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Gatlinburg, TN is a great place to visit in the winter, as there are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are a few of my top picks:

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park offers skiing and snowboarding on its slopes.
2. Snow tubing: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park offers snow tubing, a fun activity for all ages.
3. Winter Hiking: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round and offers many trails for hiking. Some of the most popular winter hikes include the Alum Cave Trail, the Chimneys Picnic Area and the Ramsey Cascades Trail.
4. Visit the Gatlinburg Winter Magic: Gatlinburg Winter Magic is a display of over 3 million lights throughout downtown Gatlinburg, TN. It is a perfect way to get into the winter spirit.
5. Visit the Gatlinburg Ice Skating Rink: The Gatlinburg Community Center offers an indoor ice skating rink open to the public during the winter months.
6. Visit the The Island Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies: The Aquarium is open all year round, and it’s a great place to explore and learn about the marine life.

Gatlinburg, TN is a great place for families, as there are plenty of fun and kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Here are a few of my top picks:

1. Dollywood: Dollywood is a theme park that offers thrill rides, live entertainment, and delicious food. It’s a perfect place for a family day out.
2. Harper Bros Mountain has horseback riding and a skylift for incredible mountain views right in Wears Valley
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The national park offers many kid-friendly hiking trails, picnic areas and scenic drives.
4. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park: Ober Gatlinburg offers ski and snowboarding lessons, ice skating and snow tubing, which are perfect winter activities for kids.
5. Cades Cove hike followed by family friendly Peaceful Side Social in Townsend TN
6. Dinner Shows; Dolly Parton Stampede, Lumberjack Feud and more
7. Hollywood Star Cars Museum: this museum features replicas of iconic movie and TV cars that kids will love to see.
8. Wonderworks: Step into the upside down mansion in Pigeon Forge!

These are just a few of the many kid-friendly activities that the Smokies has to offer. There are plenty of other options that will keep your children entertained and engaged throughout your visit.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many beautiful hiking trails, but here are a few of my top picks:

1. Andrews Bald: This is a moderate 3-mile round trip hike that takes you to a beautiful grassy bald with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great hike for wildflowers in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn.
2. Grotto Falls: This is an easy 2.6-mile round trip hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is an old roadbed and is an easy walk for families.
3. Chimney Tops: This is a strenuous 4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of Chimney Tops. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth it.
4. Ramsey Cascades: This is an 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail is steep and rocky and it’s a challenging hike, but the waterfall is spectacular.
5. Clingmans Dome: This is a moderate 1-mile round trip hike to the highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome. The trail is paved, but steep, and the observation tower at the top offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.

These hikes are just a few of the many options available in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Before starting any hike, it’s important to check the trail conditions, weather forecast, and bring enough water and snacks. Also, it’s always a good idea to let someone know about your hiking plans, and to follow the park’s Leave No Trace principles.

1. “SkyBridge” – This is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America and offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Walking across the bridge is a thrilling experience, and the glass-floor panels in the middle add an extra level of excitement.
2. “Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing” – Home to both Rafting and Tubing in the Smokies at River Rat Tubing and Whitewater located in Townsend TN and Pigeon Forge TN
3. “Goats on the Roof Mountain Coaster” – This is a high-speed roller coaster that winds through the mountains. It’s a thrilling ride that offers some breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
4. “Gatlinburg Space Needle” – This 407-foot-tall observation tower offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. The glass elevators and observation deck are thrilling experiences that are not to be missed.
5. “Wears Valley Zipline Adventure” – This zipline course offers a thrilling way to see the Great Smoky Mountains from a bird’s-eye view. The course features multiple lines, with 1.5 miles of scenic Ziplines, and it’s a great way to get an adrenaline rush while taking in the natural beauty of the area.

1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: This popular attraction offers a great way to spend a rainy day, as visitors can explore the underwater world and see a wide variety of marine life. Highlights include the Shark Lagoon, Penguin Playhouse, and the Giant Ocean Tank.
2. Gatlinburg Space Needle: This 407-foot-tall observation tower offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. The indoor observation deck is a great place to escape the rain and take in the scenery.
3. Hollywood Star Cars Museum: This museum features a collection of cars from movies and television shows, including the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” and the Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV series. A perfect indoor activity for car enthusiasts.
4. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery: This distillery offers tours and tastings of its various moonshine flavors, which can be an interesting and unique way to spend a rainy day.
5. The Island at Pigeon Forge: This shopping and entertainment complex features a variety of indoor activities, including a ropes course, mini-golf, and an arcade. It’s also home to a number of restaurants, shops, and theaters, making it a great place to spend a rainy day.

Things to do in Townsend:

1. Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center: This museum and cultural center offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains region. Visitors can explore exhibits on the area’s settlers and native tribes, as well as see demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills.
2. Cades Cove: This beautiful valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the cove or hike on one of the many trails that wind through the area.
3. Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum: This museum offers a look into the history of railroading and logging in the Smoky Mountains region. Visitors can see a variety of artifacts, including a restored locomotive and caboose, and learn about the role these industries played in the area’s development.
4. Tuckaleechee Caverns: These limestone caverns feature beautiful rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an underground stream. Guided tours are available, providing an interesting and unique way to explore the caverns.
5. Tuckaleechee Fly Fishing: This outfitter offers guided fly fishing trips on some of the best trout streams in the area, including the Little River and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. A great activity for those who want to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains while enjoying some of the best fly fishing in the Southeast.

Places to eat in Townsend:

1. Peaceful Side Social: This brewery has great food and a family friendly atmosphere. There is a play area for the kids and and a relaxed feel to their dining and drinks under outdoor lights. Try the Hazy IPA!
2. The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro: This restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and a menu that changes seasonally. They specialize in southern cuisine with a modern twist, and have a great wine and drink selection.
3. The Black Bear Cafe: This casual eatery offers a wide variety of American and southern-style dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and seafood. They are known for their generous portions and friendly service.
4. The Apple Valley Creamery: This ice cream shop offers a variety of flavors made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve sandwiches, soups and salads, making it a great spot for lunch or a casual dinner.
5. The Little House of Pancakes: As the name suggests, this place is known for their pancakes, but they also have a wide variety of breakfast options, including omelets, biscuits and gravy, and more. It’s a great spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
6. The Riverstone Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its fine dining experience, with a menu featuring a mix of classic American dishes and southern-style cuisine. They have a great selection of wines and cocktails, and beautiful views of the Little River.

1. Titanic Museum Attraction: This museum is an interactive experience that allows visitors to learn about the history of the ill-fated ship and its passengers. Visitors can explore replica cabins, touch an iceberg, and even feel the “chill” of the North Atlantic.
2. Alcatraz East Crime Museum: This museum offers a look into the history of crime and punishment in America, with exhibits on famous criminals, forensic science, and law enforcement. Visitors can also see a replica electric chair and gas chamber.
3. Hollywood Wax Museum: This museum features wax figures of famous actors, musicians, and other celebrities. Visitors can take photos with their favorite stars and learn about the history of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
4. The Island at Pigeon Forge: This shopping and entertainment complex is home to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, an observation wheel with great views of the surrounding area, as well as a variety of other indoor activities such as a ropes course, mini-golf and an arcade.
5. The Old Mill Square: This historic area offers a glimpse into the past, with a working grist mill, a blacksmith shop, and a variety of other exhibits. Visitors can also see the famous Old Mill, the location of a scene from the classic film “Gone with the Wind.”
6. The Pigeon Forge Snow: This indoor snow attraction offers a chance to play in the snow, even when the weather outside is warm. Visitors can enjoy snowball fights, make snowmen, and even go tubing.
7. The Hollywood Museum: This museum features a collection of costumes, props, and memorabilia from movies and television shows. Visitors can see famous costumes from movies like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind,” as well as props from TV shows like “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”