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.
Wondering about the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express in Bryson City? This is one of the most magical experiences of a kid’s life. It’s a themed train ride based on the book The Polar Express. Whether you love an early beginning to the holiday season or wish you could put it off, this North Carolina attraction is one very good reason to start your own planning early this year. KAG Contributor Liene has all the information you need to know about this very popular holiday attraction.
The Polar Express: Bryson City, NC
Bryson City is a gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but is it also home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot, with scenic rail excursions through the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Beginning November 6th, 2025, a very special train will be departing from the historic Bryson City depot: The Polar Express. This is one of two very popular train rides on the Polar Express near Greenville, SC, so get your tickets soon!
Based on the popular children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this magical train ride recreates the journey to the North Pole complete with hot cocoa and a warm cookie. At the end of the train ride, Santa Claus himself will be waiting at Santa’s Village to board the train and present each child with their very own silver sleigh bell.
Things to Know About the Ride on the Polar Express
You’ll want to arrive in Bryson City at least an hour before your departure time. This will give you time to park, which is not an easy task in this little town that brings upwards of 90,000 passengers through for the Polar Express. Parking charges are already added when purchasing tickets and parking attendants are on hand to direct traffic.
Once you’ve walked to the depot you might want to explore the GSMR train museum, and you’ll find a dozen little souvenir and snack shops lining the street to explore while waiting for your train’s boarding time. Tip; the Smoky Mountain trains museum is free with tickets, but you can purchase pictures with Santa if you arrive early.
When it is time to climb on board, passengers join the queue at their assigned boarding station, which correlates to the train car in which you will be riding. The beautifully restored vintage coaches date from the 1920s to the 1940s, and the interior has been festively decorated in the holiday spirit. Friendly employees are on hand to help the boarding process and get everyone situated, and before you know it, the whistle blows, and the Polar Express is off, headed for the North Pole!
While music plays in the background (from the motion picture The Polar Express), the conductor comes through to stamp the ‘golden train tickets.’ These tickets, based on the book, make a cherished souvenir for the children. Hint: make sure to bring your copy of “The Polar Express” on the trip so that you can read along while enjoying the hot chocolate brought to you by the singing and dancing chef.
Like most parents, we had changed the kids into their pajamas so that they would be cozy and comfortable on the journey. And, the singing of Christmas carols and antics of the Polar Express characters kept them mesmerized the entire trip.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
With four different ticket options (First, Premium Crown, Crown, and Coach), families have a variety of choices concerning seating, snacks, and memorabilia – only reserve your tickets soon, as the tickets for the weekends approaching Christmas tend to sell out by the end of October. We opted for Coach and were completely satisfied with the seating, the service, and the benefits that came with our package.
We purchased tickets on the 5 pm train, meaning it would still be light out for the first 1/2 hour of the journey (and we could watch the gorgeous mountain scenery roll by). The sun had set and darkness descended just before our arrival at the North Pole, and so the Christmas lights adorning ‘Santa’s Village’ twinkled in the darkness, helping convince reluctant believers… On our return trip, lights from homes along the route sparkled in the distance, adding a magical dimension to the ride.
When selecting seats, you might want to choose to be on the left side of the train (that would be the opposite side where you board the Polar Express), as the river and the majority of North Pole lights will be on that side. Also, Santa boards on the front of the train, so be prepared for him to come through rather soon after stopping if you’re in Coach; have your copy of “The Polar Express” ready for him to sign, and the kids ready to tell him what they would like for Christmas. He even makes some time to ask some disbelieving adults about what they would like under the tree – so make that list and check it twice!
More information on the Polar Express: Bryson City, NC
The first Polar Express departure is 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.
For detailed information on the different seating available, visit the Polar Express website.
Bryson City is about 2 ½ hours by car from both Greenville and Spartanburg, optimally a weekend destination, but doable in a day (since the kids will sleep on the way home!).
There are several classes to choose from, with Coach Class the cheapest, starting at $33.52 for kids ages 2-12 and $50.85 for adults. There are several options for tickets and price ranges. 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.
You can book tickets by calling 800.872.4681 or you can book them online.
Where to Stay Near the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC
If you want to enhance your Polar Express experience with a super cool place to stay in town, try Sky Ridge Yurts, only about 20 minutes away from the city center and the railroad. The yurts are spacious, clean, and very comfortable. We tried them out over the summer and fell in love with the unique structures. Enjoy some warm cocoa and the mountain views during your trip!
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”
From The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
Would a ride on The Polar Express be a trip your kids would cherish?
This post was originally published on Femme au foyer and is republished with permission.
Love a good Christmas Train? There’s more where this came from! We have a whole list of GREAT Christmas Train Rides for every budget level! Christmas Train Rides Near Greenville, SC
Are you looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC? There are lots of activities to enjoy, but the town is most famous for its apple orchards! If you are planning a trip to Hendersonville, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to fill your day with fun, or enjoy a day trip or weekend getaway any time of year.
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. Admission ticket prices range from $20 – $29. 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.
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 and costs range from $57-$74 per person. 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. Adult tickets are $89 and kids are $79/each ages 4-9.
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! For the 2021 season tickets were $49.95/ages 10-61, $39.95/ages 4-9, and $39.95/senior citizens 62+. Parking is $15/day.
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. Tickets are $59.99/adults and $34.99/kids ages 3-11 and under 2 are free.
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.
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. Tickets start at $29.99 for an hour of snow tubing and at $36.99 for tubing plus 30 minutes of snow play. No reservations are needed. See ourfull 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.
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 since March 1, 2023, 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!
Sitting in the shadow of downtown Atlanta sits one of its suburbs, Decatur, Georgia.
It’s great for a day trip as Decatur is close enough to the Upstate that you can have a day full of fun but not have to worry about being too tired to get home.
There are no shortage of restaurants, shops, and other neat little finds. Plus Decatur has free WIFI!
Believe me when I tell you this is no ordinary farmers market. Whenever I get the chance to take someone there, I do. No matter how I try to explain that they are in for a surprise, they are never prepared. Since 1977, this market has been providing ingredients to local residents, restaurants, and caterers. Nothing I say will prepare you for the spectacle that awaits, so I’ll just tell you this – If you love, cook, or eat food, you should put this place on your bucket list. Just go!
Downtown Greenville has mice, and Decatur has tiny doors.
Hidden around the downtown area are 30 doors decorated by local artists. See
how many you can find!
One of these secret doors can be found next to some of the
best doughnuts in Atlanta.
This doughnut and coffee shop offers hand-made doughnuts that are almost too beautiful to eat! But we encourage you to just take a photo and then chow down. A place that makes 10 billion doughnuts a year must be doing something right.
Decatur Toy Park
133 Nelson Ferry Road, Decatur GA 30030
This open-to-the-public park is located at First Christian Church, and super popular with the locals. Tricycles, scooters, little tykes-type play structures, and more, all donated, are what draw locals to this unique park.
Speaking of toys, towards the beginning of summer the streets of downtown Decatur are filled with 80 tons of sand, and kids (and kids at heart) are allowed to play and have fun at this huge beach party!
In 1955, the very first waffle house opened at this location. They offer self-guided tours that include free waffles, however only on certain days. View the link above for more details, or email museumtours@wafflehouse.com.
This family-friendly gastropub is hiding a super-cool secret. It also has a comic bookstore inside that houses old pinball and video games. It’s a really neat spot, and honestly, I’m surprised there aren’t more places like this. It’s kid-friendly and where else can a young kid learn the fine art of pinball?
1162 Fayetteville Road Southeast, Atlanta GA 30316
If you do decide to make a weekend of it, might we suggest a stay with one of the most desired Airbnb locations around? It’s just around the corner from Decatur.
Even if you don’t want to make a weekend of your trip, you can still visit this urban farm by taking a 60-minute tour. We visited the Alpacas, llamas, and their treehouse and it’s a really magical place. All the information can be found on Kidding Around’s visit to the Alpaca Treehouse.
Part of the Fernbank Museum, Fernbank Forest is included in the admission fee. This location combined with the Wildwoods attraction of the museum equals 65 acres of outdoor fun to explore.
Enjoy this 28-acre nature preserve with a variety of different ecosystems. Have the kids bring binoculars and go on a scavenger hunt. The preserve has geocaching activities too! There is no fee to visit, although donations are always welcome.
This is a 154-acre nature preserve on the campus of Emory University. There are miles of walking trails where all sorts of animals can be observed in their natural habitat. A lake and suspension bridge provide plenty of photo opportunities for your family. Bring a tripod and get those holiday card photos checked off your to-do list!
This is a beautiful garden with a recently completed expansion. The gardens are free to visit, and they offer lots of special events. In October, visit the gardens to find the fairy houses hidden along the path.
This community park has a nice playground with nearby restrooms. There is a family-friendly trail that leads to a historic mill ruin. If your family plays Pokemon Go, this park has plenty to keep trainers busy.
Date Day-Trip to Decatur
If you are looking for a fun day-trip excursion with your main squeeze, there are a ton of grown-up places to enjoy in Decatur.
SOS Tiki Bar
Decatur Square
Decatur Square is the centerpiece of downtown Decatur and a venue for local music performances. It’s also a Marta Station, if you decide to hop a train into the heart of Atlanta for an adventure.
This restaurant is great for a romantic meal. I’ve been several times, and it’s by far my favorite restaurant in the Square. Be sure to try the B.W.D.! They are bacon-wrapped medijol dates, and they are so good! Everything is good, but these we order first every time we go.
This place is famous with locals for the Whiskey & Cola slushies they serve. Pair it with a slider-sized sandwich and the peanut ramen noodles for a nice afternoon snack.
The SOS Tiki Bar
Located behind the Victory Sandwich Bar, this little tiki bar has some really yummy drinks and a cozy atmosphere.
The south has seen it’s fair share of atrocities. This makes
it a hot bed for (alleged) supernatural activity. Whether you are a believer of
the paranormal or not, this tour led by a psychic medium comes highly
recommended.
Date Weekend in Decatur
You can do a self-led brewery walking tour in Decatur. But save this for a weekend away from the kids because an Uber home from Decatur to the Upstate would not be a wise fiscal idea.
From yoga to sports-game viewing, this brewery offers weekly events you can find on their social media account. This brewery is family-friendly during tasting room hours.
Tours of this brewery are offered several times a day Fridays through Sundays, and do not require a reservation. The brewery is family-friendly and on weekends has food available via food trucks to go along with your craft beer.
At 5,506 feet above sea level, Beech Mountain, North Carolina is a truly unique village that sits, quite literally, high above any other town in Eastern America. They enjoy snow in the winter, mild springs, cool summers, and stunning fall color shows. This gorgeous town is about a 2.5-hour drive from Upstate, South Carolina.
Thank you to Beech Mountain for inviting us to experience this beautiful town and for arranging accommodations and activities!
Looking for more adventures in North Carolina? Kidding Around has tons of recommendations for fun in North Carolina!
If you’ve read about Beech Mountain, NC here at Kidding Around before, it was likely because of their amazing Autumn at Oz festival in September. We are huge fans of the Land of Oz and absolutely loved getting to visit that magical world of the Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City. But Beech Mountain is just as cool during other seasons.
We had the chance to spend a gorgeous summer weekend at Beech Mountain and found that this special place really has everything a family could need for a respite from the heat. The mountaintop village is quite magical, quaint, and just beautiful.
The mini-golf course at Famous Pizza
About Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States, which easily puts it on the map of being pretty cool. Literally. Temperatures hardly get over 72 degrees all year in this gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain town. They were a little higher on some parts of the mountain when we were there and one of the restaurant owners told us he felt like it was a heat wave at 78 degrees. Meanwhile, it was in the high 90s in Greenville. But, I digress. Beech Mountain is perhaps best known for its winter activities like skiing and snowboarding at the Beech Mountain Ski Resort, a free sledding hill, as well as the location of the Land of Oz.
But there’s a lot more to this beautiful mountaintop village. It has incredible mountain biking trails that bikers use the ski lift to get up to. There are miles of hiking trails on the mountain with views of the peaks of Grandfather Mountain and into Tennessee. There is kayaking and fishing and lots of family-friendly activities.
Everyone knows each other and it has a very small town, welcoming feel. I cannot say enough good things about every single person we met there. They were so kind and helpful and just a happy group of individuals.
Where To Stay in Beech Mountain
We stayed at the Pinnacle Inn Resort, a collection of condos and rentals right in the middle of the action at Beech Mountain, provided by Beech Mountain Chalet Rentals. We could walk to three restaurants, the general store, playgrounds, the Visitor Center, and the Mountaineer Adventure Tower. It was the perfect location.
Our rental had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large deck, dining area, full kitchen, and living room. This place is a great option for those who want to cook a few meals while on vacation (pro tip: make meals at home, freeze them, and bring them with you to heat up) to save a little money.
Pinnacle Inn Resort indoor pool
I think our favorite part about staying at the Pinnacle Inn Resort was the indoor pool, small arcade, hot tub, and ahhhh, the steam and sauna rooms. I haven’t been in a steam or sauna room in many, many years and I just love them so I really enjoyed that aspect of the resort. The indoor pool was a big hit with my kids as well and something fun to do to wind down at the end of the day after lots of adventures.
We so enjoyed all of our meals on Beech Mountain. For such a small town, the dining options were impressive.
Fred’s Backside Deli
Once again, Beech Mountain hospitality made me so happy to be visiting when we went to Fred’s Backside Deli for breakfast. They were so nice. What’s in the water up there? I had to wonder.
This place is a gem of Beech Mountain. It has multiple purposes: a hole-in-the-wall restaurant downstairs, a general store on the first and second floors. I was wondering if there was anything this cool spot doesn’t do or have. Their tagline is actually, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Nailed it.
Fred’s General Mercantile
For breakfast, we got the breakfast buffet. I was particularly smitten with their biscuits and gravy because even though I’m from New Jersey, I’ve become a full-fledged Southern girl in my food choices and could not be more excited to try all the biscuits I can get my hands on. These were delicious. Fred’s also has breakfast sandwiches and bagels. You can even order to-go breakfasts if you want to get a head start on your adventures.
Be sure to browse the store when you’re there. They have so many great apparel options plus hiking shoes, hats, puzzles, fishing gear, kitchen gadgets, coffee, wine, cheese, fruits. Their sale section is up the stairs.
If you want to eat and have some fun before or after, head to Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria. Every employee here was so, so nice and happy and just lovely. We absolutely loved our time here because you can eat and play!
Their menu includes pizza, wings, salads, sandwiches, pasta, the largest beer selection on the mountain, a full bar, a bakery, and an ice cream counter. We enjoyed a delicious cheese pizza split with a four cheese pizza, a Greek salad, and amazing hand cut fries. Fries are my weakness and oh my gosh, these were delicious.
Cheese pizza at Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria
But before we even sat down, my daughters tried out the bounce house and inflatable basketball that was part of their free Friday night entertainment series. I also tried to teach them to sing along to “Rocky Top” with the live band but I think they may have cringed at my attempt to be cool. But whatever, it was awesome.
We also played a round of mini-golf on their Oz-themed course with a few gnomes and Bigfoot thrown in. The whole course is a big yellow brick road with various, random obstacles that usually involve animals of some kind. It’s a lot of fun and my kids really enjoyed it.
Afterwards, we ate dinner and then tried our luck at the arcade. We shot lots of basketballs and my daughters raced motorcycles. They had enough tickets to choose a small toy from the futuristic prize machine, which I think is their favorite part of any arcade.
I was amazed at just how many things this place had to do. We stayed a couple hours at least and had such a blast. When you go to Beech Mountain, be sure to check their schedule for special events, which they host several times during the year!
I knew 5506′ Skybar had to be good because the only way to get there is by the chair lift at Beech Mountain Resort. I was absolutely not disappointed!
The views at Skybar are worth it alone, but the food was also really good. My daughters had burgers and I had a chicken wrap. It came with fruit or chips, and we each enjoyed a Shirley Temple while taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’re so high at 5,506’ that you really feel like you can touch the clouds.
Skybar at Beech Mountain
You can also order drinks while you’re up there, which would be a beautiful way to end the day. They offer sunset dining and Mile High Yoga, so check the website for special events when you head up to Beech Mountain.
If you like BBQ, you’ll probably smell Holy Smokes BBQ before you actually see it because the wafting aroma for smoking meat permeates the Beech Mountain Parkway around the restaurant. It’s located at the White Wolf Lodge, and like most places on the mountain, it serves multiple purposes!
There is the BBQ restaurant of course, plus a gift shop with Beech Mountain apparel, Oz trinkets, shirts, and key chains, and a fudge shop. Upstairs rooms are rented out as part of the lodge at the same building.
My favorite part about Holy Smokes BBQ were all the different sauces. It’s a fun experiment to try all of them and see which ones are the best. It makes eating a game. A tasty game. The restaurant has your typical BBQ dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and brisket plus a kids menu and sides like mac & cheese, mashed potatoes (these were delicious), and cole slaw. We got to try a bite of the homemade chocolate fudge and it was heavenly.
I was sad to leave Beech Mountain when it was time to go home, but at least we got to end with a bang at the Slope View Cafe for breakfast. This is a small establishment that is currently only open Friday-Sunday from 8 am – 11 am but that serves up awesome pancakes and omelets. The manager, once again, was as kind as could be, and made us feel right at home – except I didn’t have to cook!
We had bacon, pancakes with blueberries, and an amazing veggie omelet. Everything was really good and it was close to our rental, so we basically just rolled out of bed and drove the two minutes down the road to eat.
When you go in, the restaurant will be at the Alpen Restaurant. The signage is a little confusing, but you’re at the right spot.
Regardless of the season, there’s plenty to do in the Beech Mountain area. While the colder months are the most popular because of the ski resort, there are plenty of things to do in warmer months. You could have two different vacations in the same location, depending on the time of year.
Beech Mountain Resort
To get amazing views of the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys, take the chair lift up to the top of Beech Mountain Resort. The views are unreal, especially on clear days. The round-trip chair ride ($20/person) is smooth and takes about 15 minutes to get to the top. We liked watching the mountain bikers tackle the trails below us and people making their best attempts at disc golf.
Awesome views
At the top, you can grab lunch or drinks at the Skybar. They also offer sunset dinners, which we didn’t do, but which I imagine must be unreal. We saw a sunset from our resort and it was gorgeous. I bet the views from the Skybar for sunset would be stunning. The only way to get to the Skybar in the summer is by chair lift. During the winter, you’ll need a ski pass to get there, and you’ll have to ski or snowboard down. I’m not a good skier so going in the summer and taking the chair lift up and down was right up my alley.
We really enjoyed the deck at the Skybar with its high chairs and delicious food. The menu is limited but it’s really good. My daughters had burgers and I had the chicken wrap with some kind of cilantro sauce that was excellent.
The Buckeye Recreation Center offers a great selection of activities for families. Beech Mountain is a great destination for larger families looking for something more affordable. This is one of the reasons why.
One of the rope playgrounds at the Buckeye Rec Center
The Buckeye Recreation Centers offers two free ropes playgrounds, free kayak rentals, free canoe rentals, free hiking trails, and free fishing. Buckeye Lake is a small lake, but you can’t really get better than free boat rentals there. It’s perfect for families to paddle around. You can also fish and rent fishing gear for free (bait not included).
If the weather is bad or you just want a break from outdoor stuff, you can buy a day pass ($10) and play inside. There’s a huge basketball court, weight room, kids playroom, and pickleball courts indoors. The lobby has lots of puzzles, games, and books if you need some family entertainment. My daughters enjoyed playing Twister! There are also pickleball and tennis courts outdoors for use. And there are several hiking trails at the Rec Center, including one with a waterfall.
If you are a fan of bird watching, the Buckeye Recreation area is home to almost 130 species of migratory birds. The space features an official North Carolina Birding Trail.
There are about eight miles of hiking and biking trails at Emerald Outback and several overlook points. The map is honestly quite fun with all of the Wizard of Oz-themed trails with names like Ruby Slippers, Oz Forest, and Wizards Way. They all have different colors as well ,and the trail system is well-marked. However, I highly recommend using a good hiking app on your phone because we had some issues going in the right direction on some of the trails.
We didn’t hike the full length of every trail at Emerald Outback, but we did step foot on every trail there. None were too difficult or steep, and the overlooks were gorgeous. We tracked almost 3.5 miles in a couple hours. Definitely bring water and snacks. Maps are available at the Visitors Center for free, and all the hiking trails are also free of charge.
May is “Hike On Month” which means the town offers free guided hikes and goodies at the Visitor’s Center. Be sure to stop by when you get to town to take advantage of it!
One of the overlooks at the Emerald Outback
Here is a breakdown of other trails on Beech Mountain:
Upper Pond Creek Trail is a one-mile trail near Lake Coffey that offers a different experience every season, with snow in the winter, foliage in the fall, and wildflower blooms in spring and summer. Stations throughout the trail offer quick facts about the different flora and fauna along the trail.
Lower Pond Creek Trail is just over half a mile and is a step up in difficulty from Upper Pond Creek trail but is not too challenging for an experienced hiker. On this trail ,old hemlock trees surround cascading streams and small waterfalls. Seating areas and a large observation deck make it a great spot for picnickers.
Wild Iris Trail stretches for 2.2 miles along old roadbeds and through lush forests. This is a great trail to look for wildflowers and, in the summer months, fresh blackberries!
Falls Trail is a popular adventure for those who can’t get enough waterfalls. One mile in length, Falls Trail is a moderate hike that takes you around the Buckeye Recreation Center’s full property. As you descend from the trail’s start, you’ll slowly come to Buckeye Creek Falls, a beautiful, 20-foot cascade that’s part of Buckeye Creek. From this trail, you can access the Buckeye Lake Loop. The Grassy Gap Creek trail is also nearby.
Other great trails to explore on Beech include the Sassafras Trail, Red Fox/Arrowhead Trail, Smoketree Trail, Overlook Trail, Westerly Hills Hiking, and the Mountain Biking Area.
For more information and a free trail map, you can stop by the Beech Mountain Visitors Center at 403A Beech Mountain Parkway.
I had seen this cool three-story climbing tower on my trips to Beech Mountain before but had never done it with my kids until this trip. It’s even more fun than it looks!
Mountaineer Adventure Tower
The Adventure Tower is three stories of rope obstacle courses and climbing structures. The topmost level has giant beach balls and Eno hammocks. The second level has rope obstacles and rope swings along with a 25-foot high slide. The first level has lots of bouncy dodge balls, and the ground level has several lawn games and oh-so-relaxing nest swings. It was so relaxing to swing on them in the mountain breeze.
To get to each level, you’ll have to climb up rope tunnels. The Adventure Tower is for all ages. Check their Facebook page for current operating hours and prices.
If fishing is something your family enjoys, Beech Mountain offers a great deal on fishing licenses. You can fish from two different lakes included in the High Country Mountain Heritage Trout Water Trail.
We saw someone pull in quite a few big catches when we were canoeing on Buckeye Lake. It looked like a lot of fun! Anyone can purchase a 3-day pass to fish along with the included bodies of water.
Canoeing at Buckeye Lake
Blackberry Jam Summer Festival
The summer season just got sweeter at Beech Mountain with the new Blackberry Jam, a vibrant summer celebration that combines the town’s lively music scene, cool mountain temperatures, abundant outdoor adventure, and the sweet tradition of blackberry picking. With live performances, blackberry-themed treats from local restaurants, and monthly farmers’ markets, Blackberry Jam offers a fresh take on summer fun.
Summer concerts include:
Beech Mountain Resort Summer Music Series – Featuring nationally acclaimed headliners such as Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell, Lake Street Dive, Charley Crockett, 49 Winchester and many more.
Additional Weekend Music Across Town:
Fridays – Free live music at Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria
Saturdays – Scenic lift rides at Beech Mountain Resort to enjoy live music at 5506’ Skybar
Sundays – Free sunset concerts at Fred’s General Mercantile Gazebo and Concerts on the Lawn at Top of the Beech Inn
Blackberry specials at these local restaurants are available through July and August:
Beech Alpen Inn – Rotating blackberry dessert specials
First Chair Coffee Shop – Blackberry drink special
Additionally, Beech Mountain’s monthly farmers market offer the perfect chance to savor the flavors of blackberry season. From June through October, on the first Friday of each month, the market pops up in town feature fresh, locally grown produce, blackberry-infused goodies, artisan goods, and more.
Land of Oz [CLOSED FOR THE 2025 SEASON]
The Land of Oz is only open for three weekends in September and features performances by characters in the Wizard of Oz movie, an actual yellow brick road, lots of photo ops, and a truly magical adventure. Tickets go on sale in June and will sell out. Read our full review of the Land of Oz for everything you need to know.
Land of Oz | 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC
Things to Do Near Beech Mountain, NC
Beech Mountain is surrounded by beauty and fun activities in every direction. There’s hiking, historical places to visit, festivals, nature centers, and even an alpine mountain coaster.
Hiking
I can’t get enough of the great outdoors, and Beech Mountain is the perfect base camp for exploring beautiful trails. Some of the best ones nearby are Rough Ridge, Linville Falls, Flat Top Fire Tower, Elk River Falls, Roan Mountain, Otter Falls, and Grandfather Mountain. The AllTrails app can show you even more.
Rough Ridge
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is one of the coolest parks I’ve ever been to in North Carolina and home to the real life Chutes & Ladders trail. My kids are experienced hikers, and we’ve done this trail twice. Both times I’ve questioned my life decisions, but wow, it’s worth it if you are experienced and take proper trail precautions. If you don’t like hanging off the sides of mountains, Grandfather Mountain also has a fantastic nature center, Ranger talks, special events, and the Mile High Bridge. You can also see the curve where Forrest Gump ran in the movie. Read our review on Grandfather Mountain to learn how to experience this cool place.
Moses Cone Manor
An old, stately manor sits on this property that has miles of trails and beautiful places to rest and enjoy the views. We really enjoyed our hike to Flat Top Firetower. It’s a moderate 5-mile trail and you can climb the fire tower, although it has open sides at the top so hang onto little kids.
6570 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC
Original Mast General Store
The very first Mast General Store, built in 1883, is located in nearby Valle Crucis. It’s so neat to see and still has a working post office on site. The Mast General Annex is 2/10 of a mile down the road and they have tons of the signature candy barrels.
3565 Hwy 194 S, Sugar Grove, NC
Linville Caverns
For a unique perspective inside of a mountain, Linville Caverns is the place to go. It’s a really cool tour half a mile inside of a mountain. And it’s always a comfortable temperature year round. Read our Linville Caverns review to learn more.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
The Wilderness Run Alpine Mountain Coaster is the first of its kind in Western North Carolina. The track is over 3,000 feet long, and the coaster reaches speeds up to 27 miles per hour. Riders are in full control.
You can buy a single ride ticket or get a three-pack. We did the latter after reading reviews, and it was such a mountain high to do this coaster. My youngest daughter, 9, and I rode together and she kept yelling at me to go faster. I thought we were going to fly off the tracks, but it’s very safe and we didn’t fly anywhere. Mission accomplished.
Wilderness Alpine Coaster
You have to make a reservation online as the place is very popular and often crowded. You may be able to get a walk-on ticket during the slower season, but if you really want to go, make an online reservation. They also have a ropes course there but we didn’t do that.
Adult (ages 14+) single rides are $16, and a three-ride bundle is $35. Youth (ages 7-13) single rides are $13, and a three-ride bundle is $29. Child (ages 3-6) single ride tickets are $5, and three-ride bundles are $12. The rides are fast. It took us about three to four minutes to complete the whole track. The alpine coaster is open daily.
3265 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC
Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival
This is a really neat festival that showcases Plein Air art – art made outdoors – and where you can hike local trails and stroll through town and see lots of artists creating beautiful paintings outdoors. The festival culminates with an art show and sale on the last of the festival at the Blowing Rock Museum.
Ready to Visit Beech Mountain?
We enjoyed our time at Beech Mountain immensely and really cannot wait to go back. It’s very peaceful, beautiful, and welcoming – the perfect family trip! There is plenty to do, but if you just want to rest and relax, there are also lots of opportunities to recharge.
For more information about Beech Mountain, see their website. They have more detailed information on specific events, markets, and dining that we were not able to visit.
We truly hope you enjoy your visit to Beech Mountain, North Carolina!
Are you looking to explore towns in Western North Carolina? From the foothills and the Smoky Mountains to the High Country, WNC is packed with family-friendly things to do. Whether you are looking for hiking recommendations, unique towns in Western North Carolina to spend the day, or waterfalls to awe over, WNC has something for everyone. Our list of places to explore, seasonal happenings, and educational adventures will help your family plan the perfect day trip, or a weekend getaway, to Western North Carolina.
Located just north of the SC state line, Hendersonville has an abundance of things to do. Home to dozens of orchards, snow tubing adventures, and even a fairy garden, this WNC town is worth the day trip! Find everything you need to have a wonderful trip in our guide to Things to Do in Hendersonville!
The little town of Flat Rock is right next to Hendersonville. We highly recommend taking a day trip to Flat Rock, NC.
If you’re interested in basking in nature while breaking out the binoculars to search for Blue Ghost fireflies or observe white squirrels, then Brevard North Carolina is the place to go. Check out our handy guide to spending a beautiful Day in Brevard, NC, with recommendations for dining, shopping, and more! There are excellent hiking trails, mountain biking close by, and there are even places to go fly fishing.
Head to Buffalo Creek to stay in a decommissioned caboose on a buffalo ranch! They also have an amazing model train museum, playground, luxury cabins, and lots of animals. Definitely an awesome family trip.
Caboose rentals
Bryson City, NC
Home to the Smoky Mountain Railroad, this historic town offers train rides and a rich history to explore while dining, shopping, or hanging out in a yurt! Bryson City, NC even has one of the most memorable winter events a child could ask for, the Polar Express! You will find hiking nearby in the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest in addition to several pieces of the Appalachian Trail winding in out and out of the area north of here.
In tune with the natural world, Cherokee is rich in Native American history and culture that can be experienced firsthand. Situated just west of Maggie Valley, the natural beauty carved by the Oconaluftee River makes Cherokee a top WNC destination. Plan a Day (or More) in Cherokeewith this handy article, including places to eat, stay, and visit as you immerse yourself in the Cherokee and Oconalufee culture.
Full of natural splendor, the Cashiers area of Western North Carolina offers breathtaking views, hiking, swimming, and waterfalls. It is the Land of the Waterfalls for a reason! We have everything you need to know to have an epic adventure in our Ultimate Guide to Sapphire Valley and Cashiers, North Carolina. You can also drive a short 20 minutes to Highlands, NC, where we have gathered ideas for downtown things to do, places to eat, and even places to stay.
Asheville is one of the most popular destinations in Western North Carolina, and for good reason! A day trip can instantly turn into a weekend getaway due to the vast amount of fun activities to explore. Asheville is both family-friendly and romantic, just in case you are looking for a weekend away from the kids. Plus, there are stunning mountain views just north of the city at Black Mountain or on the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby. Our Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville has everything from holiday festivities to day trips and date night ideas!
This mountainous region located just north of Asheville is home to Grandfather Mountain and towns such as Boone, Beech, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. The region offers otherwordly landscapes, mountainous adventures, and more. If you are an adventurous spirit, the High Country is the perfect place for you!
Have you visited Hand On! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville, NC? It’s the perfect place for kids to play and learn with parents and grandparents. The small footprint of Hands On is great for a kid-sized adventure without being too overwhelming. You’ll find Hands On! along Downtown Hendersonville’s beautiful Main Street, beside Black Bear Coffee.
Hands On! Children’s Museum
Hands On! Children’s Museum has a target audience of children aged ten and under. The museum is all located on one floor which is great for parents keeping track of multiple kids.
The smaller front section contains a fire truck play area, a dinosaur dig exhibit, an art area, and a Kilwin’s Ice Cream-themed pretend play area.
Behind that, you’ll find the larger open play space where kids can pretend to shop at the grocery store, cook a meal, and pick apples. There’s also a pretend play doctor’s office with a baby care station, a dentist’s office, an engineering area, and a theater.
The middle of this Hendersonville children’s museum features a beautiful mountain play area with a fun stairway that leads to a slide in the rocks. The bubbling sounds of both a natural-looking waterfall feature and a fun water play area add to the natural mountain scene and fill the whole museum with the calming sounds of running water.
Babies and Toddlers at Hands On! WNC
There is a small area set aside just for babies and toddlers at Hands On! In this area you’ll find soft mats, a low table and chairs, many sensory toys suitable for toddlers and babies, plus blocks and puzzles.
Rocking chairs in this area overlook the mountain in the center of the museum.
Admission and Hours at Hands On! Hendersonville, NC
Your $12 admission allows you to enter and leave the museum for a full day. Every person pays admission – even adults. Infants are $4. Hands On! is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 am – 5 pm. (Closed Sundays and Mondays, except for special holidays and seasonal breaks.)
Memberships are available and if you think you would make the trip to Hendersonville more than a few times a year, a membership could be the perfect option for your family. (Remind grandparents that museum memberships make great birthday and Christmas gifts!)
Classes, Parties, and More
Hands On! offers regular classes that are often free with your admission. Classes range in topics from science to reading to crafting. Summer is filled with weekly class options – and the convenient part for parents is that one child can attend a class while the other children play. Throughout the year there are weekly classes – such as storytime and science classes, plus other weekly options. Be sure to check their Hands On website or Facebook page for all the details.
Hands On! also offers an easy and enjoyable option for birthday parties. They provide a party room for the cake and gifts and then, of course, the museum is all the entertainment you will need for your birthday guests.
More to Do in Hendersonville, NC
Downtown Hendersonville has so many fun things to do. Hop out of the museum for lunch at one of the family-friendly Main Street restaurants. Options like pizza and sandwiches and an iconic soda fountain shop across the street can make Hendersonville a great day trip destination. Right next door to the museum is Black Bear Coffee Shop with great coffee beverages, treats, sandwiches and a lot more. And, McFarlan’s Bakery is right across the street. Pick up some donuts, cookies, pastries, or even a whole pie to bring home!
Gather a few of your girlfriends and strap the kids in their booster seats. A day at Hands On! will be a day the kids will really remember and love
The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC has so much to explore! See animals, build, learn about physics, space, gardens and more! We checked it out and have all the information you need to enjoy a fun day trip from Greenville, SC, or Charlotte, NC, or anywhere in between!
Ever since I got my Roper Mountain Science Center membership, I’ve started planning day trips and homeschool field trips based on where my family can get in for free or half-price using the reciprocal membership benefits. The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC was on the list, so that’s where we went.
The Catawba Science Center is a huge, 35,000 square feet science center with two buildings. One houses the marine and space science exhibits. The other houses the majority of the energy, geology, anatomy, and physical science exhibits, as well as the traveling exhibit.
They have a planetarium also (we didn’t go to a show there when we visited), plus homeschool classes, summer camps, field trips, science programs, scout camps, and even a technology club. My kids are 11 and 7 and we saw kids of all ages enjoying the exhibits.
Exhibits at the Catawba Science Center
Hands-On Construction
Behind the front desk is a huge, open room that has all sorts of hands-on exhibits. When we went, they had building blocks and pool noodles where kids (and, ahem, adults) could let their imaginations run wild and build whatever they wanted. In the same room were a couple of tables where kids (and, ahem, adults) could construct little purses, rings, and whatever else they wanted out of duct tape.
Next to the duct tape were more tables that held small little wheels, blocks, and connector hickory sticks (they have these same things at the Roper Mountain Science Center) where guests can build small cars, buildings, or invent their own construction projects.
Gross Labs
Moving on from the construction room and down the opposite hall is a fun exhibit called the Gross Labs. Kids of all ages will get a kick out of these exhibits that use kid-friendly language to demonstrate the actual work of scientists.
For example, the “Poop Analyzer” exhibit actually demonstrates what a gastroenterologist would do for his or her work. There’s also a Snot Surveyor, which demonstrates the job of an allergist. I don’t remember what the Fart Scientist does but it was an interesting display.
Energy Avenue
This was a favorite exhibit since it offered the chance to launch rockets indoors. They also had a pulley chair system where kids sat in a chair and used ropes to pull themselves up (The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville also has this particular exhibit). There are also all kinds of hands-on energy exhibits in this hall for kids to learn about conduction and static electricity.
Velo-City
This is a room dedicated to physics but in a kid-friendly way. Kids can race balls down a track, build superhighways on the wall, and see how fast the balls can go down them.
This room is hands-on and includes activities demonstrating force, friction, and kinetic and potential energy.
Naturalist Center
This exhibit has an extensive collection of fossils, arachnids, shells, and animal hides. They even have a huge python skin to touch and feel.
Dozens of rocks, gems, and minerals are in the same exhibit. This was super cool since my kids and I are currently studying Geology so it was neat to see all the neat gems and minerals pictured in our books.
Little Kids Treehouse
My kids were too old for this exhibit, but it looked so fun! They have an area for kids under 5 years old to play in a little treehouse, climb through tunnels, and explore the garden and hide-and-seek panels.
Marine Science and Aquarium at the Land to Sea exhibits
Next to the main building is the marine lab and astronomy center. The Land to Sea galleries are gorgeous and definitely worth stopping by.
The land area of the exhibit has a herpetology lab with lots of different lizards, as well as several beautiful tortoise habitats, an alligator, and an iguana.
The aquarium has both fresh and saltwater fish plus an 8,000-gallon shark and stingray exhibit with a touch tank. We got to see staff feed shrimp to the sharks and rays, and the helpful staff member shared some interesting facts and answered guests’ questions.
You’ll also see a gorgeous turtle habitat and a freshwater ray. These rooms were beautiful, peaceful, and staffed with a museum employee who had lots of information to share.
We spent a lot of time in the Land to Sea gallery and I think it was one of our favorite spots!
The Planetarium and Outdoor Courtyard
These were the two things we didn’t do so I can’t say exactly what they were like. It was raining so we didn’t go to the outdoor courtyard play area, but it looked really fun and had a climbing wall!
The planetarium has a 30-foot dome and an admission ticket includes a show there.
Visiting the Catawba Science Center
The science center is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for ages 3 and up. Check their website for information about featured attractions.
We spent about two hours there but you could certainly stay longer if you went to a planetarium show or took your time going through all the exhibits.
Day Trip
The science center is about two hours from Greenville, an hour and a half from Charlotte, NC, an hour from the Biltmore, and an hour to Kings Mountain State Park. We went to the Schiele Museum of Natural History after visiting the science center. It was only about 40 minutes away and was a great add-on for the day trip.
