Popular as the gateway for the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is one of the most fascinating travel destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. The town is widely known for its vibrant culture and scenic views, offering an extraordinary experience for visitors seeking exotic scenery, fun, and relaxation.
Alongside this, Gatlinburg is home to countless adventurous attractions for visitors of all types – adults, teenagers, and children. Moreover, this city also offers a range of delicious dining options. Whether you’re in the mood to eat southern BBQ, pancakes, seafood, or Mexican, you can find it all in Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg is also the perfect spot for shopaholics. From handcrafted items and jewelry to apparel, shops in this town have it all, providing a memorable experience.
However, with so many exciting things to do, you might wonder how to spend your time effectively in Gatlinburg. So, here’s the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Day 1
1. Stop by Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Trust us; there isn’t a better way to start your day than having a delicious breakfast, and in Gatlinburg, there is no better breakfast place than Crockett. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN, especially if you like trying new cuisines. The restaurant includes a variety of unique dishes and Southern staples. It has various options, from pot roast benedict, corned beef hash, and fried cinnamon roll. Besides serving the best breakfast, the restaurant has enormous portions, fulfilling your appetite.
Alongside this, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp also has an amusing ambiance. As you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a mountain cabin. It has old signs, a fireplace, and other antiques inside the restaurant. Do you know the best part? The restaurant is pocket-friendly! Most of the meals at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp are under $15, letting you enjoy your breakfast without breaking the bank.
2. Enjoy at Anakeesta
After a delicious breakfast, brace yourself for some fun and adventure. For that, you can head over to Anakeesta. The attraction is an outdoor adventure park in Gatlinburg with thrilling roller-coaster rides surrounded by scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
So, are you ready to have the time of your life at Anakessta? Here are some of the best things to do.
- Get on the Rail Runner: The thrilling ride starts with 1500 feet of downhill turns and twists, ending with an uphill ride back to the mountain.
- Go Ziplining: The Dueling Zipline Adventure includes three zip lines, providing stunning views of the mountains. You can also challenge your family or friends as they allow two individuals to zipline simultaneously.
- Walk on the Treetop Skywalk: You can walk more than 800 feet among the treetops to see the town from an eagle’s eye view.
- Explore Vista Gardens: This garden is full of unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere in Gatlinburg. It includes waterfalls, native plants, and numerous walking paths.
Day 2
1. Head Over to Gatlinburg Space Needle
A trip to Gatlinburg is incomplete without a visit to Gatlinburg Space Needle. It is a 407-foot-tall observation tower with two elevators that take you to the deck, offering extraordinary views. You can also find free binoculars to enjoy close-up views of the city.
Moreover, this attraction offers something for visitors of all ages. If you are with family, head to Arcadia, which features interactive and classic games, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Similarly, you can take a tour to learn about the history of Smokies. Another great thing about visiting the attraction is that it’s affordable.
2. Get a Tour of Ripley’s Aquarium
If you’re looking for an exciting yet interactive attraction in Gatlinburg, your next stop should be Ripley’s Aquarium! One of the best parts about visiting this attraction is that it entertains everybody. Whether you’re traveling with your grandparents or children, the entire group will enjoy it! After all, the attraction features interactive displays. For instance, you can touch crabs and moon jellies in the Discovery Centre. Besides that, this aquarium consists of different types of aquatic animals, like coral reefs, perfect for an ocean lover.
Further, you can also go boating in the aquarium. Ripley’s Glass Boat Adventure lets you get close to some of the biggest aquatic animals.
Day 3
1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most famous tourist spots in the US. It is surrounded by mind-blowing views of Smokie with more than 800 miles of trails, allowing people to explore the park on foot. So, whether you’re searching for an easy or adventurous hike, you’ll find a perfect trail at this park.
Not just that, the park is home to numerous waterfalls like Ramsey Cascades and Abrams Falls. Moreover, the national park has something for everybody. Young Adults can try fun activities such as fishing and horseback riding. On the other hand, visitors looking for relaxation can go for an easy hike or a scenic drive. Another great thing about this national park is that it doesn’t have an entrance fee, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for free.
2. Browse through Shops at the Village
Remember, no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without visiting the Village and shopping, of course! It includes many unique and fantastic shops and stalls, allowing you to find something for everybody. The shops include everything from candles to hiking gear to toys. Also, you can grab a few souvenirs, a piece of memory to take back home. Not just that, it is also a great place to relax after you’re done with all the activities. You can sit along the fountain and refresh yourself instantly.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, Gatlinburg is one of the best vacation destinations. You can visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery during your trip. Additionally, attractions like Anakeesta and Gatlinburg Space Needle let you have an adventurous and thrilling experience. You can also stroll through the Village and look for unique souvenirs. Trust us; this 3-day itinerary is all you need to make your getaway memorable and fun!
