My daughter started kindergarten this year and while there have been a lot of things I’ve learned (there’s a learning curve for mommas too!), one of them is that there are So. Many. Breaks. We’ve got fall break, spring break, Christmas break, Easter break and a splattering of long weekends. While relaxing at home is nice and sometimes much needed, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve searched “road trips near Nashville” or “weekend getaways from Nashville.” So I’m here to let you in on my not-so-secret secret, Gatlinburg is the perfect long-weekend family road trip, especially if you’re looking for the perfect Smoky Mountain restaurant spot to suit everyone in the family. Â
We’ve driven that straight shot east on I-40 so many times, that I’m proclaiming myself an expert on this trek and am here to let any newbies in on what I’ve learned.Â
Why is Gatlinburg so popular?Â
For starters it’s an easy and beautiful drive. We are within a few hours of the most visited national park in the country, and it’s also one of the top family-friendly destinations. There’s so much to do that you could not even make it to the mountains. But please, for all that is good, don’t make that mistake. Be sure to make time for a hike or even drive through the park.Â
Getting there
If you have kids then you know “vacation” starts when you leave the driveway. Instead of, oh who am I kidding, in addition to them being consumed by their ipads, make the trip there fun with a few interesting stops along the way.
Buc’ees- Tennessee’s first Buc’ees opened in Crossville right off exit 320 and my-oh-my is it a sight to see. I didn’t think an oversized truck stop would live up to the hype…until I saw the beef jerky wall and fudge counter. It’s a great spot to fuel up on both gas and coffee and start your vacay with car snacks you’d never normally approve of.Â
Knoxville’s Market Square– Hop off I-40 at exit 388A and stroll the streets of Market Square. There are several local restaurants and shops and is often the host to outdoor concerts or festivals on the weekends.Â
How many days is enough in Gatlinburg?Â
You could easily spend a week tucked away in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains and have plenty to do to entertain the family, but we tend to make a long weekend of our visits to Gatlinburg. Our sweet spot is two full days, not counting travel days. That gives us enough time to hit up our favorite attractions and still get a little R&R.
What is there to do there?Â
The short answer is SO MUCH. You’ll learn that when you drive down the strip and can’t go five feet without your kids yelling “I want to go there!” and “I want to do that!”. So I’ll start with a highlight reel for any first timers:Â
Dollywood:
Perhaps the most beloved figure in all of Nashville, Dolly Parton, created an amusement park as charming and entertaining as she the legend herself. Dollywood offers a ton of rides for the younger kids as well as roller coasters that could beat out any other amusement parks. The shows will entertain everyone from your three-nager to your teenager. You’ll leave saying the same thing we say every time, “that is friendliest staff you’ll ever come across.”
Insider tip: You don’t have to wait in line to have your kids measured. Measure them beforehand and just know which rides they can and can’t ride.Â
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:Â
A rain day favorite, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies rivals any big city aquarium. Walking through its underwater tunnel allows you to have a 360 degree view of their impressive variety of sea creatures including 12-foot sharks!Â
Insider tip: Check out their website before you go to see what live shows they have that day.Â
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkÂ
I’ve said it already, but it’s worth repeating. Go to the park! There are hikes and trails for all levels from the one mile, fully paved Cataract Falls to the more rugged 3.3 mile Chimney Tops Trail. You could even take a nice scenic drive through Cades Cove. But you would be remiss to make the trek and not experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.Â
Insider tip: Stop in at one of the visitor centers. They’re happy to give you ideas that will fit your family.Â
AnakeestaÂ
One place we always hit up is Anakeesta. It’s the perfect mix of scenic beauty and entertainment. Our kids love riding the Chondola up the mountain, racing through the Treeventure Challenge Course, which is basically the treehouse of every kid’s dreams, and making it to the top of Anavista Tower. Take in the thrill of Gatlinburg’s Single Rail mountain coaster here as well. My husband and I enjoy strolling through the gardens with a nice cocktail, walking along the Treetop Skywalk and hitting up the cute shops (well me more than my husband.) We always plan our visit around a meal time so we can eat at one of the mountain top restaurants.Â
Insider tip: Wait times can get long so put your name in at whichever restaurant you choose right when you get there. That way you can play and explore until your table is ready.
Ok, now time to share the love. What are your favorite spots, must-do’s, must-eats and family favorites when you go to Gatlinburg?
Leave a Reply