Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Drop in at the Smoky Mountain Brewery (two locations, in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge) or the Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Crisp fall days in October when the foliage reaches its flaming peak draw huge crowds, and visitors can expect traffic delays, especially on holiday weekends. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Explore Gatlinburg, TN | Things to Do & The Great Smoky Mountains Though this mountain town does boast a few fine dining establishments, Gatlinburg's culinary scene bread and butter is its casual restaurants. As an infant, I survived a car crash when my mom slipped me onto the floorboard and held on for dear life as a driver ran a stoplight and blasted our car. And its a city built for walking with easily defined boundaries that limit the possibilities for misunderstandings. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly Locals prefer the iconic Pancake Pantry with many saying that you can't leave the Smokies without stopping in for some pancakes. The Truth About Newfound Gap Road and Driving - Visit My Smokies Gatlinburg is home to a variety of places to stay that can accommodate any type of vacationers, from couples, to families, to large groups. Tips on Avoiding Gatlinburg Tourist Traps - SmarterTravel I dont know if there have been 10 minutes of their lives excluding time with friends or family that I didnt have a full grasp of where they were. Notably, Gatlinburg is safer than Pigeon Forge. Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi. For more information and updates, check here. Visitors can get so caught up in the rides, games, and shops that they miss enjoying the mountains. Prevention is key. Its smaller, of course. For some Pigeon Forge-esque fun, check outRipleys Aquarium of the Smokiesand theHollywood Star Cars Museum, where you can ogle rides from hit movies and TV shows including Batman and Ghostbusters, see the Beach Boys 1955 Thunderbird, and lots more. Travel Smarter! See the table on nearby places below for nearby cities. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. The best way to get around Gatlinburg is on foot and by trolley. Road closuresmay occur due to severe weather events such as winter storms, floods, and tornados. No. Bring a map. It was the only time we had any issues the entire week. The rates drop a little as you venture into more rural areas. ), and make time for Craftsmans Valley to watch leathersmiths, blacksmiths and other regional artisans at work. Then, make a right turn onto Clingman's Dome Road. Mingo Falls. The Smoky Mountains are open and we cant wait to see you! Sevierville is full of outlet malls and has a mini golf range. Our cabins, campgrounds, condos, restaurants, attractions, stores and other establishments are working hard to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for our guests under the Tennessee Pledgeguidelines. Admission fees for adults are $28.99 and for children are $19.99. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Was there last week. The research weve curated consistently shows that several forms of crime are an issue in Gatlinburg. Yes, masks are still required when riding the public trolley transportation system in Gatlinburg. Insider tip: Lots of folks aim for October; come in September or November instead, and youll still see loads of color but with fewer crowds. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. When analyzing violent crime, property crime, and other crime in Gatlinburg, Crime Grade categorized Gatlinburg as having an overall level D crime grade. In Sevierville, Elviras Cafe serves up the Tennessee Haystack, an open-faced biscuit topped with bacon, ham, two eggs your way and homemade sausage gravy. Off the beaten path, in Gatlinburgs marvelous Arts and Crafts Community, the Austrian teahouse-inspired Wild Plum Tea Room is set in a rustic cabin and offers family and seasonal favorites such as lobster pie, not to mention its renowned hot pimento cheese dip. Then walk it off on a hiking trail, shopping the main streets or racing around Dollywood. 9. Most visitors to the Gatlinburg area travel by car. Gatlinburg, TN 37738 After years of crafting their wares in downtown streets 811 East Parkway, P.O. For waterpark fun, add on a visit to Dollywoods Splash Country, where you can cool off and clamber all over Bear Mountain Fire Tower and its seven slides. There are lots of t-shirt and candy shops, carnival games, and "gem mines" of questionable quality. Rates from $104, Right on the Parkway, the Appy Lodge (named for the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the park) is an affordable alternative with rustic style and a senior discount. I seen the same kid panhandling because he had gotten stuck with no gas and no money. If you prefer to fly, however, McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, Tennessee, is about an hours drive northwest. It did not come open. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The trolley system also links to a park-and-ride lot at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center (1011 Banner Road), just outside of town. If you time your visit for April or May, you'll likely catch the explosion of spring wildflowers. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. For the love of Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains, we ask that you visit responsibly. Pigeon Forge has carnival rides that arent very scary and shows like Comedy Barn and the Black Bear Jamboree. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Pigeon Forge boasts its own system of forest-green trolleys, with five routes that connect the towns North and South Parkways, Dollywood, the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and Wears Valley Road (all routes begin and end at the trolley station on Old Mill Drive in the Old Mill District). The providers terms, conditions and policies apply. Primary roads such as US-441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road are open year round, weather permitting. While there is not a state mandate in place, businesses in Sevier County can maintain Covid-19 restrictions and regulations at their discretion for the safety and well-being of their employees and guests. If you are staying in a cabin that might not be overly secure, take electronics and valuables with you during the day or lock them in your suitcase. In between all the hiking, dining, and sightseeing, youll want to squeeze in an afternoon or two for that most-treasured American pastime: shopping. Sweets and moonshine:If you come to the Smokies and dont spend time perusing (and purchasing) delicious, nostalgically packaged fudge, taffy and other confections at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen in its circa-1950s store in downtown Gatlinburg, then you need to go back and ask for a do-over. Car crashes are the most common cause of death in the park, which is in contrast to many other parks where the most common cause of death is falling. Be sure and check out our blog for updated information: Mandatory Mask Order Issued in Sevier County TN. Cant figure how they get thru the traffic! Unfortunately, the bears have learned to associate cars with food. Here some seasonal highlights to consider. When I was in second grade, they made an announcement about a suspicious van around the school. Businesses throughout Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville have reopened following extensive guidelines from the CDC. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall. It also has tiny houses (from $170) and canvas tents with comfy beds, private toilets and hot showers (from $159). Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces with a disinfectant. Wash your hands frequently. There are lots of t-shirt and candy shops, carnival games, and gem mines of questionable quality. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. There are many events planned for 2022in Gatlinburg. Win a Free Getaway Find Lodging Attractions Get Your Free Vacation Guide Roaring Fork - Great Smoky Mountains National - National Park Service For example, tattoo shops will charge you $10 to apply a temporary tattoo you could buy and apply yourself for less than a dollar. The biggest danger in Gatlinburg and life really is the other people. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In addition, there are plenty of kid-friendly businesses and attractions that your progeny could explore without making a nuisance of themselves. Its all here for you, and youve made the great decision to base your vacation in its Tennessee gateway towns. Nine guest rooms, seven private cottages and three guesthouses make it an ideal choice for singles, couples or families. www.aarp.org/volunteer. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? 8 life-saving tips. Individuals are encouraged to check vaccines.gov to find a location that is offering their preferred COVID-19 vaccine. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community will host over 25 select classes, offering you a chance to create your own pottery, jewelry, homemade soaps Gatlinburgs award-winning Fourth of July Midnight Parade will step off at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. And, of course, Pigeon Forge is home to the incredibly endearing Dollywood, local girl Dolly Partons empire of theme park, water park, resort, entertainment, food and mountain-fueled down-home fun. I just spent a week at Pigeon Forge . Planning ahead, in this case, can dramatically reduce your chance of getting lost or going missing. Resorts:Is there anything Dolly Parton cant do? Gatlinburg ranked in the 20th percentile for safety. 13 Best Museums in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg With Coupons, Who Has the Best Fried Chicken in Pigeon Forge? Gatlinburgs downtown streets can get congested, so smart visitors leave their cars where theyre staying and hop on the bright-orange trolleys of the free Gatlinburg Trolley System, which links major spots with the mass transit center at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto. What is the Greatest Danger in Gatlinburg? Citizens, employees, and visitors are encouraged to continue following and abiding by appropriate protocols to promote personal health and safety. I have changed. That, coupled with moderate temperatures, offseason rates and few crowds, make September a great month to visit. The river through Gatlinburg isnt necessarily deep though in heavy rainy seasons it may be somewhat dangerous but that mountain water can be cold with decent currents. Theyd wish a car got them before I did. Best time to visit Gatlinburg - Lonely Planet Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Governor Bill Lee has signed Executive Order 80, declaring the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency in the state of Tennessee. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Gatlinburg TN Travel Planning Guide - Gatlinburg Vacation Planning for Beautiful! Share this page on your favorite Social network, Sevier County Health Department expands vaccine eligibility and offers extended hours to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination. We didnt bother it and it didnt bother us , Just dont drive your car there. Wanna know where the locals eat in Pigeon Forge? People have different motivations. Recent visitors were particularly taken by the restaurant's outstanding service, stunning views and extensive menu selections, including halibut, prime rib and a five-course tasting option. Take a rollicking ride through Sedona's natural beauty in a rugged SUV. Although many recent visitors loved Crockett's Breakfast Camp, some called it a tourist trap, likening it to "a Cracker Barrel on steroids" and lacking in quality. Always have. There have been in recent years, at least anecdotally, a rise in wilder behavior in Pigeon Forge. Pick up an old-fashioned paper route map to make your navigations seamless and perhaps even more fun. Rates from $150. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. I was warned to stay away from suspicious vans and strangers and people with candy. Know the status of the park's roads, facilities, and trails before you go. Breakfast:The Pancake Pantry in downtown Gatlinburg has been flipping flapjacks for avid diners since 1960 (go early to avoid the long lines it opens at 7 a.m. every day). Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? A few classic things to do as a tourist in the Smokies: go to a pancake house, buy fudge and try moonshine. Follow US-441S for approximately 15 miles. (The restaurants bread is made from the spent grains from the distillery across the road, and everything is served on pottery handmade next door.) With all there is to see and do in Gatlinburg, you'll be thankful to have this informative guide to help make your Gatlinburg vacation better than ever! You can step back in time in these mountains and glimpse what life might have been like in simpler times.. The email stated "Ticketholders have 365 days from the original purchase date to redeem their tickets. Rates from about $150. Drawing on my own experiences in a lifetime of cruising around Sevier County, running the roads in Pigeon Forge, walking around Gatlinburg, I can think of no reason why residents or visitors of the Smokies should be fearful of doing the same. All Rights Reserved. Located near the entrance to the park, visitors say the lodge-like Park Grill is underrated, and several patrons raved about the barbecue, generous salad bar and friendly service, commenting that the restaurant is fun, especially for kids. As long as your kids know how to separate themselves from a potentially uncomfortable situation instruct them to seek refuge in a store, restaurant or other public places and ask for help from employees then they should be fine. When youre in town, these tips will help you avoid tourist traps and focus on the best attractions. They make a great way to getc around both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with a multitude of stops and routes for each of these cities. You're On Vacation, So Treat Yourself | Dining in Gatlinburg, TN. Take the first step in addressing hearing loss concerns by taking the National Hearing Test. Perhaps its Gatlinburgs tradition as an alpine-style village, with chalet architecture and shopping villages that look straight out of Bavaria. Gatlinburg, See below for information and press releases from the City of Gatlinburg as it relates to the pandemic.Visiting Gatlinburg soon? Ill never forget this freedom wed always have in Gatlinburg, see the Ghost Show or going into the gag shop to buy stuff like fake 100 dollar bills that were folded and said Sucker when open to leave on the streets and then watch others lol. I tell them to stay away from the water without supervision. Its a great time to relax in nature with fewer crowds and challenges with high-pressure tourist traps. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. buffets, pizza joints and barbecue eateries. We've compiled the ultimate list of things to do this summer in Gatlinburg offers a variety of activities, attractions, and scenic adventures to get you through the three-day weekend.
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