All the Go to’s in Gatlinburg/Pigeon forge

Who doesn’t love a fun little trip to the mountains?! Over the past two months, we have spent a few weekends exploring the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, and now have several favorites that will always be on the list when we visit!

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge has always been a top choice for family vacations, but with continued growth and expansion, the market doesn’t just cater to families anymore, but also to those groups of adults looking to have themselves a good time!

So whether you want to just relax and take in the scenery, or hit the street and soak up all of the fun and excitement the area has to offer, the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area has something for everyone!

For the Nature Lover

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – America’s most visited national park and the icing on the cake is that it’s FREE to visit! With all kinds of things to view on endless hiking trails, my favorite has to be the waterfall trails! Click here for a list of the most popular waterfall trails.

Roaring Fork Motor Trail – This 5.5 mile one-way loop near Gatlinburg is such a great scenic drive, especially during the Fall time with the leaves changing! From rushing mountain streams to old-growth forest to log cabins, this fun little day drive will be a sure way to soak up all of the area’s most breathtaking scenery! Be sure to keep your eyes open for those cute little black bears!

Bear Camp Cabin Rentals – During our most recent stay, we rented a cabin through Bear Camp Cabin Rentals, and it was the perfect set up for a large party traveling together! Nothing but luxury and fun inside the log cabins. Located close to the Pigeon Forge strip and a short drive to Gatlinburg, you’ll be able to take in all of the fun in both locations!

Bonus: For every night of your stay, you get one free adult admission to many of the top attractions!

To rent the same cabin we stayed in (complete with a hot tub, pool table, and Pac Man arcade game), click here!

For the Drink Lover

Tennessee Homemade Wines – A good glass of wine is always a treat, but turn that wine into a wine slushy, and you’re living your best life! You can stop right along the Gatlinburg strip and taste a few of these Tennessee made wines. Pay the $5 VIP tasting fee, and you’ll get to try one of the wine slushees! I can’t wait to mix up our own at home by simply adding a bottle of wine to the slush mix and freezing!

Gatlinburg Wine Trail – Pick up a passport and get ready to hit up 5 local wineries, each with FREE tastings! Bonus Win: Complete the tour and receive FREE gifts (mug and a wine glass…so perfect!). Can’t visit all stops in one trip…no problem, just save your passport and bring it back with you on the next trip!

Doc Collier Distillery – Just in case you aren’t a wine drinker, no worries, because Gatlinburg has the finest shines and spirits around! Head on over to Doc Collier Distillery and get your $5 tasting coupon (which also serves as a $5 off coupon when your tasting is over)! The tasting flight will consist of…get this….13 different flavors! This one is a must do if you’re looking for some good sipping moonshine!!!

For the Adventure Seeker

SkyLift Park – Looking for a little adventure during your next trip, then be sure to hit up SkyLift Park in downtown Gatlinburg. If the ride up the side of the mountain isn’t enough excitement for ya, then wait until you get to take a walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! (Yea, it’s a tad scary, and we did it at night, so I didn’t have to look through the glass panels in the middle of the bridge! ha) Regardless, you can’t beat the views of the Smokies you’ll get from a top the mountain while sitting in a rocking chair around a fire pit!

For the Comical one

Dick’s Last Resort – If you’re looking for a good laugh while eating dinner, then you must hit up one of the two locations (downtown Gatlinburg or at The Island in Pigeon Forge). This restaurant is the place where you pay for “bad service”. In fact, during our most recent visit, Kaylie was even recruited to do some work for our table! The best part though has to be the personalized hats every person at the table receives! Note: If you get easily offended, then this probably isn’t the best place for you. For those who laugh when they read Dick’s slogan “We put the FU in Fun!”, then add this to your list of must do’s!

For the Foodie

Chesapeake’s – If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ll feel as though you’re right by the beach eating fresh off the boat seafood here! Wanna know a little tip…even though it’s located in the Smoky Mountains, the seafood does indeed come right off the boat and is delivered to the restaurant daily for sea to table in 48 hours! This local favorite has now moved to the top of my all time favorite restaurant list! You can’t beat the flavors, from seafood entrees to the most delicious baked potato, you won’t have a bad bite of anything here!

Insider Tip: Want to splurge, go for the Crab Stuffed Lobster! Want a similar taste at a lesser price point, go for the Baked Chesapeake’s (shrimp stuffed with crab).

For the “Fins Up” Fans

Margaritaville – I’ve saved the best for last!! Even though you may be in the mountains, it doesn’t mean you can’t escape the heat and kick back like you would if you were at the beach! Chose one of the three locations around the area to stay in: Margaritaville Island Hotel, Margaritaville Island Inn, or Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg, and you’ll be sure to be living up the luxury life and celebrating that it’s 5 o’clock somewhere all day long!

Insider Tip: Be sure to look for this guy at the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg! Moose will greet you with a friendly smile from the minute you drive in and is ready to make sure you have the most memorable vacation!

Bonus: Be sure to hip up the Daiquiri Shack and Grill right next to the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg to get the best frozen drink around!

Now that you have the perfect itinerary for your next trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, get to booking and start making those new travel memories!

One last Pro Tip: If you need the most perfect pair of boots when visiting the area, be sure to hit up my favorite brand, Dan Post Boots (seen in the cover photo above). Handcrafted boots that are comfy enough to wear all day!