How to Have the Best Vacation in the Smoky Mountains
When you’re planning your visit to the Smoky Mountains, there are important decisions to make, like where to stay and what to do. We want to guarantee you make all the best decisions and have a memorable trip! That’s why we’ve put together a guide on how to have the best vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Read our guide for information on where to stay, what to pack, what to do, and where to eat.
Where to Stay
The first step when planning your Smoky Mountain vacation is finding the perfect place to stay. To get all the comforts of home with the added benefits of being in the Smokies, stay in a cabin! Smoky Mountain cabin rentals have everything you need and more. Enjoy amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and gorgeous mountain views. Bonus amenities you can find in some cabins include game rooms, theater rooms, outdoor fire pits, swimming pools, and more. The best part about cabins is they range in size from romantic cabins for two, to large group cabin rentals. No matter how big or small your vacation group is, you can enjoy the convenience of all staying under one roof. Take a look at our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and find the best one for your vacation.
What to Pack
When packing for your vacation in the Smoky Mountains, start by figuring out what the weather will be like. You can do so by watching our weather forecast videos from meteorologist Paul Poteet. Choose items that you can wear if you happen to encounter bad weather or if the temperature drops during your visit. We recommend packing for comfort first and foremost. Whether you’re going for a hike or touring the town, you’ll want good walking shoes and a comfortable outfit. If you’re planning on going out for a nice dinner or to see a show, you can pack a couple of dressier outfits to match the occasion. The most important tip to keep in mind is to pack everything you need, not everything. Make a packing list, then eliminate it to only the things you think you’ll actually wear/use during your trip. For more tips on what to pack, read our blog, “The Ultimate List of Smoky Mountain Vacation Packing Tips.”
What to Do
There is so much to do in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or things to do for couples, you can find it all in the Smokies. To help you decide what you want to do during your vacation, we’ve made a list of some of the can’t-miss Smoky Mountain attractions:
- Anakeesta
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Dollywood
- Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
- Ober Gatlinburg
Where to Eat
There are so many delicious restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! For a romantic meal for two, try the Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg. For a family meal, try Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island. There is something for everyone, whether you’re craving Mexican food or classic Southern cooking. Here are some of the top Smoky Mountain restaurants to try when you visit:
- The Old Mill Restaurant
- The Pancake Pantry
- Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
- Cherokee Grill
- Cliff Top Bar & Grill
- Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
- Calhoun’s
- Bennett’s Pit BBQ
Start Planning Your Vacation in the Smoky Mountains
Now that you know how to have the best vacation in the Smoky Mountains, it’s time to start planning! Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book your stay today.
