Ahh, the mountains. No matter what time of year you venture north in Tennessee, you are guaranteed a beautiful and relaxing vacation. Fall is arguably the best time of year to go because you get the peak foliage views. However, there are benefits to traveling to Gatlinburg in any season. Christmas is a must-do, the entire Gatlinburg strip is full of Christmas lights and cheer. Pigeon Forge, a neighboring town to Gatlinburg, has many attractions that celebrate the Christmas season and it is truly magical. Regardless of the time of year you go, you are sure to have one of the best mountain getaways you’ve ever had. I love Gatlinburg because it’s perfect for the couple or family who have a mix of go-getter and relaxer in the bunch. This itinerary will lean more towards the go-getter because that’s just who I am, but as always, it can be modified to fit anyone in your group 😊 Get ready to say "Hey Lo, Let’s Go" because the mountains are calling!
Lodging Recommendations:
It wouldn’t be a trip to the mountains without renting a cabin. There are really great condo options that I have stayed in as well, but I am only going to list cabin recommendations. If you want to book condos, please reach out to me via Instagram or contact me here and I can get you squared away.
Cabins of the Smoky Mountains | Gatlinburg Falls: This is a go to because it has the option to customize for how many bedrooms you need. Whether you are going solo, as a couple, or a full family of 12, there are plenty of options to choose from
Larger groups (due to bedroom count): Smokies Boutique Cabins: I love this site because the cabins are so unique!
Timber Top Cabin Rentals: Another go to due to the all of the size options available. They also have some of the best resources on their website if you are looking for more activities
As with any location, you can definitely use AirBNB or VRBO. They give you tons of individually owned cabins, as well as provide Afterpay if you are splitting the room with others or need longer to plan to pay.
This can be very overwhelming to review due to the volume of cabins. I am happy to book something for you, regardless of which option you choose. Contact me here.
Arrival
As always, I suggest arriving early to make the most of Day 1!
Depending on where you are traveling from, hit a Buc-ee’s for a quick pit stop on your route. There is a new Buc-ee's in Sevierville that recently opened which is about an hour from Gatlinburg depending on traffic. Something about Buc-ee’s just really gives me a mountain feel.
Very similar to a beach trip, you can eat a lot of your meals in your “room” if you choose. Run to the grocery store and get some items for breakfast! Nothing beats a hearty breakfast overlooking the mountains. You will definitely need coffee or some sort of drink to sip on while sitting on the porches so grab that too!
Day One:
Gatlinburg Strip
After checking in and getting your cabin prepared, hit the Gatlinburg strip. This is my favorite activity to do on your first day because it really gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the “mountain feel”, provides great views, food and snacks, as well as allows for walking to stretch your legs after a long ride. You will need to pay to park, but it is fairly inexpensive. I usually pay around $5-$10 depending on the time of year and can quickly walk to the main drag. There are plenty of stores to walk around in, chocolate to choose from, and even pictures and activities all down the strip. This is also a great way to kill time if your room isn’t ready. Just remember to build in some time for the grocery store if you can’t check in yet.
US Highway 441, better known as Parkway
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Located right on the strip, walk over to the SkyPark and ride the sky lift up the mountain. Once you exit, walk over to the SkyBridge and venture across. Fun fact: part of the bridge is glass!
Hours vary depending on time of year
Tickets: Pricing also varies depending on time of year, but the highest I have seen the tickets are around $45 a person.
There are also other things for you to do while on site. You can take in the view at SkyDeck, Climb up Tulip Tower for more views and even venture along the SkyTrail for some possible wildlife viewings. Tours are available
Picture Pit Stop: You get your picture made on the lift (available for purchase) but don’t miss a shot on the SkyBridge, going over the glass (if you dare!!)
**Tips on the Lo: Buy online ahead of time and save $$
I would plan to spend around 2-2.5 hours at the Park
Lunch: Calhoun’s
This is a local chain to the greater Gatlinburg area. It is primarily known for its barbeque. As non-BBQ eater, I can vouch that there are many other tasty options.
AnaKeesta
This is truly a unique place in Gatlinburg. You can choose between a standard lift or a gondola to ride on the way up, but once you make it to the stop, it’s basically like you stepped into another little village. Spend the rest of your afternoon in the treetops. This top is extremely kid friendly!
Hours vary depending on the time of year, but it typically operates from 9am-8pm
Tickets: $34.99 adults; $22.99 children; senior citizen discount
Top things to do: (more online)
TreeTop Walk
Mountain Coasters
Zip line
Obstacle Courses
There are also shops, snacks, beer, and other activities once on top
Head back to the room, unpack and enjoy the hot tub!
Day Two:
Have breakfast in the room, overlooking the Smoky Mountains
Here’s a great home cooked breakfast recipe : https://pin.it/2A4cC3m
Cades Cove:
Pack your hiking shoes, comfy clothes, or whatever you need to head up to Cades Cove and be in nature for the day.
Roughly an hour from the Gatlinburg strip due to the winding roads and traffic but truly worth it. Especially in the fall.
Chance to see wildlife, including bears!
We’ve seen many beers in the trees
Reminder not to approach, feed, or taunt the bears—you want to come home, right?
Also, don’t start fires in the mountains 😊 You’ll see that reminder a lot
I’d plan for around 3 hours in Cades Cove. The 11 mile loop will back up with tourists if you go during summer or fall.
If you want to hike the local trails, I’d plan for 4+ hours.
If you want to hike, I suggest taking a packed lunch for picnic in Cades Cove. If not, keep reading for a restaurant lunch option.
For more information, including hiking information
Lunch on the Strip at Smith & Son Corner Kitchen:
This stop provides a little bit of everything, sure to find something no matter what you are in the mood for.
Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies:
This is one of my favorite aquariums. Ripley's Aquarium of The Smokies even has a huge play area in it, perfect to rest and let the kiddos burn off some energy.
Tickets: Adults $39.99; Children 6-11 $24.99; Children 2-5 $9.99
There is also the option to buy combo tickets if you want to do other Ripley’s attractions. There are several and it works for the ones in Pigeon Forge too.
Ex: mini golf, mountain coaster, and aquarium would be $69.99 each
Picture Pit Stop: At the aquarium, available for purchase for $19.99 for a family shot with a themed backdrop. We always do these because I love to commemorate the trip.
Flex Option: Pikes Peak and Clingman’s Dome
Maybe you don’t have kiddos or aren’t interested in the aquarium, after lunch you could head to Pikes Peak and Clingman's Dome. This is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and in all of Tennessee! When it’s clear, you can see 7 states!
Tips on the Lo: It’s free!
Walking involved and can get crowded. Be prepared to have an alternative plan in case you can’t park. Parts of the path are closed off from December-March due to weather.
I only recommend it if you are kid free, if your kid’s can walk or you are comfortable pushing a stroller for long distances.
Be prepared... it’s a little chilly at the top, especially in later months. Grab something warm! You can check current conditions here.
Dinner at Cherokee Grill
Can someone say "STEAK!"?
Want to spice it up? Head to The Melting Pot for dessert
Head back to the room and enjoy the hot tub!
Day Three:
Breakfast in the room
Try this recipe for Breakfast Tacos: https://pin.it/52UpwK9
Let’s go to Pigeon Forge
It’s about a 20ish minute drive depending on location and traffic. In peak season, the traffic gets insane.
Dollywood
Plan for Dollywood to take most of the day. In the summer, the place is booming and all rides are available. It is seasonal. In the fall, they have a pumpkin fest. At Christmas, Dollywood decorates for for Christmas, so it’s a majority of the year add on. Both are spectacular. Worth every penny and every bit of time you can get!
Check the website for days and times: Dollywood Parks & Resorts | Calendar and Hours | Dollywood Parks & Resorts
Tickets :$89 for one day, $199 for two (10-61)
Season discounts available
Dollywood & Splash Country Tickets | Pricing and Info | Dollywood Parks & Resorts
Picture Pit Stop: so many wonderful places in Dollywood but always get a quick shot at the seasonal displays set up!
Dinner: Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
If there is only one thing that I could recommend for Gatlinburg, it is dinner at Dolly Parton's Stampede. I have been more times than I can count and the experience never gets old! My mouth is watering now for the restaurant's one of a kind soup!! Whether you have friends or on a date night, I highly suggest checking out Dolly Parton's Stampede. If you can, see the Christmas show. The original show is fantastic but the Christmas version is incomparable.
Tickets: Starting at $59.99
Please note, if you have little ones, you cannot take in carseats. If you do not buy your child a ticket, they will need to sit really close to you (not taking up the person beside you) or in your lap. The table is pretty big, we sat my 9 month old on it to watch the show and he loved it.
Grab ice cream for dessert after the show
Buzzed Bull Creamery, Mad Dog Creamery, Chocolate Monkey are a few of my top recommendations.
It’s been a long day, let’s go to bed!
Day Four:
Travel home day, but before you do that, head to Pancake Pantry for breakfast. The best breakfast! Be prepared to stand in line, but it goes quickly and it is totally worth it. You can’t go to the mountains without going to a pancake house!
Play a game of mini golf, ride a mountain coaster, or do both before getting on the road
Hillbilly Golf is the best!
Adult admission: $13.50 (over 12), Kids $9.50 (4-12)
Please note, Hillbilly Golf is closed after November 30 for the winter.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Adult $25 (13+), Kids $21 (8-12), Kids $10 (3-7)
They have seasonal set ups too!
The Mountain Coaster will require you to check the calendar during off season
Head home!
Stay tuned because we will go to Pigeon Forge soon! The area has grown so much and it will take multiple trips to take it all in. You can’t go wrong any time of the year in Gatlinburg, but I highly suggest summer or fall. Christmas is a must see just expect some things to be closed, especially the week near the Christmas holiday.
Tune into Hey Lo Let’s Go on Instagram for a few seasonal must do’s as we enter each season. You may also look for a surprise newsletter to cover it, so be sure to sign up!
Flex Option:
If you aren’t ready to go back to the room & have childcare or you are an adult only group, the strip has great bars as well as a winery with wine tasting!
Smoky Mountain Winery
Shamrock Pub
The Bar at the Top of the World
Ole Red
There can be a lot of planning for this trip! Many places require reservations and tickets purchased before hand. If that’s not your thing, I am your girl! Contact me here or reach out on Instagram and I am happy to plan your trip for you. We can work together for a plan that works best for you!
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