Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is an exciting destination for many reasons! This charming town is not only on the doorstep to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but is also home to several amusement parks that are located at the top of a mountain! These unique parks offer all kinds of cool attractions, as well as aerial lifts where getting there is half the fun! Here are 3 mountain top amusement parks in Gatlinburg that you need to visit:

Voted as the second best aquarium in North America by USA Today, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is conveniently located less than a mile from our hotel. If you are visiting the Smoky Mountains with children, the aquarium has an amazing amount of activities for them to explore. Here are 4 of the best kid-friendly activities at Ripley’s Aquarium:

There’s nothing more exciting than getting your adrenaline pumping by doing something fun! Thrill seekers will find all kinds of attractions in Gatlinburg TN that will get their heart racing. From mountain coasters to being high in the air, you’ll find all kinds of thrilling activities. Check out these top 6 attractions in Gatlinburg TN that were made for thrill seekers:

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is not only home to an amazing collection of sea creatures, but several extra attractions that can make your visit even more memorable! One of these attractions is the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, a boat ride that actually takes you into the aquarium’s famous Shark Lagoon! Here are the top 3 reasons why you need to experience the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:

The awesome thing about a Gatlinburg vacation is that there is something for everyone to do, from the youngest children in your family to grandparents! With everything from action packed arcades to interactive play areas, you will never have to worry about your kids getting bored. In fact, don’t be surprised if they ask you to come back to our hotel every year for another adventure! Here are the top family friendly things to do in Gatlinburg:

One of the huge perks of staying at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg is that we are just minutes away from some of the most exciting attractions in the Smoky Mountains! The best part is that you don’t even need to get in the car to get around town, but can simply take advantage of several convenient transportation options! Here are 4 easy ways to access Gatlinburg attractions without using your car:

One of the most festive holiday events in the Smoky Mountains is Lights Over Gatlinburg, where the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is lit up at night with more than 40,000 sparkling lights! This is your chance to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a magical night with your family and friends! Here are the top 3 reasons why you need to experience the Lights Over Gatlinburg event:

While some people might consider the winter months as the “off-season” in Gatlinburg, this is actually one of the best times to visit the Smokies! You will not only find less crowds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but also lots of special events throughout the winter months! One of the most exciting events is the Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta, where the family theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland! Here are the top 4 things you need to know about the Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta:

The holiday season is an exciting time in Gatlinburg as the town comes alive with all types of festive events during the annual Winterfest celebration! Whether you are planning Thanksgiving in the Smokies or a Christmas vacation to enjoy the holiday light displays, there is always something fun going on in Gatlinburg! All the action takes place just steps away from the Sidney James Mountain Lodge! Here are 4 fun events to experience during the Gatlinburg Winterfest celebration:

Anakeesta has recently opened the Black Bear Village, the final phase of their $6.5 million expansion. This charming area features a pair of tempting restaurants, a unique new place to shop, and a mountain themed splash pad for the kids! It joins the Anavista observation tower and TreeVenture Challenge Course as part of Anakeesta’s largest expansion ever! Here are 4 fun places to explore in the new Black Bear Village at Anakeesta: