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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Gatlinburg

Monday, August 28: Arrival and Downtown Exploration

Start your trip by arriving in Gatlinburg and checking into your hotel. In the morning, explore the quaint shops and boutiques along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the family-friendly restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies for a fascinating underwater adventure. As the evening approaches, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Space Needle to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  • Downtown Gatlinburg: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: $30 per adult, $18 per child, 2-3 hours
  • Gatlinburg Space Needle: $13 per adult, $7 per child, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, August 29: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Embark on a full-day adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Start your morning with a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road, stopping at various overlooks for breathtaking views. Take a hike on one of the park's many trails, such as the Laurel Falls Trail or the Alum Cave Trail. After a packed picnic lunch in the park, visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about the park's history and wildlife.

  • Newfound Gap Road: Free, 4-5 hours
  • Laurel Falls Trail: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Sugarlands Visitor Center: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, August 30: Dollywood

Spend a thrilling day at Dollywood, a world-renowned amusement park located in Pigeon Forge, just a short drive from Gatlinburg. Enjoy a variety of roller coasters, live entertainment, and delicious food throughout the day. Don't miss the Dollywood Express steam train ride for a scenic tour of the park. In the evening, catch one of the spectacular shows or fireworks displays.

  • Dollywood: $80 per adult, $70 per child, 6-8 hours
Thursday, August 31: Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community

Explore the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop featuring numerous galleries and artist studios. Spend the morning browsing unique handmade crafts, artwork, and pottery. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafes. In the afternoon, participate in a hands-on workshop or watch live demonstrations by talented artisans. Wrap up the day by picking up souvenirs to remember your visit.

  • Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community: Free, 3-4 hours
Friday, September 1: Outdoor Adventure

Experience the thrilling outdoor activities that Gatlinburg has to offer. Start the day with a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Pigeon River. Afterward, head to Ober Gatlinburg, a mountain-top amusement park, for activities like alpine slides, chairlift rides, and wildlife encounters. Enjoy dinner with a view at one of the mountaintop restaurants.

  • Whitewater Rafting: $50 per person, 3-4 hours
  • Ober Gatlinburg: Varies based on activities, 4-5 hours
Saturday, September 2: Smoky Mountain Wineries

Indulge in a day of wine tasting and relaxation in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Start by visiting local wineries such as Sugarland Cellars, Mountain Valley Winery, and Tennessee Homemade Wines. Learn about the winemaking process and sample a variety of wines. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the winery restaurants and savor the scenic views.

  • Smoky Mountain Wineries: Varies based on wine purchases, 2-3 hours
Sunday, September 3: Departure and Hidden Gems

Before heading home, explore some hidden gems and local favorites in Gatlinburg. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, home to a vast collection of unique shakers from around the world. Take a scenic hike to Grotto Falls, a beautiful waterfall nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. End your trip with a delicious meal at one of the locally-owned restaurants in the area.

  • Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum: $4 per adult, $2 per child, 1-2 hours
  • Grotto Falls Hike: Free, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting Elkmont Ghost Town, an abandoned resort town within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Another local favorite is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, where you can ride a chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Both of these attractions offer family-friendly activities and opportunities to create lasting memories.

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