Local Favorites Near Our Smoky Mountain Vacation Rental
🍽️ Restaurants Worth the Visit
From hearty breakfasts to memorable dinners, these local spots are guest favorites:
-
The Peddler Steakhouse
Known for prime rib and custom-cut steaks in a rustic riverside setting.
https://peddlergatlinburg.com/ -
DeLauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ
Must-tries include beef brisket, pulled pork, or the seasonal Okie Dokie (available Sept 17–23).
https://www.facebook.com/delauderssmokymountainbbq/ -
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Famous for griddle cakes and giant cinnamon rolls.
Pro tip: Join the online waitlist before you arrive.
https://crockettsbreakfastcamp.com/ -
The Greenbrier Restaurant
Upscale dining featuring aged steaks—reservations recommended.
https://greenbrierrestaurant.com/ -
The Donut Friar
A local classic for cinnamon bread (available after 10 a.m.).
https://thevillageshops.com/2016/02/29/the-donut-friar/
🌄 Top Attractions & Things to Do
Experience the natural beauty and entertainment that make Gatlinburg special:
-
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most-visited national park, offering hiking, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic drives.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm -
Dollywood
A world-class theme park with rides, shows, and Appalachian charm.
https://www.dollywood.com/ -
Downtown Gatlinburg (The Strip)
Walkable attractions, shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
https://downtowngatlinburg.com/ -
Anakeesta
A mountaintop adventure park with views, dining, and treetop attractions.
https://anakeesta.com/ -
Dinner Shows
A Smoky Mountain tradition—Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a guest favorite.
https://dpstampede.com/pigeon-forge
🎉 Seasonal Events & Festivals
Plan your stay around these popular Smoky Mountain experiences:
-
Fall Foliage Season (Peak Color)
The most beautiful time to see the Smokies ablaze with autumn color.
https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/seasonal-events/fall/fall-colors-report/ -
Spring Wildflower Walks (April–May)
Guided hikes showcasing the park’s famous wildflowers.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/wildflower-walks.htm -
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
A festive holiday parade kicking off the Christmas season.
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade/36/ -
Rod Run
A beloved car event celebrating Tennessee’s car culture, featuring scenic mountain drives. -
Synchronous Fireflies Viewing (Cade's Cove)
A magical natural phenomenon so popular that entry is by lottery beginning of May.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm