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There are so many great things to do in Gatlinburg, TN that you would need a three year long vacation to truly experience everything the area has to offer (and even then, there would still be more to see!). However, what if you only had one day to enjoy the region? Of course, there is an endless variety of ways to spend a vacation day in the Smokies. To give you some ideas, we have mapped out our idea of the perfect day at our Gatlinburg TN rentals.
Wake Up with the Mountains
When we wake up in Gatlinburg, the first thing we like to do is breathe in some fresh mountain air. Make a cup of coffee, or pour a glass of orange juice, and step out onto your cabin’s deck to bask in the sunshine for a little while. You can even start your day by taking a dip in the hot tub on your deck. Being in the Smokies is a special experience, and you’re going to want to soak up every minute of mountain time you can!
Breakfast at Your Cabin or in Town
For breakfast, you can either have a quick bite right in your cabin’s fully furnished kitchen or head out to a local restaurant. Gatlinburg is legendary for its pancakes and other early morning treats, so you really can’t go wrong when it comes to the most important meal of the day. Here are a few of our favorite breakfast places:
- Pancake Pantry
- Mountain Lodge Restaurant
- Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
After breakfast, it’s time to put all of that caloric energy to good use! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of trails to enjoy, with hikes that are appropriate for every ability. If you’re not a hiking fan, there are also a number of excellent scenic drives that your whole family will love. Here are a few of the national park’s most popular destinations:
- Cades Cove - an incredibly scenic valley with wonderful wildlife and fascinating history.
- Clingmans Dome - the highest point in the national park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.
- Laurel Falls - a beautiful 80 foot waterfall that is only an easy 2.3 mile round trip to get to.
Picnic Lunch
While you’re in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, why not stop for a picnic? The park is home to some wonderful pavilions where you can have lunch while admiring the area’s beautiful scenery. Some of the most popular picnic areas in the Smokies include:
- Cades Cove
- Metcalf Bottoms
- Greenbrier
- Deep Creek
Downtime at Your Cabin
Having spent most of your morning out and about in the park, you will probably be ready for a short rest in the afternoon. Head back to your cabin for some relaxing downtime. Our Gatlinburg TN rentals come with a variety of amenities that you can enjoy, such as flat screen TVs, fun game rooms, high speed wireless internet, and so much more. The early afternoon is also a great time to go for a swim, if you’re staying at one of our cabins with pool access.
Fun on The Strip
Once you’re feeling rested, drive over to downtown Gatlinburg for some family fun. Although it is only a few blocks long, The Strip is jam packed with some of the area’s very best attractions and activities. Here are a few destinations you may want to check out:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Fort Fun Mini Golf & More
- The Gatlinburg Sky Lift
- The Village Shops
- The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
- The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Downtown Gatlinburg is also a fantastic place to grab dinner! There are a number of great restaurants that you will find on The Strip, including Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, The Melting Pot, Cherokee Grill, and the Mellow Mushroom.
Have a Family Movie Night
After a full day of exploring the national park and seeing the sights in downtown Gatlinburg, you can relax with a family movie night. Grab a DVD from a local Redbox and spend the rest of the evening watching a fun film with your kids. Some of our cabins even come with special home theaters, so you can enjoy your movie in style!
To start planning your perfect day in the Smokies, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg TN rentals!
