You're finally on vacation and about to have a lot of fun while staying in Gatlinburg. However, it's the first day, and the options seem endless, and you're wondering
What Your First Day in Gatlinburg Really Looks Like
Most people think that
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to create vacation wins, no matter how your vacation starts, which is what we're going to explore.
If You Arrive Early in the Day
If you arrive early, you technically have more time to do all the things you want to do while in Gatlinburg. With that in mind, it's important to ease into the trip without overcommitting at first. Vacations are more of a marathon than a sprint, unless you're doing a short getaway like a 48-hour trip.
Ease Into the Outdoors
One of the best things to do for early arrivals is to explore the outdoors at a moderate pace. Most of the attractions are starting to get busy and the temperatures aren't too hot. Start with short scenic drives in Gatlinburg to plot out what you want to do on day three or enjoy a light visit in the park and save the big adventures for later.
Bonus tip: Take time to stop at overlooks to get beautiful pictures so you can focus more on fun later in your trip.
Save Major Attractions for Later
You might be tempted to hit the major attractions immediately, and you're more than welcome to do so, but most major attractions like Anakeesta or Ober Mountain require some planning to maximize your fun.
As such, find out what you need to know about the attractions that interest you, get your tickets if you haven't already, and commit the next day to the attraction of your choice, knowing you have all the time you need to have a blast without worrying about squeezing everything in at once.
If You Arrive Mid-Day
What if it's the middle of the day when you arrive in Gatlinburg? Are you out of options? Absolutely not! There are plenty of ways to balance activity with needed relaxation to set the scene for an incredible trip with a mid-day arrival.
Check In and Reset
The first step is to check in and drop off your stuff. If you feel like going out to explore, now is the time to do simple things like walk around the Parkway or maybe consider a low-key attraction like Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience or Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
These types of activities let you stay cool and get a feel for the city without any of the pressure. After exploring a little bit, it's an excellent time to enjoy dinner at one of the unique restaurants you can't eat at back home.
If You Arrive Late
We've all been there. Traffic was bad or you got started late and therefore arrived late. That doesn't mean your first day is already over. There are still low-effort, high-reward activities you can enjoy with a late arrival on your first day.
Keep It Simple
One of the simplest ways to enjoy your first day, when it's already basically evening, is to go out to dinner. No one wants to cook after being on the road all day. After eating, feel free to walk around a little and see what grabs your attention. Downtown Gatlinburg is surprisingly walkable, offering opportunities other cities wouldn't on vacation.
When in doubt, you can always enjoy the amenities of your cabin rental. Did you pick one with a game room? Play for a few hours with the other guests. Does your cabin have a theater room? You can't go wrong with a low-key movie night with snacks and drinks.
Set Up for the Next Day
If it's really late or you're just too exhausted to worry about doing anything the first day, you can always do a little light planning for the next day. See what breakfast places are open early or figure out the first outing you want to enjoy, knowing you have the entire day available tomorrow. Some helpful tips to consider:
- Check the next day's weather
- Review the plans you already made
- Consider splitting up if everyone wants to do different things, and a place to meet up when done.
Sometimes, the best way to win your first day in Gatlinburg is to lay the groundwork for the rest of your stay in the Smoky Mountains.
How Your Cabin Location Changes Your First Day
Besides time itself, your cabin location defines how your first day goes. If you're staying outside of the city itself, then reaching the downtown excitement might be trickier. If you're staying in downtown, you might want to save the scenic drive for day two or three.
Staying Near Downtown
For those staying near downtown, like with our Chalet Village cabin rentals, it's an easy hop to downtown, where you can park the car on the street or in a parking garage. From there, you can walk around, explore various attractions, or grab a bite to eat without any fuss.
If you arrive early enough in the day, this type of location still allows you to drive around or explore the national park, but you might feel it's more convenient to wait. That's up to you and your guests.
Staying Outside of Downtown
What if you're in more secluded parts of Gatlinburg, like cabins in Cobbly Nob or halfway between the two extremes, like vacation rentals in the Glades? For those occasions, you'll want to save the attractions for another day and focus more on driving around, exploring areas like the arts and crafts community, and taking it easy.
Pro tip: If you arrive late, it's best to avoid exploring unless you're already familiar with the area. The roads curve and go up and down mountains, making the drive more stressful than needed for the unprepared.
A Simple Way to Think About Your First Day
The most important thing to consider about your first day is to do what sounds like fun to everyone in the group. If you feel like enjoying the cabin and staying put, especially after a long road trip, that is an excellent idea. If you're ready to explore and can't sit still, all of the Smoky Mountains are waiting for you and your guests.
The Smokies aren't going anywhere, so take your time and make the trip happen on your terms, so you enjoy the escape from everyday life you've been craving.
Start Your Gatlinburg Vacation the Right Way
Whether you're hitting the ground running or starting your adventure at a slower pace, there's a Gatlinburg cabin rental that perfectly matches your vacation style. Explore our selection, and when you arrive, you'll already know
