If you had to plan the perfect day in Gatlinburg, what would it look like? With so many fun things to see and do in the area, choosing just a handful of activities is no easy task! Here at Sidney James Mountain Lodge, we decided to put our heads together and devise the itinerary for the ultimate day in our Smoky Mountain city. Here is how we would spend 24 hours at our Gatlinburg downtown hotel:

Get Breakfast at Our Cafe

Grabbing breakfast at our Poolside Cafe is a great way to save time and money. Our onsite cafe offers breakfast sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, and other tasty meals to start your day with. On the weekends, we even offer a breakfast buffet that is sure to satisfy your whole family.

Catch the Trolley to Downtown Gatlinburg

After breakfast, we suggest taking the trolley into downtown Gatlinburg. Sidney James Mountain Lodge is lucky enough to have a trolley stop right outside of our main lobby, so guests can leave their cars behind and enjoy a relaxing ride into the heart of the city. Trolley rides are just 50 cents, or you can purchase an all day pass at our hotel for $2. If you would prefer to walk instead of taking the trolley, The Strip is just a 10 minute stroll from our Gatlinburg downtown hotel.

Visit a Fun Attraction or Two

Once you arrive in downtown Gatlinburg, you will find hundreds of great attractions to enjoy! Here are a few of our favorite places to check out:

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Village Shops
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Gatlin’s Smoky Mountain Fun

Go Out for Lunch

When lunchtime rolls around, your family can head over to one of the wonderful restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg. Some of the best lunch places on The Strip include:

Parton’s Deli
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and The Cheese Cupboard
Mellow Mushroom

Relax by the Pool

After lunch, catch the trolley back to Sidney James Mountain Lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying some poolside fun. If the weather is nice, you can go for a dip in one of our beautiful outdoor pools. If it’s raining or chilly outside, you can spend some time at our one-of-a-kind indoor pool. With man made caves and waterfalls, your kids will absolutely love our indoor pool!

Dine at a Restaurant with Live Music

The evening is a great time to enjoy some live music! Many restaurants in the area host local artists and bands who will entertain you with great bluegrass, country, and Americana music while you dine. For a guide to which restaurants offer entertainment at night, check out our guide to the Top Places to Hear Live Music in Gatlinburg.

Finish Your Day with a Sweet Treat

To finish your perfect day in Gatlinburg, head to one of the area’s famous sweet shops for dessert. Some of the most popular places for a treat include: