Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Tennessee, offering a wide variety of activities for young adults to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, these two towns have something to offer everyone. In this blog post, we'll take a look at a three-day itinerary that includes stops at popular restaurants, fun activities, and attractions.
Day 1:
Start your day off with breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. This popular restaurant has been serving pancakes for over 60 years, and offers a wide variety of flavors, including traditional buttermilk, banana, and sweet potato. After breakfast, explore the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Start with a hike to one of the park's most popular trails, such as the Laurel Falls Trail or the Grotto Falls Trail. These easy hikes offer breathtaking views of the park's lush forests and cascading waterfalls.
Applewood Farmhouse is a great choice for lunch and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This farm-to-table restaurant offers a unique and delicious dining experience, with a menu that features homemade bread, jams, and jellies, as well as a variety of entrees made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant is located on a working farm, which gives it a rustic and charming atmosphere. The decor is simple but elegant, with wooden tables and chairs, and a cozy fireplace that creates a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant also has a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains.
After lunch, take a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Roaring Fork motor nature trail scenic drive is approximately 5.5 miles long and takes you through one of the most picturesque areas of the park, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and a chance to see historic log cabins and gristmills. The trail starts just outside of Gatlinburg and winds its way through the park, following the Roaring Fork stream. Along the way, you'll pass by historic log cabins, gristmills, and other structures that were built by early settlers. You'll also have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkey. One of the highlights of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is the stop at the Noah "Bud" Ogle Place. This historic cabin was built in the early 1900s and was occupied by the Ogle family for over 100 years. The cabin has been preserved to look as it did when the Ogle family lived there and is a great place to get a sense of what life was like for early settlers in the Smoky Mountains.
In the evening, head back to Gatlinburg for dinner at the Greenbrier Restaurant, which is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Gatlinburg. This family-owned restaurant serves up traditional Southern cuisine, including delicious fried chicken, meatloaf, and catfish. The restaurant has been in operation for over 50 years and is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. The restaurant is located in a charming, rustic building that has a cozy, homey feel. The decor is simple but elegant, with wooden tables and chairs, and a fireplace that creates a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant also has a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains.
After dinner, take a stroll down the main street in Gatlinburg! It offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options and and is where most of the action takes place. Visitors can find everything from traditional Appalachian crafts to trendy clothing and accessories. End the evening listening to live music at Ole Red which is owned by country music star Blake Shelton. The music at Ole Red Gatlinburg is top-notch, with a mix of local and regional acts, as well as national touring acts. The venue features a wide variety of music genres, including country, bluegrass, rock, and Americana. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of special events, such as songwriters nights, where they can get a glimpse into the songwriting process.
Day 2:
Begin with breakfast at the The Old Mill Restaurant. This historic gristmill has been in operation since 1830 and offers a wide variety of breakfast options, including pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and omelets. The restaurant is located in a restored, historic gristmill, which gives it a rustic and charming atmosphere. The decor is simple but elegant, with wooden tables and chairs, and a cozy fireplace that creates a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant also has a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. The menu at The Old Mill Restaurant is diverse and offers something for everyone. You can start your meal with an appetizer like homemade bread and jelly, or fried green tomatoes. For the main course, you can choose from a variety of breakfast options, such as pancakes, waffles, and omelets. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of sides, including bacon, sausage, and ham.
After breakfast, visit The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg. This 8-mile loop is home to over 100 artists and craftsmen, and it offers a unique opportunity to see the work of some of the most talented artisans in the region. One of the highlights of the Arts and Crafts Community is the variety of art and craft styles that can be found here. Visitors can find everything from traditional Appalachian crafts, such as quilts and pottery, to contemporary art and jewelry. The quality of the work is high and many of the artisans are happy to share their stories and the process of how they create their pieces. The community is also a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts. Visitors can purchase everything from handmade candles and soaps to pottery and jewelry. There are also a variety of galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists. In addition to the art and crafts, the community also offers a variety of other activities and attractions. Visitors can take a hike on one of the many trails in the area, visit a historic cabin, or catch a live music performance at one of the local venues.
Once you have had your fill of the arts and crafts community, head to the Gatlinburg Trail. It is a 3.8-mile trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers a wide variety of natural beauty, historical sites, and scenic views. One of the highlights is the diverse range of natural habitats that can be found along the trail. Visitors can see everything from lush hardwood forests to rocky streams and waterfalls. The trail also offers an abundance of wildlife, such as black bears, deer, and wild turkey, and visitors may be lucky to spot some of them. Another highlight of the trail is the historical sites along the way. The trail passes by several old structures, including the John Ownby cabin, which is one of the best-preserved log cabins in the park. The trail also provides a glimpse into the past and how people lived in the mountain area. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, with a gentle incline, but it's well worth the effort for the views. The trail ends at the confluence of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and LeConte Creek, where visitors can take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
For dinner, take a drive to Sevierville and dine at The Appalachian, an upscale, contemporary Southern Appalachian dining experience. Favorite dishes include: short rib, rabbit confit, and lobster tail raviolos. It is a great choice for anniversaries and birthdays.
Day 3:
Reagan's House of Pancakes in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit destination for breakfast lovers.This family-owned restaurant is known for its delicious pancakes and friendly service. The restaurant has been in operation for over 30 years, and it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is located in a charming, rustic building that has a cozy, homey feel. The decor is simple but elegant, with wooden tables and chairs, and a fireplace that creates a warm and inviting ambiance. You can start your meal with an appetizer like homemade bread and jelly, or fried green tomatoes. For the main course, you can choose from a variety of pancake options, such as traditional buttermilk pancakes, blueberry pancakes, and chocolate chip pancakes. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of sides, including bacon, sausage, and ham.
Follow up breakfast with a driving tour of The Newfound Gap Road. It is a 33-mile long road that runs between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, North Carolina. It offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, and passes through a variety of different habitats, including hardwood forests, spruce-fir forests, and grassy balds. One of the highlights of the Newfound Gap Road is the Newfound Gap Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. The overlook is located at an elevation of 5,046 feet, and it's a great place to take a break, stretch your legs and take in the stunning views. Another place to stop along the way is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which offers a variety of educational exhibits and ranger-led programs. Visitors can learn about the natural and cultural history of the park, and explore the many hiking trails that start from the visitor center. For those who are interested in history, the Mingus Mill is another interesting stop. It's an operating gristmill built in 1886, where visitors can watch corn being ground into meal and see demonstrations of historical technologies.
In the mid afternoon, head back to Gatlinburg and stop at one or more of the moonshine tasting venues. One of the best places to start is Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Distillery, located in downtown Gatlinburg. The distillery offers tours and tastings of their various flavors of moonshine, including traditional white lightning, as well as flavored options like apple pie and peach. Another great option for moonshine tastings is Sugarlands Distilling Company, also located in Gatlinburg. This distillery offers a variety of flavors, including their signature "Sugarlands Shine" as well as seasonal options like pumpkin spice and eggnog.
To finish off the visit, head to The Island in Pigeon Forge. This outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers a wide variety of options for foodies and thrill-seekers alike. For those looking for a delicious meal, The Island offers a wide variety of dining options. Some of the most popular restaurants include Margaritaville, which serves up tropical-inspired dishes and drinks, and Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, which serves southern-style comfort food. Other notable options include the Island Pizza Co and Mellow Mushroom.
After a satisfying meal, visitors have a variety of entertainment options at The Island. One of the more popular attractions is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the area. Visitors can also enjoy the Island Show Fountains, a spectacular light and water show that takes place several times throughout the evening.
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a wide variety of activities for young adults to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, these two towns have something to offer everyone. The three-day itinerary suggested in this blog post includes stops at popular restaurants, fun activities, and attractions. From breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, to exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to dinner at the Greenbrier Restaurant, this itinerary offers a taste of all that these towns have to offer. With so much to see and do, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable experience in Tennessee.
