Top Things to Know Before Your Smoky Mountain Vacation this Summer
The Smoky Mountains are a top destination for summer vacations, and it’s not hard to understand why! There are so many things to do for visitors of all ages, and so many adventures waiting to be had. Whether you want to explore the most visited national park or spend time at a world-class theme park, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Smokies during summer. We want to help you plan the best Smoky Mountain vacation this summer, which is why we’ve made a list of the top things to know before you go:
Where to Stay
There are plenty of lodging options in the Smoky Mountains, but by far the best choice for a place to stay is a Smoky Mountain cabin. Cabins provide you with all the comforts of home, along with all the benefits of vacationing in the Smokies, like mountain views and hot tubs. Plus, you’ll have no trouble accommodating your vacation group because cabins come in all sizes. You can choose a cabin that’s secluded for a peaceful stay away from all the action, or a cabin that’s just minutes from all the action in downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Plus, there are cabins with so many incredible amenities, like full kitchens, game rooms, fire pits, theater rooms, pool access, and even private indoor pools! You’ll have everything you need and more for a fun-filled summer vacation when you stay in a cabin.
How to Save
Summer vacations can get expensive, but they don’t have to be when you vacation in the Smoky Mountains! There are plenty of ways you can save. For starters, take a look at these awesome Smoky Mountain cabin deals. We’ve gathered the best discounts on cabins in the area and put them in one convenient list for you to guarantee you get the best lodging deal. We also have a variety of Smoky Mountain coupons to help you save on attractions, restaurants, and shops in the area. Other ways you can save on your vacation include buying groceries and preparing meals in your cabin, enjoying free things to do, and visiting with a big group so you can split the cost!
What to Pack
Packing for vacation can always be a struggle, but we’re here to help make it easy for you. The key is to have an idea of what you want to do while you’re in town. We recommend plenty of comfortable clothes and sneakers for exploring the national park and area attractions. Temperatures can get hot in the Smoky Mountains during summer, so t-shirts and shorts work best. However, nights can get cooler, so we recommend bringing along a light jacket or sweater just in case! It’s always good to be prepared for rain as well, so a rain jacket and/or umbrella should definitely be on your packing list! You can take a look at our weekly weather forecasts from Smoky Mountain meteorologist, Paul Poteet, to see what the weather is supposed to look like while you’ll be in town.
For more ideas on what to pack, read our blog, “The Ultimate List of Smoky Mountain Vacation Packing Tips.”
Must-Visit Attractions
There are so many incredible things to do in the area, but we want to tell you about a couple must-visit attractions for your Smoky Mountain vacation this summer. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a can’t-miss destination. This park is free to enter, and has hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife viewing opportunities, picnic spots, fishing, horseback riding, and more for visitors to enjoy. We recommend taking a hike to see a waterfall, like Laurel Falls, or going for a scenic drive through Cades Cove. Your summer also wouldn’t be complete without visiting Dollywood’s Splash Country! This water park has something fun for everyone, from the daredevils who want to try the towering slides, to the families who want something a little more low-key, like the lazy river. It’s the perfect place to relax, refresh, and keep cool on your summer vacation.
For more ideas on what to do on your summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains, read our blog, “Top 6 Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN This Summer.”
Plan Your Smoky Mountain Vacation This Summer
Now that you know everything you need to know before you visit this summer, there’s nothing holding you back from planning your vacation. Take a look at our selection of cabin rentals and find the perfect place to stay for your Smoky Mountain vacation!
