Published By Blog Breed
If you are looking for a vacation spot that caters to families, couples, and solo travelers all alike, Gatlinburg is the place to go. The lovely mountain town is home to less than 5,000 people.
However, with the year-round influx of tourists into the city, you would never be able to guess that. From exploring the great outdoors to dining to touring historic sites, there is so much to do in Gatlinburg. Read on to make the most of the long weekend in Gatlinburg:
Take A Walk Through Dollywood
There are a ton of rides at Dollywood. Those in search of a heart-pounding good time should head straight for the roller coasters. The Tennessee Tornado, Wild Eagle, and Thunderhead are three of the top roller coasters at the amusement park.
Do not leave Dollywood without seeing a performance once you have had your fill of the rides. You can attend a live concert to hear traditional gospel music or a new take on some of today’s most well-known songs. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the performances at Dollywood.
Dollywood also has excellent dining options. Aunt Granny’s delivers delectable classic Southern meals. Do not forget to try some of the world-famous kettle corn, funnel cakes, and frozen lemonade.
Also Read: FUN THINGS TO DO IN TENNESSEE
Arrange An Anakeesta Excursion
Its resort-like alpine setting makes Gatlinburg a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Anakeesta offers the whole gamut of outdoor excitement and restorative tranquility. Rest assured, you will never encounter a dull moment.
The abundance of alternatives will provide hours of entertainment, allowing you to fully embrace your inner child. Chairlift rides, a treetop skywalk, dueling ziplines, and a treehouse village adventure are just some of the activities available at Anakeesta. Want to do some shopping, the Great Outdoors Trading Company has you covered.
Explore Space Needle
You can see the entire city of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains from the top of the 407-foot-tall Space Needle. In addition to the unprecedented 360-degree views, the use of viewfinders further enhances your experience.
Though, there is more to Space Needle than just gorgeous sights. You can also have fun at the arcades and stop by gift shops that are located in the lobby on the first floor. You may also find Slice Pizza Bakery, which is home to some of the state’s most delicious pizzas. If you enjoy Italian food, you will not want to miss it.
Take A Bike Tour Of Cades Cove
You cannot visit Gatlinburg and not see Cades Cove. This picturesque valley at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains was once home to a vibrant community.
Cades Cove retains many of its historic structures, such as log houses, cantilevered barns, and grinding mills, which give the area an enchanting air of yesteryear. Cycling is the best alternative to visiting Cades Cove. Depending on how quickly you drive and how many times you stop, the 11-mile journey will take anything between 2-4 hours.
You might possibly encounter browsing deer and black bears along the route. Every year, around 2 million individuals make their way to this location. During prime leaf-peeping times, the line could be several kilometers long. Therefore, getting there first thing in the morning is your best bet to avoid crowds.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is more than just a place to “ooh and aah” over exotic marine life. It allows visitors to partake in once-in-a-lifetime activities such as swimming with stingrays and spending quality time with turtles. In addition, the basement features a penguin playroom, a discovery center, and a peculiar coral reef.
A visit to Shark Lagoon is a must for everyone checking out Ripley’s Aquarium. One of the coolest things about it is that you can use a moving glide path.
When you are inside, you may relax on the 340-foot glide path as you slowly make your way down the tunnel, admiring the aquatic life as it passes by. You may catch anything from a snapping turtle to a tarpon, and even a sawfish or squirrelfish.
Stroll Across The Gatlinburg
In search of a beautiful view of mountain peaks? Check out Gatlinburg SkyBridge. You can think of it as a floating boardwalk. Kick off your trip by taking the chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain, a must-see attraction in Gatlinburg.
Once you reach the peak, you can stroll across North America’s longest suspension bridge. The height of the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is a whopping 680 feet. The bridge’s glass panels at its center provide a clear view of the ground below. Quite easily, it is up there with the best of Gatlinburg’s attractions.
Go For A Ride On The Roaring Fork
To explore this historic woodland trail, all you need is a tank of gas and some personal supplies. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a loop route that spans 5.5 miles across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It features stunning natural beauty and well-preserved historic structures.
The name of the trail comes from the mountain stream that passes through it. Additionally, the journey will reward travelers with the opportunity to view mountain streams, wildflowers, and a vast hardwood forest.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail connects with routes that take you to Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls; two of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg. Before you head out on the route, be sure to pick up a copy of the park’s motor trails guide.
Head To The Smoky Mountain Winery
Visit the oldest and longest-running winery while in Gatlinburg. Since 1981, it has been producing high-quality wine. If you are not a fan of dessert wines, you may try dry white wines that have matured in American oak. Visit the tasting room to sample the region’s most acclaimed wines. The fees are reasonable, and dog owners are welcome too!
Summing Up
Visiting the beautiful mountain town of Gatlinburg should be high on your list of vacation plans. Be it couples who are hoping to reignite their love for one another, families who are looking for things to do, and individuals who need gear and supplies to extend their mountain adventures, everyone will find the city to be a great weekend destination. If you are visiting Gatlinburg and are not sure what to do, our guide has you covered.
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