Family Friendly Eco Adventure in Gatlinburg, TN

Day 1: Exploring Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with delicious, fluffy pancakes at Gatlinburg's iconic Pancake Pantry, famed for its plethora of flavors and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, just a short walk from most accommodations.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Head into the park to experience breathtaking scenery, and choose from numerous family-friendly trails, such as the Laurel Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Drive approximately 15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg to the park entrance.
USD5 (parking fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Park Grill

Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Park Grill, where you can savor locally sourced cuisine in a rustic lodge atmosphere.
Located just outside the park, 10-minute drive from the trailhead.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Visit the renowned arts and crafts community, where you can stroll through shops and galleries showcasing local artisans' works amidst stunning mountain views.
A 10-minute drive from The Park Grill.
Free to explore, optional purchases, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Finish your day with a tasty selection of local brews and delicious pizza or a burger designed for family dining at the Smoky Mountain Brewery.
Only a 5-minute drive back towards downtown Gatlinburg.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Immersion

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

7:30AM

Breakfast at Crystelle Creek

Enjoy a hearty breakfast surrounded by nature at Crystelle Creek, offering a farm-to-table menu.
Located close to Gatlinburg center, a 5-minute drive.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Guided Nature Hike

Embark on a guided nature hike with a local expert to learn more about the ecology and wildlife of the Great Smokies.
Meet at the Visitor Center in the park, roughly 15 minutes from the restaurant.
USD50 per person, 3 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a family picnic with fresh sandwiches from The Deli at the Park and enjoy it at a scenic overlook in the park.
Choose a picnic spot nearby where you finished the hike.
USD35 (for sandwiches for the family), 1 hour

1:30PM

Wildlife Viewing

Spend your afternoon relaxing as you look out for local wildlife, such as deer and black bears, in their natural habitat.
Continue onsite at various park lookouts.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Cades Cove

Enjoy the scenic drive at Cades Cove, a picturesque valley where you can spot wildlife and explore the historical homesites.
Roughly a 30-minute drive from the park wildlife viewing area.
USD5 (parking fee), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Anakeesta

Have dinner at Anakeesta, where you can view the sunset while enjoying locally inspired dishes amidst beautiful mountain surroundings.
Return to Gatlinburg, about a 20-minute drive.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Farewell

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Old Mill Restaurant

Start your final day at Old Mill Restaurant, where you can enjoy country-style cooking with delicious homemade biscuits.
Located in Pigeon Forge, about 15 minutes drive from Gatlinburg.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Titanic Museum

Experience history at the Titanic Museum, an interactive experience that educates the whole family about the ill-fated voyage.
A 15-minute drive back to Gatlinburg.
USD30 for adults, USD20 for kids, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Fish Camp

Try fresh local fish dishes at the lively Fish Camp, known for its relaxed vibe perfect for family dining.
Located nearby on the Parkway in Gatlinburg.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift for stunning views of the surrounding mountains, an experience both thrilling and safe for families.
Just a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD20 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return Souvenirs

Take some time to shop for souvenirs and local crafts to remember your amazing eco-friendly trip.
Stroll through downtown Gatlinburg where numerous shops await.
Free to browse, optional purchases, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Peddler

Conclude your journey with a special family dinner at the Peddler, where you enjoy a steakhouse-like atmosphere overlooking the river.
Minutes away from the shopping area down the parkway.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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