Category: Things to Do

Reviews, tips, discounts and more of the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights

Gatlinburg’s Trolley Ride of Lights tour takes visitors on a guided tour of the old town’s lighted Christmas displays.

Information on this page refers to the 2012 event.

Start out the holiday season on the right foot and enjoy Gatlinburg’s lighting spectacular with a fun tour through town. Gatlinburg’s Trolley Ride of Lights is the perfect way to jump start the holidays and really take in the old town’s Christmas magic.

With the holiday season really kicking into gear, trolley rides will continue through the month of January, departing at 6:30 p.m. each Saturday (except on December 2, 24 & 25) at the mass transit/trolley center at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies with additional tours at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and be sure to call 865-436-0535 for reservations.

The Trolley Ride of Lights is a chance to soak up every last bit of Gatlinburg’s holiday spirit as the trolley winds its way through streets decorated with garlands, wreaths and the occasional elf. The 45-minute tour is completely narrated so that no one will miss that oh so elusive display just around the corner, or the place you keep meaning to drive by, but have simply forgotten.

Cruise along Gatlinburg’s River Road taking in the one-of-a-kind LED lighting display. This latest lighting endeavor has a price tag of $1.6 million. You’ll notice newly-designed sections reminiscent of evergreens, winter forests, and romance. Bright lighting displays will align Hwy. 321 as well.

The whole lighting program itself was updated just a few short years ago to quarter-watt LED bulbs, replacing the 5-watt incandescent bulbs the program used to run on. This update saved the town nearly 95 percent in energy costs. It also allowed Gatlinburg to run the program for 120 days on what would have only covered 3.

Like in years past, you’ll pass by displays featuring Smoky Mountain creatures like deer, squirrels, foxes, and rabbits. You’ll also notice that many older displays that you might recognize as a child over the past 23 years have been updated as well. LED lighting now adorns Gatlinburg’s snowmen, dancing fountains, and a shiny rocking.

So don’t miss the trolley ride of lights, and make sure you’re waiting at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza Saturday night at 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. and enjoy the lights!

Reservations are encouraged as the ride typically sells out.

For additional holiday events check out Gatlinburg’s Calendar of Events for a complete list of Christmas festivals and additional things do around Gatlinburg during the holidays, as well as Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas in Pigeon Forge.

Gatlinburg City Parks

Gatlinburg has 3 city parks with pavilions, sports fields, restrooms, fishing streams, and other various outdoor amenities.

What? You thought the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the only park in Gatlinburg? Well, you’d be surprised how many people actually believe that to be true. In reality, Gatlinburg is home to three large city parks that get quite a bit of traffic.

Whether it be kids playing on the playground, a game of football, or maybe a large church group, Gatlinburg’s parks have a number of uses. Each city park has a covered pavilion which large groups, families planning a reunion, and church groups can reserve for outings. Each of the covered pavilions are FREE to Gatlinburg residents to for such gatherings.

For those who live outside of the Gatlinburg city limits who wish to reserve a pavilion, there is a fee. At Mynatt and Mills Park, it’s $25 for up to 4 hours of pavilion usage, usage over 4 hours is $35. At Herbert Holt Park, up to 4 hours of usage is $35, and over 4 hours is $45. Anyone interested in reserving a pavilion can call the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at (865) 436-4990. Fees must be paid prior to using the facility.

Herbert Holt Park (right)
Herbert Holt Park is located just off the Parkway on Pigeon River Road in Gatlinburg and include:

    • Children’s fishing stream
    • Handicap access fishing pier
    • Covered pavilion
    • Picnic tables
    • Playground area
    • Horseshoe pits
    • Walking trails
    • Sinks & grills


Mynatt Park
Mynatt Park is located on Asbury Lane and includes such amenities as:

    • Children’s fishing stream
    • Tennis courts
    • Covered pavilion
    • Baseball field
    • Basketball court
    • Playground area
    • Horseshoe pits
    • Picnic tables
    • Grills
    • Restrooms


Mills Park (right)
Mills Park is on Mills Park Road just off Hwy 321 in Gatlinburg with:

    • A 9 hole Disc Golf course
    • 400-meter track
    • Skate park
    • Football field
    • Softball field
    • Basketball court
    • Jogging trail
    • Covered pavilion
    • Playground area
    • Picnic tables
    • Horseshoe pits
    • Sinks & grills
    • Restrooms

Coffee & Company

Coffee & Company is a great little coffee house in the Village Shops in Gatlinburg. Choose from over 50 different coffee varieties.

Tired of the whole Starbucks scene? Want a place with over 20 years of experience in brewing the finest cup from locales the world over? Make a note to stop by Coffee & Company next time you’re in downtown Gatlinburg and enjoy coffee from some of the finest growing regions including Africa, Costa Rica, and Panama.

There’s just something to be said for that first cup of coffee in the morning…. And what better way to get your morning started than a stroll down to the Village Shops in Gatlinburg for a cup at Coffee & Company. What looks like a quaint little store is anything but. Choose from an array of coffees, over 50 varieties, and buy a cup or pick out a bag of your favorite beans for consumption at home. Flavors like Black Bear Blend, Guatemala Antiqua, Le Conte View, and Smoky Mountain Mist highlight the shop’s straight blend category. They also have a number of flavored coffees like Almond Joy and Chocolate Truffle as well as seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice, Kentucky bourbon, and blueberry crumble to name a few. Vermont Maple, which is back, is a personal seasonal favorite for us.

Being that Coffee & Company is located in the Village in downtown Gatlinburg, there is plenty of outdoor seating. You might also stop by if you get a our cupcake or muffin craving, to go along with your gourmet fresh roasted coffee.

The purveyors of Coffee & Company, describe their brewing business as a small batch coffee roasting house, thus ensuring that each customer gets the freshest and highest quality coffee around. Currently, 12 ounce bags of straight and blended coffee are now $10.99, exotic straights & blends are $11.99, and all flavored & decaf coffee is $11.99 per bag.

Can’t make it back to Gatlinburg for a cup or bag? Visit Coffee & Company’s web site and place an order online and have their coffee shipped to you via secure order form here.

Coffee & Company at The Village
634 Parkway #13
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-3650

Arrowmont

Arrowmont school of arts and crafts is one of Gatlinburg’s treasured institutes. Arrowmont celebrates 100 years in the art world this year.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg is a national center for art education. It’s for anyone who wants to take advantage of its tools and step up their art education. In all, Arrowmont offers one- and two-week courses for the beginner to advanced artist. All workshops are taught by national and international studio artists and university faculty – each with years of experience to lean on.

Arrowmont is located on a 14-acre residential campus in Gatlinburg, TN. For residents of the Gatlinburg community, Arrowmont offers a series of weekly classes. These classes and workshops include instructional courses in books, ceramics, drawing, fiber, metals/jewelry, mixed media, painting, paper, photography, warm glass, wood-turning, and woodworking.

Come by and visit Arrowmont’s campus whenever you would like, they’re open year round. Peruse artwork by artists the world over in Arrowmont’s five galleries. These galleries are continuously changing exhibits and evening presentations are the norm most weeks. In terms of research and study, the Marian Heard Library and Resource Center includes print and electronic materials and work is always on display from Arrowmont’s permanent collection. Art supplies and tools for students can be purchased on campus at the Artist Outfitters Store as well.

Arrowmont’s Artists-in-Residence Program provides for five early-career artists during a year-long residency. Continued programs of study and various community talks bring artists, art educators, and others to Arrowmont’s studios where they discuss and critique issues and trends in the art field.

Area schools have benefited greatly from Arrowmont over the years. A program called ArtReach, a partnership with Sevier County Schools, gives 1,000 students from grades 4-12, an in-depth, full day art workshop at Arrowmont each year.

This year, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts marked its 100th birthday as an art education center. While Arrowmont’s formative years were based on a general education curriculum in a settlement school setting, mountain handicrafts soon found their way to the school’s halls. This came about in order to preserve the skills and livelihood for residents who lived in a more agricultural environment at the time. Arrowmont’s signature summer workshop program was launched in 1945 and the school welcomed people from all over the country who were interested in furthering their art education against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. Today, more than 130 classes in contemporary art and crafts are offered throughout the center’s seasonal sessions.

Arrowmont operates Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Hours expand to seven days a week during the spring, summer and fall workshops programs. During winter classes, the galleries, resource center and the book/supply store are also open extended hours.

Arrowmont Map

The 8th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival

8th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival to take place Labor Day weekend, August 31 through September 2.

A gorgeous mountain backdrop mixed with diversity in creativity from across the nation is the perfect pairing for the 8th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival Labor Day weekend, August 31 through September 2.

Set at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this event showcases artists from across the nation from a range of styles. Juries choose each exhibitor to participate in one of 16 categories ranging from ceramics and glass to watercolor and woodworking. In all, $10,000 in prizes and purchase vouchers is at stake.

For artists, the festival is a prestigious showcase event while for visitors, it’s a guaranteed opportunity to enjoy the best in fine arts, music, a fantastic children activity program, and take in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The festival is a three-day street fair set at Ripley’s Aquarium and River Road, with attendees of the free event mingling riverside with their favorite artists. A special “Night with the Artist Party” is also scheduled and will be held this year at the beautiful Mills Auditorium. The “Night with the Artist Party” requires a $50 ticket for the affair, but the $50 is returned to donors in the form of a money voucher redeemable at any artist’s booth over the weekend.

While admission to the festival is free to visitors, the event serves as a major fundraiser for the internationally renowned Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, the Sevier County Arts Council and the Gatlinburg Boys & Girls Club art program.

For additional information about the 8th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival, visit its website at http://www.gfaf.net.

Hiking in Gatlinburg TN and the Great Smoky Mountains

Information on hiking in Gatlinburg Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover the beauty, history, and nature of the Smokies along numerous hiking trails in Gatlinburg, TN.

 

Bridge along the Gatlinburg Sugarlands trail.

One of the best reasons to visit Gatlinburg, TN is for the breathtaking natural surroundings. Just look up from any spot, and you will see picturesque views of the Great Smoky Mountains enveloping you. The heart of Gatlinburg is just paces away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to more than 800 miles of hiking trails, over 500,000 acres of forest, 240-plus species of birds, peaceful waterfalls, beautiful flora and fauna, and plenty of opportunities for you and your family to commune with nature.

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is available to everyone, from those simply in the mood for a leisurely day hike to more experienced backcountry backpackers looking for a physical challenge. No matter what type of hike you choose to experience, you will be surrounded by soaring vistas, colorful wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and rich history including 77 historic structures. It is a perfect way to experience the mountains for the first time, and to introduce the great outdoors to the kids. Or, simply enjoy revisiting the rugged terrain you have traveled many times before, seeing something new at every turn.

Great Smoky Mountains StreamHiking trails are open all year round in the park. Each season brings its own set of views and experiences, and a hike any time of the year can be both a healthy and educational experience for anyone. Springtime offers copious amounts of blooming trees and flowers. Summertime is the time to splash in a cool mountain stream or picnic alongside a serene waterfall. The fall welcomes amazing colors, not to be missed. And winter is a special time in the Smoky Mountains, with crisp white snowfalls and views that reveal the true scope of the Great Smokies.

When you take a trip to Gatlinburg, you must take the short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy an unhurried walk through the wilderness, or experience a challenging overnight hike in the unspoiled backcountry. Take the kids to one of the many waterfalls or simply enjoy the serenity of a romantic picnic lunch beside a mountain stream. Your vacation experience in Gatlinburg will not be complete without paying a visit to one of the nation’s most beautiful natural treasures!

White Water Rafting in the Smoky Mountains

Get inside information for your white water rafting Tennessee adventure! Find out the best places to go whitewater rafting in Gatlinburg, TN and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.

In the mood for a little excitement? Why not try a little white water rafting while in Gatlinburg, TN? Thanks to the Pigeon River and its untamed mountain waters, you and your entire family can enjoy the thrills and exhilaration of riding the high waters! Whitewater rafting in Tennessee is the perfect adventure for a family vacation, honeymoon, family reunion, youth retreat, corporate outing, conference, etc!

There are several outfitters in Gatlinburg that will guide you through the entire process of taking a rousing rafting trip along the river. Guided whitewater rafting tours make the excursion safer and more fun, and there are several different classes of rapids to explore for every age and experience level. Whitewater rafting in the Smokies is a perfect family adventure, and a great way to not only see the mountains but become a part of them!

Safety is number one when it comes to whitewater rafting. You will be fully prepared by experienced guides in what to wear, what to bring, and how to react in certain situations on your trip. You can also expect to be asked to sign a release form for you and every member of your rafting party. If you do want to experience a white water rafting trip during your stay in Gatlinburg, make sure that you contact an outfitter well in advance, so that you can book your trip for the most convenient time for you!

Here are some of the more popular white water rafting companies in Gatlinburg, TN and the Smoky Mountains:

Rafting in the Smokies
PO Box 592, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(800) PRO-RAFT
(865) 436-5008
http://www.raftinginthesmokies.com

White Water Rafting – Smoky Mountain Outdoors
453 Brookside Village Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-3838
or
1-800-771-RAFT
http://www.smokymountainrafting.com/

It is a very good idea to be prepared when you arrive for your Tennessee whitewater rafting excursion. That includes being dressed properly. Be prepared to get wet! That means you should not wear clothing that will be too heavy, such as jeans or wool. Also, do not wear flipflops or crocs shoes, and certainly don’t try to go barefoot! Water shoes and other lightweight, secure footwear are required. Don’t wear any loose jewelry, and don’t try to bring your camera, unless it is waterproof!

Once you experience whitewater rafting in Tennessee one time, it will be in your blood! It’s thrilling, refreshing, and fun for the entire family! If you are planning a trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, a smoky mountain white water rafting trip down the Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains will be an unforgettable experience!

Get away from downtown and enjoy Gatlinburg’s more natural offerings… Bring your dog too!

The Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconoluftee River Trail are two local trails that allow pets and is a great way to view some of the native wildflower species.

The lure of downtown Gatlinburg and such attractions as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies can sometimes make visitors pass up some of the more natural opportunities you won’t find anywhere but just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And while most point to Cades Cove and its Loop Road cycling/hiking opportunity in the area, the Gatlinburg Trail, as well as the Oconoluftee River Trail are two of the quicker ways to get out of downtown Gatlinburg and back to nature.

The big draw to the Gatlinburg Trail is it allows people to hike/walk, bike, and walk their dogs. The emphasis being that pets are allowed on this trail. You won’t find any other trails like the Gatlinburg Trail in the national park.

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the Gatlinburg Trail traverses 1.9 miles of forest one-way just outside of town. The trail features a very scenic route running along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river and is relatively flat. A pedestrian foot bridge even crosses the trail at one point. Along with wildlife and numerous species of wildflowers, several old homesites are visible along the trail. The sites’ old foundations and chimneys being the markers.

Located about 30 miles from Gatlinburg, the Oconaluftee River Trail is another trail near the park on which dogs and bicycles are allowed. At Oconaluftee, you’ll find the Mountain Farm Museum. This museum maintains a collection of historic log buildings that were once scattered throughout the Smokies. Some of these include a house, barn, springhouse, and a smokehouse. The Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 miles) starts near the entrance to the museum. The trail follows the river to Cherokee, N.C. Mingus Mill, a historic, working grist mill, is 0.5 mile north of Oconaluftee. Oconaluftee is 1.0 mile north of Cherokee, NC on US-441.

Like most hikers and trail-goers, you’re likely wondering about the best times to traverse the trail for such things as fall foliage and wildflower blooming periods. For those of you looking to get a head start this spring and summer on the native wildflower species, here is a listing of typical bloom times, along with some of the more popular shrubs:

Spring Wildflowers – Spring wildflowers can best be seen blooming in mid to late April, although late March and early April can offer a spectacular blooming preview during those warmer years.

Flame Azalea – This wild shrub will be in bloom at the low and mid-elevations in April and May. On Gregory Bald, late June and early July are typical bloom periods. On Andrews Bald, early July is the yearly period.

Mountain Laurel – Its white and pink flowers come into full view from early May through June.

Rhododendrons – Catawba rhododendron, growing at 3,500 feet and above, blooms in June. Rosebay rhododendron blooms in lower elevations in June and at mid-elevations during July.

12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

Get your rods and reels ready, the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is coming down the stream! Open to adults or children Sept. 24 & 25 – this event pits visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, these fish don’t discriminate. Of course, all Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations apply. For information, call 865-661-3474 or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com.

Get your rods and reels ready, the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is coming down the stream! Open to adults or children Sept. 24 & 25 – this event pits visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, these fish don’t discriminate. Of course, all Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations apply. For information, call 865-661-3474 or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com.

If you’re coming in from out of town, check out some of the best cabins in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain area, as well as a few great places to eat in the Smokies, if you’re so inclined.

Gettin’ Wet in the Smokies

Where to get a little wet in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are in the business of beating the summer heat. How you say? Well, not only are these Smoky Mountain towns known as premiere vacation destination, they also boast a handful of opportunities for visitors to get wet and cool off while in town.

Starting in Gatlinburg, there are quite a few places to grab a raft and navigate a local river. The Pigeon River’s untamed mountain waters provide families with the thrills and exhilaration of riding the white rapids! Whitewater rafting in Tennessee is the perfect cool down to a hot day and makes for a great honeymoon, family reunion, or corporate outing as well!

And don’t worry, most whitewater outfitters will take you through the entire process of setting up your day on the river. Guided rafting tours make for a safer trip, and one that’s probably a bit more fun too. Depending on age and experience level, there are several different classes of rapids to choose from when determining your rafting trip. Whitewater rafting in the Smokies is a also a great way to not only see the mountains but become a part of them.

When it comes to whitewater rafting, safety is the No. 1 concern. Experienced guides will educate rafters in what to bring, what to wear, and how to react in certain situations on the trip. Also, expect to be asked to sign a release form for you and every member of your rafting party. If it’s certainly a white water rafting trip you’re after when in Gatlinburg, make sure that you contact an outfitter well in advance. Just so that it’s convenient for you!

Here are some of the area’s more popular white water rafting companies in Gatlinburg, TN and the Smoky Mountains:

Rafting in the Smokies
PO Box 592, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(800) PRO-RAFT
(865) 436-5008
http://www.raftinginthesmokies.com

White Water Rafting – Smoky Mountain Outdoors
453 Brookside Village Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-3838
or
1-800-771-RAFT
http://www.smokymountainrafting.com/

Like the Boy Scout motto says, “Be Prepared” – that especially rings true if you’re going whitewater rafting. Be sure you are dressed properly. And be prepared to get wet! Which means don’t wear heavy clothing, such as jeans or wool. Shoes like flipflops or crocs are a no and refrain from bare feet as well. What is required are water shoes and other lightweight, secure footwear. No loose jewelry, and don’t try to bring your camera, unless it is waterproof!

Whitewater rafting in Tennessee is thrilling, refreshing, and a fun adventure for the entire family. If you’re going to be in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area, a smoky mountain white water rafting trip down the Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains will be something you’ll always remember!

Closer to Sevierville, the Wilderness at the Smokies resort is an exciting, somewhat new attraction to the area. The area’s newest resort is also drawing year-round events to its 700-acre Sevierville, Tennessee property, complete with 234 mountain modern guest rooms and 472 multi-room suites in addition to condominiums at the Wyndham Resort on the Wilderness property.

The resort’s two outdoor waterparks and a nearly four-acre indoor waterpark are what guests are really buzzing about.

“When your guests are done with a busy day in the board room, they, along with their families, will welcome the opportunity to kick back and relax in our fabulous waterparks, on Eagle’s Landing championship golf course, or at our restaurants,” said Dottie Clabough, director of sales for Wilderness at the Smokies. “We even have a trolley service available to us that goes to many popular shows and attractions in nearby Pigeon Forge. It is perfect for spouse’s programs or evening activities.

“When guests come to our property, they can park their cars and not worry about driving during their stay. Everything they could want or need is all right here.”

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in June 2008 with the Stone Hill Lodge and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark adjacent to the Sevierville Event Center. River Lodge and the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark were added six months later. In May 2009, Wilderness at the Smokies expanded again with the addition of Lake Wilderness – the resort’s second outdoor waterpark. Lake Wilderness features the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool, Cataloochee Creek Adventure River and poolside cabanas.

If you’re going to be staying closer to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood Splash Country might be more to your liking. From the daring drops of Big Bear Plunge, a white water rafting ride, to the twisting turns of the Mountain Scream body slide ride, Dollywood Splash Country features more than 23 water adventure slides and thrill rides. Toss in two interactive children’s playground areas, the Lazy River and Little Creek Falls, and you’ll find family fun activities for everyone each summer.