Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge – Sevierville
We’ve called the Great Smoky Mountains home for decades, and every year this incredible destination just keeps getting better! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a family vacation, be sure to explore Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville—the three must-visit cities that make Sevier County one of the best places to vacation in the Smoky Mountains. From scenic outdoor adventures and family attractions to local shopping, dining, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Browse our favorite local spots below to discover top things to do in the Smoky Mountains, and start planning your unforgettable East Tennessee mountain getaway today!
Restaurants & Dining
From good ‘ol southern comfort food at local Mom & Pops to Mexican, Italian, and nationally known chains, every food choice imaginable can be found within a few miles of our rental cabins.
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet: The only place in the Smokies for an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet! All You Can Eat crab legs, raw oysters, shrimp, fish and more. This Pigeon Forge restaurant also serves beer and liquor.
3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge | 865.453.0003
Shamrock Pub: Family-friendly 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 21+ after 8 p.m. Located near the Space Needle, Shamrock Pub is an excellent stop for lunch or dinner while you’re strolling along the Gatlinburg strip, or plan to enjoy the evening with Live Entertainment and adult beverages. Karaoke every night!! Visit the Rooftop Patio or the pub downstairs. This is where the locals go!
105 Reagan Drive, Gatlinburg | 865.412.1297
Taste of India Restaurant: Pigeon Forge’s newest Indian food restaurant on the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Traditional, authentic India food made from scratch! It’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss with a lovely ambiance, savory & spicy meals, and excellent hospitality. Dine in, take out, or delivery through GrubHub and Uber Eats.
3909 Parkway, Pigeon Forge | 865.366.3377
Shopping in the Smokies
The opportunities for retail therapy in Gatlinburg are nearly endless! There are specialty shops, souvenir shops, boutiques, shopping centers and malls.
The Village Shops: The iconic Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for shopping in the Smoky Mountains, featuring 27 unique boutique shops and eateries in a charming, European-style setting. Spend the afternoon browsing specialty stores, savoring delicious meals, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee while taking in the quaint atmosphere. Don’t forget to capture plenty of photos at the Village Shops’ most famous spots, including the classic telephone booth, the central fountain, and atop the whimsical horse statue. Whether you’re looking for Smoky Mountain souvenirs, handcrafted gifts, or a relaxing day of shopping and dining, the Village Shops offers a truly memorable downtown Gatlinburg experience.
634 Parkway, Gatlinburg | 865.436.3995
Wood Signs of Gatlinburg: Stop by their downtown Gatlinburg shop during limited hours or shop online 24/7 to find the perfect Smoky Mountain souvenir to remember your vacation for years to come. Specializing in custom carved wooden signs, they offer personalized creations made from beautiful cedar and white pine—perfect for your home, business, cabin, or garden. Choose from a wide variety of shapes, sizes, border colors, fonts, and engraved images to make your sign truly unique. You can even add attachable metal plaques or hand-painted artwork for an extra custom touch. For authentic craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind keepsakes, this is a must-visit stop for shopping in Gatlinburg.
715 Parkway, Gatlinburg | 865.436.9640
Gatlinburg Shopping Malls: When your fun things to do including shopping, Gatlinburg has seven shopping centers with 100’s of individual shops and dining areas. These include The Village, Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway Mall, Market Place, Mountain Mall, Baskins Square Mall, Regan Terrace Mall, and Shops at Carousel Gardens.
Gatlinburg Attractions
Have fun indoors and out at Gatlinburg’s newest attractions and your traditional family favorites.
Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains: This mountaintop adventure is one of the top attractions in the Smokies, offering endless fun for all ages! Ride to the summit on the Scenic Chair Lift or Chondola, then experience thrilling activities like the mountain coaster, zip line, and the breathtaking Treetop Skywalk. Take in panoramic views from the observation tower, try your hand at gem mining, and browse the charming mountain shops for souvenirs. When it’s time to relax, gather around the firepit, let the kids play, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the park’s eleven restaurants and grab-a-bite eateries. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this destination delivers all-day family fun in the Great Smoky Mountains.
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg | 8685.302.3914
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: One of the top attractions in the Smoky Mountains is the world-famous Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Located at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, this unforgettable experience offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. But the SkyBridge is just the beginning—SkyLift Park is a full mountaintop adventure destination featuring the scenic SkyDeck and SkyCenter, where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and shop for unique souvenirs. Don’t miss the SkyTrail, a beautiful mountaintop walkway connecting both ends of the bridge, perfect for scenic strolls and photo opportunities. For unbeatable views and one of the most iconic things to do in Gatlinburg, SkyLift Park belongs at the top of your Smoky Mountains bucket list.
765 Parkway, Gatlinburg | 865.436.4307
Arts & Crafts
At the heart of Gatlinburg lies the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop filled with creativity, history, and authentic Appalachian charm. Located along Glades Road and Buckhorn Road, this renowned Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Trail showcases more than 100 local artisans and master craftsmen. Visitors can watch traditional mountain crafts come to life in wood, leather, clay, glass, wax, and paint—each piece a reflection of Smoky Mountain heritage and craftsmanship. Spend the day exploring artisan studios, charming galleries, and specialty shops, then relax with a delicious meal at one of the community’s cozy cafes or local pubs. A visit to the Great Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Community is truly one of the most authentic and inspiring things to do in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg Crafts Community Web Site | 865.412.1012
Dawnfire Smoky Mountains Photography
Do you love our home page photos? Some of those beautiful scenes were captured by Dawnfire Photography! While Dawnfire has a beautiful web site, you can also enjoy their work on Facebook or Instagram.
