Fall in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Fall in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

 

 

Taking a day or weekend trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in fall is rewarding. This bustling mountain town is lined with one of a kind shops, entertainment venues, and lots of awesome restaurants (not to mention Pancake Houses galore). There really is something for everyone, the shopper, the adventurer, the animal lover, the ghost lover, ride seeker, hiker, runner, drinker, and eater. Some of the main attractions include the Aquarium, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Ripley's Ghost Adventure, the Sky Lift, and shows at the Iris Theater. Even so, just spending a day walking around and enjoying the liveliness of the streets is worth the trip.  
 
 
 

 

 

Kinkade Village/The Village Shops

 

When visiting, take a left beside the most famous Pancake House and the Smokey Mountain Candy Factory to enter The Village Shops. This is a must walk through area. It is a wonderful place to find unique gifts and go to an official Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery. While visiting, definitely stop by the Friar's Donut, absolutely awesome donuts (especially the Bavarians) and coffees. Pick up a locally crafted mug to take home and with coffee in hand, continue strolling. Stop by the Tea Shop and grab some fresh teas to take home or give as Christmas gifts, or go to the Hot Pepper Store and take a chance on hot salsa's, peanuts, cheese dips, and even olive oil. Just be careful, some items are for adults only and when tasted, at first it doesn't seem bad, but in less than 3 seconds, one is turning for the cheese dips or begging for something to take the sting off. Even so, there is some awesome tasting items in the store and well worth going to. If teas, donuts, and hot salsa's aren't tempting, get some ice cream!!! No one walks out of the Village Café and Creamery with a frown, and there is also a cheese store and a coffee company to try.

 

Of course there are lots of shops, a favorite is the Scottish one where one can research their Scot-Irish Heritage, buy a kilt, and lots of other souvenirs, but one of the must go to places is Smokey Mountain Candy Shop. Throughout Gatlinburg, many candy shops allow visitors to watch Toffee being made and this one is no exception. While eating at the Pancake House or waiting in line to get in, enjoy the show, but most importantly go in and grab some chocolate. Holy cow, the fudge is totally worth going in there and makes a wonderful Christmas gift.

Shopping, other than food wise, includes candles, a sock shops, honey, Russian Dolls, pottery, hiking gear, silver jewelry and other decorative items, one of a kind pajamas, toys, and more. This is such a fun area and a must walk through spot for a day trip.

Moonshine

Not only is there lots of moonshine (really more whiskey than shine) shops here, there is a bunch of moonshine/whiskey shops and all allow the adults to taste their products. Be careful,. With the amount of tasting, it is easy to go too far and lots of folks were pretty tipsy, so plan on lots of walking if doing lots of tasting. Not only is there pecan, pumpkin liquor, apple pie, and other fall flavors, there is strawberry, lemon, sassafras, and so much more. One of the best parts about some of the shops is they offer sauces and other food items, including coffee. So, it is not only for the whiskey/moonshine lover, but go ahead and grab some chow-chow, salsa, BBQ or Steak Sauce and enjoy moonshine without the hangover, and enjoy the show the bar tenders give and some of the local country bands offer, for free!

Family Fun

Games, Rides, Games, and more games. Laser Tag, arcade games, shooting games, earthquake rides, classic car shop, and of course Ripley's and maybe catching a magic show. In a way, for kids, the sights and sounds is almost like walking into Dragon Alley and having trouble where to go or what to do first. Other than fun and games, the only other thing the kids will want to do is eat, and there are tons of candy shops, so that is not a problem. If staying in town is not appealing, go for a hike. Surrounded by the Smokey Mountains, this is the perfect place to hike and fall is the best time. Grab some snacks and go.

One place that is a must see with kids is, the Space Needle. At the top is a theater, games, Laser Tag, food, gift shop and more. The main attraction is definitely riding the glass elevator to the top, not only can it be a bit frightening, but kids love it.

Before leaving, get an old time family portrait from one of the many Old Time Photo spots.


No matter what season, this is a great place for family or for a weekend getaway. Happy Fall!!!