**This page is still being developed. The selection of attractions and restaurants in the area are astounding and will take some time to add to the site.**
Click on one of the options below to expand and see recommendations. There are a large number of attractions and restaurants in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.
Things to Do / Attractions – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg Landing is located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many scenic drives and opportunities await to be explored in this park!
Cades Cove
One of the most synonymous names with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is Cades Cove. It is the area of the park that seems to get the most attention on visitor social media groups. Cades Cove is a one-way loop road, approximately 11 miles long, through a “cove” or valley area within the … Read more
Kuwohi Observation Tower
The Kuwohi Observation Tower is another fantastic attraction available in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Kuwohi Observation Tower used to be called Clingman’s Dome – but it was renamed on September 18, 2024. Kuwohi Observation Tower and visitors center is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower … Read more
Newfound Gap Scenic Drive
The Newfound Gap Road is one of the main roads into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSNMP). Newfound Gap Road is accessed by driving through downtown Gatlinburg or by taking the Gatlinburg bypass. It is also known as US Route 441 and heads through the protected mountains down through Cherokee, NC. This scenic drive … Read more
Sugarlands Visitors Center
The Sugarlands Visitors Center is one of the main welcome centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). The Sugarlands Visitors Center offers a good first stop when you enter the park just south of Gatlinburg on US Route 441 (Newfound Gap Rd). The center offers some exhibits showing the history of the area, free … Read more
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a must-do activity in the protected Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) if you are here during the regular season. This trail is easily accessible from Gatlinburg Landing – about a 30 minute drive. You will drive through downtown Gatlinburg or take the Baskins Creek Bypass to access … Read more
Great Smoky Mountains – Greenbrier Area
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is a large protected park around the Gatlinburg TN area. The national park boasts many outdoor activity options with trails, camping, scenic roads, and more. The Greenbrier Entrance to the park is the closest scenic drive-through area to Gatlinburg Landing – about six miles away. The Greenbrier area … Read more
Things to Do / Attractions – Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Landing is located close approximately 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg, TN. A short drive to Gatlinburg will get you to all of the major attractions the town has to offer.
Gatlin’s Fun Center
Gatlin’s Fun Center is in an area along the Gatlinburg strip in downtown called “Reagan Terrace Mall”. This area is south of the Parkway and has a number of shops, attractions, and places to get a quick bite to eat. Gatlin’s Fun Center offers a number of attractions – all in one easy location. Looking … Read more
Ripley’s Moonshine Coaster
The Smoky Mountains area in Tennessee is home to many different mountain coasters. One of those is right in Gatlinburg as you begin to enter downtown – the Ripley’s Moonshine Coaster. The mountain coaster allows guests to control the rate of speed while taking in the sights of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg all at … Read more
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is the place to go if you want to see iconic vehicles that have appeared in movies! At the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in downtown Gatlinburg, they have a few vehicles outside to give you an introduction to what is inside. Inside the museum, you will find themed rooms with … Read more
Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an iconic attraction is downtown. It is one of the oldest attractions in Gatlinburg and it opened in 1969. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is 407 feet tall. It offers 360-degree views of downtown Gatlinburg and the mountains. Be sure to check out Groupon for this attraction! This attraction is regularly … Read more
Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is one of the original attractions in Gatlinburg. From the main Gatlinburg strip, an aerial tram ride will take you high up into the mountains to their indoor/outdoor theme park. If you prefer to not take the aerial tram, you can also drive up to the theme park. However, note that there is … Read more
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s has a number of attractions in the Gatlinburg area. The one most synonymous with Gatlinburg is the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The aquarium is a “must do” activity if you’ve never been. The detail and the interactive areas of the aquarium are a great attraction in the area. The aquarium offers an underground/glass … Read more
The Brown Farm (Bison Farm)
The Brown Farm is a Bison Farm near Gatlinburg, TN. It is “off the beaten path” on Tennessee Highway 454, which is a road that allows you to bypass “The Spur” if going to Pigeon Forge. The Brown Farm is a free activity (donations accepted) to take a quick stop and see the bison. It … Read more
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s has a number of attractions in the Gatlinburg area. One of them is very themed along the main strip called Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. This Ripley’s attraction is like a museum filled with oddities and artifacts from around the world. When you arrive, you’ll enter the turnstile with your ticket and take the … Read more
Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark has really evolved over time and continues to add new activities/attractions! The Gatlinburg SkyPark is another main attraction in downtown Gatlinburg that can be accessed directly from the main strip / Parkway. The SkyPark offers these activities: The main attraction is the SkyBridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in the United … Read more
Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a “theme park” that is on the main strip in downtown Gatlinburg. To get to Anakeesta, you will take the chair lift (the “Crystal Express”) or the “Ridge Rambler” which is a heavy-weight truck that will drive you up to the theme park. Anakeesta offers a great number of attractions, activities, shops, and … Read more
Gatlinburg Community Center
A great option for families visiting the area that is often overlooked is the Gatlinburg Community Center. The Gatlinburg Community Center is east of downtown. It is approximately eight miles from Gatlinburg Landing, or about a 15 minute drive. The center has plentiful parking and also operates as a “Park and Go” location where you … Read more
Things to Do / Wineries & Distilleries – Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg offers a wide variety of wineries and distilleries right along the main strip. Below is a sampling of the different options available.
Things to Do / Attractions – Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge offers a variety of activities for any interest. Pigeon Forge is about 30 minutes away from Gatlinburg Landing.
Things to Do / Wineries & Distilleries – Pigeon Forge
While there is no “walkable strip” in Pigeon Forge like there is in downtown Gatlinburg, there are still plenty of places to try fermented beverages.
Restaurants / Places to Eat – Gatlinburg
There is no shortage of restaurants and snack options in Gatlinburg. We have visited a few of these but generally prepare our own meals at the condo to save considerable cost on our trip. But you can’t pass up a good snack of Sugar Baby or The Crazy Mason while visiting the area!
