My Guidebook Gatlinburg Favorites

Mitzi
My Guidebook Gatlinburg Favorites

Food Scene

In our hood: So close to the cabin. Total breakfast dive but super fun for kids when they bring out pizza size pancakes!
34 locals recommend
Little House of Pancakes
807 East Pkwy
34 locals recommend
In our hood: So close to the cabin. Total breakfast dive but super fun for kids when they bring out pizza size pancakes!
In our hood: Our favorite neighborhood restaurant for lunch, dinner, drinks, with entertainment most nights. Live local music 9:00 Saturdays and music trivia, Jam night or Karaoke share the calendar. http://threejimmys.com/entertainment/
202 locals recommend
Three Jimmy's Good Time Eatery
1359 East Parkway
202 locals recommend
In our hood: Our favorite neighborhood restaurant for lunch, dinner, drinks, with entertainment most nights. Live local music 9:00 Saturdays and music trivia, Jam night or Karaoke share the calendar. http://threejimmys.com/entertainment/
In our hood: Amazing hand tossed brick oven pizza and loaded antipasto. NY Owners greet you at the door. Closed Mondays.
28 locals recommend
Taste of Italy
1235 East Pkwy
28 locals recommend
In our hood: Amazing hand tossed brick oven pizza and loaded antipasto. NY Owners greet you at the door. Closed Mondays.
Kids had a blast catching our lunch! Owners are there helping you every step of the way and cooking it up for you. They were awesome.
36 locals recommend
English Mountain Trout Farm
291 Blowing Cave Rd
36 locals recommend
Kids had a blast catching our lunch! Owners are there helping you every step of the way and cooking it up for you. They were awesome.
This is a fun Dinner Show for the entire family. Mouth dropping when they slap an entire roasted chicken on your plate! They even give you doggie bags if you don't finish. The show is entertaining and well done.
378 locals recommend
Dolly Parton's Stampede
3849 Parkway
378 locals recommend
This is a fun Dinner Show for the entire family. Mouth dropping when they slap an entire roasted chicken on your plate! They even give you doggie bags if you don't finish. The show is entertaining and well done.
If you are just passing through Townsend or if you go tubing at River Rat, this place has the best hamburgers, fries and shakes! And right in the driveway for tubing!
29 locals recommend
Burger Master Drive In
8439 TN-73
29 locals recommend
If you are just passing through Townsend or if you go tubing at River Rat, this place has the best hamburgers, fries and shakes! And right in the driveway for tubing!
They are really good at being a "Dick". Horrible and rude service that is comical! Don't be surprised when they shove a paper hat on your head. Kids love that they are allowed to throw straws and napkins at your waiter and adults love the great food and fun drinks!
7 locals recommend
Dick's Last Resort - Gatlinburg
903 Parkway
7 locals recommend
They are really good at being a "Dick". Horrible and rude service that is comical! Don't be surprised when they shove a paper hat on your head. Kids love that they are allowed to throw straws and napkins at your waiter and adults love the great food and fun drinks!
Down-to-earth watering hole featuring hearty pub grub, TVs for sports fans & indoor/outdoor seating. Wonderful food and drinks. Easy and quiet.
28 locals recommend
Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill
651 Parkway
28 locals recommend
Down-to-earth watering hole featuring hearty pub grub, TVs for sports fans & indoor/outdoor seating. Wonderful food and drinks. Easy and quiet.
If you have never had a "Hot, Fresh, Now" doughnut, now is the time! Look for the sign out front to be on and that means they just came out of the oven.
14 locals recommend
Krispy Kreme Pigeon Forge
4074 Parkway
14 locals recommend
If you have never had a "Hot, Fresh, Now" doughnut, now is the time! Look for the sign out front to be on and that means they just came out of the oven.
Old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting.
52 locals recommend
Wild Plum Tea Room
555 Buckhorn Rd
52 locals recommend
Old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting.
If you have ever wanted to find your own Food Network, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives- well here it is! Located in a Gas station, they serve only homemade lemonade and sweet tea (unless you wanted to get out of your seat and purchase any beverage from the Citgo counter 3 steps away) and amazing burgers, fries and Frito pie. FYI- cash only
9 locals recommend
Chubbys
2659 Newport Hwy
9 locals recommend
If you have ever wanted to find your own Food Network, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives- well here it is! Located in a Gas station, they serve only homemade lemonade and sweet tea (unless you wanted to get out of your seat and purchase any beverage from the Citgo counter 3 steps away) and amazing burgers, fries and Frito pie. FYI- cash only
Homemade fresh bread fills the air followed by an amazing menu featuring Biltmore wines and may special dishes- my favorites Shrimp and Grits and Pimiento Cheese BLT! Outdoor seating really makes for a perfect experience.
189 locals recommend
The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille
3341 Old Mill St
189 locals recommend
Homemade fresh bread fills the air followed by an amazing menu featuring Biltmore wines and may special dishes- my favorites Shrimp and Grits and Pimiento Cheese BLT! Outdoor seating really makes for a perfect experience.
If you are near downtown Knoxville this place is so fresh and yummy. Table side gauc, specialty margaritas, and they make their own white corn tortillas. I love the 'pick any 3" tacos - I have never had one I didn't care for yet!
28 locals recommend
BABALU® - Knoxville
412 S Gay St
28 locals recommend
If you are near downtown Knoxville this place is so fresh and yummy. Table side gauc, specialty margaritas, and they make their own white corn tortillas. I love the 'pick any 3" tacos - I have never had one I didn't care for yet!
Amazing barbeque served out of a school bus! Fun, fast, fantastic food with a once in a life time atmosphere!
21 locals recommend
Docs 321 Cafe
4572 Hooper Hwy
21 locals recommend
Amazing barbeque served out of a school bus! Fun, fast, fantastic food with a once in a life time atmosphere!
I was unable to check this out due to timing, but the next time I am tubing in Townsend I am checking this converted wedding chapel right on the river out for sure. If you get there before I do let me know what you think!
32 locals recommend
The Townsend Abbey
7765 River Rd
32 locals recommend
I was unable to check this out due to timing, but the next time I am tubing in Townsend I am checking this converted wedding chapel right on the river out for sure. If you get there before I do let me know what you think!
We called for take out during covid and the surprise of one of the best pizzas we ever had! A bit hard to find 865-436-4345
24 locals recommend
Best Italian on the Parkway
710 Parkway
24 locals recommend
We called for take out during covid and the surprise of one of the best pizzas we ever had! A bit hard to find 865-436-4345

Parks & Nature

The Roaring Fork is a 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop drive through the park. At several points you can get out and hike and explore or continue driving for your sightseeing. My favorites: Easy hike: Noah “Bud” Ogle- self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead. Moderate hike: Grotto Falls- roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and takes about 2-3 hours. So worth it. Plan to jump in and get refreshed! Moderately Strenuous:Rainbow Falls- one of the park's most popular waterfalls. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles roundtrip. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks.
192 locals recommend
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
192 locals recommend
The Roaring Fork is a 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop drive through the park. At several points you can get out and hike and explore or continue driving for your sightseeing. My favorites: Easy hike: Noah “Bud” Ogle- self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead. Moderate hike: Grotto Falls- roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and takes about 2-3 hours. So worth it. Plan to jump in and get refreshed! Moderately Strenuous:Rainbow Falls- one of the park's most popular waterfalls. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles roundtrip. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks.
Beautiful drop off of the Little River with a cliff to jump off into the deep sink. A must stop if you are in the area!
16 locals recommend
The Sinks
Old State Highway 73 Scenic
16 locals recommend
Beautiful drop off of the Little River with a cliff to jump off into the deep sink. A must stop if you are in the area!
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road parking on left. You will find Arch Rock 1.3 mile up that trail. Alum Cave is a 2.2 mile hike at Trailhead. Amazing!
86 locals recommend
Mount LeConte Lodge
86 locals recommend
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road parking on left. You will find Arch Rock 1.3 mile up that trail. Alum Cave is a 2.2 mile hike at Trailhead. Amazing!
Super easy to walk up with stairs to waterfall. Must do if in Charokee!
58 locals recommend
Mingo Falls
Eastern Cherokee Reservation
58 locals recommend
Super easy to walk up with stairs to waterfall. Must do if in Charokee!
45 locals recommend
Laurel Falls Trailhead
Old State Highway 73 Scenic
45 locals recommend
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road, parking on left. Alum Cave is a 2.2 mile hike at Trailhead. You will find Arch Rock 1.3 mile up that trail. Amazing!
25 locals recommend
Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead
25 locals recommend
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road, parking on left. Alum Cave is a 2.2 mile hike at Trailhead. You will find Arch Rock 1.3 mile up that trail. Amazing!
Fishing for children only! Herbert Holt Park is located just off the Parkway and features: Children’s fishing stream beach entry Handicap access fishing pier Trout rearing facility Covered Pavilion Picnic tables Sinks & grills Playground area Horseshoe Pits Walking trails We stopped in The Smokey Mt Angler and they hooked us up with rod, hooks and night crawlers for a successful morning of trout fishing.
8 locals recommend
Herbert Holt Park
North Park Lane
8 locals recommend
Fishing for children only! Herbert Holt Park is located just off the Parkway and features: Children’s fishing stream beach entry Handicap access fishing pier Trout rearing facility Covered Pavilion Picnic tables Sinks & grills Playground area Horseshoe Pits Walking trails We stopped in The Smokey Mt Angler and they hooked us up with rod, hooks and night crawlers for a successful morning of trout fishing.
Great fishing store to rent or buy a rod and bait. They hooked us up with everything we needed for the kids to catch trout.
33 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Angler
469 Brookside Village Way
33 locals recommend
Great fishing store to rent or buy a rod and bait. They hooked us up with everything we needed for the kids to catch trout.
I love Midnight Hole and the General Store at the entrance of the park! Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6' falls. People climb and jump off. Continuing down, at 2.1 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view Mouse Creek Falls which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls are 45' in height. AccessTrailhead: Exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight to the end to park (or tuck left to swing into the old general store)
15 locals recommend
Mouse Creek Falls
15 locals recommend
I love Midnight Hole and the General Store at the entrance of the park! Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6' falls. People climb and jump off. Continuing down, at 2.1 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view Mouse Creek Falls which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls are 45' in height. AccessTrailhead: Exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight to the end to park (or tuck left to swing into the old general store)
Great Summit and lookout at the top! Great hike with breath taking views. On our hike down we loved splashing in the water and playing on the rocks at the first footbridge near the parking.
51 locals recommend
Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead
Chimney Tops Trail
51 locals recommend
Great Summit and lookout at the top! Great hike with breath taking views. On our hike down we loved splashing in the water and playing on the rocks at the first footbridge near the parking.

Essentials

only a mile away with a Red Box out front
153 locals recommend
Food City
1219 East Pkwy
153 locals recommend
only a mile away with a Red Box out front
In our hood: 1 mile from the cabin
Fastop Gas Station
1339 East Pkwy
In our hood: 1 mile from the cabin
In the hood:
8 locals recommend
Park Liquor Store
1235 East Pkwy
8 locals recommend
In the hood:
on the way to Midnight Hole or White water rafting - a must stop in for an ice cream or a country trinket.
Big Creek Country Store
67 Mount Sterling Road
on the way to Midnight Hole or White water rafting - a must stop in for an ice cream or a country trinket.

Drinks & Nightlife

Tastings all day! A mason jar full of your favorite moonshine makes a great local gift to take back home. The stage out front has had live Bluegrass or Folk music playing every time I have walked by.
195 locals recommend
Ole Smoky Moonshine
903 Parkway
195 locals recommend
Tastings all day! A mason jar full of your favorite moonshine makes a great local gift to take back home. The stage out front has had live Bluegrass or Folk music playing every time I have walked by.
Casino has all the gambling plus fine shopping and restaurants.
330 locals recommend
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
777 Casino Dr
330 locals recommend
Casino has all the gambling plus fine shopping and restaurants.
In the hood: British-themed 2-floor haunt with pub grub, hot tea & lots of beer choices, plus darts & live music.
26 locals recommend
The Fox & Parrot Tavern
1065 Glades Rd
26 locals recommend
In the hood: British-themed 2-floor haunt with pub grub, hot tea & lots of beer choices, plus darts & live music.

Entertainment & Activities

Drive up or take the Ober Areal Tramway from downtown. Summer time offers amusement park with tons to do even water slides. Winter offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing! Winter tubing sells out fast so buy passes ahead.
500 locals recommend
Ober Gatlinburg
1339 Ski Mountain Rd
500 locals recommend
Drive up or take the Ober Areal Tramway from downtown. Summer time offers amusement park with tons to do even water slides. Winter offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing! Winter tubing sells out fast so buy passes ahead.
There are tons of places to go tubing but, we loved this outfit. So friendly and easy. Plus has the best hamburger stop in the driveway! Has 2 runs (lazy and bumpy). We even got a summer pass.
27 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing Outpost B
8435 TN-73
27 locals recommend
There are tons of places to go tubing but, we loved this outfit. So friendly and easy. Plus has the best hamburger stop in the driveway! Has 2 runs (lazy and bumpy). We even got a summer pass.
Kids loved it! Adults did too! Our guide's name was Ewok- the best.
19 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater
3630 Hartford Rd
19 locals recommend
Kids loved it! Adults did too! Our guide's name was Ewok- the best.
Coming from the land of Disney, I have to say I love Dollywood!!! Easy to get around and tons of awesome rides and shows.
797 locals recommend
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd
797 locals recommend
Coming from the land of Disney, I have to say I love Dollywood!!! Easy to get around and tons of awesome rides and shows.
If you haven’t gone to an aquarium lately you will get your fix with all the amazing exhibits.
535 locals recommend
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Rd
535 locals recommend
If you haven’t gone to an aquarium lately you will get your fix with all the amazing exhibits.
Zorbing is a blast. Only give 4 stars because it is extremely pricey. We started with one run each and went in and bought several more- yes it is that fun.
40 locals recommend
Outdoor Gravity Park
203 Sugar Hollow Rd
40 locals recommend
Zorbing is a blast. Only give 4 stars because it is extremely pricey. We started with one run each and went in and bought several more- yes it is that fun.
Zip Line! Top notch and management was great.
87 locals recommend
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour
155 Branam Hollow Rd
87 locals recommend
Zip Line! Top notch and management was great.

Arts & Culture

This entire area is an 8 mile loop of craftsmen and local artist with blown glass, pottery, art galleries, wood carvings and more. Cafes and local bakery too.
159 locals recommend
Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
668 Glades Road
159 locals recommend
This entire area is an 8 mile loop of craftsmen and local artist with blown glass, pottery, art galleries, wood carvings and more. Cafes and local bakery too.
Robby Bowman from the show 'Forged in Fire' is one on one with you, teaching you how to design and build your knife! Really unique and really special!
9 locals recommend
Iron Mountain Metal Craft
172 Old Mill Ave
9 locals recommend
Robby Bowman from the show 'Forged in Fire' is one on one with you, teaching you how to design and build your knife! Really unique and really special!

Shopping

This place is huge! My boys loved it. Downstairs is like a museum with swords from different movies and fossils and.. and... and! Prices are so reasonable and great place to pick up a little souvenir.
67 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Knife Works
2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy
67 locals recommend
This place is huge! My boys loved it. Downstairs is like a museum with swords from different movies and fossils and.. and... and! Prices are so reasonable and great place to pick up a little souvenir.
Downtown on The Parkway Beautiful and fun and tons of shops. July had local folk artist, dancers, and music lining the streets. And in December it is lite up to the fullest to welcome the holidays.
660 locals recommend
Gatlinburg
660 locals recommend
Downtown on The Parkway Beautiful and fun and tons of shops. July had local folk artist, dancers, and music lining the streets. And in December it is lite up to the fullest to welcome the holidays.