For the past few years my go to fall/winter vacation has been the Caribbean. We hop on a cruise ship and go to weather even warmer than Florida!
Well not this year, we are totally flipping the script and heading to Gatlinburg, Tennessee!
We are super excited to have a real WINTER vacation! My Florida girls were jumping with joy when they found out we were going somewhere with cold weather, you know that requires all kinds of winter accessories for those divas!
I have not been to Tennessee since I was a little kid but I do have some very distinct memories of a family vacation or two in Gatlinburg. Oh course I remember the mountains and the Ski Lodge and even a mini golf course but one strange thing that sticks out in my memory is a little friendly looking ghost that was on the side of the road in town. I have no idea where the ghost was exactly but for some reason I remember him or at least I think I do! I am so excited to take my family so they can create their own memories of Gatlinburg to cherish forever!
Although we will not be going for a few months I wanted to share our plans with my readers since there is still plenty of time to book your own fall or winter vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee! I have done a lot of research and this town looks PERFECT for families traveling with kids, couples looking for a romantic getaway or even a fun girls weekend away! Check out some of our plans and favorite places we have come across while researching our upcoming vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee!
Where are we staying?
We will be staying at Bearskin Lodge! This hotel is on the trolley route as well which will make getting around town without driving pretty easy! They also have a fitness center, free wifi and free customer parking! You know I am always a big fan of breakfast included! As a mom I feel like this is such a big part of booking a hotel room. One less meal I have to worry about for the kids is a win in my book! Bearskin Lodge also has outdoor fire pits, which we are very excited to relax snuggled up by the fire pits! I mean seriously look at how beautiful this lodge looks and the river that runs along side of it! We cant wait to arrive and explore Bearskin Lodge!
Now that I had a hotel booked I needed to start researching things to do to keep my monsters busy! Yes I know vacation should be relaxing but I am that mom who likes to see and do as much as we can. Keep the kids busy all day type of motto! Here are some of the attractions we booked that I think would be perfect for families traveling with children of any age!
We may have to visit again in warmer weather to test out this relaxing lazy river!
What will we be doing in Gatlinburg?
Ripley’s Gatlinburg -We have all heard of Ripley’s and we have probably all been to some sort of aquarium right, but than Ripley’s and Auqaiurm collide for the #1 aquarium in the United States! There was no doubt we HAD to put Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on our to do list! They have touch tanks, a penguin exhibit and you can even walk through a shark tank!
Ripley’s had numerous attraction in Gatlinburg such as a Haunted Adventure, Mirror Maze, two mini golf courses, a 5D Theater, Ripley’s Believe it or Not and even a Guiness World Records Museum! We are excited to visit all of these Ripley Locations! Ripley’s also offers combo passes which make visiting all of the attraction even more affordable!
Smoky Mountain Coaster – This alpine coaster is the longest downhill ride in the united states! Fun for both adults and children and smoky mountain coaster is open all year round! We watched a few youtube videos on this place and my kids were jumping up and down with excitement! We can’t wait to try the coaster!
Anakeesta – This brand new attraction in Gatlinburg is full of all kinds of Smoky Mountain Magic! They have Ziplining, a Magical Firefly Village, Scenic Chondola Rides, a Tree Canopy walk 40′-60′ above the beautiful forest and even a children’s tree House! We are excited to check out Anakeesta during our trip not only to play but to taste the smokehouse BBQ as well, yummy yummy!
Ober Gatlinburg – Another place I remember as a child is Ober Gatlinburg! I remember the tram ride up and the fun indoor ice skating, skiing, arcade games and so much more! When we go this year we will be testing out Snow Tubing! I won’t lie, I may be even more excited than the kids to try the snow tubing! Looks like the perfect winter fun activity!
Rowdy Bear Coaster – This attraction offers both a gravity coaster and a mountain glider! The kids are excited to try both of these fun looking rides! They love thrill rides as do I. The new glider opening this fall will be the first of its kind, gliding riders through the tree tops! Sounds like a real unique experience to add to our family vacation memories!
Gatlinburg Space Needle – The space needle takes you 400′ in the air for a 360 degree view of Gatlinburg and the beautiful Mountains! I think this attraction would be fun to do both in the daytime and at night to check out the city all lite up!
Want to Learn more about Gatlinburg? Things to do, Places to eat and much more?
Than Check out Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau!
Have you been to Gatlinburg, have any tips for us?
We want to hear about your experience in the comments section below!
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**Disclosure – This post may contain Affiliate Links! All Pictures were provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and/or each individual attraction/hotel! A Big thank you to Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bearskin Lodge and each listed attraction who will be hosting/sponsoring our upcoming trip**
Rose says
I have not been here but my parent’s have been years ago in the summertime. Your pictures look very inviting. I want to go too now. I bet your kids are going to have a blast.
Amber Myers says
This sounds and looks like a great place to visit in the Winter. I know my family would have a blast here.
MICHELLE GWYNN JONES says
I too usually head out of the country for vacations, but there is so much to see and experience right here at home. Tennessee is a lot of fun, You are going to have a blast snow tubing.
Tavia says
This looks amazing!!! We travel a lot and we’re planning ashville but this looks more enticing!
makeamomsmile says
Have fun in Ashville!
Marysa says
Wow, there is so much to do there! I have been to a Ripley’s, but not their Haunted Adventure. This would be a really fun road trip, so much to keep everyone entertained.
makeamomsmile says
Yes! So many things to do and see in this cute town!
corinne & kirsty says
The place looks amazing! so much to do! and what a great fun it must be! I’d love to have such a vacation!
makeamomsmile says
So amazing! We cant wait!
Kate says
You guys have such an amazing getaway planned! I can’t wait to hear what your family thinks of the resort and all the local attractions!
Jessica Taylor says
Wow! I would love to vacation there! It looks like you had a great time!
Akamatra says
I am always game for a winter vacation! I love snow and this lodge seems the perfect place to spend the days (and nights !)
melissa Steindl says
I love Gatlinburg! I used to go camping there in college. This looks like such a fun vacation!
Aishwarya Shenolikar says
This place looks SO amazing! And you have many great things to do there!! I hope you have the best time! 🙂
Hannah Marie says
This place looks very relaxing. It would be nice to stay here after a week of tiring work. I would love to visit!
Amanda Schreiber says
As much as I crave sunshine in the winter, there is something special about a real winter vacation to the snow! This place looks like a lot of fun!
Dena S. says
Wow. This place looks amazing! There are so many things or side trips that you can do. I would love to visit!
Amber Battishill says
It looks like there are so many great and fun things to do while there! I’ve had it on my list for awhile…just waiting for the kids to get a little bit older. 🙂
Nailil says
Oh my, these pictures look great. I have always wanted to visit Gatlingburg, since I have been to other cities in Tennessee.
Anna says
This is our favorite place to visit. Visiting Gatlinburg again this year to watch the light. This place never gets old. Beautiful pictures .
Tanvi Rastogi says
I had not heard of this place until today. Looks like it has something for everyone. I will have to add it to my list of place to visit 🙂
Denay DeGuzman says
Oh my word, what a fun vacation! Your images are fabulous. I can imagine my family heading to Gatlinburg for a fantastic adventure. Thanks so much for providing great wanderlust ideas!
Afra says
Omgoodness that looks so amazing and fun! Perfect for older kids but I’m more in shock because I never thought to think Tennessee would have such aattractions or entertainment! That is pretty huge!
Zoë says
Wow looks like you’re going to have a fab holiday! All the amusements look fantastic although I’m not keen on aquariums… Places that keep animals for money don’t sit too well with me. Otherwise it looks like you have a fun-packed holiday ahead of you. Good luck shopping for the winter clothes 🙂
Cynthia Nicoletti says
Beautiful photos. Looks like a great place to take a vacation. So many fun things to do.
Anchal says
This place looks amazing. Would be a great vacation in winters. There are so many amazing things which can be done
Echo says
This place looks amazing. I pinned it to my travel board. I am always looking for new places to visit.
Luci says
I went to Gatlinburg 10 years with my family and I loved it. It wasn’t as cold that year when we went but it was really beautiful. I really would love to go there again.
Jasmine says
I’ve been during the summer, but not the winter! maybe this should be a trip soon!
Misty Nelson says
Wow, I had no idea there was so much to do and see. Looks like such a fun place to visit, I’m adding it to our travel bucket list.
Jennifer L says
Wow is Gatlinburg so incredible! There’s so much to see and discover. I’d love to go to that aquarium, especially the shark tank talk about amazing.
Angie says
This looks like an awesome vacation! When I think of vacation I always think of warm weather, but there’s so much to do in the snow and winter too!
Angie says
This looks like such a fun vacation! My kids love the snow and would probably love this!
Elise says
Sounds like a ton of fun!
Aareeba says
Tennessee is my first love ❤️ As it is the very first place I lived in when I first landed in USA. Gatlinburg is really an awesome place to visit specially during fall and winter. There are so many things to do there and everyone will fall in love with this place
Kelly Hutchinson says
We live about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg. We love visiting whenever we want. So much to see and do! Have fun!
makeamomsmile says
Lucky you! Looks like such a beautiful area!
Rebecca Swenor says
It sounds like there is so much to see and do in Gatlinburg TN. for the whole family. Bearskin Lodge would be the place to stay too because it looks relaxing but yet fun. It would be wonderful to see all the Ripley’s attractions too. Thanks for sharing all the awesome information.
Linda Carmical says
Ok, I now have vacationing in Gatlinburg in the middle of winter fever. NOT kidding at all. Great article and it did exactly what it was supposed to do. You sold me on this place hook, line, and sinker! Seriously going to look into it. Thanks for sharing this post!
makeamomsmile says
LOL ! Im glad I got you hooked 😉 But seriously I am super excited to visit in January!
Innana says
Your pictures are beautiful! I def want to check this place out now!! Glad you had amazing time!
Christy says
This looks like an amazing vacation. Definitely one for the bucket list. My kids would love it.
Kylie says
Wow! The place looks amazing! How did your vacation went? I know for sure that you had a blast!
Kim says
What a beautiful winter vacation! This post has totally made me want to take a trip!
Rain says
so cool! we have a ripley’s here in NYC too. you know, i didn’t think that it snowed in Tennessee. Not sure why i thought it was always warm.
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. says
We live not too far from the Gatlinburg/Sevierville area so we usually go at least once a year. If you are going to Ripleys Believe it or Not you should also check out the Guinness Book of World Records museum just down the from it. We did both last year and liked Guinness better. Also, our favorite place to eat in Gatlinburg is the Smokey Mountain Brewery 🙂
makeamomsmile says
Great Advice! We will try Smokey Mountain Brewery!
Bridget @ Antics of a Nutty Hiker says
Now this looks like a fun winter vacation! We always just head to San Antonio (3 hours from us), but now I think maybe we need to do this next December for Christmas vacation! We love mountain coasters (did one this past summer in the Black Hills of SD)!
Kathryn says
My family took a trip to Gatlinburg last year with a 2 and 6 yr old and had a blast. There’s so much to do in downtown Gatlinburg, including Ober which is so much fun for the entire family. We also did the 1.5 mile hike (each way) to Grotto Falls – a beautiful waterfall was waiting for us at the top of Mountain. We made the short drive to pigeon forge to do some siteseeing and visit WonderWorks.
Overall one of our favorite vacations!
makeamomsmile says
Thanks for the suggestions Kathryn! We are very excited to visit!