Eat Like a Local
Back to Top of List
Settling in for a homestyle meal is the quickest way to get to know a place – no matter where you are. Local food in Gatlinburg is steeped in Appalachian history, in step with modern times and always heavy on comfort. Pull up a chair and get ready for a treat. Whether you’re ready to indulge or maintaining healthy habits away from home, you’re in the right spot.
A New Favorite
One of our latest local favorites is Taco Trail Taqueria and Bar – were “adventure meets flavor” in tacos, burrito bowls and so much more. Enjoy bold taco-inspired food for breakfast, lunch and dinner at this hip fast-casual destination or if you have a sweet tooth head over to SugarBaby where you can get specially created sweets like milkshakes,
Breakfast & Coffee
Locals love sinking into the yummy stacks at Little House of Pancakes, a popular spot for breakfast and lunch alike or try a longstanding Gatlinburg tradition, Pancake Pantry located right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and if you're looking for super fluffy pancakes or a delicious cinnamon roll, head to Crockett's Breakfast Camp. For a great cup of joe, grab morning sips at Gatlinburg Grind or stop by Coffee & Company, our oldest coffee shop located in The Village.
Casual & Comfort
Folks in Gatlinburg delight in down-home dining, and we have options galore for casual and comfort food. Split Rail Eats is a locally owned joint serving up comfort food and fun, including a weekly game night of bingo and trivia. Hunting a great burger? Satisfy those cravings at Calhoun’s or Smoky Mountain Brewery. For hot dogs and subs, local icon Parton’s Deli always hits the spot! No comfort food list would be complete without an Italian joint, and Gatlinburg locals rave about the two locations of Best Italian Café – especially their divine garlic rolls.
Rooftop Views
Locals know where to go when they want to not only enjoy a delicious meal, but take in some of the best views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Places like Cliff Top at Anakeesta serve up some tasty burgers and brews with a front-row seat with a 360 degree view, while Loco Burro brings the fiesta with rooftop margaritas and Tex-Mex eats right in the heart of downtown. Bring your boots, for some dancing and live music at Jason Aldean's or at The Rooftop at Ole Red is perfect for live music and cold drinks.
Appalachian Upscale
If you’re looking for stuffy fine dining, you’re in the wrong neck of the woods! Smoky Mountain upscale tends toward impeccable ingredients, time-tested recipes and beautiful settings that put us at ease. You can’t go wrong at The Greenbrier Restaurant, revered for its chef-driven menu, river views, signature sips – and haunted history. The Peddler Steakhouse boasts the area’s favorite prime rib, along with a top-notch salad bar and more river views. Don’t sleep on Howard’s Restaurant, our oldest eatery with a menu that’s hard to beat. Situated in a cozy mountain lodge setting, Cherokee Grill’s steaks and cocktails never disappoint. Locals swear by Alamo Steakhouse for a consistently enjoyable lunch or dinner.
Groceries & Healthy Fare
Trust the locals when it comes to sourcing healthy meals while you’re here. Head straight to Whole Earth Grocery, our natural and organic local grocery stocking healthy goods and vegetarian options. Food City is a solid local grocer serving hot breakfast and lunch and all the goods you need to stock the rental fridge. The Park Grill’s salad bar is legendary around these parts, for a fresh meal away from home. The Gatlinburg Farmers Market sells locally grown produce, live music and more Saturday mornings mid-May through mid-October.
Shop Like a Local
Back to Top of List
Want to shop like you live here? In Gatlinburg we put a premium on craftsmanship, sustainability and authenticity. Blame it all on our roots! We started as a humble makers’ town, and to this day we are home to many artists, artisans and creatives.
Artisans & Crafters
For all manner of unique gifts, home décor and locally made products, head to the 8-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community where you will find over 80 lcoal artisans and craftsmen honing the craft onsite where you can purchase authentic, one-of-a-kind items for your home, to wear or as a gift.
Naturally Made
Locals know that Gatlinburg is full of charm which extends to its locally made, all-natural products. At Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House, you’ll find small-batch jams and preserves made with real fruit and old-school recipes. For handmade soaps, lotions, and candles, Misty Mountain Soap Co. and The Basket Case Soap company are go-to spots, using natural ingredients like goat milk, shea butter, and essential oils. Savannah Bee Company is a favorite local spot for health and beauty items – and all things bee, from mead to honeycomb.
Outdoor Adventure
Before locals hit the trails, we’re likely to make a trip to outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center and The Day Hiker for apparel and supplies. With a large selection of outdoor gear, you're sure to find what you need (and want) for your next adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Play Like a Local
Back to Top of List
Hiking
With all the beauty around us, it’s little surprise that one of locals’ favorite activities is hiking in the great outdoors. Locals gravitate to The Gatlinburg Trail which is located at traffic light #10 right before leaving Gatlinburg as a great place to take a stroll, ride a bike, or walk their dog along the river, the Quiet Walkways in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer short, easy trails that quickly lead to nature’s wonder. Old Sugarlands Trail is another hometown favorite for its slow foot traffic and proximity to the heart of town. And of course, we'd be remiss not to include The Appalachian Trail which runs 76 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and can be accessed from various points throughout the Park, but the most popular access point is at Newfound Gap where you can hike along a portion of the iconic 2,200 mile trail.
Fishing
Cast a line! Bring your poles, grab some bait and enjoy a day in the sun. Locals take advantage of prime proximity to go fishing in local rivers and more than 700 miles of fish-supporting streams in the Great Smoky Mountains. With the potential of reeling in more than 50 native fish species, it’s always an adventure. Want a more controlled environment? Locals love Herbert Holt Park, home of Gatlinburg’s municipal trout farm.
Whitewater Rafting
Cool down your temps while revving up your adrenaline with a day of whitewater rafting. No experience is necessary for this heart-pumping activity on the Pigeon River, where you’ll see the Smokies from an all-new vantage point. Local favorite SMO Rafting has been safely guiding groups for 30 years and counting as well as Nantahala Outdoor Center whose experienced guides offer multiple trip options.
Local Parks & Rec
Wind down like a local at one of Gatlinburg’s fantastic city parks. You’ll miss the crowds and gain peace of mind enjoying a picnic, disc golf or basketball. Tee up at Gatlinburg Golf Course or take your fun inside at the Gatlinburg Community Center to enjoy an indoor swimming pool, a bowling center, a fitness area, a gymnasium and racquetball courts. Looking for a slower pace? Locals like to slip into the Anna Porter Public Library to read away the hours.
Indulge in Self Care
Living like a Gatlinburg local means taking care of yourself. Those in the know turn to Organic Infusion Hair & Nail Salon for all their styling needs or head over to Margaritaville St. Somewhere Spa for a pampering spa day.
Take the Challenge
While you’re in town, use the Visit Gatlinburg app to participate in seasonal challenges including Pancake Week, Sweet Week & GatlinBURGER Week or take a self-guided tour to take in the seasons with a scavenger hunt or selfie at one of the local murals or photo op spots.
