When you come to stay at our Gatlinburg hotel, one of the best perks that you will be able to enjoy is being located within walking distance of lots of the best things to do in Gatlinburg! Not only does this mean you will not have to worry about finding parking spots and paying parking fees, it also allows you to get out and enjoy the fresh Smoky Mountain air while exploring the best that the area has to offer. To help make your vacation as fun as it can be, we have gone ahead and put together a helpful guide to a fun day in town, all within walking distance of our Gatlinburg hotel! Let’s get started:
Breakfast — Pancake Pantry
For breakfast, head on over to the Pancake Pantry for 24 different varieties of pancakes and tons of other breakfast classics. You truly can’t go wrong at this popular restaurant along the Gatlinburg strip, with everything from old fashioned buttermilk pancakes to Swiss chocolate chip pancakes, and more. Plus, you will be happy to know that the 1 mile walk from our Gatlinburg hotel to the Pancake Pantry is the longest walk on this list, allowing you to easily get from place to place all day long.
Morning — Ripley’s Aquarium
After breakfast, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies awaits! With over 10,000 sea creatures on display, the aquarium actually has more aquatic creatures than the town of Gatlinburg does people. That means there will be tons of cool things to explore when you visit the aquarium, from touching stingrays, to coming face-to-face with sharks, and plenty more exciting activities.
Lunch — Smith & Son Corner Kitchen
Once you have wrapped up your adventures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, everyone will have most likely worked up an appetite once again, which is where Smith & Son Corner Kitchen comes in! This restaurant offers a classic selection of American options, including burgers, ribs, meatloaf, and more. And for the adults in the group, they have an excellent selection of cocktails and other drinks to enjoy.
Afternoon — Gatlinburg SkyPark
Next up on the itinerary is the Gatlinburg SkyPark, which is right across the street from Smith & Son Corner Kitchen! This attraction is home to the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, making it a must-visit destination during your trip. When you ride the lift up to this exciting attraction, you will be able to see Gatlinburg from a unique perspective, plus views for miles here in the Smoky Mountains!
Dinner — No Way Jose’s
When dinner time rolls around, we recommend heading over to No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina for delicious options such as fajitas, burritos, tacos, and more - plus an extensive drink menu that you are sure to enjoy! This restaurant is located along the river in Gatlinburg, which gives you the opportunity to dine outside next to the river when weather permits.
After Dinner — Hillbilly Golf
Finally, there is time for one more activity before heading back to our Gatlinburg hotel, and Hillbilly Golf is the perfect choice! This scenic mini-golf course takes you up above Gatlinburg to compete on fun, themed courses. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or a significant other, enjoying some friendly competition at Hillbilly Golf can be a great way to end the evening.
After your game of mini-golf concludes, it will be time to head back to our Gatlinburg hotel for the night. Fortunately, you will be located less than half a mile away from The Appy Lodge when you finish playing at Hillbilly Golf, so it will just be a short walk to get back. Once you have returned, all that is left to do is to get some sleep so that you can have another great day in the Smokies tomorrow! If you are ready to make this adventure a reality, go ahead and reserve your spot at our Gatlinburg hotel today. We can’t wait to welcome you!