When you go on vacation, you don’t want to spend your time doing things you could be doing at home. So, we compiled a list of some of our top recommendations for you! All of these Smoky Mountain attractions will be fun for the whole family and we guarantee you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Here are 4 awesome things to do in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
If you are looking for one of the most unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains, take a trip to the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum! Being the only Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in the United States, it is home to over 20,000 pairs of shakers! Located in Winery Square, this museum is fun for the whole family. Don’t leave without purchasing a unique set of shakers to take home!
2. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a historic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Log cabins, mills, churches, and barns have been preserved by some of the first settlers in mountains. The historic community is now surrounded by an 11-mile loop road. Visitors looking for things to do in the Smokies can take a driving tour and grab a pamphlet to experience Cades Cove. For those who are looking for fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains, there are numerous hiking trails that are great for the whole family! Cades Cove is also a great place to have a picnic while you enjoy the mountain views! There are multiple places throughout the loop where you can pull off to take some extra time to experience the beauty of the Smokies. If you have never visited Cades Cove, it is also one of the most popular places to see wildlife. If you want to see a black bear in the mountains, visit Cades Cove at dawn or dusk. Just a reminder, do not get too close to the wildlife and never feed them.
3. Gatlinburg Sky Lift
For the best view of Gatlinburg, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift! Reaching 1,800 feet above the ground, riders will experience an awe-inspiring view of the Smoky Mountains! During the day, there is a clear view of all of the Gatlinburg restaurants and attractions. At night, visitors can enjoy the lights dancing across the sky. No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without taking a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift! It truly is the best way to get the best views and is one of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
4. Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is one of the most unique places in the area. Featuring over 120 working artists and craftsmen, the Arts and Crafts Community is a great place to shop for local treasures! At the Arts and Crafts Loop you will find a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, pottery, candles and woodwork.
More Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
These are just some of the many exciting things to do in the Smoky Mountains. From dinner shows to mountain coasters, you’ll never run out of fun when you visit the Smokies. For help planning your vacation, be sure to check out these top things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
