Is your daughter getting married, and you’re planning a destination wedding with family and friends? Have your employees earned a break, and you’re wanting to celebrate with a relaxing weekend away? Is your church planning a retreat? Or, do you have a group of friends that’s been wanting to get together for a long time and has finally decided to make it happen this year?
No matter what the occasion, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for your large-group getaway! With cabins that easily accommodate groups of 15 to 50, and with restaurants that welcome large groups and/or offer catering solutions, what more could you need? Oh yes—entertainment! Well, not to fear, we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeves to keep even a group your size having fun while you visit the Smoky Mountains this year. For instance …
- Plan group events like whitewater rafting or horseback riding for your guests. At least once while you’re away, plan for a group event that everyone can do together. Activities like whitewater rafting in Pigeon Forge and horseback riding in Gatlinburg are great options for your large-group adventure. You can also take guided carriage rides if you have people in your group who aren’t sure about getting on the back of a horse. Several companies in the area provide these services, so be sure to check around for the best group price. Then, enjoy your time together in the fresh air and breathtaking scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains!
- Plan day-long excursions like a trip to Dollywood or Ripley’s Aquarium. We definitely think you should plan for at least one group event, but the Smokies also provides options for the days when you want to break into smaller pairings and see the sights for yourselves. Dollywood and Ripley’s Aquarium are two great options for the solo or small-group days. At Dollywood, you’ll not only find adrenaline-pumping rides, but also live-action entertainment. (And check their calendar for special events that might be going on during your getaway.) At Ripley’s, there are plenty of different exhibits for people of all ages to enjoy.
- Take your group to a dinner show. If you’re looking for a way to kill two birds with one stone—feed your large and keep them entertained—a Smoky Mountain dinner show is your perfect solution! Dolly Parton’s own Dixie Stampede is one of the most popular shows in the area. Another fun option that will keep your guests on their toes is the Lumberjack Feud Dinner and Show. Of course, these aren’t the only dinner shows in the area, and if you already have dinner plans, you might check out comedy shows in the Smokies instead. Whatever show you pick, this is a great way to have a fun and memorable time as a group in the Smokies!
- Rent a large cabin with plenty of fun amenities. Our best advice for keeping your large group entertained is to pick the right cabin! Of course, if all your guests are staying in the same place, you’ll want a large enough cabin to accommodate them. We have large-group cabins that can sleep up to 53 guests, so be sure to check with our reservation specialists before you decide everybody needs to find their own place to stay. But even if your guests are not planning to stay with you, you’ll still want a large enough cabin where you all can congregate for meetings, social time, games, etc. And we have cabins that will not only fit your group, but also entertain them. We have cabins with pools, game tables, entertainment systems—you name it! So pick the right cabin, and count on an exciting large-group getaway in Gatlinburg this year!