When my sister told me she mentioned going to Gatlinburg a month ago, I was happy to go. A family weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is something we have not done. I told my husband to make this is clear of any plans. When I looked at the drive time a couple of weeks ago, I thought is it worth it? I thought of my husband’s driving through those mountains and wondered did I want to suffer that anxiety.
My sister reached out to me and told me that she saw some Groupon hotels and they were having a discount on top of it if booked by the next day. I found the hotel and loved the pool. As a southern girl living in the Midwest where outdoor pools are closed and it’s 90 degree weather. I’m sold.
The day to leave consisted of last minute packing (well any and all packing was done that morning) and with no deadline to really leave, it went well. We went downtown on the way out to grab some Pokémon balls (at the request of the hubby and kids).
Six hours later and smooth ride, we arrived. Seriously, when we got off the interstate and driving through Sevierville, a car behind that stopped in traffic knocked on our window to tell us our back tire was low. Love Southern hospitality.
After filling our tires and thanking our lucky stars, we got to our hotel. Checking in was a breeze and the kids were sold they were going to have a great time at the pool. I am happy that we had a great hotel (newly renovated) and we weren’t far from the main strip.
Day 1 (evening)
We took a walk on the main strip which had tons of cool shops to check out. The twins were entertained by one thing in particular and somehow attracted a crowd once everyone found out you could touch and play with this attraction.
I think that could entertaining him for hours.
We enjoyed dinner at the Smoky Mountain Brewery Restaurant.
Great food and live music (we sat next the stage.) We recommend the Kick-Back sandwich if you like spicy, brewery wings and fried shrimp (if you know our family very well, you can figure out who get what there).
Day 2
We headed up to the Smoky Mountains.
We had a chance to check out Caden’s Cove, the scenic views of the Smoky Mountains, playing in the creek on our way back to our hotel.
The Scenic Cades Cove
Abrams Falls at Cades Cove
Playing in creek in Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg
Going to the Smoky Mountains is an all day affair. If you ever go, I suggest pack a lunch (or snacks) and water.
Day 3
Pool day!
It was nice to relax a few hours before we headed back and wear the kids out a little bit too. They had a good time and did not want to leave and I don’t blame them. This is a exquisite pool.
It was great spending some family time together and making memories. Check out family & kid friendly restaurants in Gatlinburg and trip to Dollywood we took a few weeks later after your family fun weekend.
Wife of one and mother of two (twins). Raising a family in the midwest. Lover of Netflix, crime shows and summer. Founder of The Expecting Mamas Network.
[…] we finally decided that we were going to Gatlinburg for Fall Break, after we enjoyed our weekend in Gatlinburg a few weeks ago, we decided on what our itinerary would be like while we were there and Dollywood […]