{"id":5445,"date":"2019-05-08T12:00:13","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T16:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/?p=5445"},"modified":"2026-06-25T14:45:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:45:57","slug":"summer-gatlinburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/gatlinburg-info\/summer-gatlinburg.htm","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Spend Summer in Gatlinburg"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cool breezes brush past and warm summer rays shine down as you stay and play in Gatlinburg, TN! With so many top-notch attractions, shopping centers, and award-winning restaurants, overwhelmed may be your first reaction to all the fun that awaits in this Great Smoky Mountain town. We totally get it! So, we\u2019ve pooled our top 10 ways to spend summertime<\/a> in Gatlinburg to make planning a little easier for you. While browsing through our list, jot down the ones that really stick out and incorporate them into your next trip to the Smokies. No need to thank us, Cabins for YOU<\/a> is here to help!<\/p>\n

Great Smoky Mountains National Park<\/strong>
\nOh, yes! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was inevitably heading straight to the top of our list\u2026for obvious reasons. One: it\u2019s the most visited national park in the country. Two: there are tons of outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, and fishing to birdwatching, photographing, and horseback riding. And three: it\u2019s the flipping Great Smoky Mountains \u2014 with majestic wildlife and stunning views galore! Need we say more?<\/p>\n

Ripley\u2019s Aquarium of the Smokies<\/a><\/strong>
\nOn especially warm days, keep cool under the sea at Ripley\u2019s Aquarium of the Smokies. Watch as stingrays dance, piranhas stare, sharks cruise overhead, fish schools swarm, jellies float, octopi hide, and Nemo lives with many clowny cousins. Purchase a masterpiece by painting penguins, ride over Shark Lagoon in a glass-bottom boat, and watch mermaids perform (a summertime exclusive).<\/p>\n

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community<\/strong>
\nNo doubt a top choice for Gatlinburg goers, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is home to the largest group of independent artisans in the country. Along this 8-mile loop, you\u2019ll find impeccable craftsmanship in every brush stroke, basket weave, quilted stitch, wood carve, scarf dye, and pottery glaze. Chat with the masters while they work and bring home a few special souvenirs to boot!<\/p>\n

Gatlinburg Farmers Market<\/strong>
\nPick locally grown and cultivated ingredients for a homemade meal at your cabin rental. Grab jars of honey and jam plus baked goods and natural wellness products. And don\u2019t forget to take home in-season fruits, nuts, and berries! Where? At the annual Gatlinburg Farmers Market, held from 8:30am \u2013 noon at the Covered Bridge in the Glades in summer.<\/p>\n

Anakeesta<\/a><\/strong>
\nOne of the newest attractions, and quickly becoming a local favorite, Anakeesta is an aerial adventure park like no other. Travel aboard the Chondola to the mountaintop, where Firefly Village (shops & eateries abound), a treehouse playground, dueling zipline, single-rail mountain coaster (the only 1 in the USA), the Tree Canopy Walk, Vista Gardens, and oh-so-much more await!<\/p>\n

The Village Shops<\/strong>
\nFilled with European inspiration, The Village harbors 27 unique shops and eateries to explore. From fashion, art, and d\u00e9cor to spices, toys, and hiking gear, find it all (and more) here! The best part is this quaint shopping center isn\u2019t about buying and leaving but perusing, chatting by the fountain, and creating memories with family and friends as you traverse this \u201cOld World\u201d together.<\/p>\n

Landshark Bar & Grill<\/strong>
\nWho says you can\u2019t go to the beach in the mountains? Well\u2026pretty much everyone, but this can\u2019t be said of Gatlinburg, not when it comes to food! Bring family and friends to chow down on shrimp po\u2019 boy, fish tacos, Cajun salmon, Off to the Virgin Islands (non-alcoholic) daiquiri, and sea salt caramel cheesecake at Landshark Bar & Grill. Let the salivating begin!<\/p>\n

Ober Gatlinburg<\/a><\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s the mountaintop amusement park we know and love \u2014 welcome to Ober Gatlinburg! Browse sweet shops, stop for a bite at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant, and play at attractions. Soar down water slides, climb the Rock Wall, visit the Wildlife Encounter, defeat the Amaze\u2019N Maze, ice skate year-round, and stay cool on the Ice Bumper Cars!<\/p>\n

Local Events<\/h2>\n

Plan your Gatlinburg stay around exciting summer events in the Smokies!<\/p>\n