Great Locations for Family Fun in Gatlinburg

An outing with your family can be a lot of fun no matter what you're doing together. However, having fun activities to do and amazing places to visit makes an outing with the family much more fun, exciting and interesting. If you're planning a visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with your family, there are many different activities to do and places to visit that are incredibly fun for the whole family.

Cades Cove

If you and your family love wildlife and the outdoors or the history of the pioneers, look no further than Cades Cove. Residing just outside of Gatlinburg's borders, Cades Cove is a gorgeous stretch of land in the Great Smoky Mountains that extends for miles. In addition to long and beautiful hiking trails with plenty of wildlife to observe, there are also many old pioneer buildings such as barns, churches, houses and more. Cades Cove also offers horseback riding, and you can plan picnic lunches beside the trail.

Ripley's Believe It or Not

Perhaps your interests lie more on the side of learning about weird and amazing aspects and achievements of humanity and nature. If so, you can't get much weirder or more amazing than the Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium. Featuring many weird, gross, amazing and fascinating exhibits from around the globe such as shrunken heads, a vampire killing kit, amazing creatures, human oddities and much more, the Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium is sure to peak the interests of the whole family. In addition to being a unique and incredibly interesting learning experience, there are also several other attractions such as their 5D moving theater, a mirror maze, a haunted house, mini-golf and an aquarium.

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

If you're visiting Gatlinburg in winter, you can enjoy the snowboarding and skiing in the mountains at the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort. If snowboarding or skiing isn't your preferred winter sport, there's also an indoor ice skating rink that is fun for all ages. Even if you aren't planning a visit in winter, you can enjoy the other attractions found in Ober Gatlinburg such as an alpine slide, an aerial tramway, a giant waterslide, an arcade and several amusement park rides.

Forbidden Caverns

While there is much beauty in the lands of Gatlinburg, there are even more amazing sites to see under the land. In addition to being well known for its amazing mountains and scenic views, Tennessee is also famous for their caves. In fact, Tennessee has the most caves out of all of the states in the US with over 8,300 caves discovered so far. Forbidden Caverns is one of the most popular spots for cave exploration. Fully lit caves with special lighting effects, a sophisticated sound presentation to assist the tour, gorgeous cave formations, a glistening stream, very knowledgeable and professional tour guides to assist all visitors on their exploration and more are all available in Forbidden Caverns to provide a unique and fantastic cave exploration experience that is fun for the whole family.

Fort Fun's Motion Ride Movie Theater

Have all kinds of adventures without ever leaving your seat. The Motion Ride Movie Theater is one of Gatlinburg's top attractions since it's such a unique and immersive concept. The theater is designed to move both the seats and the screens in such a way that it simulates actually partaking in several amazing experiences such as huge roller coaster rides, slot car racing, exploring volcanoes and glaciers, space exploration and more. When you're done with the show, you can take the family out to enjoy the other attractions at Fort Fun such as laser tag, indoor and outdoor mini-golf, bumper cars, an arcade and more.

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

Want to have as much fun as a kid in a candy store? Then there's no better option than to take the family to the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. Going strong for over sixty years, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen not only has many different kinds of candies and treats ranging from local and homemade to big name brands, but they also have fresh and delicious homemade taffy with 28 different flavors. In addition, you can watch the process of taffy making right there in the shop every day. If you're lucky, you may also catch them in the process of making candy apples. It's a fun, interesting and delicious way to spend some time.

The Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg

Whether you're visiting Gatlinburg around Halloween or just have a love of creepy tales and haunting ghost stories, the Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg can be a great destination for the whole family. The Ghost Walk is a one mile walk at night that extends over the course of one hour. They visit several historic houses and other sites where frightening events have happened in the past. Don't confuse the Ghost Walk with a haunted house or haunted hay ride experience. This tour is not about jump scares and chasing people with fake knives and chainsaws. It's about telling scary stories, sharing local legends, history and superstitions. The Ghost Walk is an incredibly interesting and creepy experience that is perfect for Halloween. While it can be great fun for the whole family, ensure that everyone participating enjoys scary stories and creepy atmospheres to ensure that everyone has fun.

Smoky Mountain Rafting

It's difficult to match the action, adventure and views of white water rafting, and there's a great and exciting white water rafting service right in Gatlinburg with Smoky Mountain Rafting. Experienced white water rafters guide these tours through two different sections of the river, an upper level and lower level. The lower level is a gentler course with a minimum age limit of three, while the upper level is more advanced with a minimum age limit of eight. Once you're done with your white water rafting tour, you can also enjoy other activities at Smoky Mountain Rafting such as kayaking and hiking.

Conclusion

This list is only a taste of what Gatlinburg, Tennessee has to offer, but these are some of their most interesting, fun and exciting spots to enjoy with the whole family. There's no telling what other fascinating and entertaining spots you and your family will discover on your visit to Gatlinburg, and there's definitely no shortage of great places to see and explore. You can find a few other great attractions here.

Experience Memorial Day Weekend in Gatlinburg, TN

photo credit: Nrbelex via photopin cc

With summer on its way, the time has come to scout out the best place to spend Memorial Day. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a scenic mountain town in the Smoky Mountains, is the ideal vacation destination. There are endless activities for singles, couples, groups and families to partake in during Memorial Day weekend in Gatlinburg. Home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is ideal for travelers who want to experience the wonders of nature. With everything from shopping to restaurants to attractions, Gatlinburg is the perfect Memorial Day Weekend destination.

Visitors to Gatlinburg should not leave without stopping by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most popular national park in the country. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes that include glimpses of wildlife, majestic waterfalls, and incredible views. Whether driving or hiking, this park has so many different roads and vistas that the possibilities are endless. Animal lovers will revel in the fact that the park is home to deer and elk as well as over 1,500 bears. The Smokies are also home to over 200 species of birds, so make sure to bring binoculars. The park is also famous for its vast array of wildflowers, and has over 1,600 species. Those who yearn for a peaceful and relaxing Memorial Day weekend will find that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent choice. There is no entrance charge for the park, making it an extremely affordable activity that can last the entire day!

Food lovers will find that Gatlinburg has a plethora of restaurants and dining options. Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que has consistently been voted the best for consecutive years. This locally owned and operated establishment has been serving Gatlinburg for 20 years, and is known for its smoked ribs, chicken, pork and beef. Those seeking a steakhouse should check out Alamo Steakhouse, which was voted "Best Steaks" multiple times and earned a recommendation from the Washington Post. Perfect for family dining or a romantic night out, Alamo Steakhouse is open for both lunch and dinner. Gatlinburg even has an option for those who want a taste of Mexico in the Appalachians! No Way Jose's Cantina offers indoor and outdoor dining and extensive menu that includes delicious margaritas, daiquiris and tropical cocktails. Those who want to experience a Memorial Day fiesta should definitely check out No Way Jose's Cantina. To satisfy a sugar craving, visit Kilwin's, a "must visit" stop that serves fresh ice cream, chocolate, candies and their famous Mackinac Island Fudge.

In addition to great food, Gatlinburg is also home to some amazing attractions that are fun for the whole family. The Gatlinburg Space Needle gives visitors a 360 degree view of the city and the Great Smoky Mountains from 400 feet in the air. The Space Needle also offers laser tag, an arcade, a theater, a pizza restaurant and a gift shop. Travelers can also visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, which was voted the number one aquarium by Trip Advisor. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 exotic sea creatures and includes the Penguin Playhouse, Touch a Ray Bay, Shark Lagoon, Tropical Rainforest, Coral Reef, and much more. Families can also enjoy a day of horseback riding at Sugarlands Riding Stables, or a wild day of river rafting at Smoky Mountain Outdoors. Gatlinburg has endless possibilities for family fun on Memorial Day Weekend.

Those traveling without kids may want to check out some of Gatlinburg's live entertainment. The Iris Theater is home to a variety of acts, including Bill Gladwell "The Mentalist" and the Hypnotized Comedy Hypnosis Show with Guy Michaels. Gatlinburg also has tons of wineries, breweries and distilleries for those who want to party on Memorial Day Weekend. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery allows visitors to truly experience moonshine culture. Guests can pick up their very own mason jar of Ole Smoky Moonshine in addition to learning about the history of moonshine with a backdrop of bluegrass music. Those who are seeking nightlife can also check out Loco Burro in downtown Gatlinburg, which has a rooftop patio and fire pit perfect for a romantic night in the Smokies. Downtown Gatlinburg is also home to Crawdaddy's, an establishment known for its karaoke and delicious crawfish. Those who really want to party and get down on their Memorial Day Weekend should definitely stop by Hogg's and Honey's, a lively hot spot where dancing is encouraged.

Its beautiful weather and scenic views of nature make Gatlinburg one of the top cities for outdoor activities. Visitors can fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or in the Little Pigeon River. Avid cyclists will love exploring the miles of bike trails that Gatlinburg offers. Thrill seekers are able to fly through the air at 50 miles per hour via ziplining, which is offered at Ziplines Family Adventure. Those who want to camp during their Memorial Day Weekend can choose from three different campgrounds in Gatlinburg, or inside the national park for a closer-to-nature experience. Other fun outdoor activities available in Gatlinburg include river rafting, golf, hiking, horseback riding, and much more.

Travelers will definitely want to pick up some souvenirs during their Memorial Day Weekend in Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Loop is home to a bounty of unique stores. This eight mile loop houses a community of artists and craftsmen larger than any other in the country. Visitors can purchase photography, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, clothing, frameable art, candles, pottery, quilts, and much more. The Village is an adorable shopping center located just off Gatlinburg's main drag. Travelers can browse its 27 eateries, boutiques and galleries while enjoying its Old World atmosphere. From gourmet coffee shops to skin care stores to creameries, The Village should definitely be a stop on the Gatlinburg tour.

Its myriad of dining options, outdoor activities, shopping, and famous national park makes Gatlinburg, Tenneesee the ideal place to spend Memorial Day Weekend. Families can enjoy picnics in the scenic Smoky Mountains, and couples can spend a romantic evening in downtown Gatlinburg with its picturesque views. Whether you are looking for a wild weekend of drinking and dancing or a relaxing few days of communing with nature, Gatlinburg has it all.

Exciting Gatlinburg Events for Spring 2014

With winter transitioning into spring and summer, most people are changing out their wardrobes, uncovering their dormant flowers, and planning vacations. Several states and cities offer unique vacation opportunities, but Gatlinburg, Tennessee tops the list. From music to mountain biking, festivals and food to hiking and heritage, Gatlinburg covers a plethora of tourists' interests. Set deep in the Great Smoky Mountains where Scottish, Irish, German, and Cherokee roots combine, the city is also host to a rich array of world cultures. Below are listed some of the most popular spring events for Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas, as well as enjoyable year-round activities.

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Tunes and Tales will enter its ninth season in 2014. Beginning on weekends in April and May, and continuing through the summer months until August 9 (including weeknight performances during summer months), this event features everything from single acts to quartets. Vocalists and instrumentalists mix as they spread out through Gatlinburg, allowing visitors to walk through the community to view each act (5-10 PM on weekends and 6-11 PM during the full season). Shows especially for children are included. Musical styles include gospel, folk, country and bluegrass.

Earth Day 5K

On April 25, 2014, Gatlinburg will host its annual Earth Day 5K at 10:00 PM in downtown Gatlinburg. Students and youth get a reduced entry fee of $15, while advanced pay (before April 1) is $20 and payments from April 1-25 are $25-$30. You can also purchase an Earth Day 5K T-shirt. Official registration takes place at the Nantahala Outdoor Center at 8:00 PM.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

This event dates back to 1951 and takes place both outdoors and in a classroom setting, as several classes are offered from April 15-19, 2014. Several guest lecturers, including Appalachian botany and wildlife experts, are always in attendance. Guided walks and hiking tours take place in abundance, and no need to worry if you're a senior, have small children, have difficulty walking, or have other needs. Each guided tour is tailored to specific groups and skill levels. Classes, tours, and demonstrations include: fauna identification, bird-watching, and flora identification, as well as arts and crafts.

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

If you have a fisherman, or woman, in the family, he or she will love this spring contest. The fifteenth annual trout tournament is open to adults and kids and has several categories for judging. Read up on Gatlinburg and Tennessee fishing regulations before entering.

Wine, Dine, and Art Crawl/Smoky Mountain Wine Fest

The Wine, Dine, and Art Crawl, which includes a walking tour of Gatlinburg's art galleries, food sampling, and wine-tasting, occurs on April 11. The Wine Fest is on April 12, 2014, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. Lectures include Wine Making, Cigar Appreciation, Pairing Wine with Food, and many more. Of course, the Wine Fest also includes more wine-tasting. Seating is limited, so call ahead, and valid identification is required. Patrons must be 21 or older. If you wish, you may purchase a combo ticket for both events.

World Storytelling Day

On March 22, 2014, the Fanny Adams Theatre will host World Storytelling Day as a fundraiser. The event runs from 2-4 PM, and this year's topic is Dragons and Monsters. Children must have adults with them, and both seniors and children get a reduced ticket rate ($5 for seniors, $3 for children, students, or groups). All others pay $7 at the door. Call ahead or email for more information, including info on signing up to tell a story.

Easter Sunrise Service at Ober

On April 20, 2014, the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association will host its seventeenth Annual Easter Sunrise Service beginning at 6:30 AM at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Tram rides to the top of the mountain will begin at 5:45 AM and continue at fifteen-minute intervals until 6:30, at no charge to worshippers. The ski resort's restaurant will serve a breakfast buffet from 7:30 AM-10:30 AM. An offering will be taken for the community's needy.

20th Annual Mountain Quiltfest

From March 19 to March 22, 2014, quilters from all over the country will enter their masterpieces for prizes upward of $20,000. The show includes ten categories for judging, and for a nominal fee, quilters can have their work personally and professionally critiqued. Vendors will also be at the event, offering threads, fabrics, and other quilting materials. More than sixty quilting classes are also offered, to quilters of all skill levels. Sponsored by the City of Pigeon Forge and Sevier Valley Quilters Guilds.

Dolly's Parade

This gorgeous parade, starring none other than grand marshal Dolly Parton, takes place on May 2, 2014. The parade features floats, marching bands, and all sorts of other entertainment. Its route stretches from traffic light #6 in Pigeon Forge to traffic light #3 on the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway.

Dixie Stampede

Open most of the year, but popular in the spring and summer months, Dixie Stampede is known for its dinner theater events. Diners choose from two options per night for their meal (call ahead and ask for vegetarian options if needed). The show features a comedic version of the Civil War, with actors on the North and South sides competing in silly contests with the audience's encouragement. The grand finale includes horseback riding and music.

Pigeon Forge Car Shows

These events take place throughout the year, but again, are popular during the spring and summer. Tourists visit from all over the United States to view cars, both new and classic. The shows also include vendors and swap meets.