Are you planning a trip to the little mountain town of Gatlinburg? Known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this popular city is overflowing with exciting activities, mouth-watering foods, and cozy lodging options. But how do you decide what to do? We can help with that! Find out what you should do with a single day on your vacation in Gatlinburg TN.

Start the Morning with Breakfast

When you wake up on your Smoky Mountain vacation, you’re probably hungry and wondering about the best places to eat in Gatlinburg. Luckily we have you covered! If you are craving the best pancakes around, you’ll want to stop at the Pancake Pantry. This restaurant is the oldest pancake house in Tennessee, and they have a huge variety. But if you’re more in the mood for a full spread, then you should head to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, where you’ll find eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, biscuits, and so much more.

Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

After a delicious breakfast, you’re ready to start the first activity of your vacation in Gatlinburg TN! You’ll want to head straight for Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. If you’re wondering why you should experience this attraction, as soon as you make your way through the aquarium you’ll see why. With interactive exhibits, beautiful creatures, and fun for every age, you’ll see why the Gatlinburg aquarium has been named one of the top destinations in town!

Get a Bite for Lunch

By the time you’re done at the aquarium, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. You’ll want to skip the chains and check out some of the incredible local eateries along the Strip. If you find yourself in the mood for something smoky and sweet, you’ll want to find the best restaurants that serve BBQ in Gatlinburg. Bones BBQ Joint is a great option because they have all the staples, from pulled pork to brisket to potato salad! If you’re more in the mood for your favorite Tex Mex dish, then there are plenty of Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg you can stop at, including Loco Burro and No Way Jose’s!

Check Out Ober Mountain

Once you’re fueled up again, it’s time to find the next activity! Your next stop on your vacation in Gatlinburg TN should be Ober Mountain. This attraction is known for its ski slopes and snow tubing in the winter, which is super fun if you’re here during that time of year. But Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg isn’t just a winter attraction; there are plenty of fun things to do year round, including ice skating, rock climbing, guided hiking, and so much more!

Enjoy a Delicious Dinner

By the time you’ve gotten through all the activities you want to try at Ober Mountain, you’ll be ready to eat dinner. There are several fantastic dinner restaurants to choose from, and it all depends on what you’re in the mood for! Want a delicious steak dinner? Try The Peddler, The Greenbriar, or Cherokee Grill. Would you rather have something more casual with a southern flair? Cumberland Jack’s in Gatlinburg is a great option! Or you can always go super casual and get one of the sausage, pepper, and onion sandwiches at Fannie Farkle’s!

End the Day with a Bang

If you still have plenty of time to kill after you enjoy dinner, then you’ll be glad to know there are still plenty of attractions to visit! If you happen to be in town with your sweetheart or friends, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, like moonshine tasting or listening to live music. For families, you can’t go wrong visiting Gatlinburg SkyLift Park to see downtown Gatlinburg light up at night or playing a few rounds of mini golf before you head back to your hotel or cabin!

If you follow our itinerary for your next vacation in Gatlinburg, we guarantee you’ll have a great time! Since you know where to eat and what to do, you just need a place to stay! There are several options, like a Gatlinburg hotel with an indoor pool or a cabin with a mountain view. Look through all of the hotels and cabins in Gatlinburg to find the perfect place to stay on your next mountain getaway!