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Shows 
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Country music may be the first thing to come to mind when you think about music theater shows in the Great Smoky Mountains. But just take a spin up and down the Parkway through Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville and you’ll see that there’s something for everybody when it comes to live entertainment.
For starters, you’ll hear all kinds of music ringing out from our Smoky Mountain stages—everything from country, gospel and bluegrass to rock and roll, patriotic music, show tunes and Big Band classics. And the fun isn’t limited to music. You’ll also find shows featuring magic, horseback riding, live comedy, murder mysteries, Chinese acrobats, animatronic characters and large-scale, Broadway-style productions. It’s a feast of fun, so grab a seat and dig in! |
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Attractions
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Anyone who visits Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or Sevierville and still has to ask, “What is there to do?” obviously isn’t paying attention. You can’t walk 10 feet without running across some sort of attraction designed to put a smile on your face and make a permanent impression on your memories of the Great Smoky Mountains. Area highlights include Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg.
In between are dozens and dozens of world-class attractions, including music theaters, unique and mind-boggling museums, animal-themed exhibits, helicopter rides and even a ski resort. And of course, there are tons of family-style amusements dotting the main drag—everything from go-cart tracks and arcades, miniature golf courses and laser tag. |
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Shopping
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Whether the economy is up or down, it’s always a good time to go bargain hunting, and for visitors to the Smokies, the hunting is always good. The area is home to six different outlet malls, each with dozens of shops offering deep discounts on name-brand merchandise from well-known national manufacturers. You’ll find clothes, shoes, housewares, books, art, music, tools, home décor and much, much more, and you can sometimes save up to 75 percent off regular retail prices.
While the area is known for its outlet malls, there’s a lot more to the local shopping scene than meets the eye. There are dozens of unique antique stores and malls to be discovered, and you’ll find handmade mountain craft studios and shops throughout Sevier County. The largest concentration is located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, an eight-mile motor loop that’s home to craftsmen and artists who are carrying on the traditions of yesteryear. |
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Eating
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If would be impossible for someone to go hungry in the Smokies. Restaurants can be found everywhere you turn. There is something for every taste and budget, from small hotel restaurants, to buffets, national chain restaurants, fast-food establishments, local deli’s and some of the best steak-houses around. You’ll find plenty of dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a mid-night snack.
Just to name a few, you can pick from Mexican, Chinese, Italian, pizza, burgers and fries, seafood, Bar-B-Q, and steaks. The Smokies also offer some of the best down-home country cooking you’ll ever eat! If you want to combine a meal and entertainment you can take in one of the meal and show attractions. Here you can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner. |
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Adventure
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| What does “adventure” mean to you? Regardless of your answer, the Smokies have something to fit your description. The area offers adventure activities and packages of all kinds. Some of the most popular include: Hiking (Guided Tours or Self-Guided), White Water Rafting, Horseback Riding, Helicopter Rides Canoeing, Kayaking, Indoor Sky-diving, Ziplines, Monster Truck Rides, ATV, JEEP, Harley Davidson and Hummer Rentals. So whether you are looking for a little adventure or a whole lot of adventure the Smokies will not let you down. |
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Hiking
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Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy hiking on more than 800 miles of trails that lead to destinations like cascading waterfalls, beautiful vistas and quiet meadows. Miles and miles of trails wind their way through deep forests, high ridges, mountaintops and along rushing streams. Meanwhile, quiet walkways serve as the perfect avenue for families to get out of the car and take an easy stroll into the wilderness.
All National Park trails are ranked according to their difficulty—strenuous, medium and easy. Park officials advise hiking during daylight hours only and caution hikers to always stay on designated trails. During summer months, be sure to take along plenty of water, and in any season, a sturdy pair of hiking shoes is helpful. And never try to interact with the bears.
Self-guided nature trails are ideal places to explore the Smokies' forests and learn about the area's rich natural and cultural heritage. Waterfalls are popular destinations for day hikes, especially on hot summer days, while balds (unique treeless areas high in the mountains) always make for a great photo opt. Back country trails are for the more experienced, adventurous hiker and offer an in-depth, backwoods experience. |
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Picnicking
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Picnicking is an American tradition, and no trip to the Smokies would be complete without taking the family out to a peaceful shady spot and setting out a delicious feast on a blanket or picnic table. Whether you’re picnicking in a city park or in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, please remember to dispose of all garbage and never feed the bears.
The national park offers some of the area’s best picnicking, with sites that feature everything from shady, riverside locations to nearby hiking trails and scenic vistas. Several locations have designated picnic areas with tables and grills if you prefer to have a few amenities on hand. Among the more popular picnic destinations in the national park are Big Creek, the Cades Cove loop, the Chimneys, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Heintooga and Metcalf Bottoms. |
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