B and I both love to shop and we know so many of our guests love a little retail therapy! Tanger Outlets has a wide variety of name-brand stores. Don't forget to check out the Oakley store while you're there! B loves to see his friends and family rockin' the brand he works so hard to sell!
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a fun, family-friendly entertainment complex where guests can enjoy shopping, unique dining options, rides and attractions, live music, and even the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for stunning views of the area! It's a fun place to explore. B and I recommend stopping in to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant- we loved her warm butter cake!
Dollywood is just 10 minutes away in Pigeon Forge and is a world class amusement park created by the legendary Dolly Parton herself! We haven't been yet (we know, we know), but everyone raves about the insane roller coasters, award-winning live shows, and authentic Smoky Mountain vibes. If you have time during wedding weekend, go check it out!
This is a MUST SEE AND DO ACTIVITY! We went for my 32nd birthday and had a BLAST! Take a scenic gondola ride up the mountain and step into a world of treetop adventures, stunning views, and pure mountain magic. Anakeesta has it all: the Treetop Skywalk (hanging bridges 50 feet above the forest floor), two mountain coasters, ziplines, the AnaVista Tower with 360-degree views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg, botanical gardens, great food, and Astra Lumina—a breathtaking nighttime walk through an enchanted forest of lights. It's equal parts adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone. Located in downtown Gatlinburg (about 20 minutes away), but worth the trip! Note: They're currently closed for a major expansion and reopening in early spring 2026—perfect timing for wedding weekend!
Cades Cove holds a special place for my family as my dad used to take me and my mom up to Cades Cove when I was little. We enjoyed hiking, picnics, and playing in the creek. It's one of the most beautiful places in the Great Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. It is found south of Townsend, TN and is an 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley and 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 for horseback riding experiences.
This is one of my favorite places to play putt-putt and remember going as a child with my family almost every trip to Gatlinburg! You take an actual incline railway up the mountain to play mini golf with stunning Smoky Mountain views — because why play putt putt on the flat ground like a regular person? Its located in Gatlinburg-about 20 minutes away, but SO worth the drive!