Our top local eats recommendation! Local Goat is a New American scratch kitchen that serves fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable dishes, including burgers, steaks, ribs, and seafood. We recommend trying the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich add Pimento Cheese. This place is so popular, expect a long wait time. We promise - it’s worth the wait. Price Range: $20 - $30 per person
The Appalachian is a rustic yet elegant restaurant that offers a menu focused on Southern and Appalachian cuisine. Known for its farm-to-table approach, the eatery features locally sourced ingredients and a variety of dishes, including hearty entrees and creative appetizers. Price Range: $50 - $100 per person
Junction 35 is a lively restaurant and distillery offering a range of Southern-inspired dishes and craft cocktails. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring everything from burgers and sandwiches to seafood and steaks, Junction 35 also boasts an on-site distillery producing a variety of spirits, adding to its unique dining experience. Price Range: $20 - $30 per person
Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Azul is a vibrant Mexican restaurant known for its flavorful cuisine and lively atmosphere. The eatery offers a range of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, along with a selection of margaritas and cocktails. Price Range: $20 - $30 per person
Black Rifle Coffee is a veteran-owned coffee shop that offers a range of high-quality coffee blends, espressos, and other beverages. The shop provides a great stop for visitors looking to enjoy a quality cup of coffee while supporting a meaningful cause. Price Range: $
Country Roads Axe Co is a unique venue that combines axe throwing with dining. Enjoy the thrill of axe throwing while also savoring West by God Coal Fired Pizza, known for its crispy, coal-fired crust (regions only coal-fired pizza) and delicious toppings. The venue offers a fun, interactive experience with a focus on both exciting activities and high-quality food. Price Range: $10 - $20 per person
Acclaimed for their unique chef-driven menu, Greenbrier specializes in hand-cut prime steaks, fresh produce, house specialties, and craft cocktails. Their rare in-house dry-aging process and exceptional atmosphere makes The Greenbrier Restaurant Gatlinburg’s premier steakhouse. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, their staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality food and service. Visit The Greenbrier Restaurant for a truly unparalleled dining experience! Because of high demand, we strongly recommend all guests plan ahead and make a reservation to enjoy dining with Greenbrier. Price Range: $50 - $100 per person
Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this cozy, lodge-style restaurant offers mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood, and a variety of Southern favorites. The rustic charm and delicious food make it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the area. It's a meal you won’t want to miss! Price Range: $20 - $30 per person
Known for their delicious, fluffy pancakes and cozy atmosphere, it’s a local favorite and a must-try spot when you’re in the area. Whether you’re in the mood for classic buttermilk, fruity toppings, or something a little more adventurous, they’ve got something for everyone. Price Range: $10 - $20 per person
Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning natural beaty with diverse landscapes, including lush forests, waterfalls, and rolling mountain vistas. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. Peaks reach up to 6,643 feet (2,024 meters) at Clingmans Dome. Parking pass fee: Daily: $5 | Weekly: $15
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO DRIVE AN HOUR SOUTH… Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. A popular 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley provides access to hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. The area also holds a visitor center, campground, picnic area, and riding stable. Completely FREE to enter from 8am to sunset
Located at the top of the iconic SkyLift, 1,800 feet above sea level, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America and the most unique experience in the Smokies. From the mountain-top SkyDeck, the SkyBridge stretches almost 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span.... that's longer than 2 football fields! SkyPark Single Visit: Adult: $34.95 | Senior: $27.95 | Junior: $20.95 SkyPark SkyPass (All Day): Adult $41.95 | Senior: 34.95 | Junior: $27.95
Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure park featuring a variety of attractions set amidst a scenic forest environment. Visitors can enjoy activities such as a rooftop canopy walk, ziplining, a treehouse village, and a suspension bridge, along with beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. The park also offers dining, shopping, and seasonal events, making it a popular destination for families. Adult (12-59): $34.99 | Children (4-11): $22.99 | Seniors (60+): $27.99 | 3 and under: FREE
ANAKEESTA SPECIAL EVENTS: Astra Lumina is every night in May from 9:15pm to 10:00pm. Discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars. Adults: $37.99 | Children: $25.99 | Seniors $30.99
ANAKEESTA SPECIAL EVENTS: United Tastes of America starts on May 24th. Summer food and drink specials inspired by 12 states from all around the country are sure to leave your belly full and your taste buds delighted with a journey. Adults: $37.99 | Children: $25.99 | Seniors $30.99
Dollywood is a popular theme park known for its mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment. The park features a range of roller coasters, water rides, and musical performances, all set in a picturesque mountain setting. Experience the splendor of springtime in the Smokies. Blooming to life in spectacular color, Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival celebrates the beautiful blossoms and fresh flavors of the season with larger-than-life Mosaicultures, unique foods, and stage shows! Capture picture-perfect moments under our signature Umbrella Sky and hear inspiring sounds of springtime as live music fills the air. Celebrate spring with all your senses. Regular Price: $92 per adult | $82 per child/senior
Smoky Mountain Ziplines offers an exciting aerial adventure through the scenic Smoky Mountains. The fun begins once you arrive at base camp, located just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway. After safety instruction and gearing up, you are ushered to the first zipline via a unique, off-road-style transportation. Highly trained guides are with you the entire time to deliver an adrenaline rush unlike any other! Regular season rates: $94.95 per person
Pink Jeep Tours offers guided off-road adventures in distinctive pink Jeeps. The tours take visitors through scenic areas like the Smoky Mountains, providing a mix of thrilling rides and informative commentary about the local landscape and wildlife. It's a popular choice for those seeking an adventurous and memorable experience in the area. Cades Cove Tour: $155 | Historic Elkmont Tour: $99 | Gatlinburg Loop Smoky Mountains Tour: $89 | Foothills Parkway Smoky Mountains Tour: $99 | Newfound Gap Smoky Mountains Tour: $99 | Roaring Fork Smoky Mountains Tour: $105
Soaky Mountain Water Park is a large water attraction featuring a variety of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. It offers fun for all ages, and we recommend reserving a cabana before you go. It is set in a scenic location and provides a range of dining options. 2025 pricing to be announced; Generally $50 per person
If you're looking for a fun and unique experience in Gatlinburg, don’t miss Hillbilly Golf! This quirky, hillside mini-golf course offers a mix of beautiful mountain views and hilarious hillbilly-themed holes. It’s a great way to enjoy some laughs and friendly competition while taking in the scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a good time, it’s sure to be a highlight of your visit. Have fun and swing by for a round! Generally $15 per person
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, located in Pigeon Forge, is a thrilling ride that allows visitors to navigate a winding, gravity-driven track through the scenic Smoky Mountains. The coaster features individual cars that can be controlled by riders to adjust their speed, offering a unique and exhilarating experience as you descend through the mountain terrain. Ticket price generally ~$20
The Island is a lively entertainment and shopping complex featuring a range of attractions, including amusement rides, restaurants, retail shops, and a 200-foot Ferris Wheel. The Island hosts live music, events, and family-friendly activities, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a blend of fun and relaxation. We recommend trying the Island Creamery. Parking is FREE
Enjoy lively and diverse experiences at the The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops. As one of Pigeon Forge's most unique shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions, there is something for everyone, including fun thrill rides on the Mountain Monster. Here you will find the best food, drinks, shopping, and things to do in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Parking is FREE
Tanger Factory Outlet Center in Pigeon Forge is a large shopping complex offering a wide range of brand name and designer stores at discounted prices. The center features various shops, including apparel, footwear, and home goods, as well as dining options. We recommend stopping by the Lulu Lemon and Nike stores. Parking is FREE, but limited
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO DRIVE AN HOUR NORTH…. If you're looking for a fun and memorable experience, we highly recommend the Cedar Pond Farm Scottish Highland Fluffy Cow Tour! These adorable, fluffy cows are a unique sight to see, and the tour is a fun way to learn about the farm and the history of these charming animals. It’s a perfect mix of nature, education, and cuteness—all wrapped up in one experience! Don’t miss the chance to meet these friendly Highland cows up close—they’re sure to steal your heart! $$$