A Sample Itinerary for a Gatlinburg Weekend Getaway

So you’re planning a Gatlinburg weekend getaway, but you have no idea where to start. That’s no problem! We can provide you with a sample itinerary of what we would do if we only had a few days to explore this quaint mountain town. Keep reading to find out the best course of action for your weekend in Gatlinburg.

Friday

Settle into your cabin.

You’ve booked a cabin with us, and you have your check in instructions. You’ve found your cabin, and after a long trip to get here, it’s time to unload the car! As you move your stuff inside, you take in the themed decor, exciting amenities, and possibly a beautiful view! Once you’ve settled in, you find yourself getting hungry. It’s time for dinner!

Eat dinner at Loco Burro.

That’s when you should head to downtown Gatlinburg to eat. You’re thinking your favorite Mexican dish sounds good right about now, paired with your favorite flavor of margarita. That’s when you should go to Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina! This is one of the incredible Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg, and they are the only one that has a rooftop bar with a gorgeous view of downtown. You can’t go wrong with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or another incredible dish at Loco Burro!

Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift.

Once you’re full, the next stop for your Gatlinburg weekend getaway should be Gatlinburg SkyLift Park! You can’t miss the orange and yellow chair lift creeping up the side of Crockett Mountain. Visitors enjoy a leisurely ride on the chair lift before they get off on the SkyDeck and are met with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. This is truly a beautiful place to be at sunset, and you’ll have fun crossing the SkyBridge, walking on the SkyTrail, and maybe even grabbing another drink at the bar in the SkyCenter!

Saturday

Eat breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp.

You’re up and ready for the day, but you need some fuel to keep you going. The first stop should be Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. Don’t let the line fool you; this breakfast restaurant in Gatlinburg makes quick work of crowds! Once you’re seated, you can feast on thick griddle cakes, eggs cooked to order, biscuits and gravy, sausage, and all your other favorite staples.

Visit Anakeesta.

After breakfast, you’re ready to start the day full of adventure on your Gatlinburg weekend getaway! You want to take in gorgeous views and maybe do something exciting (or relaxing). Head over to Anakeesta, where you can ride the chair lift or ride a Ridge Rambler to the top of the mountain. Once you’re in the village, you can browse through shops for souvenirs or just enjoy the views from a chair! Thrill seekers won’t be able to pass up the Dueling Ziplines or the Rail Runner. And if the kids are with you, they’ll have a blast racing and playing on the challenge courses!

Grab lunch at Smokehouse.

Before you head back down the mountain, you should grab a bite for lunch at Smokehouse. This is one of the incredible places to eat at Anakeesta, and if you love barbecue, you won’t want to miss out on their juicy pulled pork, fall apart brisket, or crispy chicken wings. All of their slow cooked meats have a beautiful smoky flavor and come with signature sauce. Not only will you enjoy the food, you’ll also enjoy mountain views as you eat!

Explore downtown Gatlinburg.

For the afternoon, you will want to just enjoy downtown Gatlinburg. You have so many options when it comes to things to do. Get in a little retail therapy at some of your favorite stores, or explore local shops, like The Village Shops, for souvenirs to bring home. Car or film enthusiasts will have fun making their way through the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and kids will want to spend the afternoon playing games at Fannie Farkle’s. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll all have fun!

Enjoy dinner at The Park Grill.

It’s now time for dinner, and there’s no better place to go than The Park Grill. This steakhouse has every cut you can think of, and you can pair your juicy steak with their signature salad bar, french fries, onion rings, or seasonal vegetables. They have a huge wine list to pair with your meal, as well as plenty of desserts to choose from!

Go cider, wine, or moonshine tasting.

If you didn’t enjoy a drink with dinner, now is the time! The next stop on your Gatlinburg weekend getaway is to go alcohol tasting! You can try locally made ciders at a few cider houses, or one of the wineries that serve signature flavors. Of course, the most popular kind of tastings are the moonshine tastings, and you’ll only have to pay a small $5 tasting fee that goes towards any purchase in the gift shop. This is a fun activity for anyone who is 21 years old and up!

Sunday

Get breakfast at Pancake Pantry.

It’s the day you head home, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops! After you’ve checked out of your cabin, you head out to Pancake Pantry for breakfast. Their signature buttermilk pancakes are incredible, but you can also get them paired with fruit, nuts, or candy. Despite their name, you can also find all your other favorite breakfast items at this Gatlinburg restaurant!

Stop at Ripley’s Aquarium.

Before you head home from your Gatlinburg weekend getaway, there’s one more attraction you have to experience: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. People of all ages enjoy seeing unique aquatic creatures, including stingrays and jellyfish. Plus, you can’t resist the cute penguins playing! Our favorite part is the moving sidewalk that takes you under Shark Lagoon. Keep an eye out for Sally the sea turtle! You’ll get plenty of steps in at the aquarium before you have to head home!

Now you know what you should do during your Gatlinburg weekend getaway. Does one of our activities not suit your interests? Check out these other things to do in the Smoky Mountains, so you can easily swap one out!