4 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN in the Winter
Have Fun in the Snow at Ober Gatlinburg
One of the top winter destinations in the Smokies is Tennessee’s only ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg. Just above downtown Gatlinburg is a wonderland of winter fun! Guests can spend time snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding as well as many other activities. Drive from our hotel to the top or take a short walk over to the Aerial Tramway and ride to the top while taking in the stunning views of the mountains. Ober also offers events like New Years Eve at Ober, Ladies Nights on the Slopes, College Nights, Ober Rocks and Church on the Slopes each Sunday until March 1st.
Spend a Day Shopping and Dining
During the winter months, the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg thins out and offers up the perfect opportunity to spend the day shopping and dining during our quiet time. Browse the indoor shops of the Mountain Mall on an extra cold or rainy day and save a beautiful morning for wandering The Village with a pit stop at the Donut Friar. The Marketplace and Baskins Square are also filled with unique and local shops that are sure to have a few items tucked away that you’ll want to return home with. Have a hearty breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, enjoy the salad bar at The Park Grill for lunch one day and be sure to take in a dinner at one of the top restaurants in town!
Visit Local Museums
If you’re heading into town during the winter months and you’re not a fan of winter weather, then add a few of our local museums to your itinerary! The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is one that movie buffs are sure to love and if you’re looking for a museum where you can interact with the exhibits, check out the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum! The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is a great place to visit on a budget and is actually one of the neatest gems in Gatlinburg! Another wonderful family friendly place is the Ripley’s Guinness World Records Museum or even stop by our sister hotel The Appy Lodge and take a tour of the history of the Appalachian Trail!
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A visit to the most visited national park in America is a treat during every season of the year, but in the winter it’s a little extra special! The once crowded areas are quiet and most trails are filled with solitude, yet the beauty of the mountains is omnipresent and can’t be missed. The magic of a snowy day in the Smokies is hard to top and to visit a waterfall that is frozen over or covered in sparkling icicles is an experience that you don’t want to miss! Plenty of days during the winter are also sunny and even a bit warm, opening up the opportunity to possible spot a black bear that has surfaced from his long winter’s nap for a bit. If you’re heading to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this winter, be sure to pack up your winter gear and take some time to go outside and play! Tip: If info on winter hiking and the correct gear for a safe hike, visit the NOC Gatlinburg and their knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you!
Are you ready to plan a winter escape to Gatlinburg and the Smokies?
If so, take a minute to enjoy a Virtual Room Tour to find the perfect accommodations for you at our hotel! Guests love our extra cozy riverside guest rooms, Our Amenities and Our Location that is perfect for exploring both downtown Gatlinburg and the national park!
