You have been cooped up in the house for a long time and you are ready to plan a fantastic family vacation in Gatlinburg. There are so many things to do here that planning your trip can be a bit overwhelming. The Cabin Rental Store can provide the perfect accommodations for your trip, no matter if you are a solo traveler, a family of four, or a family reunion party of 20. This helpful one-week guide will show you all the places to go and all of the things to do in Gatlinburg in Summer and fall when you visit The Gateway to the Smokies!
On Arrival
You’re here! After the drive up the mountain, you will be ready for some lunch. As you drive through town you will notice plenty of eateries and wonder which one you should try. It is always best to start with a simple place that the locals love. You won’t want to miss a meal at Tennessee Jed’s, a fun local diner. You can dine outside and watch the crowds go by as you munch on the spicy Frito pie or enjoy a slab of the Quiche of the Day. They are known for their delicious brown butter cakes that come sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Once you have finished eating, you can head up to your fabulous cabin to relax and unwind. You will find that our cabins have a classic, rustic look on the outside but are loaded with modern amenities on the inside. When you walk through the doors of your cabin, you will find that it has been thoughtfully furnished and tastefully appointed with local artwork. The living areas have cozy sofas and chairs where you can sit and watch a movie on your flat-screen television. Some living rooms even come stocked with board games.
Hiking on the Rainbow Falls Trail
Once you are settled into your cabin, it is time for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. No trip would be complete without a hike to Rainbow Falls. The trail is 5.1 miles out and back. It is considered of moderate difficulty and features rock steps and log steps. It is a beautiful journey where you will see breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys and of course the waterfall itself.
Time for Dinner
By now you should have worked up an appetite for dinner. There are plenty of delivery services that can bring a pizza to your cabin door. You may want to try Luigi’s Pizzeria. They have huge pies and hearty pasta dishes that are perfect to enjoy at the end of the day.
Finally, it will be time to retire to your bedroom. Our bedrooms feature comfortable beds with ergonomic mattresses and fine bedding. You will always have television and many of the rooms come with their own balconies.
Day Two: The Farmer’s Market, Arts & Crafts, and More!
Although it may be hard to get out of your comfy bed early in the morning, you will not want to miss the Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market. You can grab a cup of coffee and a muffin and shop around for some fresh produce to take back to the cabin. You will want to buy a jar or two of the region’s famous sourwood honey to take back to your friends at home.
Next up, be sure to visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail! This 8-mile trail is on the outskirts of town, and you will find some of the most famous artists in the world practicing their craft here. The town boasts the largest community of independent artists in the United States. Shops line the Scenic Trail, and you are welcome to stop and watch the artists work or go into the shop to ask any questions that you might have. You can buy some very unique souvenirs here. You will also find plenty of food to munch on along the way.
You can drive and get out at each section, or you can take the trolley. You may find actors from local dinner theaters reenacting historical events along the way. A family can easily spend the whole afternoon exploring the handmade pottery, baskets, handmade brooms, and other artwork you will find here; it’s one of the best Gatlinburg Fall activities!
It will be evening by the time you finish traveling around the Arts Trail, and it will be time to go back to the cabin to cook some of the food you bought at the Farmer’s Market. You can cook veggies or make a big salad in the state-of-the-art kitchen. You will find a full set of dishes in the cabinets, as well as all the pots and pans you will ever need. When you step out into your backyard, you will find a grill and picnic table. Cleanup is easy with the high-speed dishwashers that most cabins have. You can post pictures of your trip on social media using the high-speed internet we provide.
Day 3: Museums
The best part of vacation is being able to sleep in and have a big breakfast. There are many great restaurants in town, but there is one place that no tourist in Gatlinburg should miss: Crockett’s Breakfast Camp! You will find this theme restaurant in a rustic cabin. It offers several classic Southern dishes. You will also find plenty of hearty breakfasts from the griddle such as Aretha Frankenstein’s thick pancakes and the healthy mountain waffle that contains granola and is topped with fresh strawberries.
After breakfast, it’s time to explore some of Gatlinburg’s lesser-known museums. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is one of the more unique offerings in the area. You may think of a salt or pepper shaker as merely any device used to dispense a spice; however, once you visit this unusual museum, you will see that they are actually works of art! The museum is located in Winery Square and features everything from animal shakers to those that are in the likeness of celebrities. The $3 price of admission actually goes towards any salt shaker that is in the gift shop. You can even get a spooky salt and pepper shaker in the shape of a tombstone.
Next up, head to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum for a look at some iconic vehicles! Muscle cars are an important part of Americana and an integral part of Southern culture. This museum features the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard” and both the television and silver screen version of the Batmobile. You will even see the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” here.
After you’ve worked up an appetite walking around these fascinating museums, it’s time to treat yourself to an upscale meal at the Red Oak Bistro. This elegant eatery is the perfect place to decompress in the evening. Its European fare is accompanied by top-shelf liquors and a selection of fine wines. The menu changes from time to time, but the big draw is the small plates, which include a Beet Napoleon with goat cheese, a cheese plate with gorgonzola, walnuts, and honey, and delicious tiramisu.
Day 4: Tourist Spots You Won’t Want to Miss
It’s time to hit all the top tourist spots that draw millions to the area, such as Ober Gatlinburg. The tramway will give you a fabulous view of the Smokies and the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. When you get to the top, you will discover a plethora of fun activities. There is an alpine slide, mini-golf, and a summer tubing run (one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg in Summer. There are also chair swings and a carousel. There is a ski mountain coaster that you can ride if you buy a premium pass.
You will find plenty of food to eat at Ober Gatlinburg. Seasons of Ober is located where the tram lets off. It has an amazing view. The menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarians and those on a diet. The Lounge Loft serves up all the libations you could ask for and the Sidewalk Cafe has big pizzas and sandwiches to sate the heartiest of appetites.
It’s also the perfect time to visit an amusement park. It won’t be too crowded mid-week, so you will not have to fret over standing in long lines. Grab a donut and coffee at the Donut Friar and head to Pigeon Forge for a day at Dollywood! Dolly Parton is everyone’s favorite celebrity. She helped get us out of the pandemic, and a day at her park is the perfect place for family fun. You can ride a traditional wooden roller coaster or take a swing on the Barnstormer. They have some great food at the park and are famous for their cinnamon bread. Red’s Diner is another big draw for those who like 50s-themed restaurants. If you would rather just have a great big dinner, go to Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater. The show changes with the seasons, but it’s always fun for all ages, and you always get a four-course meal.
Day 5: Downtown Gatlinburg Adventures
Have a nice relaxing breakfast in your cabin and get ready to explore downtown Gatlinburg! You will want to start with one of the town’s most popular museums, Ripley’s Odditorium. If you love strange things and interesting facts, you will love this place. You will find a car that is enveloped in crystals and a portrait of the Last Supper that is made of lint. You will see genuine shrunken heads, an iron maiden torture device, and a Buddha statue made out of million-dollar bills.
When it is time to eat, you can head over to one of the best bars and grills in town, Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill. Whether you come here to watch a game or listen to live music, you will have some great food and cocktails at this place. They have standard Southern favorites such as cream corn fritters, pork rinds, and fried green tomatoes. They also have healthy fare like a mountain trail salad and a veggie wrap.
You can wrap up your night with a trip to the top of the Space Needle. This tribute to the famed Seattle structure is open late and offers a view of the town all lit up. You can also play games at their old-school arcade.
Ending Your Trip in Style
It is your last day in town, and it is time to enjoy your cabin to the fullest! We can find you a place with a pool where you and the kids can take a nice refreshing dip. We have properties with tennis courts where you can get to know your neighbors over a friendly game. You can relax in your hot tub with a cocktail as you look up at the stars and think about this truly remarkable week. No matter your needs, you’re sure to find a property with the amenities you desire. Our beautiful homes go fast, so give us a call today to book the ultimate Gatlinburg getaway!
