Blog

Posted on 8/7/2021

The 5 Best Things to Do on Your First Vacation in Gatlinburg

If you’re a first-time visitor to Gatlinburg, welcome! We can’t wait to meet you and show off this friendly town. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Gatlinburg vacation.


1. PLAN TO EXPLORE OUR WONDERFULLY WALKABLE DOWNTOWN.

Bring your favorite walking shoes. Downtown Gatlinburg is walkable, with attractions just minutes from each other. Plan outings for maximum fun along what locals call The Strip. Strollable highlights include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.


2. LOOK UP!

On your first trip to Gatlinburg, you might not know that you can catch chairlifts to the mountains from right here in downtown. A chairlift ride is a must!

  • Ride to Anakeesta theme park from the heart of downtown! Catch the Anakeesta “chondola” and choose between an open chairlift or an enclosed gondola for your vertical 600-foot ride.
  • Ride 500 vertical feet on iconic yellow chairlifts to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Stop at the mountaintop park to walk over the SkyBridge spanning the valley.

3. DON’T MISS OUR LOCAL MOONSHINE.

Vacations are all about trying new things you don’t have back home. In Gatlinburg, you’ll want to sample a Tennessee classic, real moonshine. If you picture backwoods stills hidden from the government, think again. Moonshine distilling has been legal here since 2010, so distilleries are popular spots, offering local, legit moonshine.


4. GET INTO THE NATIONAL PARK (EVEN IF YOU DON’T HIKE!).

With all the attractions of Gatlinburg, you might end up leaving too little time to see the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don’t neglect this national treasure. Love to hike? There are 800 miles of hiking and walking trails. Not into hiking? Take a scenic drive. Enjoy local history? The park includes fascinating historic cabins, mills, and chapels.


5. STAY IN A RENTAL CABIN.

We know there are other options for lodging. Why rent a vacation cabin? You get privacy plus all the conveniences you need if you want to cook for yourself or spend time hanging out. Our cabins are minutes from Gatlinburg, so you’re close to the action.


Previous 5 reasons Why a Smoky Mountain Cabin Vacation is Perfect for Mom The 4 Best Tips for Enjoying a Trip to the Smoky Mountains this Fall Next
Image for Smoky Mountain Cabins
Explore
Smoky Mountain Cabins
Smoky Mountain Cabins
View All of Our Vacation Rentals
Read More
Image for Pigeon Forge Cabins
Explore
Pigeon Forge Cabins
Pigeon Forge Cabins
View Our Cabins in Pigeon Forge
Read More
Image for Gatlinburg Cabins
Explore
Gatlinburg Cabins
Gatlinburg Cabins
View Our Cabins in Gatlinburg
Read More
Image for Cabin Management
Explore
Cabin Management
Cabin Management
Learn More About Joining Us
Read More
Image for Things To Do
Explore
Things To Do
Things To Do
View all of the fun things to see and do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Read More