Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park –
  A real must see for travelers.  The Appalachian Trail runs right through this park and provides some awe-inspiring views with waterfalls at every turn. Hiking for beginners and experts with views obtainable for all and top top it off there are no park admission unless you plan to camp overnight.  For the non-hikers, you can also drive through the mountains and still be in awe of nature.  Check out the National Park’s website here: “The Great Smoky Mountians National Park”
• Dollywood –
  Famous singer and actress Dolly Parton’s family amusement park is located within 15 minutes of our locations!  The park features traditional amusement rides, a water park and more!  With rides for both adults and children, this park can be a perfect way to spend a day with the family.  Check out their website at: “Dollywood Amusement Park”
• Downtown Gatlinburg –
  Travelers can walk the main streets of Gatlinburg and see a bunch of awesome shops, restaurants, bars, candy kitchens, coffee shops and novelty stores.  There are also attractions like the Space Needle, Ripley’s Museums, Guinness World Records Museum, a theater and more.  Visit the downtown’s website: “Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee”
• Helicopter Tours –
  Open since 1972, the Scenic Helicopter Tour company has been providing visitors of the Smoky Mountains a unique way to experience the sightseeing aspect of the Smokies.  Travelers will be able to see a side of the mountains that few get to see from the ground.  All ages are welcome on these tours, but there are some restrictions, so be sure to visit their website for more information.  “Scenic Helicopter Tours”
• Moonshine –
  Along the same lines of wine tasting, travelers can check out a few distilleries in the area that offer free tastings and the ability to purchase it right there.  The Ole Smoky Distillery offers live music, tastings, tours and a store that sells apparel, souvenirs and, you guessed it, moonshine!  Visit their website at: “Ole Smoky Distillery”
• Skiing –
  The Smoky Mountains offer travelers the chance at skiing in some really scenic environments.  With two resorts around the town of Gatlinburg, visitors can ski to their heart’s content and then hit the downtown for some food or entertainment.  The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offers a ton of activities aside from skiing, including ice skating, an aerial tram, mini golf, alpine slide and wildlife encounter.  Visit their website here: “Ober Gatlinburg”
• Hatfield’s vs. McCoy’s Dinner Theater –
  A comical dinner show that offers a look at the famous feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families.  The show features singing, dancing, music and even lumberjack abilities.  Show goers will also receive a traditional southern meal along with the show.  The show is perfect for any age, for more information, check out their website: “Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show”
  

Restaurants

1. Log Cabin Pancake House
2. Bennett’s BBQ
3. Smoky Mountain Brewery
4. Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster House
5. The Mellow Mushroom
6. Shoney’s
7. Calhoun’s
8. Alamo Steakhouse
9. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
10. Cherokee Grill

What To Pack

The Smoky Mountains is a destination that can be used literally all-year round.  In the spring and fall, temperatures can be a bit on the chilly side, but a sweatshirt and long pants should be more than enough to do the trick.  In the summer, travelers can enjoy the weather mostly in shorts and T-shirts, however don’t forget some more rugged clothes and hiking boots for when you want to go explore nature in the mountains!  In the wintertime, the temperatures can get pretty low, so it’s a good idea to bring some heavy coats, gloves, hats and warmer clothes along.

Transport

The Smoky Mountains are a rather rurual location, thus meaning you may have to travel to a few attractions.  Travelers will not find public transportation, so the best bet would be to either bring your own car or rent one.  Some destinations, like Gatlinburg’s downtown are is withing walking distance of our one property, but for the most part, travelers will need a car.  If you are looking to save some money on that rental car, check out this article on our Sundance Vacations Travel Blog, “Ten Tips for Saving Money on Rental Cars”

Special Events

• June – Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
• July – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Festival, Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler Live Music
• August – Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival
• September – Taste of Autumn, October at Ober
• October – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, October at Ober
• November – Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff, Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show, Great Smoky Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
• December – Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade 

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Fun Facts!

1. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the largest national park east of the Rocky Mountains.
2. The national park features over 850 miles of hiking trails.
3. At 6,643 feet, Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in all of the Smoky Mountains.
4. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is actually the most visited national park in the United States!  They see anywhere between 8 and 10 million visitors a year.  
5. The area is considered the Salamander Capital of the World and has over 30 species that are found throughout the park.  
6. A memorial is placed where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940.
7. The Smoky Mountains are home to over 100 historic log buildings that have been preserved or restored.