sunrise over Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4 New Things to Do in Gatlinburg near Our Hotel That You Have to Try

Beautiful photo of the Gatlinburg skyline and the Smoky Mountains/
September 10, 2018

Gatlinburg is constantly adding new things to do that visitors are sure to love, and when you stay at Sidney James Mountain Lodge, you can experience them all! From restaurants to attractions, we’ve got all your info on the new and exciting things to do in the area. Here are 4 new things to do in Gatlinburg near our hotel:

1. Dine at Cliff Top Grill & Bar

Firefly Village at Anakeesta

Cliff Top Grill & Bar recently opened in Anakeesta! This new restaurant provides visitors with a delicious meal and even better views. Enjoy the stunning scenery from the top of Anakeesta Mountain as you browse the menu and try to decide between a juicy burger or the special Smokehouse Stacker. Be sure to try some of the restaurant’s signature fried green tomatoes for an appetizer! After your meal, walk over to The Bar at the Top of the World to catch the sunset as you sip your drink. This one-of-a-kind setting will have you wishing you never have to leave.

2. Ride Ice Bumper Cars

For a fun take on a classic attraction, head to Ober Gatlinburg to ride bumper cars on ice! You will spin and zoom around the ice rink as you bump into your family and friends. The smile will never leave your face the entire time! Ice Bumper Cars is located on the indoor ice rink in the center of the mall. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy ice skating! There is a divider on the rink to separate skaters and bumper cars and ensure safety. Also recently added to Ober Gatlinburg is the rock wall. You can race your friends to the top or just enjoy the view!

3. Try New Restaurants in Arts & Crafts Community

The sign for the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

If you want to try a new place to eat in Gatlinburg, visit the Arts & Crafts Community. Several restaurants have recently opened. To escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, enjoy a meal at Split Rail Eats, which is quickly becoming known for its delicious home-cooked food, reasonable prices and welcoming atmosphere. There is something for everyone at this restaurant. For breakfast, try their Rocky Top Rise and Shine Tater Bowl, which includes tater tots topped with 2 fried eggs, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese sauce. For dinner, try the Split Rail Chicken Salad Sandwich. Another new restaurant in the Arts & Crafts Community is Red Oak Bistro, which is perfect for date night! They specialize in wine and small plates, and you will have the opportunity to sample unique dishes that are made with fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets.

4. Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

One thing you definitely have to do when you stay with us is explore the newly renovated Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg. This museum is full of more odd and unusual items than ever before, gathered from all across the world. You can see a car that’s covered with crystals, a two-trunked elephant and albino giraffe, art made out of unusual items like license plates, and so much more. There is even a special tribute gallery to the Great Smoky Mountains, featuring exhibits on the synchronous fireflies and the tallest underground waterfall! For more information on what to expect at the odditorium, read our blog, “Top 4 Reasons to Visit the New Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg.”

Where to Stay

sidney james sign and carport in gatlinburg

When you stay at our Gatlinburg hotel, you will be just minutes away from all of these new things to do! Not only can you take advantage of our comfortable accommodations for an affordable price, but you will get to enjoy all the amenities we have to offer, like our indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, the trolley stop right outside our door, our poolside cafe and more!

Start planning your trip to experience all of these new things to do in Gatlinburg by taking a look at our hotel rooms and booking your stay!