Ober Mountain Adventure Park
Year-round mountaintop fun reached by the iconic aerial tram from downtown. Snow tubing and skiing in winter; mountain coaster, alpine slide, ice skating, zip lines, and wildlife encounters in warmer months.
Insider tip: The tram ride alone is an experience — stunning views over downtown Gatlinburg. The Tennessee Flyer mountain coaster is excellent.
Gatlinburg
1339 SKI MOUNTAIN RD, GATLINBURG, TN 37738, USA
The Heirloom Room: Creekside Restaurant & Bar
In the heart of Appalachian lies the culinary experience at The Heirloom Room: Creekside Restaurant & Bar, where the menu embodies the rich flavors and traditions of the region through a chef forward approach. Nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, Heirloom Room offers a distinctive culinary experience, showcasing the finest local ingredients, a commitment to sustainable sourcing and an impressive selection of bourbon & whiskey.
Gatlinburg
333 PARKWAY, GATLINBURG, TN 37738, GATLINBURG, TN 37738, USA
Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta
A mountaintop adventure park with a soul. Take the gondola or chondola up to a world of treetop skywalks, dueling ziplines, two mountain coasters, a botanical garden, and Astra Lumina — a breathtaking nighttime forest light journey. One of the most genuine 'wow' experiences in the Smokies.
Insider tip: Go at dusk so you can experience both the daytime views AND Astra Lumina after dark. The Treetop Skywalk is 880 feet long and 50 feet above the forest floor — genuinely stunning.
Gatlinburg
576 PARKWAY, GATLINBURG, TN 37738, USA
Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar
Flown in fresh, full of flavor. Flown in fresh, and full of flavor. Chesapeake’s brings the ocean’s best to your table. The seafood is sourced daily from the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Coasts, ensuring peak freshness and bold flavors in every bite.
Gatlinburg
437 PARKWAY, GATLINBURG, TN 37738, USA
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Whether to conquer fears, snap insta-worthy shots, or impress your family and friends, we’ve got you. From thrill-seekers to first-timers, you’ll leave inspired, smiling, and craving more adventure.
Gatlinburg
155 BRANAM HOLLOW RD
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
One of the finest aquariums in the Southeast. The Shark Lagoon moving walkway, Stingray Bay touch tank, and Penguin Playhouse make it a standout for all ages. Genuinely world-class.
Insider tip: Arrive right at opening to beat the crowds. The moving walkway through Shark Lagoon is the highlight — sharks glide overhead and below simultaneously.
Gatlinburg
88 RIVER RD
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
An 8-mile scenic loop hosting 100+ working artists' studios — glassblowers, potters, jewelers, painters, and woodworkers. Entirely off the beaten tourist path and a wonderful few hours of wandering.
Insider tip: Stop at the Arrowcraft Shop and Ogle's Broom Shop for authentic crafts. This is where Gatlinburg's real artisan heritage lives.
Glades Arts District
668 GLADES RD
A Walk in the Woods
Gatlinburg's award-winning naturalist guide service since 1998. Expert-guided waterfall hikes, wildlife tours, fly fishing adventures, and family-friendly excursions. Their 4-hour introduction to the Smokies includes a gentle waterfall, local history, and wildlife.
Insider tip: Water and snacks are provided. The 'Thundering Streams and Falls' guided tour is particularly well-reviewed. Book well in advance — they fill up quickly in peak season.
Gatlinburg
GUIDED EXCURSIONS
Old Settlers Trail
One of the most historically rich and least-crowded trails in the park. Wander past stone walls, chimneys, old homesites, and a cemetery from early Appalachian settlers. The trail is wide, low-elevation, and gentle — one of the easiest long-distance trails in GSMNP. Hike as far as you like and turn around.
Trailhead is on Greenbrier Rd just past the Ramsey Cascades fork.
Greenbrier Road
OLD SETTLERS TRAILHEAD
Porters Creek Trail
Porters Creek Trail 4 miles RT | ~600 ft gain | ~2 hrs. The single closest and most beloved hike to Pittman Center. The first mile follows a wide gravel road along the creek — genuinely flat and easy. You'll pass stone walls from an 1800s farmstead, Ownby Cemetery, and an 1875 barn before reaching Fern Branch Falls. Wildflowers in spring are unmatched in the entire park.
Arrive before 8am on weekends — small lot.
For a more challenging hike: continue to Fern Branch Falls for a 4-mile round trip with ~700 ft gain and 2.5–3 hours. The second half narrows into genuine backcountry trail with roots, a nerve-testing log footbridge over the creek, and beautiful old-growth forest.
Greenbrier Road
PORTERS CREEK TRAILHEAD
Howard's Restaurant
Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant serving an exceptional dining experience in a scenic setting since 1946. Dedicated to using the freshest ingredients and time-honored recipes to create dishes that are both flavorful and comforting. The menu features a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Gatlinburg
976 PARKWAY
Red Oak Bistro
An intimate wine and tapas gem tucked in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts loop, 8 miles east of downtown. Mediterranean and Eastern European small plates, excellent wines, and a modern-chalet atmosphere beloved by locals and food writers alike.
Insider tip: Start with the baked brie in puff pastry with dried fruit and apricot jam. Reservations essential — very small dining room.
Glades Arts District
669 GLADES RD
Little House of Pancakes
Low-key daytime joint serving up ample portions of American breakfast & lunch classics. If you are lucky the waitresses will be singing. Try the banana pancakes and baked apples.
East Parkway
807 EAST PKWY
Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
Locally owned for nearly 30 years, Bennett's slow-smokes pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket over hickory for up to 14 hours. The to-go family feast is perfect for a cabin night in.
Insider tip: Save room for the blackberry cobbler. Call ahead for the family take-out feast — feeds a crowd and is spectacular with cabin porch views.
Gatlinburg
714 RIVER RD
Alibi
Alibi is a prohibition-inspired cocktail lounge with Gatsby flare. Behind the hidden door you’ll find the area’s largest bourbon and whiskey collections, a cellar of old-world wines, and carefully crafted cocktails worth savoring. Every great night needs an alibi.
Gatlinburg
968 PARKWAY, GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE, 37738, UNITED STATES
The Peddler Steakhouse
Year after year, families return to The Peddler Steakhouse to enjoy an incredible dining experience in downtown Gatlinburg. From a fresh salad bar and custom cut steaks to views of the Little Pigeon River, Peddler has something for everyone.
Gatlinburg
820 RIVER ROAD, GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE, 37738, UNITED STATES
The Greenbrier
American · Meat · Seafood
Great date night spot for delicious American meat and seafood dishes served in a homey log-cabin setting.
Insider tip: Try their signature cocktail — The Dylan.
Gatlinburg
370 NEWMAN RD
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trails · Wildlife · Waterfalls
The most visited national park in America — and for extraordinary reason. More than 800 miles of trails, diverse wildlife, ancient forests, stunning waterfalls, and the most biodiverse landscape in North America. Free to enter.
Insider tip: Drive Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at dusk for the best wildlife spotting. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent first stop for maps, rangers, and trail conditions.
The Smokies
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Dollywood
Rides · Live Music · Festivals
Dolly Parton’s world-class theme park is legitimately one of the best in America. Award-winning rides, extraordinary live entertainment, exceptional food, and a calendar packed with seasonal festivals. More than hype — it’s genuinely great.
Insider tip: The Dollywood Express steam train is perfect for all ages. The seasonal Flower & Food Festival in spring and Great Pumpkin LumiNights in fall are especially memorable.
Pigeon Forge
2700 DOLLYWOOD PARKS BLVD
Trish’s Mountain Diner
Diner · Breakfast · Local
Trish's Mountain Diner offers a heartfelt Southern dining experience that feels like home. This cozy, locally loved spot blends warm service with a menu full of diner favorites made from scratch. Whether you're stopping by for a quick breakfast a family-style lunch, or a filling dinner, Trish’s welcomes everyone with big portions, fair prices, and a smile.
East Parkway
3614 EAST PKWY