Planning a Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg weekend trip? There is so much to see and do in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains that planning a weekend escape in the area can feel a little overwhelming. Fortunately, Hearthside Cabin Rentals is here to help! Our team has put together the ultimate Smoky Mountain vacation itinerary for two days in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Of course, everyone has different opinions about what the area’s can’t-miss attractions are, but we hope that our guide will provide a solid outline that you can alter as you see fit. Please keep in mind that certain businesses in the Smokies close or have limited hours during the winter months, so some of the items below may not be available during your visit.
Day One
1. Have Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry
No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without going out for flapjacks! Gatlinburg’s most legendary destination for hotcakes is the Pancake Pantry , which has the distinction of being the first pancake house in the state of Tennessee. We love the Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes!
2. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Located just a short walk from the Pancake Pantry, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies was voted the best aquarium in America by the readers of USA Today! This hugely popular attraction is famous for its Shark Lagoon and its Penguin Playhouse. Both kids and adults will love visiting this attraction!
3. Pick Up Sandwiches at Parton’s Deli
After spending a few hours at the aquarium, and possibly exploring more of the downtown area, we suggest picking up sandwiches at Parton’s Deli before you venture into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fantastic sub shop has been delighting visitors and locals alike since 1974!
4. Stop by Sugarlands Visitor Center
With your sandwiches in tow (or possibly in your stomach), drive on over to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains. This is a great place to pick up maps and guides, chat with a park ranger, and do some souvenir shopping. Be sure to check out the visitor center’s short movie about the national park.
5. Explore Cades Cove
Situated about an hour’s drive from downtown Gatlinburg, Cades Cove is the most visited area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over two million people drive through this gorgeous valley each year to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, historic buildings, and spectacular wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer!
6. See the Lumberjack Feud Supper Show
Once you return to town, we recommend combining dinner with a show at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud. Guests will enjoy a mouthwatering all-you-can-eat supper and an adventurous show featuring thrilling lumberjack competitions. Enjoy log rolling, speed climbing, and more family-friendly fun!
Day Two
1. Start Your Morning at The Old Mill Restaurant
Our Smoky Mountain vacation itinerary would be severely lacking if it didn’t include The Old Mill Restaurant ! This iconic eatery is located next door to Pigeon Forge’s historic gristmill, which has been grinding grain into flour since 1830. The Old Mill Square is also home to a number of fantastic shops that you’ll definitely want to browse after breakfast.
2. Spend the Day at Dollywood
Dollywood is arguably the most famous destination in the Smoky Mountains, and we recommend giving yourself pretty much the whole day to enjoy everything the theme park has to offer. After you wrap up your activities at The Old Mill Square, you can head over to the Patriot Park Station next door and hop on a trolley that will take you straight to Dollywood.
Dollywood is overflowing with thrilling rides and world-class entertainment (not to mention delicious food). A few of the most-buzzed-about attractions at the park include the Wild Eagle coaster, the Drop Line free fall tower, and the Dolly Parton Experience.
Dollywood is open each year from mid-March through the end of December. If the theme park is closed during your vacation, consider visiting WonderWorks and/or the Titanic Museum Attraction instead.
3. Have Dinner at Mama’s Farmhouse
After a full day of fun at Dollywood, you can kick back and relax with an authentic Southern meal at Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge. All of the dishes at this restaurant are served family-style, so you can share the bottomless entrees and sides with everyone in your party.
4. Witness an Incredible Performance at Country Tonite
Country Tonite is an award-winning show in Pigeon Forge! Guests can witness all their favorite country hits, both old and new, along with hilarious country comedy. It has mesmerizing production numbers, impressive choreography, lighting effects, beautiful costumes, and so much more. What's even better? Kids 12 and under get in for free with a paying adult!
5. Discover The Island in Pigeon Forge
Located near Country Tonite, The Island in Pigeon Forge is a fantastic place to spend an evening. This shopping and entertainment complex features a mesmerizing show fountain that syncs up with hit songs, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel, and a variety of great stores and snack shops. Be sure to try SkyFly: Soar America before you leave for a high-flying adventure!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains
We hope that our Smoky Mountain vacation itinerary has provided some inspiration when you're planning a Gatlinburg weekend trip! When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of the best attractions and restaurants in the area. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 26 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your vacation. To start planning your escape, browse our selection of cabins in the Smoky Mountains!
