Thomas & Kasey
Things To Do
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
THIS is why you're all here!! We fell in love with the Smoky Mountains when we went on our first vacation here in 2021 and it's where we got engaged in 2022. There's something for everyone here whether it's just a drive around the park to different view points or an intense hike up Mt. LeConte! Here are some of our favorite hikes: 1. Charlie's Bunion (Trail we got engaged on!!) - 8 miles roundtrip starting from Newfound Gap. It's part of the Appalachian trail and straddles TN/NC. Our favorite!! ❤️ 2. Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte Trail - 11.0 miles roundtrip 3. Clingmans Dome - Short & sweet 1 mile hike 4. Rainbow, Grotto, or Laurel Falls trails 5. Cades Cove This is a FREE national park (no parks pass needed), just be sure to register for a parking pass (required) in advance to guarantee your entrance to the park! https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm
The Island in Pigeon Forge
A one-stop shop for all sorts of fun in the heart of Pigeon Forge! There's plenty to do no matter what you're looking for. - Tastings: Free or $5 tastings available at Tennessee Stud Cider, Ole Smoky Moonshine, or Bootleggers Winery - Eat: Paula Deen's - Drink: Fin's, Dude's Daiquiris - Rides & Experiences: Island Fountain show, amusement park rides, shopping, etc.
Dollywood
Are you a Dolly Parton fan? Dolly grew up here in Sevierville, TN. Voted the #1 Theme Park in the United States by Tripadvisor, Dollywood offers more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and "the friendliest park atmosphere in the world!"
Local Goat - New American Restaurant Pigeon Forge
Local Goat has consistently been named a "Traveler's Choice Best of the Best" on TripAdvisor! It is a scratch kitchen where they make all ingredients fresh daily and most of their ingredients are sourced from local farmers where possible. Wait times can be long since it's so popular, so we recommend making online reservations when possible.
The Apple Barn & Cider Mill
Check out the Apple Barn complex in nearby Sevierville for a one-stop shop experience where you can taste hard ciders or apple-based wines, watch candy & ice cream making, or eat at the oldest restaurants in Sevierville - their Farmhouse or Grill.
Local Beer, Wine, or Moonshine Tastings!
A lot of the breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the area have multiple locations and offer free or $5-$10 tasting sessions! Some of our favorites include: - Tennessee Cider Co - Ole Smoky Distillery (Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge locations) - Tennessee Homemade Wines (Get the Blackberry wine!!) - Tennessee Stud Cider - Gatlinburg Brewery (Try their award-winning "Don't Feed the Bears") - Little Bear Winery (Try their wine slushies)
Tennessee Cider Company
Two locations - one in Sevierville in the Tanger Outlets & one on the strip in Gatlinburg. We went here the first night we ever stayed in Gatlinburg and fell in love with it! They offer free or $5 tastings of all of their unique ciders - Blueberry is our personal favorite!
Anakeesta
Take the ski lift up to Anakeesta - an outdoor theme park perched at the top of the mountain. If you can time a trip up here around sunset, you'll get breathtaking, 360 views of the Smoky Mountains. There are a bunch of great spots to grab dinner and drinks in Adirondack chairs or around fire pits, looking out at the national park. Our favorite attraction is their Tree Top Skywalk and our favorite restaurant is SmokeHouse.
Ole Red
The night we got engaged we grabbed dinner at Ole Red to celebrate. Owned by Blake Shelton, if you're a fan of country music this is a can't miss spot to listen to some live music! We love their brisket, pulled pork, tots & queso!
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
Head over to Gatlinburg to grab an out of this world Southern breakfast! We can't recommend their biscuits and griddle cakes enough! Wait times can be long in peak seasons so we recommend adding yourself to their online wait list prior to driving over!