg
Plan your trip during an arts & crafts show or car show
Spend the day in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Play for a day at Ober Gatlinburg
Ride roller coasters at Dollywood
Watch a dinner show downtown
Get fudge and old-fashioned candy for the cabin
Take an old-time photo
Sip on moonshine and listen to live music in Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
Find the Best Foods
Personally right up my alley, this one’s all about the foods. Half (I’m being generous…it’s really like 80%) of my vacation time is typically spent searching out the best local foods. In the Smoky Mountains, that’s not hard to do. Dozens of restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops pepper the Parkway. You can find something to appease whatever craving you’re having, but here’s a little sample for you:
Burgers and beer at Smoky Mountain Brewery
BBQ at Calhoun’s Restaurant or Bennett’s Pit BBQ
Apple julep and fritters at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
Oversized burritos and sizzling fajitas at No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina
German tastes at Poynor’s Pommes Frites
Specialty homemade ice cream at The Old Mill Creamery
Brown Bears (get a box for the cabin!) at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
Steaks cut tableside at The Peddler Steakhouse
Southern sides with a helping of butter at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Giant cinnamon rolls and a big breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Chocolate-dipped strawberries & candy apples at Kilwin’s
A footlong Ogle Dog or sizzling steak sandwich at Fannie Farkle’s
Creamy fudge – anywhere on the Parkway!
Pamper Me
You know those vacations where you get home and feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? This is the exact opposite of that. If you love pampering yourself and enjoying a relaxing getaway, this one’s for you. Thankfully there are plenty of ways to treat yourself to some “me time” in the Smokies. From massages to gift baskets – and unique picks in between – you’ll head home feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and homemade foods at the Wild Plum Tea Room
Book an in-cabin massage
Order a gift basket with luxurious bath products
Unwind in the hot tub on the deck
Tour the Rocky Top Wine Trail
Treat yourself to mud wraps, manicures, and more at Riverstone Resort & Spa
Browse the boutiques at The Island
Walk the Grand Staircase at the Titanic Museum Attraction
Take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Mountains are Calling
This is a no-brainer for the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone brings in millions of visitors each year. With 800+ miles of trails in the park, there is no shortage of opportunities for outdoor fun. If a week outside is just what the doctor ordered, we’ve got you covered.
Canopy tour with Smoky Mountain Ziplines
Hiking to Mt. LeConte for stunning views
Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hiking to waterfalls in the park
Biking the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road
Horseback riding with Sugarland Riding Stables
It’s All About Family
Sometimes you just want to soak up as much family time as possible. Quality time with the ones you love is so important. But it’s not always easy to keep a group entertained, fed, and happy on vacation, especially when you have a mix of kids and adults. Here are some top picks for pleasing all ages and having some family fun!
Games in the cabin (check out our cabins with game tables)
The Island: ropes course, boutiques, celebrity restaurants, candy, rides, and more
Work as a team to break out at The Escape Game
Dollywood: live shows, animals, comedy, roller coasters, kiddie rides, a train, restaurants, and shops!
Movie night in the cabin (book one with a private home theater)
Pool days (check out our cabins with pools!)
Ober Gatlinburg: indoor ice skating, kids’ activities, skiing in winter, food, games, and more
Explore under the seas at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Get matching airbrush t-shirts!
Enjoy a family breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Play mini golf and laser tag
Make a homemade meal in your full kitchen or get a meal catered
Snap family photos in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
