
If you’re wondering what to do in Gatlinburg with kids, take them to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Black Bear Village is one of the most charming areas at Anakeesta, featuring several tempting restaurants, a unique place to shop, live entertainment, a mountain-themed splash pad for the kids, and more! Here are 4 fun places to explore in Black Bear Village at Anakeesta:
1. Cliff Top Restaurant & Tap House
Cliff Top in Black Bear Village is one of the best Gatlinburg restaurants with a view of Mount LeConte! Of course, the scenery is just one of the highlights as the restaurant offers a delicious selection of modern American cuisine, including steak, pasta, burgers, salmon, salads, appetizers, and desserts. You can choose to dine indoors or on the outdoor patio while enjoying this elevated dining experience. Don’t have time for a full meal? Grab a drink next door at Tap House or take a seat by the fire pit to watch the sunset!
2. Kephart Cafe
For those guests who prefer a quick bite, Kephart Cafe in the Black Bear Village at Anakeesta has just what you need. This fun walk-up restaurant serves up tasty flatbread pizzas and gourmet hot dogs– quick bites packed with flavor. Kephart Cafe or one of the neighboring food trucks are also great places to grab a refreshing soft drink or a craft beer, which you can enjoy by the fire pit or in the plaza.
3. The Mercantile
Another one of the fun places to explore in the Black Bear Village at Anakeesta is The Mercantile, a modern take on the general store with farmhouse decor, kitchen items, vintage toys, and many other items! This is the perfect place to pick up some wonderful new additions for your home or a few gifts for your loved ones! Don’t miss the unique selection of bowls, utensils, and cutting boards, as well as the locally made hams, sauces, and pickles.
4. Splash Pad
If you have children in your family, just wait until they get a load of the Anakeesta Splash Pad at Black Bear Village. This interactive play area is designed to resemble a Tennessee mountain stream and comes with a waterfall. As the woodland creatures and pebble jets spray water from every direction, splash around and stay cool during a warm afternoon in the Smokies. Nearby is the Black Bear Village stage and seating area, so check out Anakeesta’s calendar of events for the daily live entertainment lineup!
Where to Stay Near Anakeesta
Stay at our hotel near Anakeesta during your vacation to Gatlinburg and the Smokies! We are conveniently located on a trolley stop and within walking distance of the departure point for the Chondola, Anakeesta’s one-of-a-kind transportation system to the top of the mountain. We have a variety of comfortable room types to meet your needs, as well as plenty of excellent amenities, including private balconies, an exercise room, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and more!
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Gatlinburg TN today to stay near Anakeesta and Black Bear Village. We look forward to seeing you soon at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge!