Truthfully, when planning a family vacation – there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Some families love packing their bags and hitting the open road, while others prefer the all-inclusive resort route. But if you’re looking for ideas to make your next family trip to Gatlinburg a smashing success – look no further. Let’s prepare for an adventure in The Smoky Mountains! This blog will give tips on where to stay, what to do and how to save money.
- Plan When to Travel
The ideal time to visit Gatlinburg is during spring and fall. During these seasons, you’ll witness lady slipper orchids bloom in the wild and see the leaves transform from the hues of green to yellow, orange, and red. Temperatures are also milder, making it more comfortable to enjoy the attractions and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking forward to attending the festivals in town, mark your calendars for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, and Hands-On Gatlinburg. Although it might be houseful, it’ll be worth it.
- Decide Where to Stay
Gatlinburg offers a variety of accommodations to fit any budget. Of course, you can pick a five-star hotel if you’re chasing luxury, but we suggest a cabin rental if you want to spend your vacations amidst the gorgeous Smoky Mountains.
Most cabins come equipped with amenities, like a fully stocked kitchen and a hot tub on the porch – making it easy to relax after a long day of exploring. If traveling with a big family, you can look for Gatlinburg large cabin rentals or even an entire lodge.
- Decide on the Things To Do in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a mecca for family fun! There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg that it can be tough to decide where to start. So here are some of our suggestions:
Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. As a first-time visitor to Gatlinburg, it is an absolute must.
Visit Anakeesta
Anakeesta, meaning “high ground” in Cherokee, is a park with rides and attractions that are fun for a few hours or a full day. Most visitors to the 70-acre tropical rainforest can’t get enough of the 50-foot-high sky bridge and 880-foot-long treetop skywalk. In addition, the dueling zipline tour is great fun for two people.
Visit the Arcade and Pinball Museum of Gatlinburg
The Pinball Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction that visitors shouldn’t miss. It features over a hundred different pinball machines and classic arcade games.
It has one of the country’s best arcade classics and pinball machine collections. Among the most well-known are The Addams Family Gold Edition, Dialed In, Metallica, The Walking Dead, The Lord of the Rings, Attack from Mars, and Medieval Madness.
Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley
Walking the Parkway is a fantastic opportunity to take in the sights, but it is also a strenuous activity. You can take the Gatlinburg Trolley along the Parkway if you don’t feel like walking the entire distance.
You can explore the entire town by trolley for about fifty cents. Stops for the trolley may be found conveniently close to several of the city’s biggest tourist destinations, including Ripley’s Aquarium and Ober Gatlinburg.
Enjoy the sights of Gatlinburg while resting your feet on the trolley’s comfortable seats.
Have Fun on a Jeep Tour Through the Majestic Smoky Mountains
Don’t miss out on one of America’s most visited national parks. There’s a reason why over 11 million people visit the park annually. Gatlinburg is an excellent area to stay if you visit the park, as it is close by.
Whatever your interests, there’s something to do in the park for you. You can lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a meal while taking in the scenery, go fishing, or stare at the stars.
For an unforgettable experience in Gatlinburg, take a jeep tour of the Smoky Mountains. The 6-mile Roaring Fork loop tracks between undiscovered wilderness areas, accentuated by a fast-paced stream.
If none of these interest you, you can also rent a 4×4 from one of many local tour companies. Keep the camera close because you’ll see some wildlife along the way!
If you are with kids, ask about jeep tours customized for families with small children.
- Always leave room for spontaneity
You should establish an itinerary if you want to get the most out of your trip, but don’t overthink things. Don’t forget to plan for some element of surprise. It’s not fun to be on a strict timetable, and you never know when you might find the tastiest ice cream in town or the most beautiful hiking trail. Also, schedule some time for unwinding and taking it easy. You should relax and enjoy your time off. No rule says you have to keep busy 24/7.
- Try the local restaurants
Although Gatlinburg is a relatively tiny city, it doesn’t mean there aren’t excellent dining options. Lots of great eateries in the city have won accolades from food critics.
The Local Goat is a safe bet when choosing a restaurant. The American fare at this restaurant is famous, and the service is also excellent.
The burgers at Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery are unlike any you’ve had before. They provide hearty, delicious burgers that you should try.
Gatlinburg has excellent restaurants for every taste and budget.
- Pack well
Whether you’re visiting Gatlinburg in the summer or the winter, layering is the way to go. Do not forget to bring along warm clothing, as the evenings might get chilly. You should bring some suitable walking shoes and your hiking boots. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen if you’ve reserved a cabin with a private pool. If you are packing for the entire family, keep all these things in mind.
Conclusion:
From seasonal shows to outdoor adventures and good eats, Gatlinburg knows its way to your heart. You can easily fill a weekend or longer with all there is to do in this Great Smoky Mountain town. And, when you’re ready for a break from all the fun, you can relax in your Gatlinburg cabin rental and enjoy the serenity of the Smokys. Don’t forget to pack your camera so you can capture all your memories of this special place.
