This past weekend my family made a last minute trip to Gatlinburg, TN. I had mentioned packing up and just going the previous week but we had prior obligations. Mid week my husband surprised me with an envelope. In the envelope there was a paper that said " Congratulations you won a weekend in Gatlinburg...". My husband had already booked a hotel so we packed up our bags and left.
Last time we were in Gatlinburg together, I was eight weeks pregnant with my daughter and sick most of the time. Here we are five years later with three toddlers, taking on the challenge of vacationing and not losing a kid and guess what, we survived! The kids were champs!
Before we left for Gatlinburg I researched things to do and see. Needless to say, most places don't have a lot to do for kids under the age of five. One of the positive things is that kids three and under are usually free so that worked in our favor since I have two that fall into that age range.
I also found out that if we went the next weekend teachers (my husband is a teacher) and a guest were free at all the Ripley's Attractions and Wonderworks so we were tempted to switch weekends and skip our prior plans but it called for rain so we stuck to the original plan - mental note made for the future, plan in advance to save $$$.
When researching for things to do, I somehow missed that the weekend we visited was a car show weekend so Pigeon Forge was packed. The streets were lined for miles of old, antique cars on both sides. It added an extra thirty minutes to our trip but at least we got to look at colorful cars and play eye spy as we drove through Pigeon Forge.
I also found out that if we went the next weekend teachers (my husband is a teacher) and a guest were free at all the Ripley's Attractions and Wonderworks so we were tempted to switch weekends and skip our prior plans but it called for rain so we stuck to the original plan - mental note made for the future, plan in advance to save $$$.
When researching for things to do, I somehow missed that the weekend we visited was a car show weekend so Pigeon Forge was packed. The streets were lined for miles of old, antique cars on both sides. It added an extra thirty minutes to our trip but at least we got to look at colorful cars and play eye spy as we drove through Pigeon Forge.
Anyways, we had a busy, yet fun weekend in Gatlinburg. Check out what we did below!
DAY 1
Chimney Tops
Our first stop was the Chimney Tops. We packed lunch before we left home and had a picnic at the Chimney Tops. After we ate, we let the kids play in the creek and lets just say they all got soaked and the water was freezing. If you can't tell by this first picture, my kids were super excited to play in the creek.
Chimney Tops is located in Gatlinburg's National Park. There are picnic tables, charcoal grills and bathrooms. It is free to check out and play in the creek. Depending on when you go, you may be able to slip and slide down some of the rocks, just be carful and watch out for bears.
Our first stop was the Chimney Tops. We packed lunch before we left home and had a picnic at the Chimney Tops. After we ate, we let the kids play in the creek and lets just say they all got soaked and the water was freezing. If you can't tell by this first picture, my kids were super excited to play in the creek.
Chimney Tops is located in Gatlinburg's National Park. There are picnic tables, charcoal grills and bathrooms. It is free to check out and play in the creek. Depending on when you go, you may be able to slip and slide down some of the rocks, just be carful and watch out for bears.
Since our hotel room wasn't ready yet, we decided to walk part of the strip. Our hotel was the perfect location so we walked everywhere in Gatlinburg, including to the Aquarium.
Ole' Smoky Moonshine
Mommy and Daddy taste tested some Moonshine at Ole' Smoky Moonshine. The taste testings are now $5 for 13 samples but you get the $5 back in store credit which is nice. One of their newest moonshines is a Dill Pickle Moonshine and lets just say, I'm personally not a fan but hey, maybe you will be!
After we taste tested the moonshine, we moved on to taste test the jams and salsa at Ole' Smoky Moonshine for free while listening to a live band playing in the courtyard.
The Island
In the evening we checked out The Island in Pigeon Forge. The Island was a new experience for us as it wasn't there five years ago when we last visited. We had dinner at Margaritaville, watched the water light show and checked out the shops.
The light show was cool and the kids liked it but it was shorter than I expected. The water moves to the beat of the music for at least two songs every 30 minutes.
We watched two shows, one when we arrived and one when we were leaving. The music and show was different both times which was a plus!
We watched two shows, one when we arrived and one when we were leaving. The music and show was different both times which was a plus!
The Island had a bunch of cool shops from taste testings to ice cream to toys and clothes. They also had some different types of restaurants, a ferris wheel and some rides and activities for kids.
I also found one of the best tasting fudge shops at The Island. It's called Big Rock Candy Kitchen. Their fudge is super smooth and not grindy. They also had unique flavors like carmel apple and blue raspberry. I'm picky when it comes to fudge, but there fudge was pretty good and needles to say we bought some.
It is free to park and walk around at The Island. The water show is also free, you just have to pay for any restaurant, activity or items you want to buy. I would call this the boardwalk of Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge. There is also a free tram that will take you to and from the parking lot.
Crave Putt Putt
After The Island we hit up The Crave putt putt golf coarse. Ages three and under are free so we only paid for one child and helped them since this was their first time putt putt golfing and they had no idea what they were doing.
Crave was a nice putt putt coarse. They have an indoor and outdoor 19 hole coarse along with a candy shop, ice cream shop and mini bowling. They also have a spin wheel challenge on each coarse for the adults/older kids to try to keep them interested. A spin wheel challenge example is putt this hole on one foot.
Crave is decked out in life size candy from rock candy to a gumball machine to lollipops and a candy castle. I personally thought Crave was a little overpriced to golf but they do have a BOGO coupon so you can play two games for the price of one. Who knows maybe you could pass as a three year old and play for free.
Day 1 of our weekend getaway was a very long but a fun filled day as we drove to Gatlinburg, played in the creek at the Chimney Tops, taste testing at Ole' Smoky Moonshine, checked out The Island and played putt putt golf at Crave.
Check out what we did on Day 2 & 3 of our adventure.
Here's a hint: fish, sharks, candy and wine, oh my!
I'd love to know your thoughts on these attractions in the comments below!
2 Comments
Your trip to Gatlinburg sounds like everyone had a great time. I haven't been there in years. I didn't know about the places you visited or at least I don't remember. I would like to go back and visit the places you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice getaway! I love going to Chimney Tops, the creek is beautiful and relaxing. The Island and Crave Putt Putt were both new to me as well. The Island is defiantly worth a visit!
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