If you are planning a week-long vacation that encompasses mesmerizing landscapes and plenty of entertainment opportunities, then Gatlinburg is where you want to be. It is an outdoor paradise that offers something for people of all ages.

Gatlinburg is a spectacular town found in East Tennessee. Visitors witness breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, visits to the Smoky Mountain National Park, dinner shows, and yearly celebrations. You have a lot to see and do here, but if you want to engage fully in this town, your trip should be at least a week long. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few ideas.

  • Affordable Accommodation

Gatlinburg is an economical and low-cost place to visit. There are many affordable options available for accommodation, but the best way to stay and take in the surroundings is to consider renting a cabin.

One of the main reasons you should stay in a cabin is because you get the best views of the mountains and can even camp outdoors without compromising on safety. You can find various authentic log cabins that allow you to explore the town without compromising amenities.

Moreover, these beautiful cabins are surrounded by lush, forested grounds, giving you a one-on-one with nature. If you visit Gatlinburg with friends or family, you can find large Gatlinburg cabins that offer everything needed for a relaxing vacation.

Each cabin comes equipped with televisions/DVD players; microwaves; refrigerators; washers/dryers; cooking utensils, and linens to make your visit cozy and comfortable.

  • Indulge in Gatlinburg Cuisines

Restaurants in Gatlinburg are a must-try. You will find great food and ambiance at these establishments, as well as a wide variety of cuisines (Chinese, Thai, and more). The best breakfast place in town is The Pancake Pantry on Parkway Drive. It is open 24 hours a day and serves delicious pancakes with bacon or sausage links for breakfast every day except Sunday.

Moreover, do not forget about their bottomless mimosas during brunch hours! Also, check out

  • Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
  • The Red Rooster
  • Delauder’s BBQ
  • Calhoun’s
  • Red Oak Bistro
  • Timber’s Log Cabin Restaurant
  • Ober Gatlinburg

The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is one of the largest in the United States and was set up in 1962. It is also the highest ski resort in Tennessee and hosts many annual events, including:

  • The Ober Gatlinburg Winterfest Festival is an annual music festival held on New Year’s Eve that features live performances by top bands and DJs worldwide.
  • A Night at the Movies – a series of movie screenings on select dates throughout each winter season where guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments while watching their favorite films indoors
  • Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a wooden observation tower that stands more than 407 feet tall. The second-floor deck offers views of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg, as well as an elevator ride to reach the top of this attraction.

This attraction costs $15.95 for adults and $9.95 for children eight years old or younger. It is also wheelchair accessible, with an elevator available at every stop along its path up to its observation deck at 150 feet above ground level.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park in the United States, with over 522,419 acres of wilderness. It contains more than 5,000 miles of hiking trails and more than 250 different species of plants and animals.

The park is home to various hiking opportunities, including many challenging hikes leading up to spectacular mountain peaks.

  • Explore the Great Anakeesta

The Great Anakeesta is a vast wilderness area in Virginia that is home to many rare species of plants and animals, including deer and elk. Anakeesta is an ancient mountain range that holds red sandstone and shale outcroppings. You can also climb up to the top of one of the peaks for an incredible view.

  • Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokys showcases more than 10,000 species of aquatic animals and 1 million gallons of water. It is operational daily from 10 am-7 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day).

The aquarium has two floors full of interactive exhibits, including touch tanks with live fish and sharks. You can feed them and touch pools to feel the current while they swim under your feet. There are also shark jumps if you are brave enough to try them out!

  • Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is a family-friendly amusement park that offers rides and attractions for children, families, and adults alike. This theme park has over 20+ rides, including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and zip line. The park also includes restaurants, gift shops, arcade games, and other fun activities, such as a mini golf course or water slides for the kids to play on at no extra cost!

  • Explore downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is a beautiful place to shop. There are many different stores and shops to choose from, including souvenir shops, clothing stores, and jewelry stores. Some of the best places to visit are:

    • Comedy Barn Club (a comedy club)
    • G-Webb Gallery & Gifts (an art gallery)
  • Arts and Crafts Village – This outdoor shopping village is filled with unique artisans’ shops selling everything from woodwork tools, furniture items, kitchenware, and more!

Conclusion

Gatlinburg encompasses some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails for adventure enthusiasts. You can even travel alone if you are into hiking and biking. With the Great Smokys ahead, your time here will be memorable.

One of the best things about Gatlinburg is that it has something for everyone. From shopping and dining to outdoor activities, the city is filled with activities you’d love to participate in, whether alone, with someone special, with friends, or with family.