Things To DoThings To Do
AnakeestaAnakeesta
We went here our first year dating and this place does not disappoint. You get to ride a chairlift and see many spectacular views of the Smoky Mountians. If you have a child, they will love this place. Many play areas with tree houses and a treetop sky walk. The adults can have fun here too, but these are extras that cost additional money per person- mountian coaster, zipling, fireflies walk. If you want a beautiful light show, come here at night to see the fireflies show; this was the biggest regret of our visit since we came during the day.
The Comedy Barn TheaterThe Comedy Barn Theater
This is a show favorite of the bride! If you love clean, family comedy this is a great show to go to with your family. Do know, the concessions are expensive, so you might want to eat before you go. Other shows in the area are Hatfield & McCoy, Lumberjack Fued. and Pirates Voyage. Do know, they all have a similar plot line just different events. All are dinner and shows, so they are expensive. I would look at each one and decide which plot you may like thes best, and do that one. Trust me, they are all the same, so you do not need to do all 3.
Dollywood Theme Park ParkingDollywood Theme Park Parking
We have enjoyed this park several times. We both have a thrill of rollercoasters (which do not disappoint). There are also many children rides here as well. A few pro tips if you decide to go: Unlike Disney World, you will not need fast passes. Most lines are less than an hour. Do not skip out on the good southern food. Miss Lillian's chicken house, Red's Diner, and Pork, Ham, and Beans are the best. For desset, try their apple pie or the famous cinnamon bread. If you hate rides, their shows are spectacular. Check out their list of show list and times. They run all day!
Dollywood's Splash CountryDollywood's Splash Country
We have been here many times. In fact, Splash Country was the first waterpark we have ever been to. We believe this park is better than Soaky Mountain (trust us, we have been to both). Here are some pro tips if you decide to go: Unlike Dollywood, this place may need a fast pass; especially, if you are to conquer all the rides in one day. Family coasters do get lengthy lines. Do them first! The food here is not as a great as the Dollywood theme park unless you get from the food trucks. Quick serve food is mid. Their desserts are the staple here- from ice cream to the beaver tails, they are both worth trying out.
GatlinburgGatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a great area to shop. Note for first time visitors, parking is expensive, but you can park on the side of the road behind the aquarium and get parking for free (better be up there really early though), and the "souvenier" shops for Tennessee, if you have been in one, the rest mainly have the same items. Spend more time doing the other shops (Christian, Hot foods, glass store, etc)
The Island in Pigeon ForgeThe Island in Pigeon Forge
We went here during our first year dating. We did learn it is best to look on their website to see what they have to do on the Island. Riding the Ferris Wheel and getting views of Tennessee is the most popular, but they also have Margaritaville, Paula Deen, laser tage, escape rooms, obstacle courses, mirror maze, an indoor 3D ride, arcades, children rides, and many shops. All cost additional money but is well worth ir if you do not plan on coming back to the state.
Local Goat New American RestaurantLocal Goat New American Restaurant
We went here for Valentine's Day, and hands dwon, we believe this is the best sit-down resturaunt in the area. For the two of us it was $70, but it was well worth it. It is better to go here in the late morning or early afternoon; we could never get a sit here at night unless we reserved ahead of time.
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
We love hiking in the Smoky Mountians. We have done many waterfall hikes together and with many members of our bridal party. Pro Tips if you want to visit the park: Stop by Sugarland Visiting Center. You will need a parking pass to park any where in the park ($5), and you can get many brouchures on hikes as well as souveniers. You WILL loose signal once as you are into the park. I would research hikes before your travel and have your Google Maps already directing you before you get to the visitor center. Many hikes that are popular like Laurel or Rainbow Falls, and they have limited parking. Show up early when the park opens around 9 a.m. to gurantee a spot.
Ripley's Aquarium of the SmokiesRipley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Gatlinburg has several Ripley's Attractions; the more you bundle, the more you save. They have a golf course, a haunted mansion, and a Believe It or Not based on world records.
SkybridgeSkybridge
Need a great view of the Smoky Mountians and want to ride a skylift, this place is the best to get both. Shoutout to my mother-in-law Shelley Barnard who works here!