Gatlinburg has fast become one of the most visited towns in the United States. This is due in part to its unique charm, but also because of its one of a kind location near the Great Smoky Mountains. There is no bad time to visit, but the fall offers very special opportunities in this outdoor paradise, if you only know how to take advantage. Below, you will find the top five 5 Gatlinburg activities for this time of year.
Gatlinburg Activities – Enjoy the Fall Colors
The seemingly endless expanse of beautiful wilderness around Gatlinburg offers one of the most beautiful displays of fall colors. You cannot help but enjoy it as beauty is constantly surrounding you. The views that you get while riding the Aerial Tramway at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort will leave you stunned and delighted!
Fishing
Once you get your fishing license, you are ready to take advantage of some of the best river and stream fishing you will find anywhere. Check out great spots like the West Prong of the Little Pidgeon River and the Roaring Fork Creek. This is the perfect time of year because the weather is still comfortable for spending long periods of time, but the water is cooling down, so the trout for which this area is famous are biting more than ever. This is one of the top Gatlinburg activities among locals and tourists.
Hiking
As the weather is quite cool during this time, but the great chill and snows of winter have not yet come, there is no better time to bust out the hiking boots and take advantage of endless networks of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out Andrews Bald Trail for some of the most incredible panoramic views of the area, including the famous Clingmans Dome. This is one of the best Gatlinburg activities if you’re looking to lose a few pounds.
The Gatlinburg Craft Fair
There is a no better way to get the feel for this one of a kind community than by attending one of their best celebrations in the Gatlinburg Craft Fair, held from October 4th through the 21st. At the heart of the festivities are the countless artists and artisans that call this place home. You can see the influence that this beautiful area has had on paintings, photography, woodwork, sculpture, and so much more. Find amazing food, drink, and entertainment to go with these incredible sights.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Regardless of where you enjoy a meal in Gatlinburg, odds are it will feature predominantly local cuisine. As this is the time for harvest in the area, you will find no meals fresher than the ones you find during the fall. A walk down the street will lead you to a few local hotspots, but start at The Peddler Steakhouse to get the true flavor of Gatlinburg in a delicious meal and inviting environment.
Stay in a Beautiful Vacation Home
There are too many gorgeous vacation homes in the Gatlinburg area to bother looking for a hotel, especially if you know where to look! The Cabin Rental Store makes it easy for countless visitors to find the vacation home of their dreams in Gatlinburg. We start by providing the most stunning homes in the area, then ensure they are filled with quality décor, furniture, cookware, and anything else a traveler may need. While you will find many different types of properties, you can be sure they all provide a warm, cozy, and luxurious home away from home for your vacation. See for yourself by browsing our selection of cabins today! Contact us now!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an absolute haven for all those that love the charm of a small town in one of the most beautiful areas that you will find anywhere. While you will wish you had more time at the conclusion of any length trip in Gatlinburg, 48 hours provides enough to have experiences that you will never forget. Look below to find out about the top Gatlinburg TN activities to make the most of your time in town.
Your First 24
As every day should begin in Gatlinburg, start as early as possible with a cup of coffee at one of the town’s charming cafes like Morning Mist Café. Then you should be ready for the short trek into the Great Smoky Mountains, where you can take advantage of endless hiking. A great option for a fun and beautiful trail is the Forney Ridge Trail, which leads to the area’s highest summit in Clingman’s Dome. Bringing your own picnic is always encouraged as nothing beats a meal with loved ones in one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. If you still crave adventure, take the drive to Cades Cove. This secluded valley provides the best views throughout the Smoky Mountains.
After exploring this national park, head back to town for an amazing dinner. When you are in Gatlinburg, you need to make it a point to have some of the world-famous trout from the area. This is the perfect activity for dinner on your first day in town. Find some of the best trout in town at restaurants in town like the Peddler Steakhouse.
The Second 24
After spending the first day exploring the beautiful wilderness, it is time to find some treasures throughout town. You can find endless fun ways to spend a day here regardless of what you are interested in. Perhaps you can start out with the museum circuit, some of the best of which are Ripley’s Aquarium, Alcatraz East, and the Titanic Museum. Then you can move on to find endless shopping, specifically if you are looking to admire some amazing local products and crafts. For the grand finale, check out one of town’s great amusement parks that endlessly line the Main Parkway. Dollywood is a must-visit along this bustling road. This is one of the top Gatlinburg TN activities to explore!
Find a Cozy Place in Between Gatlinburg TN Activities
With so many adventures throughout the area, it is so important to find a place to stay that will provide the sweet rest that you need to be spry in the morning. Finding the perfect place should not be a problem, especially when you trust the experts at The Cabin Rental Store. As the most prominent vacation rental company in Gatlinburg, we provide an unparalleled selection of cabins for rent. Whether you are looking for a massive cabin in the woods or a romantic single bedroom getaway, you can find beautiful accommodations in all shapes and sizes. Contact us today and find the vacation rental of your dreams and to learn more about Gatlinburg TN activities!
From bowling to magical adventures, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do when it gets a little too hot to be outdoors here in Gatlinburg! If you’re looking to keep cool on your next trip to the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, here are a few things to do in Gatlinburg to keep in mind:
Gatlinburg Community Center
If you’re looking to beat the heat this summer in Gatlinburg, then there are few better cooler places you can find by heading down to the Gatlinburg Community Center! Located right in the heart of Gatlinburg, the Community Center is a 52,000 square foot facility that offers something fun for everyone! An indoor swimming pool, bowling center, large fitness area, racquetball courts… you name it, they have it. The Gatlinburg Community Center truly can be fun for the entire family and is a great way to spend a day indoors and keep cool.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Highly rated as one of the best family attractions in all of Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect day adventure! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to a wide variety of ocean and marine life for you to discover, including sharks, manta rays, penguins, and so much more! Uncover the mysteries of the coral reef from the Indo-Pacific Ocean, or get up close and personal with the ocean’s most terrifying predators at the shark lagoon… the choice is yours! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an amazing day adventure that is both educational and exciting for the whole family.
MagiQuest
Want something a little different for the kids to enjoy? Then take a trip up the road to Pigeon Forge and visit MagiQuest: the interactive and live-action role-playing game! MagiQuest puts players right in the heart of a magical fantasy land and gives them the power of true sorcerers and witches (with real magic wands too!). There are three different adventures to embark on, and each will have players combining their new magical powers with their resourcefulness to solve the mysteries of the game. MagiQuest is the perfect day adventure for kids of all ages, and is a great way to keep cool and have fun!
Whether you decide to explore the depths of the oceans with sharks or solve the mysteries of a magical world, make sure that on your next Gatlinburg vacation you reserve one of the Cabin Rental’s Store’s properties to come home to! The Cabin Rental Store has a number of amazing rental properties all throughout the Gatlinburg area, and there’s no better place to recharge your batteries and relax after a long day of exploring everything the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer. So, don’t wait – contact us to make your reservation and to learn more about things to do in Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg is widely known for a few different things: A frontiersman’s paradise, the Gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains… but even to the hardiest of travelers Gatlinburg still holds a number of secrets! Here are 5 things you didn’t know about Gatlinburg:
We’re Home to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies!
One of Gatlinburg’s biggest and best attractions is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a multi-level located right in downtown that is home a coral reef, ray bay, sharks, and more! But did you know that with Ripley’s Aquarium in town, humans actually aren’t the most populous species in Gatlinburg? There are over 10,000 different sea creatures that live within the aquarium while there are only about 4,000 permanent residents of Gatlinburg, and it’s just all the more reason why you need to check out Ripley’s!
Gatlinburg May Be Old, but its First Cabin Still Stands Proudly!
One thing that you may know about Gatlinburg is that we have a deep history that stretches back centuries (to the early 1800’s), but what you may not know is that Gatlinburg’s very first log cabin is still standing to this very day! Known as the Ogle Cabin, you can feel free to check it out anytime at its location at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.
Gatlinburg is Home to Tennessee’s First Pancake House
Ask any resident of this great town what the city’s most popular food is, and you’ll be certain that 9 times of ten you’ll hear pancakes. Breakfast and pancake restaurants may be all the rage today, but a few decades ago there were simply none to be found in all of Tennessee! That all changed in 1960 with the opening of the Pancake Pantry, Tennessee’s first pancake house located right here in Gatlinburg, and they are still serving some of the most delicious flapjacks in the Great Smokey Mountains to this day!
A History of Incredible Artists and Craftsman!
One of the best kept secrets about the town of Gatlinburg is that we are home to one of largest groups of crafters and artisans in all of the US, and we take great pride in our history and tradition in the arts! If you visit the Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail here in town you’ll find a number of amazing painters, jewelers, and more along the 8 mile loop. It’s a must see here in town!
Gatlinburg is Home to Tennessee’s Only Ski Resort
Every year during the wintertime the Great Smokey Mountains truly turn into a winter wonderland, and fresh light powder covers the forests and mountains to create a scene that is truly breathtaking. But snow also means something else: snowboarding… skiing… fun! Well if you’re looking to enjoy the snow and shred the slopes, Gatlinburg is the only place in all of Tennessee with a ski resort!
Whether you’re looking to check out Ripley’s Aquarium or hit the slopes while in Gatlinburg, one thing’s for certain: you’re going to want to reserve a spot with the Cabin Rental Store! The Cabin Rental Store is the premier property rental company in all of Gatlinburg, and we’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for you in town regardless of size you need or time of year you plan to visit! So don’t wait, check out all of the amazing properties we have available for you right now!
There are few places in the United States that celebrate the 4th of July better than here in Gatlinburg, where we make sure that our celebration is not only the first but also the most memorable! Here’s how you can have an unforgettable Gatlinburg 4th of July!
The Very First Independence Day Parade in the Nation!
There are few towns in all of America that take more pride in their country than Gatlinburg, and on the Gatlingburg 4th of July every single year, we make sure to show it! How? By being the first town in the country to celebrate of course! For over 40 years Gatlinburg has kicked off the 4th of July for the rest of America by hosting the very first Independence Day Parade, literally, at 12:01 AM! The parade route runs from the traffic light at #1A on East Parkway and through downtown, and the parade proudly honors our nation’s veterans and the freedom they’ve provided us with their sacrifice. This is a small-town American parade with big heart, and something you need to make sure to experience to make your day complete!
Cap off the Night with the Gatlinburg 4th of July Fireworks Finale
We make sure that the Gatlingburg 4th of July not only starts with a bang, but also ends with a bigger one! This year the town of Gatlinburg will be hosting their annual Gatlinburg Fireworks Finale, which is by far the best fireworks extravaganza you’ll find in all of Tennessee! With the Great Smoky Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop, at 10 PM the skies above Gatlinburg will ignite with a fireworks show that is simply breathtaking. You’ll want to make sure to claim your spot to get the best views early, and the best viewing areas are around traffic lights #3 and #5.
It’s certainly true: Nobody in the Great Smoky Mountains region does 4th of July better than Gatlinburg, and if you’re planning on spending your holiday this year here with us, there is no better place to stay than with The Cabin Rental Store! The Cabin Rental Store is the premier property rental company in all of Gatlinburg, and we have a number of amazing properties available all throughout town that are ready for you to rent right now! No matter what size home you may need, you can be confident that The Cabin Rental Store will exceed expectations. So don’t wait: Check out all of the amazing properties we have available and secure your spot today!
Being settled right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does certainly have its advantages, and the area of Gatlinburg takes advantage of this wholeheartedly! With the great outdoors right at its doorstep, there are a number of incredible activities available in Gatlinburg for those looking to get out and explore, as well as those looking for fun things to do to help stay in shape! With that in mind here are the top five Gatlinburg activities you need to partake in if you’re looking to stay fit the next time you visit.
Plenty of Hiking Trails to Explore!
One of the greatest features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that it is home to well over 800 miles of hiking trails, featuring some of the most picturesque natural beauty as your reward! Because there are so many different trails winding throughout the park, it is guaranteed that you’ll find one that’s perfect for whatever group you’re traveling with, from short beginning treks to the more adventurous 13+ mile hikes!
Or Jump on a Bike!
If that all sounds good to you but you’re looking for Gatlinburg activities that offer a little more high-octane for your workout, then feel free to jump on a bike and explore! Many of the trails in the park are open for bikes; there are some areas that don’t allow bikes, so make sure to check first! One that we would highly recommend is the Cades Cove Loop Road, which is an 11-mile trail through lush valleys, mountains, and more!
Experience a Rush with Whitewater Rafting
If you’re looking for a workout and adrenaline rush all wrapped up in one fantastic package, look no further than whitewater rafting! Pigeon River is the place to go for whitewater rafting, and the upper river is definitely a rollercoaster ride to say the least. You’ll get one heck of a workout while at the same time be making memories on your vacation that will last a lifetime!
Take a Stroll down the Arts and Crafts Trail
One of the best kept secrets about Gatlinburg is its incredible history of art and culture, and this has been perfectly preserved with the Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Gatlinburg is home to a number of incredible artisans who paint, sew, whittle, and much more, and thus one of the main attractions of the town is the 8-mile loop that will help you discover all of it and more! If you’re an avid art fan looking to stay in shape on your next trip to Gatlinburg, slip on a pair of comfy shoes and hit the trail!
Once the Powder Falls, the Gatlinburg Activities List Changes
If you decide to visit the Gatlinburg area during the wintertime, you’re in luck, as once the snow begins to fall, the place turns into an outdoor sports wonderland and the list of Gatlinburg activities to stay fit changes! The Great Smoky Mountains experience a good amount of snow every year and this turns many of the surrounding areas into the perfect place to hit the slopes by skis or snowboard; both of these Gatlinburg activities can be incredible workouts and great ways to help stay fit! Book your stay in a cozy cabin today and start planning your vacation.
Wrapped in the pristine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN, is one of the most scenic places in the entire country. Visitors here are treated to year-round displays of breathtaking natural beauty, from the snow-capped peaks of winter to the explosion of wildflowers in the spring and warm summer months, to the scintillating hues of autumn. While you will be immersed in this beauty during you stay at the luxury cabins of The Cabin Rental Store, if you want to seek out the best views the area has to offer, these are the top Gatlinburg views you won’t want to miss!
Ticket to Ride
Departing from downtown Gatlinburg, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway offers a ride with a view. This cable car winds over the wooded slopes of Mt. Harrison as it climbs to the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. For 2.1 miles you are treated to stunning Gatlinburg views of the rolling foothills, deep verdant forests, and the dusky purple and orange clouds of sunset. For a real treat, make the journey in the height of fall and watch as the vibrant foliage whisks by beneath your feet. Another option in downtown Gatlinburg is the Space Needle which transports guests to the observation deck 407 feet up and affords panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
A Drive Back in Time
Explore the plains of the pioneers with a scenic drive along the 11-mile one-way loop road through Cades Cove. One of the few grassland valleys in the National Park, here the woods give way to amber fields of grain stretching beneath the gentle gaze of the towering peaks above. The vistas are incredible and your journey will allow you to visit historical buildings from the 19th century. If you can tear your eyes away from the mountains, keep them peeled for the abundant wildlife that frolic here, from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys to black bears.
Such Great Heights for the Best Gatlinburg Views
For the best vertical vantage points, pack in the car and drive to the top of the highest peak in Tennessee, Clingman’s Dome. A steep paved path takes you to the observation tower and its 6,643-foot elevation. Here you will have sweeping panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, with maximum visibility over 100 miles on a clear day. Afterwards, continue to Gatlinburg Scenic Overview just off the Gatlinburg Bypass. On the face of Mt. LeConte at 6,593 feet it is almost exactly one mile above the city of Gatlinburg directly below. The Gatlinburg views here are stunning and not to be missed.
No matter which vacation cabin you choose from The Cabin Rental Store, you will have convenient access to these beautiful views and much, much more. Here the beauty of nature is all around you, never out of reach and always there to remind you why you chose to visit this very beautiful and very special place.
With beautiful scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for a relaxing family vacation. With a wide array of Gatlinburg kid activities, entertainment, there is no shortage of sights to see and adventures to discover. From your Cabin Rental Store luxury cabin nestled in the stunning Smoky Mountains, you have the perfect jumping off point for everything Gatlinburg and the greater area has to offer.
Thrills and Chills
If you’re looking for adventurous Gatlinburg kid activities, be sure to visit any of the adventure parks that call the Smokies home. At Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster (306 Parkway Dr.) you control your own speed on a one or two-person cart as you barrel down the mountain on an elevated track that winds through the thick forest. At Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park (386 Parkway Dr.) you can get a different thrill, hanging suspending in air beneath a single-rail glider coaster that simulates the rush of hang gliding over the forested slopes below. Both are fun for kids of all ages and open seven days a week.
For a different kind of scare, take your loved ones on a haunted tour with Appalachian Ghostwalks and learn about the mysteries and spooky folk lore of the area’s Native Americans and first European settlers. You can also take a self-guided tour of the Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg where you make your way through three-stories of haunted halls, secret passages, and macabre rooms.
The Unusual and The Absurd
We can all think our family is a little strange at times, so if you need a good reference point why not visit the bizarre, surreal, and fantastical halls of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze and Candy Factory. From exhibits of the truly strange to the area’s #1 haunted house to just a funhouse maze with humorous twists and turns (and a candy factory at the end), these three locations offer fun for all ages. You can also check out the Guinness World Records Adventure for more of the world’s “best,” take on an escape room in one of the numerous new adventure rooms, or try a round of miniature golf at Hillbilly Golf or Gatlin’s Mini Golf.
Enjoy Free Gatlinburg Kid Activities in the Great Outdoors
Of course, the main attraction here is the majestic Smoky Mountains. Whether your Gatlinburg kid activities list includes hiking, viewing them by air from the Space Needle or aboard the Gatlinburg Sky Lift or the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, hit the ski slopes in the winter, or raft the crystal-clear rivers on a trip with the fantastic guides at Nantahala Outdoor Center, a day – or a week – spent in the mountains with your family is the stuff lifelong memories are made of. In the event you need to head indoors to explore the great outdoors, Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies was voted one of America’s 10 best for 2017.
No matter how you and your family choose to spend your time exploring our beautiful Smokies, you’ll find plenty to do and lots of fun to be had. Best of all, everything is conveniently located near your luxurious cabin rental, meaning your “home” is never far from the excitement. We will see you soon!
Gatlinburg is a special place for many couples-it’s a place of memories, of new experiences and old memories, and of special nights spent together. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the United States for destination weddings. So, why not share in the sentiments and head to Gatlinburg for Valentine’s Day? There’s plenty of traditional ways to make your Valentine’s Day Gatlinburg special, plus a few places to go that’ll set your romantic getaway apart from all your others!
Get Rejuvenated
Feel young again for your day together with a massage-a spot like Fox Place Salon and Spa or About You Salon and Day Spa are great ways to start your day. Nothing will put you in a better mood than the special treatment you’ll receive at a spa!
Romantic Meals
Go out for a delicious meal in dim lights and enjoy two of humankind’s oldest pleasures: good food and the company of a loved one. A place like The Peddler Steakhouse, Greenbrier Restaurant, or the Wild Plum Tea Room will be perfect for a nice evening out.
The Right Gift
What would Valentine’s Day Gatlinburg be without a bouquet? Find the perfect one by stopping by Flowers of Gatlinburg, Cupid’s Petals Florist, or Little Pigeon Florist (in Pigeon Forge) to find the perfect expression of your feelings, from bright, giddy yellows to serious, devoted violets. Have fun simply browsing the store together and marveling at the shapes and shades before deciding what you want.
Or, if your budget’s a little bigger, do the same thing with something longer-lasting! There are a whole host of jewelers in Gatlinburg, especially up and down Highway 441. Lavi’s Jewelry, Myrick’s Jewelry, Angelic Whispers, Silver Tree Inc., and more are chock-full of dazzling delights for your darling. Browsing is half the fun-the rest comes as you savor your new treasure and souvenir for the rest of your days.
Special Sights in Gatlinburg
To set your vacation apart from all your other Valentine’s Days, head to one of Gatlinburg’s tourist attractions for an experience you can only get here. Marvel at the fantastic sea creatures of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or take some pictures with the old-style architecture of downtown Gatlinburg.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gatlinburg Getaway Start with a Luxurious Vacation Rental
If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day Gatlinburg vacation rental, The Cabin Rental Store has something for you. With everything from 1-bedroom cabins for honeymooners to 14-room cabins for family reunions, each property is clean, gorgeous, and welcoming. Don’t confine yourself to a hotel room for your getaway-contact our reservation team instead and enjoy a charming rental cabin!
A new year is quite exciting. The future ahead looms bright and promising ahead of you, and even if everything went wrong in 2017, you have a chance to repair it in 2018. Be positive, only happy times and good luck awaits you! Realistically, we know that this is probably not the case, but starting out the new year in a new place is a good way to start the good times, and there’s no better place to celebrate all that is new than by starting 2018 in Gatlinburg, home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cabin Rental Store, and the best adventure 2018 will bring!
The Future is So Bright
Gatlinburg offers plenty of things to do, from our exciting museums and tours to premium shopping and dining. You can also hit the mountains during winter to enjoy a day of sliding down the slopes—we mean skiing, of course! After a day of shredding through the snow, a warm beverage and warmer fire will sound quite nice; head to one of the local pubs for a cold beer or toasty cup of hot chocolate and relax. This vacation is sure to be special!
Quiet Times for the Best Memories
Not everyone enjoys raucous music and playing chicken on the roads against drivers who may or may not have been tasting a little too much moonshine, and if you’re the ones who enjoy a quiet evening at home, there’s no place better to celebrate than right here in one of our cozy cabins. Chilly nights are the perfect time for a roaring fire. A night of games, beverages, and music in one of our cozy cabins can make this night the best you’ve ever experienced.
2018 is Going to Be Your Year
As time passes and we age (gracefully, of course!), we begin to realize what the important things in life are: friends, family, and happy moments spent with both. Add to your unforgettable memory bank with a stay in one of our cozy cabins and start 2018 in Gatlinburg the right way—with love, laughter, and family. Reserve yours today!