Wondering about Simpsonville Christmas events and holiday happenings? You’ve come to the right place because we’ve got all the info for the Simpsonville, SC Christmas Parade, Heritage Park Christmas Lights, and more! KAG contributor Kristina Hernandez has all the information about holiday activities, shopping, events, and celebrations in Simpsonville, South Carolina!
Just outside Greenville, about 20 minutes away is the town of Simpsonville, with a vibrant downtown that runs alongside railroad tracks with small businesses that are frequented by locals and visitors alike. The Ice Cream Station is a favorite year-round to satisfy the sweet tooth. The Slice makes even the most homesick New Yorker happy. And Carolina Olive Oil and The Exchange Co. serve unique and local goods.
But when Christmas comes, Simpsonville becomes just a bit more magical. If you’re looking to enjoy the town because you happen to live there or are just looking to expand your horizons beyond Greenville, this is the place to go. Here are all the great things to do when spending the holidays in Simpsonville.
Holiday Fun: Simpsonville Christmas Events
Simpsonville Tree Lighting
You won’t want to miss theSimpsonville Tree Lighting Ceremonyon December 5, 2025 at 6:30 pm outside on the Great Lawn of Gracely Park. This event features the lighting of a 26.5-foot Christmas tree, a sing-along with Christmas melodies, hot chocolate, and more!
Breakfast With Santa
This event sells out fast, so get your tickets for a delicious Breakfast with Santa on December 6th, 2025 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. You must purchase tickets in-person at theSimpsonville Activity & Senior Center.
Simpsonville Christmas Parade
The AnnualSimpsonville Christmas Parade is a huge event in town. It happens this year on December 7th, 2025 at 3 pm. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland”!
Christmas Lights in Simpsonville for 2025
Nights of Lights at Heritage Park
Take a walk through one of the best Heritage Park Christmas events,Nights of Lights at Heritage Park, from November 21, 2025 – December 31, 2025. There will be ice skating, a petting zoo, animal rides, carnival rides, and photos with Santa! You can visit Sunday – Thursday from 5 pm – 9 pm. Friday and Saturday hours are 5 pm – 10 pm. If you bring 5 canned goods on Monday or a toy donation (must be a new toy), Tuesday you can gain free admission with 1 item for local animal shelter. Senior citizens, military members first responders, and teachers can can free admission on certain dates. Ages 4 and under are free, and tickets are $12 – $15 per person.
Residential Christmas Lights to Check Out
Christmas on Kwikaway (6 Kwikaway Court, Simpsonville) 2025 lights plan to be opening Friday after Thanksgiving.
Both Gilder Creek and Hollington subdivisions in Simpsonville have been known for great Christmas light displays if you want to drive around with some popcorn and check out the lights.
🧡Quick Look: Over 20 things to do during Thanksgiving break in Greenville, SC, with your family, including special events, holiday markets, light displays, our recommendations, and more!
Are you looking for things to do during Thanksgiving in Greenville, SC? Local mom Kristina Hernandez shares her list of things to do Thanksgiving Greenville SC as a family over Thanksgiving break, including volunteer opportunities, events, and even local hiking spots.
Whether you are on your own or have family visiting for Thanksgiving, this is the list you need for a great holiday weekend.
That week of Thanksgiving is often very busy for families as they get ready for the big day, doing the necessary shopping, and trying to stay sane. Then they have the added pressure/task of finding entertaining things to do with the kids and extended family and friends who may be visiting. We usually have family as well that come here to Greenville for the holidays so it’s necessary to find things to do that appeal to everyone.
Luckily, there is no shortage of things to do during the break! Make sure to call ahead to places to make sure they are open. Places like the Greenville Zoo are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Greenville! Find things to do, restaurants, pies, and more in our Greenville Thanksgiving Guide.
Fun ways to spend your Thanksgiving break
Volunteer In The Community
I feel like volunteering during Thanksgiving is a good way to physically show children how to be compassionate, caring, and grateful. There are many people in our area who have no one to celebrate the holidays with or who need a little extra help to get that Thanksgiving meal on the table. I want to be the one to make that happen.
We volunteer through our church on Thanksgiving morning to deliver meals to area residents but there are other opportunities as well:
This is easily one of my favorite things to do over Thanksgiving Break. Disney on Ice always comes to Greenville, and my daughters and I have the best date night. Disney on Ice runs November 26, 28-30, 2025 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Get tickets at the box office to save on all the fees.
Go Hiking
November is a beautiful time to get outside and hike around the area. It’s good for the kids to get out energy and fun to show visitors our beautiful state.
Table Rock Summit
On November 28, 2025 (Black Friday), admission and historic tours to ALL South Carolina State Parks is free. Some of the most popular parks are located right here in the Upstate: Paris Mountain, Devils Fork, Table Rock, and Jones Gap.
Here are just a sample of trails in the Upstate and Western North Carolina to explore, just be sure to check them out so they are appropriate for members of your family who are going hiking: Hiking Guide for Families, Big Kids, & Little Kids
Run a Turkey Day Race
This is a brilliant idea – run a race in the morning of Thanksgiving and eat whatever you want at Thanksgiving dinner. You can choose to run the TreesUpstate Turkey Day 5K in Greenville or the Electric City 5K in Anderson. Both races start on Thanksgiving morning.
Most of these races benefit local charities. Runners and walkers also earn cool swag like race t-shirts, finisher medals, and giveaways. In most cases, strollers are welcome.
Enjoy The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
If you have extended family with kids staying at your place, send them over to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, a gem in the city with hours’ worth of fun and entertainment for children. They typically have Thanksgiving-themed crafts that week. They are closed on Mondays and on Thanksgiving Day.
Enjoy Night of Lights at Heritage Park
Head to Night of Lights in Simpsonville, the only walk-through light display in the Upstate! They are open daily – even Thanksgiving Day and Christmas – and have lots of daily specials. You can even ride a camel.
Riding the camel at Nights of Lights
Try an Escape Room
Escape Artist Greenville offers a Christmas-themed escape room called “Yuletide Magic.” And it’s for the whole family, which is unusual since most escape rooms are for adults and older kids/teens.
Trapped in the Upstate offers a year-round Christmas-themed escape room called “Saving Santa” at their Greer location. Guests are part of the Elf SEAL team, hired to find Santa before Christmas is ruined. This experience is great for all ages.
Go to a Zoo
The Greenville Zoo is perfect for a trip with family if you want to stay local. And the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia is awesome for a day-long trip.
Do a Jocassee Lake Tour
Jocassee Lake Tours and Eclectic Sun have cooler-weather lake tours in November. Seeing the lake by boat with one of their guides is always such a treat.
Go get your Christmas Tree
Some families get their Christmas tree and start decorating it right after Thanksgiving. It’s a fun thing for kids to do as well to search for the tree and decorate it together. Here are several Christmas tree farms and lots in the area that open before or at Thanksgiving, where you can find your perfect tree.
Go Ice Skating
The ice rink in downtown Greenville is open not only the week of Thanksgiving but also from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day. This is a fun way to enjoy family time and also a great way to bring visitors to downtown Greenville and show them the sights! Tickets are $10 weekdays, $12 Fri–Sun with hours Mon–Thu 2–9 pm, Fri 2–10 pm, Sat–Sun 11 am–10 pm. Tickets for specific dates & time slots are available for advance purchase online. Walk-up tickets will only be available when space allows. Everything you need to know about Greenville’s Ice On Main.
Kick off the Christmas Season at Christmas on the Farm
Christmas at the Farm is more than just a Christmas tree lot. It is an experience for the whole family full of fun holiday activities, all centered around picking a Christmas tree. Trees are imported from the mountains of North Carolina and are brought to Arran Farm, for a two-weekend-only Christmas tree festival. They will have a hot chocolate bar, food trucks, crafts, trivia, yard games, a bonfire with s’mores, a photo booth, and much more. Additionally, your favorite local vendors will be selling their amazing festive products, perfect for gift-giving and stocking stuffers. Tickets are $20/adults and $10/children.
November 28 – November 30, 2025: 10 am – 3 pm
December 6 & 7, 2025: 10 am – 3 pm
Play Inside
It can be chilly that week of Thanksgiving, and there are a ton of things to do indoors: trampoline parks, bounce houses, libraries, museums, arcades, paint-your-own-pottery, roller skating, and ice skating rinks. While many are closed on Thanksgiving Day, they are open the other days of the week (just be sure to call in advance before bundling everyone up and heading out to one of them).
Hop on a Train
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City, NC is running both their super popular Polar Express train and the Winter Nantahala Gorge Excursion all during the week of Thanksgiving (except Thanksgiving Day). This is a great trip to create wonderful memories for your family. See other Christmas trains you can board for holiday fun.
The free Festival of Trees in downtown Greenville at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown and the Hyatt Regency kick off on Friday, November 21st, 2025. You can stroll through the hotels and check out all the different decorated Christmas trees.
Support Small Businesses
Check out the local Holiday Markets and shop local artisans, crafters, food vendors, and more. You can also skip the crowds on Black Friday and head out on Saturday to one of these local businesses that offer unique gifts for your family.
Explore the Greenville Christmas Market
Located at the Grand Bohemian in downtown, this Christmas Market has a HUGE real tree you can literally smell across the Liberty Bridge. Plus, lots of local vendors, and Santa will be there to take pictures (bring your camera) over Thanksgiving weekend and Black Friday.
Check out the Upcounty History Museum
If you have in-laws coming to town, this could be a way to let them explore Greenville’s history at UHM. They also have two Christmas exhibits upstairs for 2025, one featuring beautiful quilts that tell the story of The Night Before Christmas, and another featuring some of Tim Burton’s original concept art and displays from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Shop a Flea Market
Feel like wandering through eBay or Craigslist in real life? Check out the Barnyard Flea Market in Greer, only open on the weekends. It has everything you could possibly need in one place and is just plain fun to walk through. In Anderson, the Jockey Lot, open on Saturdays & Sundays, is a huge flea market as well.
Shop the employee Adidas store in Greenville from November 24 – January 2 and receive huge discounts. No pass needed.
Enjoy Christmas Lights
The Upstate Holiday Light Show, the Christmas House in Inman, the Anderson Christmas Lights, and several others are all operating Thanksgiving weekend. Check out our list of Places to See Christmas Lights in the Upstate to schedule your trip. Some of these are free while others require an admission fee.
Spend the weekend driving to see all of the best-decorated homes in the Upstate with 2025 Kidding Around Christmas Driving Routes. They will be officially published for 2025 right after Thanksgiving.
Our sister site has a list of things to do over Thanksgiving break in Columbia, SC. Get a change of scenery and check out what Columbia has to offer this Thanksgiving! They have some new events this year like Fireflies Holiday Lights that you won’t want to miss!
The Avian Conservation Center and Center for Birds of Prey near Charleston, SC is a really cool experience and an exceptional place to visit if you love falcons, raptors, hawks, and owls. We checked them out on a recent trip and have all the details you need to plan your visit.
Thank you very much to the Center for Birds of Prey for hosting us so we could write this review. All opinions are our own.
A trip to the Center for Birds of Prey near Charleston, SC should definitely be on your list if you’re visiting the area. We absolutely loved our experience there and wish we could have stayed longer.
My daughters, ages 14 and 11, spent a couple hours at the center learning about owls and raptors and getting to see these amazing birds up close. Here’s what you need to know to plan your own visit.
An educator and an owl at the Center for Birds of Prey
Watch! Flight Demonstrations at the Center for Birds of Prey
About the Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey
The Center for Birds of Prey and the Avian Conservation Center are both part of the same facility but only the Center for the Birds of Prey is open to the public. The Avian Conservation Center hosts a medical facility where experts care for injured birds, of which there are many in the area, mostly due to the roadside or fishing accidents. The social media of the center has many great rescue videos of their work. Currently, they care for between 800-1,000 patients per year. It’s a massive operation that is open 365 days a year.
The center is also a research and propagation facility. The captive breeding and release program is instrumental in helping vulnerable bird populations to recover. Conservation and education are key components of this facility.
The Center for Birds of Prey has about 100 birds that the public can see and sometimes interact with. There are walking trails about the center where guests can see the birds in their housing facilities. The flight demonstrations are a favorite activity for guests! It is through the ticket sales for this arm of the facility that pays for the research and medical side of the operations.
Flight Demonstrations
This was our favorite part of visiting the Center for the Birds of Prey. Even before the program began, we got to see owls and falcons up close with their handlers. It was so cool. I really love owls and am fascinated by falcons (thanks to My Side of the Mountain) so getting to see birds like this up close was amazing. They are so interesting and unique – how they hunt, fly, see, hear, and look. My kids joke with me that I’m getting old because I get excited when I see a hawk outside. They probably aren’t joking but whatever, I’m fine with it because these birds are super cool.
One of the birds during the flight demo
So the flight demonstration was amazing. There were five birds that came outside for us to see and learn about, including two owls! There’s an emcee who discusses what the center does and a little bit about the birds in residence. Then way behind her, you see another employee walking towards us in the outdoor amphitheater with a raptor flying behind her. It was quite the entrance.
The emcee asked for a volunteer and I was too slow in putting my hand up so another bird-lover got the job, which was to run and drag behind it a “rabbit” (a rolled up ball of carpet) on a rope. The raptor would chase down the rabbit and grab it. I was bummed I did not get this job but it was super cool to watch. That raptor swooped down on the carpet rabbit immediately and the volunteer got in some extra cardio.
There was a vulture up next, which I was not thrilled about because, honestly, who loves vultures? No one. But I was in for a surprise since I didn’t know that because their stomachs are highly acidic, they are able to eat animals that sometimes have harmful diseases, like rabies, which don’t affect them in the least. They are actually crucial to keeping diseases at bay that could harm us humans. I hate vultures less now.
Next up was a gorgeous owl that stared me down and then flew right above our heads in complete silence. I love owls. I had to do a research project in middle school on owls and from that moment on, I thought they were the coolest. The flight demo had two owls – a big one and a small, Burrowing Owl. The little one was adorable. It bounced around and made noises the whole time as it asked for food. It hopped in and out of the burrow on the ground and then decided to attack its handler on the head. She handled it well, this little aggressive owl. We all thought it was adorable.
The last bird we got to see was another kind of raptor that had a bell attached to his feet. He is specially trained as an educational bird and proceeded to swoop down and grab food from his handler’s fingers, which she held high above her head. The bird was so precise in grabbing the food with its claws that he didn’t touch the handler.
During the demonstration, we also got to witness a huge, bald eagle soaring above us in the open sky. Amazing!
The entire presentation was about an hour long and is included in your admission. It takes place Thursdays – Saturdays at 10:30 am so be sure to get there in time for it.
Other Things to See at the Center for Birds of Prey
The Center for Birds of Prey also offers a guided tour by their staff at 1:30 pm and an Owl Flight at 2 pm. I really wanted to see the owls again but we had to start the long drive home that day and could not stay for it.
There’s a small gift shop on site where you can purchase shirts, hats, key chains, and other items that help to support the center and their mission.
Flight demo
Be sure to visit their website before you go to see if they are offering any kinds of special programming. Photography workshops are also offered at the Center for Birds of Prey and field trips can be arranged. Contact the center directly for private group programs.
Things to Know Before You Go
Here are some things to make your visit even more enjoyable that you should know before you go.
The entire facility except the bathrooms are outdoors. Dress accordingly.
Bring water and bug spray. We went in November and the mosquitos were still out there.
You can bring a stroller. The walking paths are all flat and a stroller will do fine along them.
No pets are allowed.
Hours and Admission
The Center for Birds of Prey is open Thursdays – Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Flight demos are at 10:30 am, guided tours are at 1:30 pm, and Owls in Flight are at 2 pm.
Tickets are $25/adult, $17/youth, free for children under the age of three with a paying adult.
It’s Polar Express season, but that’s not the only train ride near Greenville, SC to enjoy during the holidays. Read on and get ready to hop aboard for some Christmas jingle rides this year.
Why are trains so magical? Maybe it’s the movies or the novelty of riding trains but they have always felt really cool to me and my kids would tell you the same. Add in the Christmas season and the magic abounds.
There are some pretty amazing holiday-themed train rides within a couple hours’ drive of Greenville, SC in both South and North Carolina that we think you’ll really love.
Best Christmas Train Ride Experiences near Greenville
Polar Express Ride (Bryson City, NC)
Probably the most well-known Christmas train ride is the Polar Express out of Bryson City, NC on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Tickets usually go on sale in June for the upcoming season and families absolutely love this experience. With a ride that mimics the movie, you can’t go wrong when you board this Polar Express adventure.
The first Polar Express departs Bryson City Depot on November 6, 2025, and the train operates through December 31, 2025, with the exception of certain weekdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. They do have a Christmas Eve ride if you want a truly memorable night. Most days, there are three departures a day, and tickets sell out quickly.
There are several classes to choose from with Coach Class being the cheapest of the train tickets starting at $34 for kids ages 2-12 and $51 for adults up to First Class, which is $288 for a 4-top table and $144 for a 2-top table. Crown and Premium Crown Class are in between those prices. Depending on what ticket class you choose, you’ll receive a cookie, hot chocolate, and a souvenir of some type for a full Polar Express experience.
Polar Express (Spencer, NC)
The Polar Express train in Spencer, NC at the NC Transportation Museum is also a lot of fun for families. They have different classes of cars to choose from, hot chocolate and cookies, and a ‘North Pole’ with Santa Claus.
The 2025 Polar Express runs November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and December 5-7 and 11-23. While trains depart in the afternoon, the departure times vary by date, so be sure to check the NC Transportation Museum’s website for the schedule. Prices begin at $43 for children and $50 for adults. Check the Polar Express website for available dates and times, and to purchase tickets.
Jingle Bell Trolley (Asheville, NC)
This is a very sweet little trolley ride just north of Asheville on the Craggy Mountain Railroad, a historic site with rail cars you can explore. The actual trolley ride takes about 30 minutes on an open-air car and there are lots of jingle bells along the way. When you get back to the Depot, Santa and Mrs. Claus are waiting to greet guests. When we went, each child received a small gift.
They also have hot chocolate and cookies plus a really cute little train village to walk around in. This is the perfect intro for smaller kids to a Christmas train ride. Read our review on the Jingle Bell Trolley for all the details. This place is pretty amazing and because of the hardship of WNC, all kids under 17 are free this year! Tickets are $23/person.
Departing from the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, SC, the Santa Twilight Train is a really sweet experience for all ages.
Guests enjoy hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, stories, a visit with Santa, and Christmas carols in the historic rail cars. Tickets are $27/person and the rides only happen the first three weekends of December. They also offer a Santa train ride during the day on Saturdays where Santa stops to talk to every kid on the train. Those rides are $17/person ages 3+ and last about an hour and forty minutes.
A Christmas tradition for many, the Tweetsie Christmas Railroad is a fun and magical experience in Blowing Rock, NC. The Christmas Train ride is part of the Tweetsie experience at the theme park and takes riders on a 20-minute ride through holiday lights and festive decor. Your ticket also includes four theme park rides, Santa’s Gingerbread House for photos, and Christmas shows with multiple performances.
Tweetsie Railroad is open select evenings November 28th through December 28th plus December 22, 23, 28, and 30th, 2025 and tickets are $65/ages 13+, $45/ages 3-12, free for kids ages two and under. Parking is free.
Carolina Christmas Train (Candor, NC)
Join in on a magical journey of twinkling lights, festive music and the warm glow of holiday cheer! The historic passenger cars of the Carolina Christmas Train are a beauty in themselves with cozy seating and will give you a feeling of nostalgia as we wind our way through the heart of North Carolina. Sit back, relax and sing Christmas carols as Santa makes his way to visit you and your family.
Included in each ticket purchase is a souvenir cup with hot chocolate and a cookie. Ticket cost between $49-$64 and the train is running this year from December 3rd, 2025 – December 20th, 2025.
100 Russell Drive, Star, NC 27356
Bonus: Ride the Mini Christmas Train in Kannapolis, NC
Here’s a budget-friendly option! The mini steam train at the gorgeous Village Park in Kannapolis gets all decked out for Christmas and offers rides for just $2 per person through the huge Christmas lights display at Village Park. There’s also a beautiful carousel to enjoy at this park, and there’s no admission fee to see the lights. So you can enjoy your train ride and stay as long as you want.
Are you looking for ways to donate to food banks in Greenville, SC? We’ve identified several food bank and relief needs in Greenville, SC and asked for wish lists of their most needed items. We hope this guide helps you help others.
Whether it’s the holidays or not, times can get tough for families. And when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, your level of anxiety can skyrocket… especially if you have a family to feed. Over 62,000 people in Greenville County have that very stressful problem on their minds day in and day out.
But you can help. There are several food banks in the area that help families who need it most but are sometimes forgotten. Below is a “wish list” of certain items that are needed right now and where you can drop them off. Let’s cross off hunger from the list of stressors that some families are worried about.
Hygiene items (bath soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, household cleaning supplies) Christmas Morning Shoppe items (backpacks, game systems, makeup and fashion accessories, phone cases and accessories, earbuds, pickleball sets) You can financially support by making a donation Current Greer Relief food pantry wish list
If you donate glass or bagged items, please clearly label and place them in a separate area to avoid spillage. Donation drop offs are Monday – Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Friday 9 AM to 3 PM. Call ahead before dropping off your donation.
The Storehouse needs breakfast items most right now. Their list is as follows
Canned chili
Canned chili beans
Canned beef stew
Oatmeal
Grits
Breakfast bars
Cereal
Food Pantry Maps
If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to help your community, these maps can provide you with locations near you where you can donate
Greenville County Services Map
Greenville County maintains this map of community services, which includes a layer for food pantries. where people can receive assistance throughout the year. Use the arrow at the left side of the map to view the layers and select “food system” and “food pantry.”
Ten At The Top Upstate Food Access Map
Ten At The Top created this interactive map, providing the locations of places where people can receive assistance during the summer. The map includes numerous local food banks.
If you are planning to travel to Gatlinburg with the family, then the Greystone Lodge is the perfect place to stay! It’s hard to find a hotel that is family-friendly, clean, within a budget, and ideally located. Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Gatlinburg, The Greystone Lodge on the River is just that. We sent Kristina and her family there to see what the hotel is all about and why families love it.
Kristina’s stay was part of a media trip and included complimentary nights at the hotel but all opinions are her own.
Choosing a hotel for your family can be quite an ordeal. In the past, I’ve spent hours reading reviews, asking for suggestions, and then second-guessing my decision. In Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, about a three-hour drive from Greenville, there are hundreds of hotels and lodging options to choose from and it can be overwhelming. But after staying two nights at the Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, I can say with absolute certainty I’ve found the perfect place for a family trip to the beautiful mountain town. It is within walking distance of almost everything in Downtown Gatlinburg, making it a great option for families with little ones who get tired easily!
While families are often out and about during the day, they do appreciate a clean, relaxing hotel to come home to at night or to rest up before heading back out to enjoy the town. Greystone offers all that and more.
From Their Family to Yours: Greystone Lodge on the River
Originally built in 1962 by Jack Miller Sr., the Greystone Lodge was constructed with guests in mind, striving for a place to rest, recharge, and make wonderful memories together. The Miller family still owns the property today and it is one of the very last family-owned hotels in Gatlinburg. This is quite the rarity and affords them the opportunity to be more attentive to their guests.
Catch the trolley from the hotel. Photo provided by the Greystone Lodge.
The hotel manager, Jackie, I spoke with has worked for Greystone
Lodge for 23 years. She said many of their employees have had long careers
there as well, which speaks to the kind of business the hotel runs.
The hotel has gone through an extensive $7.5 million renovation in the last few years in an effort to continue to provide the best experience possible to guests.
Amenities & Location
The two big things I think make Greystone stand out amongst other hotels are its ideal location and its family-friendly amenities.
The location of the Greystone Lodge cannot be beaten. It’s maybe ten steps away from the aquarium and across the street from Anakeesta. It’s a block away from the Pancake Pantry and within walking distance to pretty much everywhere you’d need to go in Gatlinburg, which is a huge deal because parking is scarce in town and you almost always have to pay for it, anywhere from $5-$10+.
The hotel is also just steps away from the Gatlinburg Trolley so you can take that around town if you don’t feel like walking.
You can also drive right up to your room, whether on the first or third or whatever floor you’re on, and park right outside the room, which is so helpful when it comes to unloading all the unnecessary stuff your kids decided they needed to take on the trip.
Yummy Breakfast Options On Site
Greystone Lodge also offers a free continental breakfast, a heated pool with a slide, wi-fi, a fitness center, and free parking. The breakfast is really good – they have biscuits and gravy, eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, coffee, juice, bagels, and pastries. It was a big hit with my kids.
Pool for the Kids to Play
The pool and slide were awesome. My kids must have gone down that slide at least 80 times. They loved it. The pool is open from April until mid-October or early November depending on the weather. The pool is such a good option for families to entertain their kids without spending anything extra during the trip.
Pool at the Greystone Lodge
Rooms at the Greystone Lodge
The room we stayed in, a queen suite with a balcony that overlooked the river, was exceptionally clean, spacious, and comfortable. In my research on hotels in the area, I saw so many reviews of other places that were atrocious. I didn’t want to end up with a bad hotel on a family trip because that has unfortunately happened to me elsewhere and put a huge damper on a vacation.
The Greystone Lodge is so impressive in this aspect because they take such care to provide a great experience for their guests and it shows. They consistently have amazing reviews on all the major travel websites.
Family Suites for Total Comfort
The Greystone Lodge offers family suites with one or two
bedrooms and bunk beds, executive suites with fireplaces and soaking tubs, and more
budget-conscious suites with all the amenities of the hotel. All rooms have a
microwave and small refrigerator, which was perfect for the snacks I brought
that needed to be chilled.
We got pizza one night and sat out on the balcony to enjoy dinner and the view of the river, which was very nice. Not all rooms have that option but if you get a room that does, certainly take advantage of it!
Photo provided by the Greystone Lodge.
Rates and The Rewards Program
Jackie told me the majority of their guests are repeat stays and some families are on their third or fourth generation who have stayed at the Greystone. One woman recently showed Jackie a photo of herself at the Greystone when she was 10 years old and she was now bringing her grandchildren to the same place!
Like all hotels, rates are dependent upon season. During the busiest months of July and October, rates are higher than those of the slower months like January and February. A Queen suite may start around $185/night during the low season and be closer to $225+ for the high season.
Greystone has a Loyal Lodger Rewards program that offers
discounts the more nights a guest stays with them.
If you’re looking for a perfect family hotel in Gatlinburg where you won’t have to worry about parking, breakfast, or entertainment, the Greystone Lodge is a great option, one that may just become part of your family for generations to come.
Have you been to the Barnyard Flea Market in Greer, SC? If scouring Craigslist, eBay, or local yard sales is your kind of fun, then this is a place you’ll want to visit! It is equally diverse in its offerings as eBay, somewhat questionable in its taste of décor as a Craigslist ad, and customers have as good a chance of finding a great deal as their neighborhood garage sale.
The Barnyard Flea Market is only open on weekends and offers free parking at an easy-to-find location, wide aisles for strollers, and hundreds of vendors that will sell you nearly anything you need.
What Can You Find at the Barnyard Flea Market: Greer, SC
Need a dog collar, a hunting knife, a Barbie, some dish soap, and a slow cooker? You can find all of that and more at this flea market. How about some luggage and an adjustment from a chiropractor? Yup, that too.
There are hundreds of vendors, most of which are under huge barn-like structures. Some vendors are outside as well. The aisles are easy to navigate, and I saw lots of kids and families there.
It’s a lot of fun to walk around and see what people are selling. Some vendors have tables there every week and are permanent or semi-permanent. Others, like the nice couple I bought a couple of dolls from, were just selling what they couldn’t sell at their garage sale the day before. It was their first time there – as was mine – and they divulged that they only paid $14 to rent a table and were doing pretty well with their leftover goods. If you want to vendor indoors, you can pay as little as $16 per day.
Vendors can rent a table for as little as $14 a day or pay a monthly fee to stake out their spot at the flea market.
Another plus at the flea market was that the bathrooms were really easy to locate, and they were clean. This is a huge positive for my two little girls, one of whom is potty-training.
If you get hungry, there are plenty of options to grab a snack. We saw taco booths, vendors selling pigskins, boiled peanuts, fried dough with powdered sugar, soft pretzels, and drinks. There is a little café indoors as well that sells reasonable eats.
The only drawback was that the Barnyard Flea Market is perhaps one of the very last unregulated places for smoking. People are allowed to smoke wherever they like. This place definitely isn’t like bars used to be before smoking bans were instituted – it’s not smoke-filled, but the smell is noticeable, so just be aware of that when you go.
My kids and I stayed about an hour, and they loved checking out all the different stuff. They were reasonably controlled in their desires for toys, girly clothes, and dolls. I had fun too, checking out all the crazy stuff that was for sale and the rock-bottom prices of everything under the sun. It was entertaining and a great way to spend some downtime on the weekend.
Plan your own trip
Office Hours Thursday: 9 AM – 2 PM Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Market Hours Saturday: 7 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Are you thinking about cloth diapering? There are many benefits to cloth diapering and great resources in Greenville to help you along the way. Today local mom Kristina Hernandez is telling us why she loves cloth diapers. She’s also sharing her tips and tricks on where to buy cloth diapers, how to wash them, and more!
When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband casually mentioned we should look into cloth diapering. I was mildly appalled. Didn’t they do that in my grandparent’s generation – and wasn’t it awful? My husband, being from Central America, was actually more familiar with cloth diapering than myself since it’s more common there, so he figured why not look into it. And oh man, did I look into it!
Turns out that there is an entire subculture of cloth diaper enthusiasts who can’t wait to get their hands on more fluff for their little baby’s bottoms. For a multitude of reasons, we ended up cloth diapering our kids and it has been more fun than I could have imagined.
Cloth diapers have come a long my friends. Invention is the key to necessity here. Cloth diapers are essentially reusable diapers that will be washed when soiled and used over and over again, sometimes with multiple children (which saves parents a ton of money but more on that in a minute). There are all kinds of fibers – cotton, hemp, microfiber, bamboo, wool – that have various absorbencies.
Types of Diapering Systems
There is also a dizzying array of options available. You can get an all-in-one diaper (AIO), which is like a disposable in that you don’t have to mess around with inserts. You just put it on the baby, take it off when dirty, and throw it on the laundry bag. All-in-twos (AI2) are similar except you can snap in an insert for absorbency and then take that out when dirty.
There are pocket diapers that literally have a pocket to stuff the inserts or prefolds (these look like big hand towels that you fold up and put into a diaper). There are diaper covers, which are waterproof, and pre-folds where you have a system to build the diaper to your child’s individual needs. Fitted diapers are either sized or come in one size (snaps make them bigger or smaller) and will need a diaper cover. There are extra-absorbent nighttime diapers available too.
You will also want to try out snaps vs. Velcro. I found that velcro worked best for smaller babies because you can get a more snug fit. However, once my babies grew, we used more snap-style diapers. Most cloth diapering systems, aside from using prefolds, are meant for babies around 8-10 pounds up to toddlers. Prefolds are a great way to use diapers on small newborns, and you can find attachments like a Snappi, to hold the prefolds together. Green Mountain Diapers is a great resource on how to use a Snappi to hold together a prefold diaper, so you do not have to feel intimidated! When in doubt, Youtube is your best friend!
Finding What Fits Your Family
It’s a huge world out there of cloth diapers and, in my own experience, a lot of the learning comes down to trial and error and really finding out what works for you. My oldest child was sized differently than my youngest so my favorite diapers that worked the best were different the second time around.
But you’re not alone if you go the route of cloth diapers. The online world of cloth diapers enthusiasts is enormous and Greenville alone even has its own cloth diapering community.
Why choose cloth diapers?
Cost Effective
A big reason we chose cloth diapers was the cost. Simply put, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper to use cloth diapers than disposables. One detailed analysis of cloth vs. disposables over 30 months came out with spending about $770 on cloth diapers (including the cost of washing the diapers) to over $2,300 for disposables.
There are a lot of different comparisons on the cost but in the end, the cloth is almost always cheaper – and they have resale value (more on this later). The expense of cloth diapers is mostly upfront since you need to start building up your stash right from the beginning. But because of the huge variety of options, cloth diapers can fit almost every budget.
Less Harsh Chemicals on Baby
Another reason is the gentleness of cloth vs. the chemicals of disposable diapers. Baby skin is sensitive and cloth diapers have no chemicals to interact with that soft baby bum. As a sometimes paranoid mom, I’m just more comfortable with something that doesn’t have chemicals constantly touching my baby’s skin.
Also, cloth diapers are better for the environment because they don’t contribute to the millions of diapers piling up in landfills every year.
Convenience
I also chose cloth diapers out of convenience. Sure, it may seem like an oxymoron. I mean, you need to wash the diapers every few days, let them dry, fold them up, and stash them away – only to just do it all over again in the next 48 hours – but I loved the idea of being able to get new diapers in just a few hours with washing and drying and not having to leave my house at 9 pm because I just remembered I ran out of diapers.
May Help With Potty Training
One other thing I heard when I was researching cloth diapers is that kids who use them are potty-trained earlier than kids with disposables. The theory is that with cloth diapers, they can feel when they are wet and therefore are more motivated to go to the bathroom on the toilet. They also supposedly get an earlier handle on bodily functions. Honestly, I have no clue if this is true. My oldest was potty-trained before she was two but it could have been for reasons other than cloth diapers (she was in overnight diapers longer). But I know other kids who were in cloth diapers who were potty-trained later.
Cloth Diapers are Adorable!
And lastly, I chose cloth diapers for the simple fact that are adorable. And they have names like Fuzzibunz, BumGenius, and Applecheeks. Your baby may look like he/she has a little bit of junk in the trunk – but hey, it’s cute. The cuteness factor could actually be a downfall because once you get into cloth diapers, you are going to be tempted to buy all the fluff you can. It’s an addiction.
Washing cloth diapers
So it gets a bit tricky to wash the diapers. Depending on how many diapers you have and how often you change your baby, you will likely need to wash the diapers every couple of days. I use baking soda and distilled vinegar for the prewash (wash on cold) and then wash the diapers in hot water with Tide Original powder. You can’t use a liquid detergent without ruining the diapers because it will hamper absorbency. There are a lot of options for cloth diaper-safe detergent though (see this list). The last time we checked the Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery in Greenville sells a couple of cloth diaper-friendly detergents as well.
For drying, you will need to hang up the diaper covers to dry. Everything else can go in the dryer. I try to get my diapers outside in a sunny spot as often as possible since the sun naturally bleaches them and gets out the stains. If you can’t go outside, running a tension line over your bathtub is a great option, or even in your laundry room. Then, the diapers can dry out with the heat coming off of the dryer.
The wash routine can come with challenges for sure. This awesome Facebook group, Fluff Love & CD Science, is an excellent resource to help get answers on troubleshooting issues that come up with cloth diapers.
As for where to put the dirty diapers in between washes, I use a wet bag, which is a waterproof bag. I also use a small one in my diaper bag for when we are on the go and I need to put a dirty diaper somewhere.
Where to get cloth diapers in Greenville
When I first started cloth diapering, I went to a meeting with other cloth diaper mamas and it was so helpful to see the diapers firsthand (I had ordered everything online at that point) and ask questions and get solutions.
One of the neat things about cloth diapers is that they actually have resale value. When I first started cloth diapering, I got almost my entire stash from resellers. I thought it was pretty gross at first until I realized what cloth diapers were and that they can work the same as new ones when taken care of properly. I also ended up selling some of the diapers that didn’t work as well for my kids as I would have liked.
You can check out the private Baby Center swap group or other swap groups on Facebook.
Other Things You Need to Know about Cloth Diapering
One big thing you need to know about cloth diapers is that you can’t use traditional diaper cream with them (think stinky Destin). You have to use something that doesn’t contain zinc. I used coconut oil and the GroVia magic stick. There are plenty of cloth diaper-safe rash creams out there if you need them. But don’t feel bad if you need to switch to disposables for a few days to use the hardcore diaper creams if the baby has a bad rash!
Also, there are cloth wipes you can use instead of regular baby wipes. They are pretty awesome and you just use them with water when you change the baby and wash them when you wash diapers.
When the baby is breastfeeding and poops, you can just throw the diaper in the wet bag or diaper pail. But when the baby starts on solids, you need to dump the poop in the toilet before you can wash them. It’s kind of gross but I use GroVia liners, which make it a heck of a lot easier.
You can also buy spray wands that attach to your toilet like this one of these diaper sprayers. These make removing solids a lot easier. You just hang the diaper over the toilet, spray all the gross stuff away, and throw it into a wet bag.
Looking for more resources and local services? Check out our Resources and Services page to help your family thrive!
Have you visited Grandfather Mountain in Western North Carolina, just a couple miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway? Soaring heights, black bears and cougars, 360-degree views, rare flora and fauna, and a massive swinging bridge are all part of the incredible Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.
Media tickets were provided for this review.
As we drove up the winding road to the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, we could see for miles. One of the Rangers told us it was the clearest day he had seen up there in a long time. The peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains loomed in the distance and the Charlotte skyline, more than a two-hour drive, was visible from the top of the swinging bridge.
I couldn’t wait to explore the park – the swinging bridge, the trails, the sky-high vistas, the nature center, the 2.4 mile Grandfather Trail, the Underwood Trail, and to see the animals.
Grandfather Mountain is an extraordinarily unique place, not only for the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge but for the diverse and fragile ecology systems that call the mountain home. At only 5,000 total acres, Grandfather Mountain is home to “16 distinct ecological communities and 72 rare or endangered species.” When we were hiking, there were signs everywhere blocking off parts of the path off trail because of the fragile ecosystems present. The United Nations even added Grandfather Mountain as an international Biosphere Reserve in 1992.
The mountain rises 5,946 feet above sea level and the Cherokee name for it is “Tanawha,” meaning “a fabulous hawk or eagle.” Its current name comes from the profile of a grandfather on the mountain. The Mile High Swinging Bridge was dedicated in 1952 and was owned by Hugh Morton. He ended up working with the state of North Carolina to preserve more than 4,000 acres of the park. You can read more about the long and interesting history of the park on the Grandfather Mountain website.
Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
This building is brand new and parts of it are still in construction. I was pretty excited to see it since I was planning to incorporate some homeschooling activities on our trip to Grandfather Mountain – I was not disappointed.
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is double the size of the previous building and houses multiple interactive exhibits on Grandfather Mountain’s flora, fauna, animals, ecology systems, and climate. It also has a gift shop and restaurant called Mildred’s Grill, classrooms, and restrooms. We got some ice cream at the grill after our hike and it was delicious.
We immediately picked up the Junior Naturalist booklet, which encourages kids to fill out the information about things that they learn about and see at the park. It’s the perfect homeschooling booklet I was looking for! We had a lot of fun filling out the information about plants we saw, things we checked out on our hike, and interesting plants, mushrooms, and minerals we learned about at the Nature Discovery center.
There are exhibits throughout the center that focus on the animals that live on the mountain and let you use sticks of birds behind a screen to show how they fly – it’s neat, kind of like using shadows.
The geological section is amazing. They have precious gems, stones, and minerals prevalent in the park and the surrounding region, including fluorescent ones that light up under black lights.
I had to pull my kids away from the wind machine that explored weather and climate. And we learned about the different mushrooms present as well as rare wildflowers. There’s an interactive topographical display of the mountain and trails you can hike as well. The whole place is just such a cool display of information that you can’t help but be drawn into it.
Be sure to check here for the events happening the day you go. I should have done that when we arrived and ended up missing some neat Ranger talks and information sessions!
Wildlife Habitats
Directly next to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is the Wildlife Habitat that houses black bears, otters, elk, cougars, and bald eagles. It’s not a huge area and while the paths are steep in places, they are paved. Dogs are not allowed in the Wildlife Habitat.
There are Animal Encounters on weekends at 2 pm and daily Keeper Talks April-October. We stumbled upon one at the elk enclosure when we were there and were so happy we did! We learned about elk through the cycle of their antlers and got to hold and touch one of the antlers that had dropped off of an elk out in Colorado. Since we were there during rutting (mating) season, we heard the amazing bugle sound the males make that time of year.
Grandfather Mountain’s most popular attraction is arguably the Mile High Swinging Bridge that rises, wait for it, a mile above sea level. The bridge is 228 feet long and while it is a swinging bridge, we didn’t feel much swinging so if you’re worried about that, don’t be too much! The views up there are just beautiful, especially since we went on a clear day. You can either drive up there or hike a 0.4 trail to the bridge.
There’s a gift shop at the bridge plus restrooms and an exhibit hall with photos through the decades of the park and bridge construction. Pretty neat.
Once you summon your courage and cross the bridge, you can continue trekking up the huge boulders to Linville Peak for an even crazier view of the valley and the bridge itself. It’s so gorgeous.
There are daily programs at 1 and 3 pm at the swinging bridge that lasts for about 15-20 minutes and anyone is welcome to attend.
Hiking Trails
I stood on the top of a ridge, more than 5,000 feet above sea level, overlooking the stunning valley below and wondering where the trail was. I couldn’t see it ahead and called out to one of my daughters who was ahead of me to slow down. It looked like the trail went right over a cliff. We are a very adventurous trio, my two daughters and I, but jumping off cliffs is not on our list of things to do. My daughter assured me the trail didn’t drop off the edge of the world but I had to see for myself. I was expecting another ladder on the side of the mountain, one where I realized I may have a fear of heights that I didn’t know existed.
Grandfather Trail & Underwood Trail
Should we continue on or turn around and go back down the way we came? I thought long and hard and tried to stop my shaking legs. We were moving on and completing the two-mile loop that encompassed parts of the strenuous Grandfather Trail and the Underwood Trail. I decided to go on and before I knew it, we were scaling ladders on the side of the mountain that I had only seen in photos before. The views were unreal and my kids were already planning on when we could come back to their new favorite trail.
There are miles and miles of trails at the park, many of which are rated as strenuous, and the views are unlike any other in the Southeast. The Woods Walk is only 0.4 miles and an easy one for families as is the walk up to the Swinging Bridge from the parking lot below if you’d rather hike and not drive up.
The strenuous trails are over rugged terrain, and hikers must use cables and cliffside ladders to reach peaks like MacRae and Calloway. MacRae Peak is less than a mile from the main park trailhead, but the trail is very rocky and very vertical. Calloway Peak is 2.5 miles from the main trailhead, and is the park’s highest point at 5,946 feet. Both peaks offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, especially in the fall.
The ladder trails are not for inexperienced hikers and dogs. If you choose to hike these trails, make sure you have good shoes that have a decent grip and plenty of water. The trail we hiked was only two miles but it took us a little over two hours because of the terrain and the game of chutes and ladders we ended up playing. There are so many cool spots though, like caves and spectacular views. So if you want to go there on a day trip to hike plus do the other attractions at the park, leave plenty of time. I’d recommend starting in the morning since weather can quickly roll in and change fast. I asked the Ranger about injuries on trails and he said some people have been struck by lightning while on the ladders! So don’t go on the ladders during a storm. And watch the weather and be prepared for it to change fast.
Hiking trails close an hour before the park closes.
Other Things Not To Miss at Grandfather Mountain
When we were driving up to the bridge, we passed a sign that said Forrest Gump Ran This Curve. What?! I had no idea this part was in the movie. You won’t miss this as it’s on the way up to the swinging bridge. There’s a pretty picnic area at the bottom of the curve.
Also, don’t miss picnicking in the park. There are several beautiful overlooks with inviting picnic benches on the main road up to the swinging bridge. We stopped at the Forrest Gump spot and had lunch while watching butterflies and bees enjoy the sunflowers and zinnias next to the picnic bench.
Ladders on the Grandfather Trail
There are all kinds of special events at Grandfather Mountain that any lover of the outdoors would be interested in. They have a Hawk Watch during the fall, Junior Naturalist events, ecology events, field courses, speaker presentations, and even night events. Some of these are free while others require an extra fee.
Visiting Grandfather Mountain
When you visit, you must reserve your tickets online. They do not take walk-ups except on weekdays and even then, tickets are limited. If you want to ensure entry, purchase your ticket online. Your ticket admission includes hiking trails, the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the Wilson Nature Discovery Center, Wildlife Habitat, ranger talks and some special programming.
People who do not need to reserve a time slot for entry to the park are Bridge Club Members, VIP pass holders, and those with pre-paid or complimentary tickets.
When you book your ticket, you have to choose a time slot, and you are allowed entry for up to an hour after your chosen time slot. Once you enter, you can spend all the time you want there. We ended up getting to the park around 9 am, checking out the swinging bridge, doing the two-mile strenuous hike, eating a picnic lunch, visiting the Wildlife Habitat, and checking out the Wilson Discovery Center. We didn’t leave until around 3 pm so it was a full day!
Admission rates are $24/adult, $10/kids ages 4-12, $22/age 60+. If you have AAA, you’ll pay $22/adult and $9/child (must present a valid AAA card). Annual passes, called Bridge Club, are $80/adult, $35/child or you can purchase a group pass that admits the member plus 5 people, which costs $250. Annual passes also include lots of perks like discounts at gift shops, free coffee/tea at Mildred’s Grill, plus discounts to other area parks like Chimney Rock and the Biltmore.
Current hours through September 5, 2022 are 8 am – 7 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm). Hours from September 6-30, 2022 are 9 am – 6 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). Fall (October 1-31) hours are Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm (last entry is at 4:30 pm) and Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 7 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm).
Grandfather Mountain is open year-round depending on weather, which can change very fast. It’s always a good idea to check the weather before you go and on the day you want to go. Visitors are encouraged to call the Entrance Gate at 828.733.4337 before making the trip. While tickets are non-refundable, they are honored up to a year after purchase date if you’re unable to make it or the weather impedes your visit.
Is your family planning a vacation to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?
There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN and the Pigeon Forge area that we have put together a full Gatlinburg Travel Guide for you. Our guide is full of places to visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.
We share attractions, places to eat, suggestions on where to stay, and more for this East Tennessee region vacation destination.
While there is no entry fee to the park, you must have a parking pass on your car if you park for more than 15 minutes inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass is $15, and a yearly pass is $40.
Almost all shows in Pigeon Forge offer combo tickets, which are significantly discounted when bought together. So do the math and figure out what works for your family. Pigeon Forge has a wonderful guidewith coupons that is available online and via hard copy at the Welcome Center. It can also be mailed to you.
There are a bunch of coupon books in almost every restaurant and shop in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge. They all offer a least a couple of dollars off attractions, which can save money in the long run if you do a lot of activities.
Sign up for the email list of your favorite attractions and hotels since they often send out discount codes throughout the year.
If you come to East Tennessee more than a couple times a year, consider a season pass to some of the attractions like Dollywood and Anakeesta, which can pay off in just a couple of visits.
What is There to Do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge?
Check out these Gatlinburg attractions and things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.
Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster
Imagine flying on twists and turns on the side of a mountain and racing your kid, friend, or partner to see who can complete the course first.
If it sounds like go-kart racing, it is modeled after racecar driving, but the brand-new Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is even cooler since it’s faster, has amazing views, and you can totally trash-talk your competitor the whole time since you’re racing on parallel tracks.
Anakeesta This mountaintop village theme park hosts a Rail Runner alpine coaster, ziplining, stunning gardens, a beer garden, a village with restaurants and shopping, an outdoor movie space, a treehouse play area, seasonal-themed events, and an awesome Chondola ride up and down the mountain. The alpine coaster, Astra Lumina light display, gem mining, and ziplining are extra costs. You’ll want to read our Anakeesta review of tips and tricks on how to make the most of your visit to Anakeesta (please note this review is a few years old – we have not been to see their many additions in 2025 and 2026).
Outdoor Gravity Park The Outdoor Gravity Park is the only place in the entire country where you can go zorbing. This is where you get into an 11-foot inflatable ball filled with some water and then get pushed down a 1,000 foot hill. You don’t know what you’re missing until you try this crazy adventure! Read our review for all the info.
203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN
One of the balls going down the Red track
PINK Jeep Smoky Mountain Tours Ride around in a bright pink Jeep and see all the very best sights in the Great Smoky Mountains and get the adrenaline going with their 4×4 off-roading course, built especially for PINK Jeeps. Tickets depend on the tour you choose but kids ages 18 months+ are able to do the tours. Our PINK Jeep reviewgives you the lowdown on what to expect with the tour.
3152 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
PINK Jeep Smoky Mountain Tour
Wonderworks A truly fun experience for the whole family, Wonderworks is an indoor entertainment facility with a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, a 3-D roller coaster, a bubble room, laser tag, a climbing wall, an earthquake simulator, and tons more. You can easily spend all day here but allow at least two hours at Wonderworks to really do everything, more if you see the magic show (extra charge). Read our review of Wonderworksto get all the details.
100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge
Wonderworks could easily fill up a day of adventure while in Pigeon Forge. Learn more in our KA review of Wonderworks!
Dollywood The iconic theme park is fun to visit any time of the year but they do have special events for summer, fall (a big pumpkinfest), and winter (a huge festival with a nightly parade and lights). The new Wildwood Groveencourages guests to explore their imaginations with an indoor black-lit playground, splash pad, rides for the whole family, and the new DragonFly coaster. Our KA Dollywood reviewwill tell you all the best places to visit while at Dollywood.
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
Dollywood’s Splash Country A wet and wild theme park that opens right next to the Dollywood theme park over the summer, Splash Country has a wave pool, multiple water slides, a lazy river, concessions, and a tube coaster. We love this theme park and it’s on our must-do list every summer!
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Read our Dollywood Splash Country review, written by a local mom with lots of tips. Learn about the best things to do at the park.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show If you don’t know, the Hatfield and McCoy families were two groups who really hated each other in rural West Virginia in the 1800s. The show is a dinner theater experience so you get all-you-can-eat soup, rolls, pulled pork, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slow, and corn plus a dessert. This was the best meal I had while in Pigeon Forge and my kids loved it as well. At the end of this show, you’ll leave feeling full and happy. The total time you’re in the theater is a little over two-and-a-half hours.
Ready to cheer on pirates, feast like royalty, and see mermaids & sea lions? Kristina and her kids LOVED Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, TN!
📅 1.5 hours of thrilling action 🍗 Full, delicious meal (with dessert!) 🔥 South Pacific fire show = WOW 🦭 Sea lions + swimming pups = adorable overload
Titanic Museum Experience the history of the Titanic, and the stories of those aboard, at the Titanic Museum. You’ll find hands on exhibits, an audio tour, and even the largest Titanic replica ever built out of lego bricks! Want to know more? Check out our KA review of the Titanic Museum.
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Learn why the Titanic Museum is a must-see when visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!
Wild Bear Falls Water Park This is an enormous indoor waterpark at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg. It’s open year-round and you can go even if you’re not a guest at the resort.
915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Dolly Parton’s Stampede This is one of the more popular shows in Pigeon Forge and features horse stunts, lots of special effects, and a four-course meal plus dessert. Families love this show especially.
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Pirates Voyage Lots of energy and fun at this dinner show in Pigeon Forge, the newest show to come to town. Kids will love the mermaids and pirate fights plus the water features of the show are always fun. Read our full review here.
Part of the Pirates Voyage show
2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies(and other Ripley’s attractions) This aquarium was voted best in the nation with sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and a glass-bottomed boat and it sits right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. You can read our review of the aquarium plus other reviews of Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg.
88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Soaky Mountain Waterpark Located just 15-20 minutes north of Gatlinburg is an enormous 50-acre waterpark with tons of slides, a lazy river, watercoasters, and a 35,000 wave pool. You will learn everything you need to know before going in our KA review of Soaky Mountain Waterpark.
175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN
Ole Smoky Moonshine The distillery is the oldest in the state and you can taste several moonshine varieties for $5 – they are really good! Be sure to try the Buckeye if you like peanut butter. You can also see how moonshine is made through the glass walls of the distillery at the Holler in Gatlinburg, which totally counts for homeschooling your kids.
This snow tubing place is open all year round because it’s indoors! This place has real snow for the tubing lanes plus a snow area where kids can build forts and snowmen. Plus, it’s always around 60-70 degrees inside so you aren’t freezing. Kids must be 38″ tall to tube. If not, you can buy them a ticket just to play in the snow. No reservations are needed. See our full review here.
2533 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN
Learn why Pigeon Forge Snow is such an epic place to play while visiting Pigeon Forge!
The SkyBridge is a mile high and has a glass bottom in the center. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America and overlooks this mountain town and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. They also have a gorgeous Tulip Tower, SkyWalk, trails, and restaurants. You have to take a chair lift up to the mountain to access the SkyBridge. Buy tickets in advance online to save a couple of dollars off each ticket. Read more in our KA review of the Gatlinburg SkyBridge here.
I’m not big into shopping but the Boot Factory Outlet was awesome. They have amazing customer service – people who help you until you find what you want and make suggestions. They seem to genuinely care about service. I was blown away. The outlet offers a continuous deal of buy one pair of boots and get two free. I had to see it for myself because that didn’t seem real. It was! I walked out with three fantastic pairs of boots for my family, all well-made and of excellent quality. Highly recommend.
This is such a cool experience that we recommend for anyone looking for a super unique adventure underground. The Lost Sea tour explores the expansive Craighead Caverns with its rare rock formations. But the coolest part is the boat ride in the underground lake! You can read our KA review of The Lost Sea Adventure to learn more. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from the Gatlinburg area. Visit Sweetwater Valley Farm nearby for awesome grilled cheese and milkshakes.
140 Lost Sea Road, Sweetwater, TN 423.337.6616
The Great Escape Room
If you’re looking for something the family can do together from older kids to teens, parents, and grandparents, The Great Escape Room is a very good option. Our multi-generational group had a lot of fun with this one.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at the Island at Pigeon Forge is a must-do when you’re visiting the Smokies. The views are absolutely insane. You can see the entirety of the main strip in Pigeon Forge but views of the mountains and Mt. LeConte. You can buy one ride or do a combo ticket to include a daytime and nighttime ride. We recommend going at sunset because it’s beautiful!
Inside the wheel!
Free/Cheap Things to do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park The park is the most visited in the whole country, with over 11 million people visiting every year. And there is no admission cost whatsoever. The park boasts over 850 miles of hiking trails plus two long stretches where you can drive to see wildlife and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Get up to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park, or Newfound Gap for stunning views of the smokies. Cruise through Cades Cove or Roaring Fork Motor Trail to see if you can spot black bears. Read more in our KA review of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parkand all there is to do and see in the Smokies.
Please note that the National Park has instituted parking fees to be able to handle the millions of visitors each year. Parking tags must be displayed anywhere in the Park, except for cars spending 15 minutes or less there. Fees are $5/single day, $15/up to 7 days, and $40/annual parking pass. You can buy them at the Visitor Centers or online.
Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
See Elk in Cherokee or Cataloochee Valley Elk were originally native to the area and have been reintroduced. They are thriving thanks to the protection of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Guests can see the majestic animals at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC, right outside the park, or in the Cataloochee Valley. In the fall, the bulls loudly bugle and it’s quite the animal sound to hear!
Elk in the Smokies
Go Swimming The Smoky Mountains have some desirable swimming holes during the hot summer months. One is the Townsend Wye right near the entrance to the park in Townsend, TN. It’s a huge swimming hole with small rapids for tubing and deeper waters for swimming. The National Park’s official stance on swimming is that it discourages it.
Townsend Wye
Go Fishing Trout are stocked in the miles of rivers and streams that cut through the Smokies and visitors are allowed to fish from those waterways. In Tennessee, both residents and non-residents ages 13 or older must have a fishing license. In North Carolina, ages 16 and older need a license. Fishing is permitted all throughout the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Every year around June, the synchronous fireflies appear in the Smoky Mountains to do their annual mating dance. And it is a sight to see! Millions of these fireflies light up all around you then go quiet for about eight seconds and then light up again.
It is completely fascinating to see and we highly recommend trying to get a lottery ticket or booking a campsite at Elkmont during that time of year to see them. To enter the lottery, you pay $1 and if you win, your parking pass is $25. A campsite at Elkmont is around $30.
Things to Do During the Holidays in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas The experience at Dollywood at Christmastime deserves its own review because it is so beautiful and enchanting. You and your kids can step into a life-size snow globe, watch a nativity show, and enjoy the rides. They have beautiful light displays as well. It’s an amazing time to visit the amusement park. Read what we loved about the Smoky Mountain Christmas in our review.
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
Smoky Mountain Christmas in Dollywood
Winterfest in Pigeon Forge From the end of November until early February, Pigeon Forge is decked out in Christmas lights and guests can ride the trolley all around town (small fee) to check out the beautiful decorations. Shows and events correspond with the Christmas theme and the whole town becomes a winter wonderland. It’s totally free to drive around and see all the lights. Learn more with our KA review of Winterfest and be sure to pick up the guide that the City of Pigeon Forge offers, which includes coupons.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
There are hundreds of places to stay in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. All of these places we list below are places we have personally stayed at and where we’ve had excellent experiences. Reviews are all linked below. If you are not staying in a Gatlinburg cabin, then these campgrounds and hotels are the best there is for a family-friendly vacation Gatlinburg vacation. So, start planning your lodging today!
You can also use the map below from Stay 22 to find other options! When you book through the map and links, we may earn through an affiliate relationship with Stay22.
https://stay22.com/embed/64aff43e17da6c003ce794b2
Margaritaville Island Hotel A stay at this beautiful and trendy hotel will be a relaxing experience. Margarita makers are in every room and balconies overlook either the river or the Island at Pigeon Forge. You can explore the Island, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, grab a margarita at the bar (or in your room), and just chill. Read our KA review of Margaritaville Island Hotel to learn why it is such a great option.
131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN
Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge
Greystone Lodge By the River One of the very last family-owned hotels in Gatlinburg, the Greystone dates back originally to the early 1960s and has become the go-to hotel for generations of families. The location cannot be beaten as it is steps from the aquarium and across the street from Anakeesta, within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
They also have a great pool and free breakfast. It’s perfect for families looking to have a restful and accommodating place to call home during their trip. We stayed there and absolutely loved it.
Country Cascades Waterpark Resort Stay in a Cabin Suite that has four bunk beds and a king bed in Pigeon Forge’s only indoor waterpark. They have tons of activities for the whole family, dining options, an arcade, and much more. Read our review for all the info.
204 Sharon Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN
View of the waterpark from the waterslide tower
Compass by Margaritaville With two waterparks – an indoor and outdoor one – plus free breakfast and two-bedroom family suites, the Compass by Margaritaville should be high on your list of places to stay in Pigeon Forge. The staff is so kind, the fitness center is state-of-the-art, the the rooms are so, so spacious and comfortable. Read our full review of this amazing hotel.
125 Music Mountain Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN
Part of the outdoor waterpark
Camp LeConte Kicking up the glamping a notch further is Camp LeConte, which offers a treehouse, safari tents, and a retro camper. You can even catch the trolley into Gatlinburg from the campground. Depending on the time of year, the two-person safari tent starts at around $136/night. Read ourKA review of Camp LeConteand learn why we love it so much.
The Westgate Smokies is a beautiful resort overlooking Gatlinburg that has lots of different room types to choose from, a huge indoor water park, spa, zip line, mini-golf, two outdoor heated pools, and a fabulous restaurant. Read our review KA review of the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort to learn more.
Be blown away by the 17-room game mansion in Gatlinburg! It has more than 300 indoor and outdoor games and sleeps up to 20 people. This is perfect for a multi-family or big friends vacation and is about 15 minutes from the main strip in Gatlinburg.
Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort Stay in a covered wagon or tipi at this resort in Sevierville, TN for the ultimate pioneer adventure. The resort is close to Soaky Mountain and minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies. Read our review of the Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort to get a good idea of why it’s so cool!
660 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN
Foothills RV Park & Cabins If you are not into tent camping but are still looking for a cheaper option than a hotel, Foothills has bare-bones cabins to rent where you bring your own linens/sleeping bags and pillows. This is a good option if you’re really trying to stay within a budget but want someplace clean and comfortable.
The location is right on the cusp of Pigeon Forge and maybe ten minutes from Gatlinburg. Camping cabins are rented from April through October and start at $58/night.
4235 Huskey St, Pigeon Forge, TN
Inn on the River The Inn on the River has pretty awesome amenities like both indoor and outdoor pools, free breakfast, free popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, a free gift bag for kids, and really nice staff. Plus, they are located right on the main strip in Pigeon Forge and within walking distance to several restaurants and attractions. Read our KA review of the Inn on the River to help you decide where to lodge.
2492 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Inn on the River
Wilderness at the Smokies This family-friendly hotel has three waterparks on-site, including Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. You won’t even need to leave the resort for entertainment and dining once you get there! Rooms are spacious and some suites offer bunk beds for kids. And it’s directly across the street from Soaky Mountain Waterpark. Learn why we love Wilderness at the Smokies for families in our KA review!
1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN
Where to eat in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
If you’re not headed to a lunch or dinner show, there are plenty of options to enjoy a good meal. Gatlinburg is known as the Pancake Capital of the World so be sure to hit up a good pancake house while you’re there.
Pancake Pantry Gatlinburg’s first pancake house, which opened in 1960, is hugely popular. Get there when they open and bring cash since they don’t take credit cards.
628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Log Cabin Pancake House Opening in 1976, the Log Cabin Pancake House serves up breakfast all day long and also has delicious pancakes (of course).
327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
Apple Barn & Cider Mill The fried apple pies and apple cider donuts are what people usually come to the Apple Barn for. It’s worth it. Both are delicious and well-worth the calories.
230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
The Old Mill Restaurant This is the place that people who have been to Pigeon Forge will recommend. They have generous portions and authentic, local Southern cuisine. Country fried steak, cornbread, and chowder are staples of a great meal here. They served breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN
Cliff Tops Bar & Grill at Anakeesta If you are spending a day up on the mountain at Anakeesta, the Cliff Tops Grill & Bar is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. The Brisket Philly Cheesesteak is especially tasty and the kids meal of mac & cheese is also quite delicious.
576 Parkway Suite A, Gatlinburg, TN
Cliff Top Bar & Grill at Anakeesta
Big Daddy’s Pizza With a handful of locations in both towns, Big Daddy’s is a decent option for families who want something simple, easy, and pleasing to everyone.
Various locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN
Southern Comfort The flagstone restaurant at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, Southern Comfort serves up Lowcountry cuisine with a Cajun twist. It’s delicious and you’ll want to keep coming back for more. The hospitality is just as sweet as the s’mores dessert.
915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Looking for more travel ideas? Check out our Travel Guide, with ideas for travel throughout the Southeast and beyond!
