Your Guide to a Perfect Weekend Vacation in the Smoky Mountains This Winter
Winter is a magical time in the Smokies! When you only have a weekend to spend here, there are so many things you can fit in your schedule. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a guide that lists the best places to eat, things to do, and places to stay! Read our guide and start planning the perfect weekend vacation in the Smoky Mountains this winter:
Where to Eat
Nothing helps you beat the cold weather like a warm, delicious meal! The Smoky Mountains are home to a variety of restaurants that can satisfy any appetite. There are plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! Here are some of our favorite places you have to try while you’re here:
The Old Mill Restaurant
Start your mornings off right with a hearty Southern breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant. This Pigeon Forge restaurant was named one of the top breakfast places in the nation, so you know you’re in good hands when you visit. Breakfast isn’t the only meal you can enjoy here, though. It serves up a delicious lunch and dinner as well!
Pancake Pantry
The Pancake Pantry was the first pancake house in Gatlinburg and continues to draw in visitors with its real butter, fresh whipped cream, and made-from-scratch pancakes. If you’re not in the mood for pancakes, try some of their farm fresh eggs, waffles, or golden butter-fried hash browns. It’s one of the best places to enjoy your first meal of the day!
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
Warm up with some fresh apple fritters and a hot bowl of soup when you dine at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant! This restaurant is a top spot for every meal. Visit for dinner and try their Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings or Momma’s Country Meatloaf. You can’t go wrong whichever meal you choose!
What to Do
There are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains it can be hard to fit everything into one weekend. That’s why we’ve come up with some of the top things to do in the winter that you want to make sure you don’t miss out on!
See the Sights
From Christmas lights to snow-covered mountain tops, there is always a sight to be seen when you take a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the winter. Take some time to drive down the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Parkways to see more than 5 million twinkling lights and Christmas displays! Or if you want to brave the cold, go for a hike to see frozen waterfalls and the mountains glistening in a white snow. Make sure to bring your phone or camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
If you want to slip away from the winter weather for a few hours, visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! This aquarium is one of the top in the country, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only can you see all your favorite aquatic animals, you can interact with them too! Touch a jellyfish and stingray, feed a sea turtle, waddle with penguins, and so much more. It’s a fun and exciting indoor activity for the whole family.
Visit Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a winter wonderland! Hit the slopes for hours of fun skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing, If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, don’t let that stop you from having fun in the snow. Ober offers lessons that will make you feel like a pro in no time! You can also go ice skating or enjoy other activities like the Ski Mountain Coaster and Ice Bumper Cars.
Where to Stay
When you visit for the weekend, stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin! Not only does it provide a warm and cozy place to relax, but you’ll have incredible views right from your deck. Soak in the bubbling hot tub, curl up in front of the fire, or cook a meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Some of our cabins come with bonus amenities to make your stay even more special, like theater rooms, pool tables, and even indoor pools! Cabins in the Smoky Mountains offer the best location — a short drive from all the excitement but far enough away for you to enjoy privacy.
Start planning your weekend vacation in the Smoky Mountains today! Browse all our Smoky Mountain cabins and book your stay.
