Gatlinburg is a famous vacation destination for good reason. The Smoky Mountains, fun attractions like Anakeesta, and cabin experiences all contribute to why so many people choose to visit every year, which includes overlooked
With this guide, we'll help you go beyond the usual and deeper into the Gatlinburg experience. Immerse yourself in the local culture, find offbeat attractions, or learn how to balance daytime and nighttime fun. One way or another, you'll discover how to create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Daytime Charm: Culture, Coffee, Crafts, and Views
Every day you're in Gatlinburg, you have the chance to start the fun at your own pace. Take advantage of the sunrise on your deck or head into the city proper to begin your day of adventure with charm, coffee, and a little something extra before hitting the big stuff.
Discover Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
If you want something a little offbeat but still gives you a taste of Smoky Mountain culture, consider visiting the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. This
- Historic Campus: The campus blends Appalachian heritage with modern art.
- Free Art Galleries: These galleries are open to the public.
- Artist Marketplace: Find jewelry, pottery, and collection-worthy art pieces.
In addition, there are opportunities to enjoy one-week workshops or weekend workshops, letting you satisfy your inner artist at the pace you desire.
Whether you want to explore your artistic side, find a piece of art to buy and take home, or are looking for a fun yet unique date option, this is one attraction you'll want to add to your travel plans. Best of all, it sits right in Gatlinburg, making it easy to reach, but far from ordinary.
Start Slow at Local Coffee Spots
Sometimes the best vacations are the ones where you get to start slow and go at a pace slower than your everyday life. For those moments you want to get outside your cabin, but don't want to settle for a basic Starbucks, consider local coffeehouses like:
- Coffee & Company
- Green Eye Hemp Café
- The Village Café & Creamery
Spots like Coffee & Company and Green Eye Hemp Café offer more than caffeine. They’re relaxed, inviting, and unmistakably local. The best part is that after your morning coffee, you can keep the slower pace alive with this next option.
Wander The Village Shoppes
Shopping is a big part of most getaways, and a trip to Gatlinburg is no exception. However, if you're tired of traditional outlets, malls, and department stores, we have an option for you and your guests.
Feel like you've stepped back in time by wandering the Village Shoppes. This section of shops sits in downtown Gatlinburg and is known for its unique architecture, quiet courtyards, and photogenic stops. All of this contributes to a shopping experience that's a little different than what's available back home.
Some shops we recommend checking out during your visit include:
- The Silver Tree
- The Honey Pot
- The Day Hiker
- The Spice and Tea Exchange
Besides the dozens of shops, there are also restaurants like Boudicca's Celtic Pub and dessert shops like Maddie Mae's Café and Creamery, giving you the perfect shopping break before finding more things to do in Gatlinburg.
Scenic Stops Without the Crowds
While different parts of the year are naturally quieter, that doesn't mean it's not a good idea to know where to find shining examples of Gatlinburg's natural beauty without running into the crowds.
These scenic views in Gatlinburg are an easy drive and boast fewer crowds, letting you focus on the view instead of the people:
- Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- East Parkway Pull-Offs
Watch carefully for the perfect sight you want to capture with your camera or phone. You will find many spots to pull-off for a safe way to memorialize the moment.
Evening Enjoyment: Music, Tastings, and Local Vibe
Gatlinburg isn't a nighttime city like other larger cities in the country. However, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to have an incredible time with your favorite people when the sun goes down. We've put together some
The Gatlinburg Wine & Spirits Trail
This is a well-known option with daytime options, but it's also possible to enjoy in the evening. While large families are having fun doing something else, you can enjoy a different vibe by covering the Gatlinburg Wine and Spirits Trail. Some notable highlights to visit are:
- Tennessee Homemade Wines
- Sugarlands Distilling
- Tennessee Cider Co.
These and other stops on the trail offer walkable tastings, drinks with local ingredients, and most importantly, a low-key social scene that lets you interact with others without being confined to the cabin.
Pro Tip: Some of these
Grab Dinner and Enjoy Live Music
Food is a universal love for vacationers of all types. Did you know there are ways to enjoy entertainment while filling your belly in Gatlinburg? Well, now you do, thanks to these local restaurants in Gatlinburg:
- Ole Red: Blake Shelton's bar. Great food and live music.
- Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar: Similar to Ole Red, you'll enjoy classic bar food, live music, and more.
- Shamrock's Pub: Pub food, drinks, live music, and karaoke make this an excellent option.
Any of these options, plus dozens more in the city, offer a relaxed nightlife with good energy, no pressure, and an excellent way to enjoy live music in Gatlinburg.
Stay Close to What You Came For
It's not hard to reach the parts of Gatlinburg that have what you came for, but it's much easier when you stay in the perfect location in the first place.
The Glades
Our cabins in the Glades are only minutes from the Arts & Crafts Community, giving you unmatched access to local artisans and craftspeople. It also helps that these cabins are removed from the crowds, letting you enjoy peaceful mornings and pretty mountain scenery.
Chalet Village
Sitting above downtown, guests in our Chalet Village cabins enjoy mountain views and excellent access to the heart of the city. When not soaking up the scenery, you're only minutes from dining, sipping, scenic drives, and top attractions (for those moments you DO want to play at the usual places).
If you prefer the best of both worlds, the Chalet Village community offers the best base to coordinate your vacation plans.
Downtown-Adjacent Cabins
Some cabins are downtown-adjacent, meaning you can enjoy being a walkable distance or just a short drive from the nightlife or daytime fun. If live music, Arrowmont, and other examples of
After a fun day in Gatlinburg, unwind back in our cabin rentals with a hot tub to soothe your body and soul so that you can play again the next day.
Your Kind of Gatlinburg Is Right Here
With this guide, it's clear your vacation to Gatlinburg doesn't have to be all about neon and noise. There are lots of ways to have fun in the city without relying on touristy options, from live music and gorgeous art to exploring the natural scenery.
If you're ready to make Gatlinburg your kind of city on your next getaway, pick your favorite
