Jamie & Shannan's guidebook
Food scene
Local Goat- New American Restaurant
2167 ParkwayDelicious food sourced locally!
Great place to stroll and browse the shops or grab a bite to eat. Our favorite restaurant is the Timberwood Grill.
369 locals recommend
The Island Dr
The Island DriveGreat place to stroll and browse the shops or grab a bite to eat. Our favorite restaurant is the Timberwood Grill.
Great for families.... If you love seafood, and you're looking to do some strolling through Gatlinburg, this restaurant offers some good seafood options with a fun twist for a free appetizer. This is a chain restaurant, so if you're a true foodie, you'll probably want to skip, but I'd place it a little above average.
22 locals recommend
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
900 ParkwayGreat for families.... If you love seafood, and you're looking to do some strolling through Gatlinburg, this restaurant offers some good seafood options with a fun twist for a free appetizer. This is a chain restaurant, so if you're a true foodie, you'll probably want to skip, but I'd place it a little above average.
Sightseeing
Go early near dawn or dusk to see more wildlife, and don't be afraid to take some of the roads in the center of the loop for a chance to see some bears depending on the time of year. Just make sure to check hours as the loop road is closed to motor vehicles during certain times of day through the week.
761 locals recommend
Cades Cove
Go early near dawn or dusk to see more wildlife, and don't be afraid to take some of the roads in the center of the loop for a chance to see some bears depending on the time of year. Just make sure to check hours as the loop road is closed to motor vehicles during certain times of day through the week.
The Chimneys are rocky mountain crags along the Newfound Gap Road that crosses the Smoky's. There is a trail that leads all the way to the top, but be warned, it's a tough hike.
The Chimneys
The Chimneys are rocky mountain crags along the Newfound Gap Road that crosses the Smoky's. There is a trail that leads all the way to the top, but be warned, it's a tough hike.
One of the most popular hikes in the Smoky's, Alum Cave Trail leads under a rock outcropping and some beautiful vantage points to take in the surrounding mountains.
56 locals recommend
Alum Cave Trail
Alum Cave TrailOne of the most popular hikes in the Smoky's, Alum Cave Trail leads under a rock outcropping and some beautiful vantage points to take in the surrounding mountains.
City/town information
Take 441 across the Smoky's to the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
There are several small shops selling authentic handmade Cherokee arts and crafts.
At the far end of town you'll also find Harrah's Cherokee Casino, the only casino in the area. Harrah's is a large casino which often features concerts from well known acts in it's onsite convention center.
304 locals recommend
Cherokee
Take 441 across the Smoky's to the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
There are several small shops selling authentic handmade Cherokee arts and crafts.
At the far end of town you'll also find Harrah's Cherokee Casino, the only casino in the area. Harrah's is a large casino which often features concerts from well known acts in it's onsite convention center.
Attractions
Soaky Moutain is just a couple of years old and has all the great attractions of a well designed water park. You can easily spend the entire day here soaking in the sun & the waves. Make sure to ride their water coaster! It's top-notch.
130 locals recommend
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
175 Gists Creek RdSoaky Moutain is just a couple of years old and has all the great attractions of a well designed water park. You can easily spend the entire day here soaking in the sun & the waves. Make sure to ride their water coaster! It's top-notch.
This is it! Dollywood is fantastic. New rides and attractions are added every year. Several rollercoasters, wooden, steel, and a hybrid will have you screaming at every flip and turn. There's even a kid's coaster called Dragon Fly that is still pretty thrilling even for adults! If coasters aren't you're thing, there's a ton of other activities including shows, a huge bald eagle aviary (I believe the largest in the world), and amazing food scattered throughout the park. Make sure to allow for plenty of time to visit Dollywood!
797 locals recommend
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdThis is it! Dollywood is fantastic. New rides and attractions are added every year. Several rollercoasters, wooden, steel, and a hybrid will have you screaming at every flip and turn. There's even a kid's coaster called Dragon Fly that is still pretty thrilling even for adults! If coasters aren't you're thing, there's a ton of other activities including shows, a huge bald eagle aviary (I believe the largest in the world), and amazing food scattered throughout the park. Make sure to allow for plenty of time to visit Dollywood!
Dollywood's Splash Country is a waterpark located near Dollywood. It boasts several slides, a wave pool, and water coaster. The park feels a little more secluded than Soaky Mountain with lots of vegetation creating some nice shady spots on those super hot days.
274 locals recommend
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdDollywood's Splash Country is a waterpark located near Dollywood. It boasts several slides, a wave pool, and water coaster. The park feels a little more secluded than Soaky Mountain with lots of vegetation creating some nice shady spots on those super hot days.
Goats on the Roof literally has goats on their roof which you can feed and pet. You can also mine for precious gems, grab an ice cream or cold beverage and shop for that perfect souvenir. In addition, the mountain coaster will take your breath away with it's twists and turns as you glide down the mountain at your own pace.
33 locals recommend
Goats on the Roof
1341 Wears Valley RdGoats on the Roof literally has goats on their roof which you can feed and pet. You can also mine for precious gems, grab an ice cream or cold beverage and shop for that perfect souvenir. In addition, the mountain coaster will take your breath away with it's twists and turns as you glide down the mountain at your own pace.
Golf
This is a decent mountain golf course with some gorgeous views. It's a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it if you're looking for some good golf on a budget.
19 locals recommend
Wild Laurel Golf Course
702 Country Club DrThis is a decent mountain golf course with some gorgeous views. It's a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it if you're looking for some good golf on a budget.
This is the premier public golf course in the area boasting 2 18-hole courses. The "River" course is the better of the two playing along the river with a few holes playing on islands in the middle of the river! There's also a 4 hole stretch on the back 9 that plays up on the side of the mountain. It's quite an accomplishment to make it through these 4 holes at even par. Number 18 is a killer, par 5 finishing hole, with the Wilderness Lodge overlooking the green which is perched next to a lake.
The "Highlands" course took several holes from the old "Eagle's Landing" golf course that was designed by Arnold Palmer. It's much hillier than the River course, but it creates a little bit more of an intimate setting where only the hole you're playing (and maybe one more) might be visible at once.
13 locals recommend
Sevierville Golf Club
1444 Old Knoxville HwyThis is the premier public golf course in the area boasting 2 18-hole courses. The "River" course is the better of the two playing along the river with a few holes playing on islands in the middle of the river! There's also a 4 hole stretch on the back 9 that plays up on the side of the mountain. It's quite an accomplishment to make it through these 4 holes at even par. Number 18 is a killer, par 5 finishing hole, with the Wilderness Lodge overlooking the green which is perched next to a lake.
The "Highlands" course took several holes from the old "Eagle's Landing" golf course that was designed by Arnold Palmer. It's much hillier than the River course, but it creates a little bit more of an intimate setting where only the hole you're playing (and maybe one more) might be visible at once.
Gatlinburg Golf Course is a municipal course that tends to be conditioned well. It's extremely hilly. Their signature hole is #12, a par 3, nicknamed "Sky-Hi" playing 194 yards to a green setting 200 feet below. Call ahead as they were recently doing some irrigation repairs/renovation.
49 locals recommend
Gatlinburg Golf Course
520 Dollywood LnGatlinburg Golf Course is a municipal course that tends to be conditioned well. It's extremely hilly. Their signature hole is #12, a par 3, nicknamed "Sky-Hi" playing 194 yards to a green setting 200 feet below. Call ahead as they were recently doing some irrigation repairs/renovation.
Our favorite golf course in the area, although it's a bit of a drive. Located in Kodak off I-40 exit 402, this Arthur Hills course is unforgettable with 6 holes requiring play to or from or entirely on the islands in the middle of the French Broad River which is much more in play than similar holes mentioned at Sevierville Golf Club's "River" course. The course is located on both sides of the river..., and conditioning here is usually fantastic. The zoysia fairways are the best around.
River Islands Golf Club
9610 Kodak RdOur favorite golf course in the area, although it's a bit of a drive. Located in Kodak off I-40 exit 402, this Arthur Hills course is unforgettable with 6 holes requiring play to or from or entirely on the islands in the middle of the French Broad River which is much more in play than similar holes mentioned at Sevierville Golf Club's "River" course. The course is located on both sides of the river..., and conditioning here is usually fantastic. The zoysia fairways are the best around.