Everyone deserves a relaxing getaway in the Smoky Mountains. Curling up in a cozy Gatlinburg cabin puts you right next to all the best scenery and attractions. But what if you’re just passing through?
If you find yourself with just one day to spend in Gatlinburg, TN, here are 8 different things to do that will make that one day feel like a whole vacation.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The crown jewel of the area. If you’re in the Smoky Mountains, then you definitely want to see all they have to offer. Wildlife, hiking trails, waterfalls and ghostly relics of settlements past--you’ll need to start your one day pretty early in the morning if you want to get your fill of the Smokies.
2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Are you a fan of Bumblebee? What about the Batmobile? Name a famous movie car and it’s here! No other building in Gatlinburg has so many great photo opportunities in one place. And it’s not just cars. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Harley motorcycle has rolled straight out of Hollywood and onto the Stars Car Museum floor, as well!
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
Like Seattle but Southern! This 407-foot observation tower overlooks Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. The air doesn’t get much fresher than that! Ride to the top in an elevator made of glass and enjoy free viewfinders at the top. Guaranteed to be a beautiful sightseeing adventure for your one day in Gatlinburg, year-round!
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Just like the books but somehow better (perhaps because you can get up close to all the weird stuff). The Ripley’s Museum has over 500 exhibits and artifacts to amaze, inspire and entertain.
A wonderful romp sure to please the kids in your family (or the inner-kid in you!).
5. Gatlinburg SkyPark
A whole little world up in the sky. Ride the lift to the top and enjoy a walk across the longest pedestrian skybridge around. There’s an observation deck and a relaxing shopping area at the top, as well.
6. Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
Ride day or night! The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is all the thrill of an amusement park roller coaster, but placed in the mountains. Swap out the view of popcorn and pedestrians for wildlife, trees and fresh mountain air.
7. Anakeesta
Go ziplining, ride a coaster, experience gem mining and more! Anakeesta is Gatlinburg’s mountaintop theme park. When you’re tuckered out from all the fun, there’s some pretty delicious burgers to eat here, as well.
8. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s fun doesn’t stop at the museum. The Ripley’s Aquarium is where you can see the creepiest fish and the cuddliest penguins. Are you brave enough to sleep with the sharks?
Can’t decide which attraction to visit? Check them all out and stay in one of our stunning cabins in Gatlinburg!
