Who’d ever thought Gatlinburg, Tennessee would be the perfect place to take the family! This city is charming and offers an endless amount of adventure, amusement park thrills, and even a touch of country music magic, if you choose to explore nearby Nashville.
Recently, I took my family on a whirlwind trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood and Nashville. Several weeks leading up I did a bit of research on fun things to do and how to prepare for activities. I highly recommend you look up Gatlinburg and other major cities you may want to visit, to get the lay of the land. Here is how I prepared and what I learned from this trip.
Packing tips for the whole family:
Layers are key! You can take off layers but you can’t add them if you don’t have enough of them. If your itinerary is packed with different experiences, pack appropriately for all of them. Think light jackets, raincoats, comfy pants, and don't forget those swimsuits (water parks, hello!).
Footwear matters: Pack sturdy hiking shoes for exploring the Smokies, sandals for lounging, and comfy sneakers for the amusement parks.
Don't forget the essentials: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, bug spray, a small first aid kit, itch cream, allergy medications and reusable water bottles are lifesavers.
Entertainment on the go: Pack a few small games, coloring books, or travel journals to keep the kids occupied during airport layovers.
Tech-time sanity saver: Download some movies or shows onto tablets for your children, beforehand, for those moments when you need a quiet break.
Conquering the Airport:
The airport experience is just as important as the trip itself when you’re traveling with young children.
Book a non-stop flight if possible: Trust me, minimizing flight changes with a restless crew is a win.
Pack snacks and drinks: Airport food can get expensive, so pack healthy snacks like fruit, granola bars, and water bottles. For this trip I made sandwiches for the kids and packed a small salad for myself.
Utilize airport amenities: Most airports have play areas to burn off preflight energy. But it’s always a smart move to have your children use the bathroom before boarding the plane.
Invest in a good travel stroller: It's a lifesaver for navigating crowded terminals and tired little legs. Travel strollers are now more compact and easy to fold.
Rent a car: If your budget allows rent a vehicle to get around. Especially if you do the next item below. Having a car will give you the flexibility to buy food from the local store and any other items you may need for your stay. And it will be an easy win getting to all the destinations listed below.
Choosing to book a cozy cabin.
Gatlinburg offers a wide range of lodging options. We opted for a charming cabin nestled in the mountains. It had a cozy fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen (perfect for budget-conscious meals), and a hot tub for post-adventure relaxation. There are even a few treehouse cabin options in the area. Pro-tip: Book your cabin well in advance, especially during peak season.
Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
The crown jewel of our trip was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We spent a beautiful day exploring waterfalls, hiking along scenic trails, and marveling at the breathtaking mountain vistas. Here are some highlights:
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower: Drive (or take a shuttle) to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, and soak in the panoramic views of endless rolling mountains.
Arches National Park: Take a short and scenic hike to Rainbow Falls, a cascading waterfall that's perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day (remember to check the park website for waterfall accessibility).
Sugarlands Visitor Center: Learn about the park's ecology and pick up some Junior Ranger booklets for the kids to complete as they explore.
Dollywood: A Day of Theme Park Fun:
No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to Dollywood, a theme park that celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Smoky Mountains and Dolly Parton herself. Here's how we made the most of our day:
Plan your day: Download the Dollywood app beforehand and check out the park map and show schedules.
FastPass is your friend: Consider purchasing a FastPass to reduce wait times for popular rides.
Start early, avoid the crowds: Get to the park early to be among the first in line for rides.
Kid-friendly thrills: The little ones loved the "Wild Eagle" wooden coaster and the "Blazing Fury" runaway train ride.
A splash of Dolly: Don't miss the heartwarming "Dolly Parton's Stampede" dinner show, featuring impressive horse riding stunts and live music.
Nashville Calling: A Country Music Escape:
A short two-hour drive from Gatlinburg lies the iconic city of Nashville. We spent a day exploring the roots of country music and soaking up the city's vibrant energy. Here's what we squeezed into our Nashville adventure:
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Immerse yourselves in the rich history of country music through interactive exhibits and iconic artifacts.
Johnny Cash Museum: Learn about the life and legacy of the "Man in Black" at this fascinating museum.
Grand Ole Opry: After your flight touch down at Nashville International Airport (just 7.6 miles and 12 minutes away), and if your schedule allows, catch a live performance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry – a truly unforgettable experience for any country music fan.
Music Row: Nashville’s music row is filled with food, live music and a lot of revelry. You may even spot one of the many bachelorette parties hosted here riding down the strip. The night time in this area is better left to the adults but if you want to hit a good restaurant and expose your family to a bit of country music, this will make a quick fun stop.
Nashville Zoo: While in Nashville, if your kids are still small I'm sure they wouldn't mind a little trip to the Nashville Zoo. With 2,700 animals spread across 188 acres, it is home to more than 365 different species. The zoo provides a full day of entertainment and education for people of all ages with its many exhibits, hands-on activities, and stunning surroundings. Your kids won't get tired here at all, just excited.
