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!
A Gatlinburg cabin is the perfect place for Christmas, with toasty fireplaces and frost on the rooftops. For even more holiday cheer though, head out to some of these exciting Gatlinburg Christmas events that herald the coming of Christmas and the New Year:
Ski Season Begins!
Ober Gatlinburg is the city’s own amusement park—and it becomes all the more fun when the temperatures drop and snow starts to fall! Doubling as a ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg is the most popular place for winter sports, including snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. Mid-December marks the beginning of ski season, so why not buy yourself a present—maybe some lessons or a new pair of goggles?
Winterfest as Pigeon Forge
For one of the most fascinating Gatlinburg Christmas events, head over to Pigeon Forge to enjoy Winterfest, a light show that brings in over 5 million lights to create a winter wonderland for guests from across the region. However, Winterfest is more than just the lights—it also includes all the other ways that Pigeon Forge goes all-out for the holidays, including Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede’s holiday shows. Pigeon Forge is just 20 to 30 minutes away from Gatlinburg, so stop on by!
Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales
In December, each Friday and Saturday evening before the 25th brings out talented performers for Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. Singers and more, they bring out the holiday spirit with festive music and local tales. Head to the downtown Parkway and stroll along to hear their country-inspired takes on old favorites, and stop by a raconteur long enough for a laugh and a small lesson.
Gatlinburg Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
If you’re in town for Christmas, you may as well stay for New Year’s! The safest place in the mountains for a fun-filled fireworks bonanza is at the Space Needle—around 50,000 spectators are expected, so it will be quite the party! The party is free and entertainment will be there. There’s nothing like standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers as the crisp night sky is illuminated with bangs and bursts as everyone heads into 2018.
Enjoy all the Gatlinburg Christmas Events When You Stay with Cabin Rental Store
If you’ve started each year this decade in the same city, then switch things up and begin one in Gatlinburg! Enjoy all the Gatlinburg Christmas events and activities to make the most of your vacation. At the Cabin Rental Store, we can provide the perfect place for your holiday retreat, from one-bedroom cabins to fourteen-bedroom palaces, we’ll happily host you and yours for the holidays. Call us at 877-301-0776 to learn more about our offerings, or browse them yourself and find the perfect cabin for Christmas.
Looking for the best pizza in Gatlinburg? Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the place to be if you are looking to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a great place to call home in between your Smoky Mountain adventures because of its beauty, vibrant community, and amazing vacation rentals. But it is also one of the best places for miles to get a great bite to eat, especially if you are in the mood for pizza. Below is a short list of some of the greatest places to get an amazing slice of pizza and more!
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Smack dab in the middle of downtown, you will find the best pizza in Gatlinburg. There are many factors making the pizza here so delicious, but one of the most significant is the one of a kind, wood-burning brick oven in which all of the pizzas are cooked. When you pair this preparation with made-from-scratch dough and sauce, you have something special. Big Daddy’s is so committed to keeping things fresh that they do not even have a freezer in the restaurant.
New York Pizza & Pasta
This authentic pizza joint has made its way into the hearts of countless travelers and locals. When you pair the amazing food here with incredible prices, you have a place that is a pleasure to go to every time. As you would expect, everything here is prepared according to the sacred New York pizza traditions. There is something for everyone here, as you can get a monster of a carnivore special, while the vegetarian special is also amazing. This gem was dubbed the best pizza in Gatlinburg although it’s a pretty well-kept secret, as it is tucked away in an older shopping center in the Mountain Mall, but once you find it one time, you will never forget!
Cobbly Nob Pizza
This is a wonderful place to go if you are looking to take a short drive to the east of Gatlinburg along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park outskirts. The food is amazing, but the main thing that makes this place a must-visit is the small-town feel you get when you walk inside. This place is locally owned and operated, so it offers a much different experience than you can find at the resorts within Gatlinburg. The food is delicious, and it is always served with a smile!
After You Indulge in the Best Pizza in Gatlinburg…
Many people know of the classic things to love about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains area. Well, now you know where to find the best pizza in Gatlinburg. After a day of exploring the area and eating delicious food, recharge your batteries in one of our spacious and comfortable cabin rentals.
Being home for Thanksgiving is always a great time. But breaking from tradition and spending the holiday elsewhere can provide for some of the most memorable Thanksgiving festivities. If you are looking to do just that, then Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the place to do it. Not only is it a fun and beautiful place to take a vacation, it offers amazing opportunities, specifically during the Thanksgiving season. What follows is a short description of some of the reasons why you should choose a Gatlinburg Thanksgiving celebration in this amazing town in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Fun Events for Everyone
Regardless of when you visit, you can expect to find unique events that reflect the vibrant spirit of Gatlinburg. But this is especially true when Thanksgiving season rolls around. One of these must-attend events is the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show. You are sure to have never experienced anything quite like this, as it is unique to Gatlinburg as well as the holiday. This year from November 21st through the 26th, you can admire some of the most talented and respected artisans from around the Smoky Mountains. Not only can you enjoy endless works of art, but you can take them home with you.
Smoky Mountain Style Thanksgiving Dinner
If you do not know what “Smoky Mountain style” means when it comes to Thanksgiving, you are in for a real treat. The main aspects of a Gatlinburg Thanksgiving meal are the great portions and the quality and local ingredients. For one of the best takes on the classic Thanksgiving feast, visit The Old Mill. You can also enjoy amazing feasts at the Applewood Farmhouse and the Seasons of Ober Restaurant. In town, you will also find the best way to start Thanksgiving Day imaginable with a visit to Atrium Pancakes. Here, you will simply find the best pancakes you have ever had.
Endless Smoky Mountain Fun
While it is not specific to Thanksgiving, this time of year still gives you the opportunity to enjoy all of the things that have entranced visitors for decades. This starts with the incomparable beauty that surrounds Gatlinburg. But it extends to trolley tours of the charming town, amazing hikes through America’s most famous national Park, and so much more!
Stick Around after Your Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Celebration
While this list aims to inform you of the exciting things happening during a Gatlinburg Thanksgiving celebration, it does not nearly do justice to the opportunities that a Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving provides. In order to get a feel for the full scope of the amazing time that is to be had in Gatlinburg, you need to take the trip and fall in love yourself. With a Thanksgiving trip here, you are sure to make it a new holiday tradition, guaranteed! Book your stay in one of our cozy and charming rental cabins today!
After living a lifetime in one of the most perfect spots on Earth, we still learn new and amazing things about Gatlinburg nearly every day. In a city that is ever changing, even longtime residents take advantage of the tours that are offered, and we think you should, too! There’s no better way to get to know the city you’re visiting than riding along with experienced guides who can tell you the secrets that lie behind the beauty of the area. And because we care about our guests, we at the Cabin Rental Store have compiled this list of the most popular tours in Gatlinburg TN to allow you the opportunity to know our city better!
Slonina Photography Great Smoky Mountains Fall Photo Tour
Fall is such an incredibly beautiful time of year, and if you’re visiting during that time, you are going to want to take some pictures—ok, you’re going to want to take A LOT of pictures! Slonina Photography offers one of the best tours in Gatlinburg TN for photography aficionados. The tour that is also an instructional guide on how to take the best pictures, ensuring that all your vacations from here on out will be well documented!
Tennessee Mountain Tours
Offering a variety of local tours, the Roundabout Gatlinburg is the most comprehensive and popular tour of the town. Lasting about two hours, this tour gives you the history of our city while allowing you to visit the hot spots of today—and it includes snacks!
Scenic Helicopter Tours, 1965 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
For stunning helicopter tours in Gatlinburg TN, choose Scenic Helicopter tours. Surprisingly affordable, their tours offer a unique perspective to the beauty of the area. The shortest tours are 12 miles long, while the longest run for 100 miles, with prices rising accordingly.
A Walk in the Woods
Sometimes the best way to get to know a place is to just get out there and walk, and A Walk in the Woods allows you to do just that! Offering guided walking tours of the Smoky Mountains, you will come away from your tour with a new appreciation of the wonders of the area!
Smokey Mountain Outdoors, 453 Brookside Village Way
During the warm season, your tours can become the adventures you’ve always dreamed of having when you take a kayak tour of Gatlinburg along the Pigeon River. It’s man versus nature (with an experienced guide, of course) as you paddle along the waters, learning new skills as you gaze around you in wonder. There is no prettier place on Earth than Gatlinburg in the summer.
After a Day Filled with Tours in Gatlinburg TN…
Recharge your batteries after a day of tours in Gatlinburg TN and rest in a comfortable and chic cabin rental.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, has long been a popular tourist destination for many, many reasons. But you may not realize that the area is full of fun Gatlinburg facts.
All About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. This park is located just a few minutes from Gatlinburg and doesn’t charge an entrance fee. Another fun fact: The park is free due to an agreement between the federal government and the state of Tennessee, made when the park was enacted, that stipulated that the Newfound Gap Road remain toll free.
It was very important to the state government that the road be toll free, because they wanted to promote interstate travel between Tennessee and North Carolina. More than 80 years later, it is still free to enjoy all of the beautiful trails and scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Dollywood — Not to Be Missed!
Dolly Parton opened Dollywood in 1986. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is Tennessee’s most visited ticketed tourist attraction. In fact, many visitors to the area come for the very reason to visit this iconic attraction! Some even say it’s the Disneyland of the South!
Artificial Ski Slopes in Tennessee
The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the world’s biggest artificial ski surface. The cool thing about this is that the five-acre artificial surface allows people to ski all year round.
Run Out of Town
Before it was known as Gatlinburg, the town was known as White Oaks Flats. While many prominent families settled in the area, Radford Gatlin received the naming credits for his settlement efforts. However, Mr. Gatlin frequently feuded with his neighbors, and became despised for his Confederate sympathies in this pro-Union area. Subsequently, Gatlin was run out of town in 1859; however, the name “Gatlinburg” remained.
You Can Get There from Here
The Smoky Mountains are within a day’s drive of one-third of the United States. That’s probably why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park here is the most visited in the country!
At the Cabin Rental Store we are pleased to offer the very best in local vacation rentals. Additionally, we want to help visitors feel welcome to our area, so if you have any questions at all or would like to learn more about Gatlinburg facts, please contact us!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee and the surrounding area is a prime visitor destination during the autumn months. You can experience the changing colors on the Smoky Mountains and the crisp fall air. Whether you are here for just a few days or an extended stay, you will truly enjoy your visit. Columbus Day falls right in the middle of the fall season, making this holiday weekend a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg TN and see to make your vacation truly memorable.
Special Events to do in Gatlinburg
There are many events happening over this holiday weekend. Here’s a highlight on some that shouldn’t be missed:
October 2-31 — Brian Hoffman’s Remembering Red-A Tribute to Red Skelton
October 3 – 31 — Days of Elijah at the Biblical Times Dinner Theater
October 1 – 31 — Outbreak-Dread the Undead
Special Gatlinburg Things to Do
Visit the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, October 5-22, where you’ll find more than 200 booths offering some of the nation’s finest artisans and craftspeople. Enjoy demonstrations, musical entertainment and more!
October 1-31 brings the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival featuring a celebration of the fall harvest, crafts shows, and fall-themed displays.
Octoberfest runs the entire month and offers Bavarian style food, a beer garden, and live entertainment.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
This is a great way to start the weekend. Running on Oct. 7-8, adults and children will enjoy the challenge of catching those fish!
Take to the Links
October is a perfect time to get in some golf! Bent Creek Golf will let you enjoy the splendor of the great outdoors. You’ll play while surrounded by forests and serene beauty. You can even visit the nearby resort village of Bent Creek to do some shopping and browsing of artisan crafts and artwork.
Go Rafting
The Smoky River is a gorgeous spot to enjoy the autumn surroundings. And when you take a rafting adventure, you’ll be right in the center of the beauty. You can even find trips that will take you through some exciting whitewater!
Have a Day of Retail Therapy
There’s almost nothing better than an autumn day of shopping! You can find all sorts of great shopping opportunities including Tanger Outlets and the Cherokee Hills mall. You can find a terrific souvenir or that perfect pair of shoes, and everything in between!
If you want to know more about these great Gatlinburg things to do and attractions, just ask one of our team members at the Cabin Rental Store!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, featuring beautiful landscapes and seemingly endless adventure. However, the fun here goes well beyond the hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Throughout the year, Gatlinburg truly comes to life during its many festivals, celebrating the art and culture of the region and beyond on your next visit to Gatlinburg, you may want to consider planning your vacation during one of these top Gatlinburg festivals!
Festival of Nations at Dollywood
Gatlinburg has a rich culture of its own, but it also enjoys celebrating the diversity of the world! During the Festival of Nations, which takes place annually in March and April, Dollywood becomes host to top talent acts from all of the world. Over 25 countries participate and you can see performances from China, India, Australia, France, Uganda, and more! Not only with the performance awe and inspire, but you can also enjoy the food, music, and culture from these countries. You won’t find a festival like this anywhere!
Dollywood Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival
Summer kicks off in Dollywood with this annual festival celebrating good food and classic Southern music. Enjoy two weeks of amazingly talented musicians performing on 4 stages, combining for about 250 performances. In addition to the wonderful music, guests can expect to chow down on about 50,000 pounds of some of the best barbecue you’ll find anywhere. This is truly the quintessential Smoky Mountains experience!
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
For over 40 years, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair has gathered unique and talented artisan from all of the country. This semiannual event is held in both July and October, and is consistently voted one of the most popular events in the Southeast. There are about 200 booths at the event, with each artist hand selected by a jury process to not only ensure quality, but also diversity in the work. In between perusing the craft booths, enjoy live music. There is also a kid-friendly area so that the little ones can make crafts of their own. The Craftsmen’s Fair is a delightful, family friendly event!
Gatlinburg Festivals: Winter Magic
During the winter, the town of Gatlinburg becomes a wondrous place for its Winter Magic Festival! Just after Veteran’s Day in November, Gatlinburg commemorates the beginning of the festival with its annual public Chili Cook-Off! The fun continues throughout the season, with the lighting of the Christmas lights, a Christmas craft show, and a light parade through the city. The holiday has never been more magical than during the Winter Magic festival in Gatlinburg!
Contact us today to book one of our beautiful vacation rentals and to learn more about Gatlinburg’s upcoming festivals.
People often think of the western states of the U.S. when they are looking to enjoy lush forests and incredible mountains. But the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are some of the most awe inspiring and beautiful in the country. Nestled within this amazing wilderness is the quiet little town of Gatlinburg. While you can find endless fun and entertainment here, it really is one of the best places for a relaxing vacation. Here are some of the most relaxing Gatlinburg TN things to do.
Visit the Swimming Holes
There are countless amazing places to visit throughout the Gatlinburg area. You can find numerous swimming holes, each offering some unique and fun. You can find the perfect place for a swim along the banks of the Little Pidgeon River, at Metcalf Bottoms, and great spots along the countless creeks that surround the river. And you can even swim under a massive waterfall at Abrams Falls.
Hiking
You can find hundreds of miles of some of the most pristine hiking trails throughout Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There is so much to see out here, and there is sure to be a trail leading to what interests you the most. You may find one that winds through the valleys towards towering waterfalls. Another may send you along the shores of Little Pidgeon River. Whichever trail you decide on, is sure to show you a unique aspect of Gatlinburg’s beauty.
River Rafting on the Smoky River
While you can find some of the most exhilarating whitewater rafting in the country, you can also find some very relaxing rafting opportunities throughout some of the area’s most famous rivers. While the ride is smooth and enjoyable, it is hardly the best part of the journey, as the beauty that surrounds will be at the center of your attention.
Visit the Ski Area
Whether or not you are here during the snowfall, the ski area located next to the amusement park is an incredible place to visit. Here, you can enjoy a day relaxing on some of the park’s more casual rides, or take a slow gondola ride up one of the impressive peaks. There are numerous shops and eateries to pick from as well.
Visit the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Wherever you are in Gatlinburg, you are sure to have the opportunity to enjoy absolutely breathtaking views. But the renowned Gatlinburg scenic overlook is perhaps the best place to take it all in. From here, you can see the cozy little town of Gatlinburg set against towering mountains and lush forest. You can find the overlook on the Gatlinburg Bypass nestled in between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Gatlinburg Spur.
This list does not even begin to scratch the surface of the amazing collection of relaxing activities to love in Gatlinburg. While there are a wide variety of ways to spend a day in Gatlinburg, you can be sure that each of them will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Contact us today to book your next vacation rental and to learn more about Gatlinburg TN things to do.
As with any holiday, there’s something about Independence Day that brings out our over-indulging side—especially when it comes to food. If your pants are feeling a little tighter than you’d like after your Gatlinburg 4th of July festivities and you’re craving food that’s a little lighter, don’t fret; there are plenty of healthy restaurants in Gatlinburg TN to choose from!
Undo Your 4th of July Indulgence at These Healthy Restaurants in Gatlinburg TN
If you’re out and about in Gatlinburg and are looking for a healthy, flavorful lunch option, look no further than the café at Whole Earth Grocery. Serving lunch from 11:00am until 3:00pm on Monday through Saturday, this delightful café has a menu of refreshing juices and salads, wholesome wraps, and hearty sandwiches. Over half of the menu items come with gluten-free options and substitutions as well. Ingredients and products found in the café and grocery store are organic, locally-grown, and free of pesticides and hormones.
As a brewery specializing in pub fare, Smoky Mountain Brewery may seem like a surprising choice for healthy cuisine in Gatlinburg. However, their diverse menu offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, items, and substitutions. Try the Portobello mushroom melt or the vegan patty burger.
Housed within the historic Pigeon Forge Mill in nearby Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille offers mouth-watering lunch and dinner options every day of the week for those looking for best restaurants in Gatlinburg for a healthy bite to eat. Enjoy plates of quiche and fresh fruit, signature sandwiches like the grilled garden panini, crisp salads with strawberries and spinach, delightful grilled seafood, and more.
The Wild Plum Tea Room is a unique Gatlinburg lunch destination and the area’s only tea room. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am until 3:00pm, reservations for the Wild Plum Tea Room must be made at least a day in advance due to its quaint size (it’s located in a small historic house) and its immense popularity. Enjoy a rotating selection of soups and salads, as well as entrees like lobster pie, salmon burgers, and bison burgers, as well as salads and plates of fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese. Just don’t leave without trying their famous Wild Plum Tea, whether you like it hot or iced.
Another fantastic option for healthy eating is to head to the Gatlinburg Farmers Market, pick out your own fresh produce from local farmers, and cook up a healthy feast using the gourmet kitchen in the comfort of your cabin! The Gatlinburg Farmers Market takes place on every Saturday at 8:30am from late May through mid-October.
The Cabin Rental Store – Your Gatlinburg Vacation Experts
Contact our reservation specialists for further details on these healthy restaurants and other wonderful restaurants in Gatlinburg TN to check out during your stay in the Gatlinburg area when you book your lodgings with us today!