If you plan to embark upon an exciting adventure with your family this year, look no further than Gatlinburg, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States.
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this small resort town has everything to give you an unforgettable experience. In 2022 alone, the Smokies were visited by more than 12 million tourists, and Gatlinburg serves as the perfect gateway to the Smokies. So, what’s stopping you from planning a Gatlinburg trip?
If you’re a first-time visitor, then this blog will share some insider insights with you. You can make your trip to this charming mountain city a memorable adventure by following the following simple suggestions:
- Travel during the off-season
If you don’t like crowds, you must pick the right time to vacation in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg isn’t as busy as usual in January, February, and March. You may call it Gatlinburg’s off-season even though the city’s simply less busy than its peak season.
The peak season compromises June, July, and August. So, if you are a fan of crowds, then summer is the best time of the year for you to visit Gatlinburg.
But the roads will be jampacked with vehicles, so you’ll have to leave right before sunrise to avoid traffic on your daily exploration trips in the town.
- Get a luxury cabin rental
After spending hours just walking downtown Gatlinburg and exploring different attractions, you’ll want to rest for a while. That’s why you should arrange comfortable accommodations online before going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Search online for well-reviewed rentals in the Smokies with different amenities. You will find plenty of luxury cabin resorts in Gatlinburg TN. Make sure you check online for reviews and the amenities these cabin rentals offer before deciding.
Also, you can choose spacious rentals to accommodate your entire group. That’s how you ensure a comfortable adventure.
- Make a list of famous attractions
Plan your first trip to Gatlinburg carefully by listing all the major attractions you want to see. If you are traveling with friends, ask them about their favorite Gatlinburg attractions. Search online to find the best places to visit in this resort town. Here are the best attractions for first-time tourists:
- The Smoky Mountains National Park (duh)
- Ober Gatlinburg (ideal for skiing)
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Space Needle (a famous elevator ride)
- SkyLift Park (enjoy a beautiful chairlift ride)
- Pack the right vacation stuff
Make your Gatlinburg vacation comfortable and convenient by packing the right stuff. Bring weather-appropriate stuff to enjoy your vacation without being too warm or cold. Make sure you have your travel documents when heading to Tennessee. Also, you should bring the following:
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses
- Comfy shoed for hiking and walking
- Proper clothes (for instance, hiking gear)
- Bear spray (there are 2,000 bears in the Smokies)
- Get ready to walk… a lot
The great thing about downtown Gatlinburg is that it’s easily walkable. You can explore this mountain town on foot and visit its different attractions without the need to rent a vehicle. So, save parking fees and traverse this resort city by walking… a lot. It’s filled with different attractions, such as museums, aquariums, restaurants, and shopping centers.
- Eat pancakes forbreakfast
Wither dozens of pancake restaurants scattered everywhere; the Great Smoky Mountains just might be the nation’s unofficial pancake capital. Gatlinburg’s pancake pantry remains unmatched even in the sister city of Pigeon Forge. Many restaurants have been serving pancakes as breakfast for almost half a century. After eating breakfast, you should sample these Southern delicacies as well:
- Barbecue
- Taffy and fudge
- Freshly-caught trout
- Homemade apple pie
- Southern fried chicken
- Sample some tasty moonshine
You’ll find several shops selling moonshine, the pride of Southern beverages. This exquisite brew is a must-taste for first-time Great Smoky Mountains visitors. The robust flavor and potent palate will give you a whiff of grain with a fruity aroma and a fiery kick. If you find authentic moonshine in Gatlinburg, then it has an earthy flavor. For just a few dollars, you can sample the moonshine and bring some bottles back home as souvenirs to your friends if you’re fortunate enough.
- Shop to your heart’s content
Gatlinburg’s shopping scene needs no introduction. This mountain town has many amazing shopping centers where visitors can purchase souvenirs for friends back home. From Mountain Mall to Carousel Gardens, these multi-level shopping destinations offer a variety of products, such as gourmet foods, local crafts, and Southern collectibles. Go to the Old Mill Square or visit the Village Shops if you wish to shop till your heart drops.
You’ll be supporting local businesses by purchasing local products from them on your trip!
- Walk along the scenic trails
As the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park, the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are always teeming with tourists preparing to enter the Smokies. You’d be surprised to see just how close you come to the Great Smoky Mountains after arriving in Gatlinburg, TN. You can also take several hiking trails to go camping inside the national park.
Just remember to bring a map with you along with some torches. And stay away from the bears.
- Attend live dinner shows
The mountain towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are well-known for their live dinner shows. You’ll be served a fancy dinner while expert acrobats will perform daring feats right before your eyes. These shows are family-friendly, and you can book tickets online for a quality experience. Tourists will find a variety of dinner shows with different themes, such as pirates, family feuds, and murder mysteries.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg’s breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant downtown attractions make it an ideal vacation spot for tourists. Its proximity to America’s most-visited national park is another reason why you must visit Gatlinburg in 2023. You can taste the local cuisine, drink some moonshine, watch live dinner shows, and buy exquisite souvenirs.
Just don’t forget to book a luxury cabin rental online for your stay!
These great tips will make your next trip to Gatlinburg, Tennesse, a surefire stress-free success!