2 Days of Fun in the Smokies

As Tennessee’s first pancake house, Pancake Pantry is a must for anyone waking up in East Tennessee. Do yourself a favor and make time for one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. This family-owned restaurant boasts 24 different pancake and crepe options ranging from traditional buttermilk pancakes to Sugar ‘N Spice pancakes and its signature sweet potato pancakes. And, because everything is made from scratch, you can guarantee your flapjacks are as fresh as can be each time.

• Accessibility: Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg is wheelchair accessible. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. 

• Parking: While there's not a dedicated parking lot, there are a number of public lots nearby, as well as street parking.

• Hours: open daily from 7am to 3pm.

The Island in Pigeon Forge - Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a lively shopping and entertainment destination nestled in a scenic mountain setting. Browse over 60 shops, then enjoy attractions like the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Escape Game, Flying Horse Carousel and more. Don’t miss the Island Show Fountain’s dazzling display every hour. There’s plenty to explore—arcades, mirror mazes, ropes courses and thrill rides included. Refuel with bites from Margaritaville, Mellow Mushroom, The Island Creamery or The Fudgery. It’s a one-stop hub for fun, food and photos in the heart of Pigeon Forge.

• Accessibility: The Island in Pigeon Forge is generally wheelchair accessible, with designated parking, accessible trams, and wide, flat paths. Wheelchair rentals are available as well. 

• Parking: The main parking lot is free and located between The Island and the LeConte Events Center. 

• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 12am. 

Wild Plum Tea Room - Gatlinburg

This Austrian-inspired tea room is known for its relaxing atmosphere and a daily menu that features ingredients pulled from the tea room’s garden each day. The Wild Plum Tea Room is always a great idea for an afternoon tea on the outdoor patio or a seasonally-sourced lunch in the dining room.

• Accessibility: Wild Plum Tea Room is wheelchair accessible. 

• Parking: limited free parking is in the front of the restaurant and additional free parking is available in an overflow lot located about 100 yards across the street on Buckhorn Road.

• Hours: open Thursday - Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery - Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge

Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, America’s most-visited distillery, provides a true Appalachian moonshine experience to every visitor. Take a tour to see the entire distilling process, including authentic working stills Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery uses to produce 30 different varieties of moonshine ranging from the classic Original to more exotic flavors like Huckleberry and Butterscotch.

• Accessibility: the distillery and the guided tour are both wheelchair accessible. 

• Parking: no dedicated lot, but a number of nearby public lots or street parking is available.

• Hours: open 10am - 11pm daily. 

Dolly Parton's Stampede - Pigeon Forge

One of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains is dinner and a show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Enjoy a four-course meal as you watch the friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse-riding stunts and special effects in a show that can please the entire family.

• Accessibility: Dolly Parton's Stampede is fully accessible for individuals with special needs. Please advise a staff member if members of your party have a wheelchair, hearing assistance or other special needs, and they will gladly accommodate you.

• Parking: free dedicated lot is available. 

• Hours: check out the show schedule on the Dolly Parton Stampede website. 

Opened in 2012, Elvira’s Cafe immediately became a local morning hotspot. Along with classic Southern dishes like hot cakes and biscuits & gravy, Elvira also pulls from her Russian heritage to offer dishes like feta and spinach crepes and caramel apple crepes with sweetened ricotta cheese.

• Accessibility: a handicap accessible entrance is located at the rear of the building, so be sure to park in the back. 

• Parking: dedicated parking spaces are available in front and behind the cafe. 

• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 8:00 am - 2:30 pm; Friday & Saturday: 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
   

Robert A. Tino Gallery - Sevierville

A work of art itself, the building features stunning hand-carved wood ornamentation by master artisan Lewis C. Buckner. Inside the gallery you’ll discover Great Smoky Mountain-inspired paintings depicting the area’s natural beauty.

• Accessibility: the gallery is located in a historic home, so there are some narrow doorways and halls. Call ahead and ensure you will have ample space to move around. 

• Parking: free parking is available. 

• Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm
   

The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant - Sevierville

One of the best things to do in Tennessee is to treat yourself to a meal at The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, a Sevierville staple since 1986, at The Apple Barn. You'll love the family meals and Southern cooking served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll find old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, chicken pot pie and southern fried chicken on the menu as well as country fried chicken with gravy and Cajun grilled catfish as well as pecan chicken salad and sides like fried okra, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and grilled corn on the cob. Afterwards, do some shopping in the General Store where you can purchase house-made cider, apple butter, mixes and spices, home decor and gifts. Sample wines inside The Winery and stop in the Candy Factory or The Creamery for a sweet treat.

• Accessibility: Applewood Farmhouse is wheelchair accessible.

• Parking: ample free parking is available. 

• Hours: open 8am to 8:30pm
  Friday & Saturday and open 8am to 9pm

Forbidden Caverns - Sevierville

Head over to the Forbidden Caverns to experience “The Greatest Attraction Under the Smokies.” Tour guides will take you on an educational and entertaining spelunking adventure past sparkling formations, numerous grottos and a crystal-clear stream. The underground trails are well-lit and there are handrails at all the necessary points, making this one of the best Smoky Mountain activities.

• Accessibility: the cave is not wheelchair accessible and the tour is not recommended for people with mobility or respiratory issues. 

• Parking: designated free parking is available. 

• Hours: open from 10am-4pm and last tour leaves at 4pm. 

Cherokee Grill - Gatlinburg

For dinner, head back above ground to the Cherokee Grill. Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this upscale lodge-style restaurant and “Gatlinburg’s Great Steakhouse” is the perfect place to relax and refuel after your cave adventure. Palettes will be pleased with the extensive menu containing fresh fish, seafood, sandwiches, salads and steak.

• Accessibility: Cherokee Grill is wheelchair accessible. 

• Parking: parking is available onsite.

• Hours: open Monday -Thursday 4pm to 10:30pm; Friday open 4pm to 11pm. Saturday open from noon to 11pm and Sunday open noon to 10:30pm.

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show - Pigeon Forge

End your day with the action-packed, high-flying adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Join Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crew in a battle on deck, on land, in the water and high above the full-sized pirate ships in the hideaway lagoon. Enjoy a four-course feast that includes creamy vegetable soup, pan-fried chicken or sugar-cured ham, butter corn, mac n' cheese, apple pie and a biscuit. Plus, arrive early for the 30-minute Animal Encounter program where you can interact with the incredible animals who call Pirates Voyage home.

• Accessibility: The show is fully accessible to guests with disabilities, including those with wheelchairs. 

• Parking: parking is available onsite.

• Hours: check out their website for a schedule of show times.