Believe it or Not, it's Gatlinburg, Tennessee

What’s one activity you’d do over and over again because you thought it was the most fun, even on a family vacation? For us, it was mini golf. Not just ANY mini golf, but one that needs a mini cart transporting guests up the mountain.

Hill Billy Golf

Gatlinburg’s most popular golf course with 18 holes up, two sides of a mountain, is more than 50 years old! In 2016, Gatlinburg’s great fire burned it down, but they were able to rebuild it and make it as successful as it is. It was such a fun activity, we had to go like three times! They even have promotional offers if you bring your purchased ticket from the first time you visit. Definitely a course I’d visit again!

The Great Smoky Mountains

I feel like there was a time that I just grew up in nature. We also traveled to North Carolina to spend time in the cabins and bring loved ones to explore with us. It’s always been such a great memory to be able to do that. Recently, I did a national parks trip, so I’m still wanting to hike more and more. SO here we are, at The Great Smoky Mountains!!!

We hiked the Rainbow Trail because it was one of the few we really liked from our research. I think I’m jut a sucker for amazing views or even just waterfalls. My boyfriend, his sister and her hubby hiked to the waterfall and back. Tyler and I got to the site in 3.09 miles at 1:56 hours and then my watch died. I even got photos of squirrels up close!!

Fox Fire Mountain

Tyler’s sister found this gem and there’s honestly so much to do! It’s only 30 minutes away from town, but definitely worth the drive. They even have a zip-lining trail, but we chose to do other activities. We started at the Fox Fire Mountain Museum, headed to America’s Bridge of Prosperity, walked around the Riverwalk Trail and Magical Forest, and had some free samples at the Wyile Cider Barn.

The bridge had an activity to write what you most desired in your future on a band and hang it up in hopes it would come true. The Riverwalk was more of a flat hike with a bunch of obstacle courses throughout to challenge you. The barn had some AMAZING cider to try, buy, and just enjoy while you’re there! Honestly, it was delicious!!!

Gatlinburg has so many gems and we loved every second of it! We also went to a Farmer’s Market for a bit, Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers, The Mountain Coaster, and Skybridge!

Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market: only open on Sundays and they only accept cash as a form of payment. We bought these incredibly, hand-made mugs and these sauces. Such a cute spot to support local business owners.
Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers: As one of the most affordable museums, this one hits the nail! Coming in at about $2 entry. There’s about 20,000+ salt and pepper shakers from all over the world! Who knew one place could collect so many.
The Mountain Coaster: Tyler and I had our own coasters and rode as if we were driving together. It felt like if we were going tubing down a big water slide, minus the fact that we had to control the coaster the whole time. It definitely gave me some quicker forms of instinct!
Skybridge Gatlinburg: I would’ve probably preferred going during the day, but I sure lost that battle. The entrance is amazing. We end up walking around the place curiously. At the top of the lift, there’s also a large pedestrian bride to meet at the other side.

I think one of my favorite parts with Tyler is our walk through of the city and discovering we could grab free samples in almost every corner. It was so much fun exploring and eating or drinking on the way to the next stop. It feels like when you’re at the food court in the mall and you eat every sample, making it your meal for the hour. Here’s a list of what we found:

Gatlinburg Wine Cellar
Tennessee Cider Co
Pepper Palace

We had so much fun at Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There was so much to do, explore around the town, and truly just get to know the town as a whole. Between being a foodie in Gatlinburg and the free goodies, it was exciting to get to know it all.

If you want some more fun added, I made a video of the trip too.