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A mountain town is the perfect place to visit with the whole family because there is something for everyone!!
It can be hard to find activities and restaurants that everyone from from the youngest kids in the family to the "most mature" members of the family will all enjoy. Grandparents usually sacrifice and do whatever the kids want to do because they just want to spend time with them. But in Gatlinburg, there are so many things that are fun for grandparents too! The Old Mill Restaurant - This southern family style restaurant is sure to please everyone in the family, even the pickiest eater in the group. Grandparents will appreciate the historic setting and the comfort food will take them back to their childhood memories of family dinners when time moved a lot slower. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and there are even tables that overlook the river. Check out their menu HERE. 3 Bears General Store - This general store has everything...ice cream, candy, clothes, jewelry and more! One of my favorite treats to get is the handcrafted fudge that is made daily (there are so many flavors to choose from) or a funnel cake. After grabbing a snack and doing a little shopping, the kids can let some energy out in the arcade. But one of the best things for the family to enjoy is the 11 scene old time photo studio. This is always a favorite for grandparents. This is a one stop destination for food, fun and souvenirs. Get a sneak peak at all they have in the store HERE. Motown Show - The Soul of Motown show at the Grand majestic Theatre is a performance you will not forget! The cast of the show are all true entertainers and you will be inspired by their voices and their dance moves on the stage. It's a tribute to the Motown legends and yes it will appeal most to the grandparents, but really all of the family will enjoy this show. You will be singing along to classics like 'My Girl' and will also enjoy some family-friendly comedy and magic. It's nice to be able to sit back, relax and be entertained! Check out the details about their shows HERE. Gatlinburg, TN is my favorite destination for family fun and one of the biggest draws to this place for our family is that it caters to the young and the old. So plan a trip with the grandparents and let them have a little fun!!
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Gatlinburg is the perfect place to getaway for spring break, Easter break or just a spring vacation! The weather is great and there is so much to do with the family.
When you stay at the Giving Cabin you are conveniently located to a variety of activities, restaurants and shopping. But if you don’t want to make your way into town, there is also plenty to do right there at the cabin. Here are a few of our favorite spring activities in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area: Smoky Mountain Deer Farm This venue is a farm, exotic petting zoo and horseback riding stable. No reservations required to visit, however, reservations are required for horseback riding. You will get the chance to pet the deer at the Deer Farm and you can also walk among them and hand-feed them…it’s a great experience for the whole family. There are also so many other animals to see up close like horses, camels, zebras, zonkies (yes that is a cross between a zebra and a donkey), pygmy goats, rocky mountain elk, and more! Make sure to bring your camera because you are sure to get some great pics. The whole family will love the environment in the beautiful foothills spanning over 140 acres. Click HERE to find more info, pricing and hours. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo Want to visit some animals but it’s raining out or you just don’t want to spend time outside? Then the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo is a perfect place to bring the family. This zoo is in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, near both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and it’s open year round! They have over 600 live animals, representing over 130 species. There are lots of unique and beautiful rain forest creatures from around the world that call this place home, and it’s right here in our backyard! The facility is accessible so all ages can enjoy; bring your strollers, wheelchairs, etc. Visitors can interact with the animals and talk with the caregivers which makes it very educational for the kids, which is always a plus. There is a fun show at the beginning to kick things off. We are sure this will be a hit with your crew. Learn more about this unique experience HERE. Shopping at Tanger Outlets It’s always fun to do a little shopping when you are on vacay and the Tanger Outlets have the best stores for the whole family. The outlets are clean and organized for a enjoyable shopping experience. You can find stores for the whole family like Nike and North Face, stores for the kids like the Disney store, stores that have yummy treats like the Fudgery and Ben & Jerry’s, and they even have mini-golf and arcade games. You could easily spend a whole day here shopping, eating and having some family fun. The outlets are conveniently located right in the heart of town so you can easily swing by before or after your other planned activities. Find a store map, hours and more info HERE. Fun at The Giving Cabin Last but not least, one of our most favorite spring activities in the Great Smoky Mountains is spending time at the The Giving Cabin! You don’t even have to leave the property to have some spring time fun! The spacious yard, play set with tree house, swings and slide are perfect for the kids to run around and play! Hanging by the fire pit or in a rocking chair on the porch are favorite spots for the adults to relax and watch the kids play. Anytime, day or night, is the perfect time to enjoy the hot tub and it’s covered so you can even enjoy it on a rainy day. Inside the cabin there is space to gather to cook or bake some treats, spread out on the couch and watch a movie, or head down to the game room and challenge each other in foosball darts or a board game. We have so much to do at the cabin you never have to leave if you don’t want to. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan your spring getaway and have some fun in Gatlinburg. Book the Giving Cabin now, spring dates are filling up fast!! Traditional vacations with kids may include a theme park or a beach.
We think vacations can be about spending time together and learning more about the world around us, which is why we are huge advocates of visiting national parks! Admission is fairly inexpensive and it's a trip that both adults and kids will enjoy without having to race around and keep an unrealistic, exhausting pace. Tennessee has 13 national parks and the most visited one (actually it's one of the most visited national parks in the country) is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This national park is on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and the Appalachian Trail crosses through the center of the park and its very popular for hikers traveling through the different states. There are two entrances in Tennessee, one in Gatlinburg and one in Townsend. The Giving Cabin is less than 30 minutes away from the Gatlinburg entrance. The park has a variety of outdoor activities and of course there are amazing views of the mountains! There really is something for everyone including auto tours, Bicycling, Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Visit Historic Buildings, Horseback Riding, Picnicking, Visit Waterfalls, Wildlife Viewing, and more. Spotting animals native to the area is exciting for the kids and American Black Bears are frequently roaming the area. The beauty of visiting a national park with the family is that you can set your own pace. You aren't trying to keep up or beat the crowd to the next attraction. You can pack a lunch instead of spending a fortune on a meal that your kids will barely eat. But most of all you are giving your kids an experience and they are learning about nature and seeing the beauty that naturally exists in the world, not the things that are man made. So here is a challenge for your family - visit one national park a year with your kids. If you are willing to take this challenge we think you should start with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stay at the Giving Cabin. We would love to host your family and help you create new memories with your family! Brandie When you stay at the Giving Cabin there is lots to do right there at the cabin if it is a rainy day. You can watch a movie by a warm fire in the fireplace, play some board games, play foosball or darts in the game room, or enjoy some time relaxing in the hot tub. But if you do want to get out and see what activities are available in Pigeon Forge we have several suggestions that we think you will enjoy! If it is raining, snowing, or just really cold; you still have lots of options of fun things to do. Titanic Museum The Titanic Museum is an attraction in Pigeon Forge that celebrates the ship, the passengers and crew. Telling the stories of all of those on board is a way to honor and respect them. Every visitor receives a boarding pass with the name of an actual passenger or crew member. It is a self guided tour that includes many interactive exhibits. It is a great experience for a family that both kids and adult will enjoy. There are over 400 artifacts that came from the ship. There is also a Titanic Memorial Room where 2,208 names line this historic wall. This activity is not only fun but educational and we highly recommend it. Downtown Flavortown If you are looking for a place to spend hours of fun then look no further than Guy Fieri's Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge! This place has 43,000 square feet of fun, games, food and drinks. Kids and adults will love the huge arcade! There is such a great variety of games for all ages and families can enjoy playing together. There's a huge tiki bar where adults can try signature drinks and just relax. Then after everyone has wrapped up arcade time sit down to enjoy a fabulous meal with the family. There are so many options on the menu including some familiar favorite items and some unique dishes that you would expect from the famous foodie Guy Fieri. There is also a gift shop with lots of neat souvenirs. This place really has it all! Pigeon Forge Snow I know when you think of snow tubing you think of doing it outdoors, but if you just don't want to brave the cold weather you can still snow tube inside at Pigeon Forge Snow! This indoor snow tubing facility is open all year round no matter the weather and it's always 60-70 degrees inside. There are snow tubing hills and a huge snow play area. There is no entrance fee, only pay if you tube; so parents can watch for free if the kids are the only ones tubing. No reservations are needed so if you decide to do this activity last minute, no problem, you won't get turned away because you didn't plan a week in advance. This is a unique experience for kids and adults!! So if you are a fan of staying in, the Giving Cabin has everything you need to enjoy some time just relaxing. But if you want to get out on the town we are minutes from lots of fun activities that will be fun for the whole family!! Book your stay with us at the Giving Cabin now!! Click HERE RiVisiting Gatlinburg in December is magical! There is so much to do and see and every place you visit is decorated and spreading Christmas cheer! But with so much to do it can be overwhelming for visitors because they don't know which activities and attractions they should pick. So I wanted to share a few of my favorites to help you make some decision on where you and your family want to spend your time when you visit Gatlinburg in December. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies This aquarium is open 365 days a year and there is so much to see and do here! Kids love the underwater tunnel where they can see sharks, turtles and other sea creatures swimming right beside and above them. There are interactive experiences where you can touch and feed animals, as well as shows that are fun and educational. This is the perfect way to let the kids get out some energy on a rainy or snowy day when outdoor activities are not an option. Check out Ripleys Here Comedy Barn Show We love the Comedy Barn because it is a clean, family-friendly, comedy show that everyone in your group can enjoy. They have a lot of fun things going on in this show including barnyard animals, magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians, live country and gospel music! This show will keep you laughing and who doesn't love to laugh? The have a special Christmas show in December and it is the best way to combine entertainment and Christmas spirit. Click HERE to get your tickets online.  Dolly Stampede Looking for dinner and entertainment? Then you need to visit Dolly Stampede. The whole family will enjoy a four course meal that includes vegetable soup, rotisserie chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob, potatoes, biscuits and apple turnover. The show has horse riding stunts, special effects, and musical productions. You can even meet the stars of our show up close when you stroll along the horse walk before the show. At Dolly Stampede you get everything all in one place, food and fun!! s Santa's Clauset This is Gatlinburg's largest Christmas store and it does not disappoint! It's not just a place for shopping, you get to sample a variety of foods and play some games...it's a whole experience for all ages! Although they cater to Christmas, there is a lot of other things to explore here. And of course, while you are here you can visit with Santa in the Candy Cane Cottage. Kids and adults will love it here all year round, but visiting in December is definitely the best! Hot Tub and Fireplace at The Giving Cabin Last but not least, we recommend enjoying the hot tub and the fireplace at the Giving Cabin when you visit Gatlinburg and stay with us in December. There is just something about coming back to the cabin after a long day and spending time in the hot tub or by the fireplace...or doing both! Build a fire in our wood burning fireplace and gather the family around for a cup of hot chocolate, or maybe sing some Christmas songs. It's just so relaxing to hear the fire crackling and sit around in your pjs. Even if there is snow on the ground, you can hop in the hot tub because it is right on the porch which is covered and out of the elements. This is probably our favorite thing to do on a cold December evening!  If you haven't already booked your mountain getaway then you need to act now because dates are getting booked fast!! We would love to host you at The Giving Cabin and help you make some memories this year in Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg is a great place to take the family but it's also a great location for couples to visit and spend one on one time together! You can make your trip romantic and low-key or high energy and adventurous...this beautiful town is perfect for both!
So what are some things you can do on your trip? We would love to make a few recommendations. Let's start with food because it's one of my favorites! Greenbrier Restaurant This premiere steakhouse is a special dining experience! They specialize in hand-cut prime steaks, fresh produce, house specialties, and craft cocktails. This is probably not a restaurant you would want to take young kids or a big group, but it is perfect for couples who want to have a nice meal and a drink. One of their most popular starters on the menu is the stuffed meatballs, they are hand rolled meatballs topped with rich tomato sauce, ricotta, and fresh herbs. Put this restaurant on your list if you are looking to have a romantic dinner because it is located off the main Strip in downtown Gatlinburg, so you are away from the hustle and bustle and surrounded by nature. Now on to some adventure... Anakeesta When you think about a theme park you think about a trip with the kids, but going to a theme park as a couple, without the kids, is just as much fun! Anakeesta means “the place of high ground” in the Cherokee language and the scenery and atmosphere in this mountain park is amazing! You can ride the mountain coaster, hop on a zip line or take a walk on the treetop skywalk which is 880′ of hanging bridges suspended 50-60′ in the air. In addition, there is also great shopping and dining. They have great slow-smoked southern barbeque at the Smokehouse and craft beer and specialty cocktails. It's the perfect day of adventure all in one spot! Check out our INSTAGRAM post to see the beautiful views. Want to relax and be entertained? That can be arranged... Ole Smoky Moonshine and Listen to the Music in the Holler This is America’s most visited distillery. You can take a tour and see all the behind the scenes of how the moonshine is made. You can sample some authentic smoky mountain moonshine and they offer seasonal and special flavors that aren't available in stores. Find your favorite and purchase some to take home. But the best part of your visit will be the entertainment. The Holler has a full line up of live music and there's nothing more relaxing than sitting back with a drink in your hand and some bluegrass music. If you are hungry there are several dining options in the area. So what are you waiting for? Book that couple's trip and have a romantic or adventurous getaway...or make it a little bit of both!! Stay at the Giving Cabin and you will have all of these place right in your back yard. We love to hike when we visit Gatlinburg and the fall is a great time to hike because the temps have dropped and the weather is perfect for a good hike! We wanted to share 5 of our favorite spots and give you some info on what you can expect if you visit them. Gatlinburg Trail Head This is a dog-friendly park featuring a wooded 3.8-mi. roundtrip path. It runs along the river with lots of nice places to stop and get in the water. The river views are a plus and there is a footbridge. It's beautiful and well maintained and perfect for families because the hike is kid-friendly. Rainbow Falls This 80-foot high waterfall produces a rainbow in the mist on sunny afternoons. If you like hiking in the winter, you may see a pretty cool ice formation that builds around the falls. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mount Le Conte. This 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty but due to the length, elevation gain, and rocky terrain in sections of the trail, some rate the hike as difficult; so this trail may be better suited for adults as small kids may have a hard time keeping up. More info HERE. Cataract Falls This trail is very short (3/4 mile) and is appropriate for young children. It has great views of 25-foot high Cataract Falls. It is a great way to see a beautiful waterfall without too much effort. It is less than 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg so it's easy to jump from a fun activity in town to a family adventure in nature. There is a canopy of trees which means good shade from the sun and kids love the bridges that cross Fighting Creek. And parents can relax because there are sturdy rails and cables to keep their children safe! You can find lots of pics of this family friendly spot HERE. Chimney Tops The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is a steep climb, it gains 1,400 feet in nearly 2 miles. For this reason you need to make sure to wear good climbing shoes and leave the kids at home because it's definitely a challenge. The top section of the trail to the Chimney Tops pinnacles was heavily damaged by fire so the final 0.25 mile section of the Chimney Tops Trail is closed to all public use. The upper section of trail and rocky pinnacles are not safe for visitors. Laurel Falls This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee is considered an easy route. On average it takes a little over an hour to complete. It's a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you will have some company on this trail. The trail is open year-round and it is beautiful to visit all year. It's kid-friendly but don't bring your four legged friends because animals are not allowed. Check out this REVIEW if you are considered a visit to this site. When you are planning your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains make sure to plan at least one day to check out one (or more) of these hiking spots. Whether it's an adult trip or a family trip, there are trails for both advanced hikers and trails that are perfect for kids! Stay at the Giving Cabin this fall and you will be close to all these sites and have the perfect place to rest and relax after your adventures on the trails!! I used to think vacations in the summer were for the beach, but if you have never taken a trip to the mountains in the summer then you are really missing out! Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains is the MOST visited National Park in the U.S.?
Over 14.1 million visitors came to experience its beauty in 2021. Check for available dates at The Giving Cabin by clicking HERE. The mountains are such a beautiful destination for summer fun and the outdoor activities you can do in the mountains are so adventurous. After spending over 100 days (over the course of a few years), our family never runs out of new things to do. I would like to think of myself as your virtual expert tour guide to the Smokies. Whether you are 75 years young or carrying a 2 year old in a hiking backpack, there is something for everyone. Wondering what activities would be perfect for your family this summer? We’ve got you covered! Here are our top 3 Great Smoky Mountain activity ideas: 1. Hiking to Waterfalls Hiking is a great workout and guilt free way to enjoy the massive cinnamon rolls at Crocketts Breakfast Camp. It’s a fun way to spend time with the family, making memories, but I have to admit, hiking to a waterfall is so much better than a regular hike! Being in the mountains and visiting a waterfall is like being a storybook because they are just so magical. The vast beauty of God's creation is just amazing. Whether you are up for a strenuous hike, wanting to take a selfie in front of a waterfall, or are just looking for a leisurely walk in nature, there is a hike for everyone. The Gatlinburg Trail is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge. Rainbow Falls is the hike for you if you are looking for something challenging. Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation and boasts a spectacular 80 foot waterfall. The 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. So I suggest getting there early, but it is our family favorite because my 70 year old mother could do the hike, our 6 year old made it and carrying a 3 year old in a hiking backpack was manageable. But if it is just you and the friends, you will be able to make the round trip much quicker, probably under an hour and a half if you don't spend much time at the falls. Which..... is hard to do because it is so beautiful. 2. White Water Rafting (or a float) It doesn’t really get more adventurous than white water rafting in the mountains. If you and your family members are thrill-seekers then this is the activity for you! The roar of the fast moving water, the drops, the paddling and unexpected twists and turns are more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping. Head on over to Rafting in the Smokies to choose which adventure is right for you. It's a quick and beautiful 45 minute drive over from The Giving Cabin to the upper section of the Pigeon River which boasts 12 Class III and 3 Class IV thrilling whitewater rapids. 3. Ziplining Ziplining is another activity that will get your adrenaline pumping. It’s so beautiful to be high up in the trees and taking in the view of the mountains on a zipline. This activity is something that many kids and adults can participate in and it doesn’t take as much stamina as hiking up to a waterfall or holding yourself stead in a raft on the water; you simply just strap in and ‘hang out’ while gliding down the zipline. Legacy Mountain Ziplines is a great place to go in Gatlinburg TN. Their high-flying adventure is a family-favorite destination for anyone from 7 years of age and older, up to 270 lbs. You will love the feeling of flying through the air at speeds up to 50 mph on 4.5 miles of lines up to 500 feet high If you are ready for relaxation, adventure and some quality time, with less screens, then make some plans to visit the Great Smoky Mountains before the fall is here!! Check for available dates at The Giving Cabin by clicking HERE. At the Giving Cabin there is a lot you don't have to pack because we provide a lot of the common items you will need like:
Cleaning products, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, toilet paper, bed linens, pillows, blankets, books and reading material, board games, portable fans, first aid kit. Baby/Toddler gear - pack n play, high chair, stroller, toddler hiking backpack, baby gates, children's books and toys. Kitchen supplies - coffee, hot chocolate, dishes, glasses, wine glasses, toaster, coffee maker, griddle, hand-held mixer, blender, crockpot, casserole dishes, silverware pots and pans and BBQ utensils. So basically you can just show up with your clothes and be just fine! However, there are a few things that I would recommend you throw in your suitcase when you are heading to Gatlinburg. Refillable water bottle - More than likely you are going to be on the move while you are here...hiking, sight seeing, exploring nature. So having a refillable water bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated and keep going without having to stop to buy a bottle of water. Check out one of our favorite hikes here. Bug Spray - Depending on the time of year you visit, you may have some unwanted guests trying to join you when you are hanging out outside. Keep some bug spray handy and then you don't have to worry about swatting bugs all day. Sunscreen - Even if the temperature is cooler, if you are out in the sun for a while exploring you could get a little more sun than you anticipate and pay for it the next day. So don't take the chance of getting burnt, pack some sunscreen and use it daily. Cooling Towels - If you visit in the summer months a cooling towel is a great item to have. If you are hiking up to a water fall, spending time a theme park or any other activity that is outside and require a lot of walking you are going to get hot quick. A cooling towel is a great way to lower your body temperature and keep going. Robe or House shoes - One of the best things about the cabin is the outdoor space and if it's a little cooler in the morning or evening you can throw on a robe and slippers and step out on the porch to have your morning coffee or nightcap. Backpack - Gatlinburg is all about adventure and while you are out visiting all the cool places in the mountains you need to bring along the essentials like hand sanitizer, sunscreen, snacks, etc. so it's great to have a backpack to throw everything in and hit the road. If you want to visit a great shop while in Gatlinburg we love NOC We try to think of everything you will need when you get to the cabin so you don't have to worry about bringing everything in your house; that's too stressful and vacation is about relaxation not stress! So just grab your clothes and these few other recommended items and you will be all set! So, I have to start by saying, I spent most of my childhood at the Opryland theme park in Nashville, TN until its closing in 1997. As a kid, it was where some of my happiest memories happened. So, when we decided to take our 3 kids (ages 18 months old-11 years old) to Dollywood the first time, I had reservations as if it would live up to my expectations. We also took Grandma along too, because you can never have too many hands helping out.
I have to say, we spent 1 day at the Dollywood Theme park (before the Wildwood Grove addition opened) and we had a GREAT time! We could have spent 2 days at the them park easily because we had no time to do any shows and we did not get to ride everything. I will say, we went to the park from around 10am-5pm because we just didn't want any toddler meltdowns. During the summer, the park stays open until 9pm or later. We have still not visited the water park yet. |
Smoky Mountain Fun, Food, Relaxation and More!
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