Top 10 Ideas for an Unforgettable Gatlinburg Vacation

An unforgettable vacation should include adventures you can’t have anywhere else, shared with people you love. Come to Gatlinburg for these ten memorable moments.

1. A Relaxing Gatlinburg Cabin

When you stay in a private Gatlinburg cabin, you have space and amenities all to yourselves—barbecue on the grill. Play in the game room. Let the kids pick flicks, then cozy up for movie night. You’ll never forget your cabin getaway.

2. The Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg’s nickname is “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.” The Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites you to stroll its Quiet Walkways, hike its slopes, or rest by one of its waterfalls.

3. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

More than 10,000 sea creatures swim, waddle, and glide past you at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies! Watch penguins paint. Touch rubbery rays. Experience a tropical rainforest and a colorful coral reef.

4. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Ride the iconic chairlift to the mountaintop, then stroll across the SkyBridge–the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the continent at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The views define “unforgettable”!

5. Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community

Watch artisans at work, buy Appalachian handcrafts, and try some crafting yourself at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Woodcrafts, baskets, quilts, pottery, jewelry, candles, and more make memorable gifts.

6. Gatlinburg Space Needle

You can’t get this view anywhere else: You’re 400 feet in the air, with 360-degree vistas and nothing between you and the mountains atop the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Take the glass elevator to the top and use the viewfinders to explore the Smokies.

7. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Iconic cars from TV and movies create brag-worthy selfies at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. See TV’s Batmobile plus cars from “Ghostbusters,” “Back to the Future,” and “The Fast and the Furious” films. You won’t find these beloved wheels in LA or New York!

8. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Many attractions claim they’re “unique,” but the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is truly one of a kind. See 20,000 pairs of nostalgic shakers in more shapes, themes, and materials than you can imagine!

9. Moonshine Tastings

For an only-in-Gatlinburg experience, sample moonshine at one of Gatlinburg's distilleries. This clear whiskey takes on other flavors well. Maybe watermelon, apple pie, coffee, or eggnog moonshines will tempt you!

10. Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium

Crave unusual, even disturbing, sights? Ripley's Believe It or Now Odditorium is heaven! Weird wonders include shrunken heads, a car covered in crystals, an albino giraffe, and the dreaded Iron Maiden torture device. You’ll talk about this for years.

Check out our Gatlinburg cabin listings today and start planning your lifetime trip!