Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Ranked Among “Best Weekend Getaways in Tennessee”
We’re pleased to report that two of our favorite Smoky Mountain cities are getting some positive press! The popular travel website Tripping.com has released its guide to the “8 Best Weekend Getaways in Tennessee,” and the Smokies are well represented on the list. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were recommended for their fun attractions and breathtaking scenery.
The Smoky Mountains boast an especially convenient location for weekend trips. Situated near Interstate Highway 40, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just a day’s drive from over 60% of the nation’s population. Whether you’re coming from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, or elsewhere in the Southeast, you’re probably not too far from Sevier County.
To help you plan your next weekend getaway in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Visit My Smokies has put together a few ideas for a quick escape in the mountains.
Weekend Ski Trip
Winter sports enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the Smokies are home to the only ski resort in Tennessee! The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park offers thrilling skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for guests of every ability. The snow tubing season typically begins in mid-November, while the ski/snowboarding slopes are usually open from mid-December through mid-March.
The best way to reach Ober Gatlinburg is via the resort’s Aerial Tramway. This 2.1-mile cable car ride takes guests from downtown Gatlinburg up to the top of Mt. Harrison. As an added bonus, passengers will enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain views in town!
In addition to all of the fun on the slopes, Ober offers a number of other fantastic year-round activities. Some of the most popular attractions include an ice skating rink, mountain coaster, wildlife encounter, alpine slide, and arcade.
Weekend Shopping Getaway
A shopping spree with your friends or family is another great idea for a weekend getaway in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! The Smoky Mountains are home to a variety of shopping destinations that feature everything from locally made arts and crafts to name brand goods. Here are a few of our favorite places to browse and buy:
- The Village Shops
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- The Old Mill Square
Weekend Adventures in the National Park
Of course, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are most famous for their proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Boasting over 800 miles of gorgeous scenery and no admission fee, it’s easy to see why the Smokies are the most visited national park in the United States. Here are just some of the great activities you can enjoy in the mountains:
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
A cabin rental is the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! Tucked away in the foothills of the mountains, cabins in Sevier County come with your choice of wonderful amenities, including breathtaking views, soothing hot tubs, decks with rocking chairs, fully furnished kitchens, home theaters, game rooms, and wireless internet. To start planning your weekend escape, browse our comprehensive listing of 700+ vacation rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
