Family Winter Vacation Itinerary
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Making family memories on your winter agenda? Check it off your list with our family getaway itinerary.
Family Stays
Keep the crew cozy! Sasquatch Lodges in Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community rents 3-bedroom lodges, and you’ll find resort hotels, affordable rooms, and cabins and chalets of all shapes and sizes here.
Family Mornings
How to entertain the family on a winter day in Gatlinburg? Start by feeding them mountain-style in one of Gatlinburg’s iconic breakfast spots. Pancakes are always in season, and never more welcome than on a cold wintry morning. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, Log Cabin Pancake House and Pancake Pantry are spots worth a stop. Get the gang up and at ‘em early! Anakeesta is a no-brainers for a day of wintry family fun. There’s something for all ages there, from treetop soaring and mountain coasters to shops and cozy eateries.
Family Afternoons
Huddle up midday to refuel for the afternoon. For a quick lunch, you can’t lose at J.O.E. & Pop’s Sub Shoppe or Josef’s Deli. Sweeten the meal with a trip to Gatlinburg’s new Goo Goo Chocolate Co., a Tennessee-born brand adored for its down-home decadence. Warm up by exploring Gatlinburg in the wintry afternoon. Stop in to see Santa at Santa’s Claus-et, where it’s Christmas Day every day! Ripley’s has enchanted families for generations, with no sign of stopping. Immerse your ocean lovers in the fascinating underwater world of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Entertain loved ones of all ages at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, featuring strange and unforgettable displays. Shopping is always a crowd-pleaser, and there are fun new spots to peruse. The kids will love Hat Characters on Glades Road, a quirky crochet shop featuring handmade character hats, bags and adorable amigurumi.
Family Evenings
While movie nights are always welcome, there’s plenty of family fun after dark in Gatlinburg. Arcadia is an all-ages favorite, open late with popular arcade and video games, bowling, simulators and prizes galore! Gatlin’s Escape Games have good times on lock, with your choice of multiple scenarios to entertain the family. Pizza is often a family favorite, and you’ll find all kinds of pies in Gatlinburg. Check out Big Daddy’s Pizzaria, Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria, or PizzaRio - The Brazilian Way for a slice of deliciousness!
Romantic Getaway Itinerary
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Snowglobe scenes and romantic movie vibes have delighted Gatlinburg honeymooners and lovebirds for decades. Walking in a winter wonderland with your sweetie is easier than ever with this itinerary.
Romantic Stays
You’ll find plenty of excellent places to cozy up with your sweetheart in Gatlinburg. Check out the luxurious new Hotel Indigo, where boutique charm meets modern elegance in the heart of Gatlinburg.
Romantic Mornings
Start your day together with a bountiful brunch at The Heirloom Room, serving a chef-driven breakfast fare with regional flair daily. Enjoy a leisurely morning with your love, perusing the charming shops of The Village downtown, where you’ll find unique mementos in an old world atmosphere. Make lasting memories and gain cooking expertise with a late-morning class at Smoky Mountain School of Cooking & Appalachian Store.
Romantic Afternoons
Fill up for the afternoon with a yummy lunch for two at The Melting Pot, sharing fondues, salads and entrees. Unplug together and spend the afternoon recharging side by side at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg’s St. Somewhere Spa. Book your massages, facials, hair and nail treatments and more early to ensure availability.
Romantic Evenings
Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Gatlinburg’s fine dining establishments, such as The Greenbrier Restaurant or Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse. From there, head to the Gatlinburg wine trail to sample sips from one of our excellent local wineries. Along with local pours, Old Mountain Wine Company also features a cocktail bar, featuring custom pours.
Winter Friends Trip Itinerary
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Friends just wanna have fun! Grab the gang and head to the mountains, leaving your stress behind and packing for a good time. We’ve rounded up our favorite ways to play in Gatlinburg for parties of any size.
Stays With Friends
Depending on the size of your group, you’ll find Gatlinburg lodging to keep everyone close. Check out Treehouse Grove for high-end rustic retreats in various sizes. Condos are a great friend-group choice, as are hotel suites in the heart of town.
Mornings With Friends
Catch up with your pals over coffee in Gatlinburg at a locally owned spot like Smoky Mountain Coffee and Creamery. Get creative together! Try out pottery classes at Daffodil Designs, shop for quirky-cool gifts at Tigerblooms and explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
Afternoons With Friends
Head to lunch at local-favorite spot Sun Diner, where music paraphernalia and comfort foods keep the vibe warm. Immerse yourself in the world of specialty tea at Tennessee Tea Jars or learn about the history of mountain moonshine while you sip through a distillery tour at Sugarlands Distilling Company or Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.
Evenings With Friends
Live music in the mountains never disappoints, and Firefly's Patio Lounge at The Park Vista Thursday evening entertainment series is a great option. Ole Red Gatlinburg and Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar both hit the spot for dinner and entertainment, with live music nightly.
Gatlinburg Outdoors Winter Trip Itinerary
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Don’t let the colder weather keep you from enjoying an outdoor adventure in Gatlinburg!
Outdoorsy Stays
Prioritize time in nature by booking a stay with rustic appeal. Camp Leconte offers unique Gatlinburg camping experiences, including safari tents, luxury treehouses and a 1961 retro Shasta camper.
Outdoorsy Mornings
Get your coffee fix at Gatlinburg Grind and grab a filling breakfast at Split Rail Eats. Gatlinburg’s iconic Ober Mountain is Tennessee's only ski area and at its most thrilling in the winter months. Adventure awaits in the forms of skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, mountain coaster and so much more in one convenient spot.
Outdoorsy Afternoons
Grab a quick and hearty lunch at Smith & Son Corner Kitchen or healthy fare at Whole Earth Grocery. Then lace up for a guided hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with A Walk in the Woods. Immerse yourself in the natural magic of the Smokies in winter, when frozen waterfalls and unparalleled vistas await. You’ll find all the warm gear you need for outdoor time in Gatlinburg at NOC Outdoors and other area outfitters.
Outdoorsy Evenings
If you’re not too tired after an active day outside, enjoy a warm meal at LeConte Tapas & Grill and unwind over local beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company.
