If you are wondering what to do in Gatlinburg, this guide will show you how to pack the most in your stay and spend a unique weekend one of its kind in Gatlinburg.
Friday Evening
Weekend in Gatlinburg
Start by checking into their 72 Hour Old Creek Lodge in Gatlinburg, a boutique hotel offering country-style quarters. Not only does Old Creek Lodge have great views and an outdoor pool, but it’s also conveniently located on a trolley driveway and within walking distance of some of the area’s major attractions.
After check-in, take a walk for mouth-watering food at Bennett’s Pitt BBQ, a local landmark that’s just a 2-minute walk from your hotel. Bennett’s has been slinging authentic Tennessee-style dishes for more than 25 years, and their slow-smoked pork shoulder and deep-fried pickle chips offer a classic taste of the South.
After dinner, kick back and take in some of the local nightlife. Smoky Mountain Brewery is only a 5-minute walk from the road, and its lodge-style vibe and mountain backdrop make it the perfect place to sample some suds. The brewery offers a range of premier beers, as well as karaoke and trivia nights.
Saturday Morning
Weekend in Gatlinburg
Start your Saturday morning with a cup of fresh java at Coffee & Co., a delightful cafe that offers unique flavors like snickerdoodle cookies and crme brlée. Once you’re fully awake, take a 12-minute stroll to Breakfast Camp at Crockett’s, a Frontier-inspired restaurant serving buckwheat grilled cakes and zesty huevos rancheros.
Explore the wonders of the country’s most visited national park, Smoky Mountain National Park, with a hearty breakfast. A drive along the Newfound Gap Road will offer plenty of jaw-dropping views and photo-worthy vistas, but if you want to get up close and personal with nature, trek to the impressive falls at Ramsey Cascades, or along with Okonalufti Plan a wildflower walk. River trail.
Lunchtime calls for a change of pace, and the Austrian-inspired Wild Plum Tea Room offers just that. Although the funky lunchtime restaurant can get quite busy, their lobster pie, wild plum tea, and charming al fresco dining area are well worth the wait.
Weekend in Gatlinburg
Saturday Evening
No visit to Gatlinburg is complete without diving into its local lore, and Ghost and Haunt Tours of Gatlinburg presents history with a supernatural twist: Tags to let down on Gatlinburg’s infamous witch. Or, if you prefer to wiggle the tail feathers instead of the rattles of chains, take a step towards the Hog’s Upstairs Tavern. Originally a sports bar, Hogs has a lively happy hour, and dancing at the bar has become a tradition.
After showing off your best moves at Hog’s Bar, continue on Saturday nights with a tempting dinner and margaritas at Loco Burro, a Tex-Mex restaurant with a reindeer bronco, DJs, and live music on the rooftop patio. Loco Burro not only makes a great taco pizza, but it’s also perfect for people watching.
Sunday Morning
There’s no bedtime on a Sunday morning because you only have 24 hours left in Gatlinburg. The city doesn’t serve half-and-half breakfasts, so round out your early meal with a full stack of pecans or peanut butter pancakes at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin.
You can round out your fabulous breakfast with a shopping trip around the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop that is home to the largest collection of independent artists in America. Pick up the perfect handmade souvenir, and then make your way to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Ripley will bring you face-to-face with 12-foot sharks, and you can even swim with stingrays.
Weekend in Gatlinburg
Parton’s Deli has been beloved by locals for 42 years, so swing by for lunch to see what the hubbub is all about. It’s an old-school, family-run place with a simple menu, but behind its laid-back exterior, you’ll find some of the best chili dogs and steamed sandwiches.
Sunday Evening
On Sunday nights, end your Gatlinburg visit with a bang by catching one of its famous shows. Once the domain of kitschy comedy and country crooners, Gatlinburg’s stages are now home to a wide array of eclectic entertainment. Music lovers can walk over to Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, while those wanting a more magical experience should head to the Iris Theatre, a downtown locale offering a show full of “magic, mind-reading, and mayhem.” The Iris Gatlinburg is located at the Space Needle, so you can head to the top for some breathtaking views of the city lights.
Weekend in Gatlinburg
If you want to continue entertaining over dinner, stop by the Crystal Creek Restaurant and Grill, a romantic venue that serves first-class Italian cuisine and melt-in-the-mouth smoked ribs. Crystal Creek hosts nightly live entertainment, and you can enjoy a romantic creek-side meal with views of the beautiful gardens, koi pond, and illuminated trees.
With its fascinating mix of old-timey Americana, Appalachian history, and stunning natural beauty, Gatlinburg is a must-see destination. Book a Weekend in Gatlinburg today!
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