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Travel Guide: Best of Gatlinburg, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains
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items I lived in East Tennessee for a few years and still visit regularly. These are my top recommendations for things to do and places to eat in the Great Smoky Mountain area
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Good for Everyone
21+
Good for Everyone
I had the best jelly donut of my life from the Donut Friar - definitely try them fresh and warm
Donut Friar
This is a must visit for anyone interested in true crime, forensics or history. It has so many different sections including serial killers, forensics, cyber crime, terrorism, organized crime and others. One of the coolest things about this place th...
Alcatraz East Crime Museum
There’s a reason there’s always a line out the door to eat here. These pancakes are some of my favorites ever and they have a ton of pancake creations. If pancakes aren’t you’re thing, the have other options as well.
Tip: plan to eat here for lunch ...
Pancake Pantry
I love the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant for breakfast - the complimentary apple fritters dusted with powdered sugar and served with apple butter are amazing. Also try the Applewood julep for a unique drink option.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Gatlinburg and I go here whenever I’m in town. I love their chips and queso. They also welcome well-behaved dogs on their rooftop.
The Loco Burro - Mexican Restaurant & Rooftop Bar in Gatlinburg
If you have the time, I highly recommend taking the drive through the National Park to the Cherokee Reservation just across the border into NC. There is a lot of cool stuff to see here so my best rec is to just explore.
Tip: keep an eye out for wild...
Visit Cherokee, NC - Home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
This is a really fun place to visit. They offer a lot but my favorites were the laser maze, mingolf, and laser tag.
Tip: if you want to do multiple activities, look into the fun pass for a special rate
Gatlin's Fun Center
The Gatlinburg Skypark will give you unmatched views of downtown Gatlinburg. There is a long suspension bridge to walk across as well as food and gift shops.
Tip: keep an eye on the weather. If it is windy, the will close the skypark and chair lift....
Gatlinburg SkyPark
This is my favorite hotel in Gatlinburg. It’s right off the strip and is perfect for both families and romantic getaways. There is a coffee shop and bar onsite.
I recommend paying for a room with a fireplace - it makes the whole stay feel more cozy ...
Margaritaville Resort | Gatlinburg, TN
This is a great spot for families. There are attractions that younger kids will enjoy as well as shops, bars, dining and old time photos. For adults, there is a moonshine distillery and a wine tasting that I love to visit.
Don’t miss the Ferris whe...
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Yes, buc ee’s is a gas station but it’s also so much more. I didn’t believe it either until I visited. They have 100 gas pumps and pride themselves on the cleanest bathrooms. But what makes them so special is the store - this place has literally EVER...
Buc-ee's
I love Speedzone for go karting - they also have more than one track to try
SpeedZone Fun Park
21+
This is my favorite distillery in Gatlinburg. They have some really unique flavors and the people who run the tasting are very funny and engaging. You get the price of the tasting back as a coupon to use on store. After you finish the tasting, be sur...
Sugarlands Distilling Company
This is one of my favorite moonshine distilleries in the area. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg just off the main strip is the Holler - a tasting room and gift shop for Ol Smoky Moonshine. If you’re 21+ you can take part in a tasting of their most ...
“The Holler” at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
This whisky distillery offers tastings all day. Similar to other distilleries, there is a small fee for the tasting and you receive a coupon to spend. Most of what you’ll taste here will be different flavors of whiskey but they also usually throw in ...
“The Barrelhouse” at Ole Smoky Whiskey Distillery