As much as we wish we could, we just cannot control the weather. If it happens to rain during your next vacation getaway to Gatlinburg, fret not, as the area has plenty of fun activities and attractions that can be done indoors. Hide out frhrom the rain with these exciting activities in Gatlinburg.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Aquarium
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is known for exciting and bizarre events featured in its shows and attractions. Ripley’s Aquarium is located in Gatlinburg, offering residents and locals a fun and unique attraction found nowhere else. This location features many exciting exhibits such as giant fish tanks, sharks, and even penguins. Throughout the year, Ripley’s Aquarium also features exciting events such as the Junior Aquarist Camp and the Sips & Sharks, a 21+ year old sleepover where you stay overnight at the aquarium for drinks and sharks. Many of these events sell out quickly throughout the year, so buy your tickets early!
Hit the Ole Smoky Moonshine
If you are traveling with a group of adults, you can easily spend your day tasting moonshine at local distillery Ole Smoky Moonshine. This local distillery featured the only legal moonshine back when it opened in 2010. Now Old Smoky Moonshine distributes all across the country. Try out a sample of one of their dozen or so of different moonshine varieties. The tasting room often features live music to keep you entertained as you sample the apple pie moonshine or the famous 100-proof. Don’t forget to schedule a rideshare in advance before you visit!
Hollywood Star Cars of Gatlinburg
Over the years, celebrities have shown off their beautiful and exotic motor vehicles before eventually selling them. At Hollywood Star Cars of Gatlinburg, a huge variety of celebrity vehicles have ended up in the museum. This local attraction features popular vehicles such as the Batmobile from the movie Batman Returns, General Lee from the movie The Dukes of Hazard, and even Herbie from The Love Bug. Come see all of these vehicles in person and even take a photo as you sit in the driver’s seat!
Book Your Stay in Gatlinburg
As you can see, there is still plenty of fun to be had when it rains here in Gatlinburg. Reserve one of our vacation rental cabins in the area for a stay like no other. Book today before your favorite rental is already reserved!
Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains feature nearly endless experiences to enjoy. Finding everything can be difficult on your own, so join a thrilling tour experience in the area! Many local tour agencies provide all kinds of tours to show you around the area. Here are some of our top tours in Gatlinburg:
Pink Adventure Tours
If you want to see the Smoky Mountains like never before, make sure you book a tour with Pink Adventure Tours. This local tour agency will take you out into the mountains on their eye-catching pink Jeeps. You will be taken on an off-road adventure onto private land so you can have all the fun without worrying about running into nearby hikers. The drivers will show you around specific areas with multiple trip options. Tours can be booked individually, or you can schedule your own private tour. You will have plenty of options with Pink Adventure Tours!
Smoky Mountain Adventure Tours
If you are looking to get a little more off trail than with a full-size Jeep, you can book an exhilarating 4×4 tour with Smoky Mountain Adventure Tours. You will be taken out into the Smoky Mountains on exciting UTV vehicles which offer a little bit more zoom on the twists and turns. Guided tours are approximately two hours in length and are just long enough to enjoy a thrill ride. Up to four riders can book at a time, and you can even drive the UTV yourself!
Tennessee Mountain Tours
Once you have had all the fun out on the trails, it may be time to sit back and relax with your favorite adult beverage. The Smoky Mountains has multiple local distilleries and wineries that produce local wines and spirits. You can book a tasting tour with Tennessee Mountain Tours where you can have a driver take you to three separate locations. Forget about driving responsibilities and try out all of the tasty beverages for which the area is known!
Book Your Gatlinburg Getaway Today
Seeing the sights around Gatlinburg is always better when you have someone to show you the way. Our vacation rentals and cabins will keep you comfortable in between each outing around Gatlinburg. Reserve your rental today!
Valentine’s Day can put a lot of pressure on a person, as you search for the perfect gift for your special Valentine. Never wanting to buy something too small, too large, too dull, or simply not romantic enough, this holiday can make or break even the strongest relationships. But if you’re looking for something that is always just right, a romantic getaway to Gatlinburg is ALWAYS the right gift, and this guide to the most romantic activities our mountain town has to offer will ensure your love’s eyes will sparkle like the stars in the night sky—which, conveniently, are visible from the back porch of one of our dreamy cabins!
A Toast to Her Beauty
This lovely woman you wake up next to each day of your life gets more beautiful every day, and what better way is there to toast her winsomeness than with a silky glass of wine? The Rocky Top Wine Trail offers five different wineries in which to make that toast and exploring them all will earn you a souvenir wine glass! Start with the Hillside Winery, then visit the Apple Barn Winery, the Apple Barn Cider House, Mountain Valley Winery, and finish off with your favorite red at the Mill Bridge Winery. With 70 wines to sample, your sweetheart will definitely know she is loved!
The View from Above on Your Getaway to Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit, and the view is even more romantic from above, making a helicopter tour from Scenic Helicopter Tours in Pigeon Forge the perfect choice! Featuring a variety of tours, including the humorous Upsy Downsy that allows you to get a taste of a helicopter flight without committing to something that may freak you out, these flights offer views that are almost as beautiful as your valentine!
Sweets for Your Sweet
Chocolates are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift, but a visit to the Chocolate Monkey chocolate store takes adds some extra sprinkles to the gift! Located at 702 Parkway and offering sweet treats such as chocolate covered cheesecake and caramel apples, your romance will get a boost when you share a few chocolate-covered strawberries!
An Affair of the Heart
The romance doesn’t have to end with the last sip of wine or last nibble of chocolate; your affair of the heart can continue with quiet moments in our Cabin Rental Store holiday escapes. Breakfast in bed, secrets shared by a roaring fire in the fireplace, and sunsets viewed with a glass of wine on the back patio are just a few examples of romantic moments you can expect in our cabins on your getaway to Gatlinburg. Reserve yours today!
The early part of the year can be a bit slow compared to the end of the previous year. The holidays are over, the weather is gray and cold, and most people have nothing to look forward to until it’s time for their annual summer vacation. But you are not like most people. You recognize the opportunity that comes with the earliest part of the new year, and you’ve come up with a plan to combat the blues. You, treasured guest, have chosen this early part of the new decade to visit Gatlinburg, knowing that you can count on us at The Cabin Rental Store to offer up some fun events to keep you entertained. And you were right! Following this guide to early 2020 events in Gatlinburg guarantees that you will be starting off the new year in the very best of ways!
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights, January 18th
Even if Christmas is over, it doesn’t mean that all the magic has left the mountains. The colorful lights look so pretty against the snow and mountain backdrop; we leave them up a little longer than you would expect, and you can see them all when you climb aboard our specially designed trolleys! Say one last hurrah for Christmas and enjoy the beauty without having to fight the crowds.
Winter Heritage Festival, January 24th and 25th
Winter in Gatlinburg is a special time for us, and we love to celebrate it with this special festival held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. For two days every year, you can learn all about the history of our unique hometown with presentations given by local historians. Discover the stories behind the scenes of Myer’s Cemetery, learn about the Cherokee presence in the area and how misguided settlers chased them away, and enjoy the sounds of two of our own singing the songs of the area. A cast iron lunch costing only $10 is offered on Saturday, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of the town; beans, greens, cornbread, cobbler, and a drink is what’s being served.
Rose Glen Festival, February 22nd
The Sevierville Convention Center, located at 202 Gist Creeks Road in Sevierville, plays host to an event we in Gatlinburg anxiously await each year. The pinch of Christmas shopping beyond our budgets has been forgotten and the joy of finding treasures both old and new gets our hearts beating faster! Antique stores, flea markets and local galleries come together to feature their best products in this exciting festival; guests who have visited before know to pack light and take advantage of the laundry rooms in our beautiful cabins, leaving plenty of room in their suitcases for the treasures found at the Rose Glen Festival!
Winter Wonderland and Events in Gatlinburg
The charming beauty of our luxurious cabins shines even brighter against the snowy landscape that is Gatlinburg in the winter. Reserve your stay with us today and enjoy these events in Gatlinburg!
Not all vacations are created equal, and your Gatlinburg getaway is proof! Offering the quiet, the exciting, and the unusual, every moment of your stay will be better than the one before it. And because we want our guests to have the time of their lives, our guide to not one, not two, but THREE unusual Gatlinburg activities and attractions in our favorite Tennessee town will ensure that this vacation is one you will never forget, and the words “I’m bored” will never be heard!
The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
Salt has gotten a bad reputation lately, and pepper is now the spice du jour, but once upon a time both spices were treated equally and given unique and unusual places in which to rest. The Salt & Pepper Shaker museum celebrates those golden days with its collection of over 20,000 sets gathered from all over the world! Featuring shakers of all forms—from apples to zebras—it’s a fun way to fill the extra minutes of your getaway. The attached store also lets you take replicas of your favorites home for your own table! Don’t miss one of the best Gatlinburg activities!
See the Synchronized Fireflies in the Smoky Mountains
Guests will have to wait until the second week in June to see this magical natural show (it’s never too soon to start planning next year’s summer escape!), but for two weeks the fireflies of the Smoky Mountains light up in perfect synchronicity for the enjoyment of all who watch. The scientific term for this performance is called coupled oscillation, but for us, when thousands of fireflies begin to blink on and off in perfect harmony, we just call it an amazing example of Mother Nature’s talents!
Llamas on the Trillium Gap Trail
A hike to the Grotto Falls is an awesome way to observe the wildlife in the area. From colorful birds to peaceful does and lovely llamas, all manage to find their way to the only waterfall in the Smokies that people can walk behind. Wait, did we just say LLAMAS? Of course we did, as they are used to bring supplies to the top of Mt. LeConte, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, they like to hang in the area; just don’t get too close, as they are prone to spitting when they feel threatened! This is one of the best Gatlinburg activities!
Gatlinburg Activities Unique in Their Beauty
Although you wouldn’t call our Cabin Rental Store cabins unusual, their unique beauty and charm make them the perfect addition to your Tennessee trip. Reserve yours today!
The Smoky Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in the world, teeming with opportunities for adventure. Here are a few must-see Gatlinburg shops and restaurants to check out while you’re in Gatlinburg this year:
The Old Mill General Store
Stop in to visit the Old Mill General Store, a favorite shopping destination for locals and tourists alike. At this authentic historic location, you’ll not only get to enjoy the sight of the mill, but you’ll find their famous pancake mix, homemade jams and jellies, and other signature Old Mill food products that can’t be found anywhere else. Every year over a million people visit the store and other Gatlinburg shops for these delicious goods.
Art Studio of the Smokies
There’s nothing more fulfilling than a good old-fashioned hands-on activity. Here at the Art Studio of the Smokies, you’ll create your own art! Host a whole party or plan an inventive date with your significant other; either way, you’ll have a blast with your art of choice, be it drawing, painting, pastels, multimedia, or even photography. This studio goes above and beyond to involve you in the art process, and they even offer lessons in their computer lab for newcomers to digital graphics if you want to try something new.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Spend your day strolling through the hundreds of booths and marvel at the handmade products lovingly crafted by artists that come to participate in the fair from all over the country, alongside local Gatlinburg shops. Soak up the rich and vibrant art scene, watch as artists demonstrate their talents for you right there at the fair, and take something special home with you! You’re bound to find a piece of art that speaks to you. There’s a Kid’s Corner in the summer, and live musical performances that cost nothing more than the ticket of entry, which is only $7 for adults, and children get in free!
Smoky Mountain Trout House
The Smoky Mountain Trout house has been operating since 1975 in a historic downtown building, so there’s no better place to experience the local cuisine and get your fill of that old-timey atmosphere we all adore. True to the name and logo boasting a colorful river trout, the crowning specialty here is the rainbow trout—farmed locally in the crystal waters of the Smokey Mountains, of course. You’ll find a rich menu here to go along with the famous trout, with daily entrée and drink specials to keep your wallet happy.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
As the oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee, this stop is a must when visiting Gatlinburg. This brewery has been around since the entire movement of U.S. craft beer was still getting off the ground, and as such, they entered the game ahead of the curve. Their beer recipes are unrivaled, and their story is the quintessential American dream of hard work for success. You can taste the love in every sip of beer, with unique brews like Cherokee Red Ale, Tuckaleechee Porter, and Mountain Light. While you’re here for the best beer in Tennessee, grab some homemade pizza fresh from the oven, a wood-roasted steak, or even a brewery souvenir to take home.
Great Gatlinburg Shops, Restaurants, and More
The Cabin Rental Store is your key to your dream vacation in a cabin destination. Experience Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains in all their beauty, with a luxury vacation cabin to return to once you’ve filled your days with the local art, food, and fun. Get in touch with us today for more information!
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!
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!
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.
Visiting Gatlinburg in the summer? Check out these ideas for staying cool below!
Swimming Holes
Take a dip in a cool mountain swimming hole! Gatlinburg is famous for its swimming and has plenty to go around. Try the Wye in Townsend, the River in Greenbrier, the Chimney Tops Trailhead or Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area; each swimming hole has its own unique flair. If you’re interested in higher elevation, try the Chimney Tops, or try Metcalf if you’re interested in having a picnic and a swim!
Gatlinburg Rides: Mountain Coaster
You’re probably thinking, “What is a mountain coaster?” Well, it is exactly what it sounds like: a roller coaster built in the mountainside! Gatlinburg is famous for them. Check out Ober Gatlinburg or Downtown Gatlinburg to find one! You’ll definitely stay cool as the wind blows against you on any of these fantastic Gatlinburg rides.
Visit a Water Fall
The Sinks, Abrams Falls, and Ramseys Cascades are just a few of the many natural waterfalls you can find in Gatlinburg. Not only will you be able to cool off in one of these locations, but you’ll get to marvel at the natural beauty found in Tennessee. So don’t miss out—take a dip into one of our waterfalls and experience nature’s air conditioner!
Newfound Gap Road
Take a little trip onto this road and discover cooler temperatures at the higher elevation points. Not only will you see incredible views from the peaks and ridges this road will take you to, but you’ll experience the almost a 10-degree difference in how cool the weather feels above the valley. It doesn’t get better than incredible views and cool, breezy weather.
National Parks
Some of our national parks have the most beautiful shaded areas around that will make beating the heat seem easy, even from outdoors! In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are plenty of shady places to enjoy, but what makes those spots more enjoyable are the streams and creeks that flow nearby. The mountain water creates a cooling effect on the forest that makes you feel you’re in a natural A/C. Stay cool while enjoy the beauty of this place!
Contact Us
We’d love to hear how we can support you during your stay here in Gatlinburg. Make sure you contact us today to book a stay with us and receive the best accommodation; we look forward to hearing from you!