Did you know Emerald Village Mine has a cave where you can see minerals glow in the dark? If you’re looking for a bucket list adventure in Western North Carolina, the Black Light Tour at the Emerald Village mine near Little Switzerland, NC is it. Kidding Around’s Kristina took her kids for this unique experience and tells us about it.
As of 2024, Emerald Village Mine is CLOSED due to Hurricane Helene impact.
I thought Geology was a pretty boring subject until we studied it for a homeschool science unit. I was completely taken with the cool rocks, how the cycle of minerals, magma, and sedimentary rocks form. I loved learning about the chemical makeup of minerals. And when I took my kids to the Geology Museum at Clemson, the fluorescent black light room was a favorite. So when I heard that the Emerald Village Mine near Little Switzerland, North Carolina, was offering a very limited Black Light Mine Tour, I was in. I didn’t hesitate to get tickets when they went on sale back in the early spring and good thing, because they immediately sold out.
Lake Glenville in Jackson County, NC is truly a hidden gem, perfect for families especially who love the outdoors, and a peaceful retreat away from our busy lives. So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Lake Glenville, NC then we have tons of great ideas for you!
Thanks Jackson County, North Carolina for inviting us to spend a weekend at Lake Glenville.
The Cashiers area of Western North Carolina has held a special place in my heart since my family moved to South Carolina more than eight years ago because it was the first place we took a family vacation. And it was just amazing – we hiked, ate at delicious restaurants, went swimming in waterfalls, tried out paddle boarding, and had that relaxing family trip I had envisioned. Now, even years later and after many day trips to the area, I’m still in love with this piece of heaven and was delighted to explore a part of Jackson County that I had yet to check out: Lake Glenville.
My two daughters, ages 11 and 8, packed as much as we possibly could into the weekend and left reluctantly because we had such a great time together. I already have a list of things I want to do that we didn’t get to. But, for now, let me tell you about why Lake Glenville should be on your family’s list of places to go, especially if you’re searching for that hidden gem of a spot to relax and enjoy each other. And one of the best parts: we did our entire weekend trip on just one tank of gas.
If you need more ideas of places to go and things to do in the Cashiers area, see our big guide!
Looking for fun things to do in Charlotte, NC? Here’s a list of just a few of the fun things in the Charlotte area. Don’t forget to let us know your favorite things to do in the comments!
Here’s just some of the fun that awaits you in the Queen City! Be sure to check back as we add more first-hand accounts of adventures we have in the Charlotte area.
Are you looking for places to visit in Georgia with family that are exciting, fun, and full of adventure? Georgia offers everything from Bavarian towns to beaches where you will feel like you are alone on the planet (and everything in-between). We’ve gathered all our Georgia adventures in one convenient spot, to help you decide which destination is right for your family.
Georgia is split into three regions with distinct characteristics. The North Georgia MountainRegion offers hiking, camping, state parks, and mountain towns like Helen, Georgia. The Piedmont Region is home to Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs, perfect for a weekend trip because of the number of exciting things to do! Lastly, the Coastal Plains Region offers beautiful beaches and rivers to explore, including areas such as Augusta, Savannah, and Jekyll Island. We have gathered reviews of many of these places below!
Family Getaways in Georgia: North Georgia Mountains
Traveling to the North Georgia Mountains? The mountainous region of Northern Georgia offers some stellar hiking, river tubing, camping, waterfalls, and more!
We have lodging information, places to eat, stay, and visit!
If you are interested in exploring true Georgia culture, then Blairsville is the place to visit. With farms to explore, horseback riding, and resorts to relax at, there is something for everyone. Our guide to Blairsville, GA includes information on places like:
Our Guide to Helen Georgia will help you plan out the perfect day in one of the most unique towns in Georgia!
This Bavarian-style town has everything from river tubing, authentic German food, and Oktoberfest celebrations to amazing state parks and historical places to visit. Grab a few pamphlets from the visitors center and then go exploring. Our Guide to Helen, GA includes information on:
Check out Julep Farms to feed the farm animals, enjoy a delicious lunch, play some yard games, and lots more on stunning property!
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Check out our review of Tallulah Gorge State Park to find all the details on making this a perfect day trip.
If you are seeking an adventure in Georgia that will spark awe, then Tallulah Gorge State Park is a bucket list destination. Only a 90-minute drive from Greenville, this state park offers 20 miles of hiking, spectacular waterfalls, and more!
Escape to the islands of Lake Lanier for fun in the sun! You’ll find excellent lodging, a water park, water sports, and so much more! Fins Up Waterpark is new to the area, and it would make a great place to visit during a weekend getaway.
There are lots of places to visit in Georgia in family, but none compare to the immense amount of things to do in the Piedmont region. With Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens all within a short drive of each other, you can plan an entire weekend of fun and still not see all of the amazing things this area of Georgia has to offer.
Atlanta is an excellent option for family vacations! There is so much to do that it would take more than a day to see everything. Downtown Atlanta is fairly compact, so some of the places are only a short drive or are within walking distance of one another, and totally worth it! The experiences Atlanta offers are epic and memory-making!
Decatur is located in the heart of Atlanta. Nestled away amongst the sky towering buildings and bustle of the big city, you’ll find flourishing trees, a thriving art scene, and even a nature preserve! Discover over 23 to do in Decatur, GA in our guide, including:
Use our Guide to Alpharetta, GA to plan an excellent family getaway to this suburb of Atlanta.
A popular suburb of Atlanta, GA, Alpharetta has a lot to offer! It is just a 30 minute drive from Atlanta, so you can visit both in a day. Check out our Guide to Alpharetta, GA which includes reviews of the following:
This gem of an area has two Smithsonian-affiliated museums, both of which you need to visit during your trip! There is also a charming downtown, a super fun entertainment complex, a wakeboard and aqua park, a national historic site of an Indian Mound, and beautiful state parks. Check out our full review of Cartersville-Bartow, GA, and be sure to visit these sites:
Step back in time in Newnan’s old town square, peruse local small businesses, shop for clothes and unique handmade goods, visit Senoia, where “The Walking Dead” and many other films were shot, check out the cute Senoia Farmers Market, and hike at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. Read our full review of Newnan-Coweta, GA to start planning your family’s trip and be sure to see these places:
Callaway Resort and Gardens is one of Western Georgia’s true gems. The expansive grounds are filled with vibrant azaleas, scenic bike trails, a beautiful lake (complete with a summer aquapark), a massive butterfly conservatory, and a lovely Discovery Center, plus plenty more to explore. Staying at the on-site resort (lodges, villas, or cottages) can also be a great way to bundle your visit and save.
Explore 2,500 acres of gardens, forests, and trails
Visit the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center
Watch the Birds of Prey show
Huge lake with summer aquapark
Enjoy seasonal festivals, food & wine events, and holiday celebrations
Athens, GA
Our Guide to Athens, GA will help you plan a wonderful family trip to this gorgeous city.
Technically a satellite to Atlanta, Athens is absolutely worth the drive! Hometown to the University of Georgia, this family-friendly city-county has an expansive botanical garden, a beautiful nature park and hiking trail, delicious food, and a native wildlife zoo! Check out our review of Athens, Georgia, including:
If you are headed to Six Flags Over Georgia, check out our review, which includes information on:
Rides
Parking
Food
Cobb County is home to one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, Six Flags Over Georgia! You and your kids will ride roller coaster after roller coaster, while enjoying some of the park’s curated family-friendly activities.
LaGrange, GA
Beautiful for the holidays or any time of year, LaGrange, GA offers lots of family activities including a lovely Great Wolf Lodge!
Gwinnett County / Duluth
Gwinnett County, Georgia is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the Southeast, packed with authentic Korean BBQ, massive international markets, Asian bakeries, and one of the most stunning Hindu temples in the United States. We created a guide that walks you through a full weekend itinerary – where to eat, what to explore, and everything you need to know before you go – all just two hours from Greenville.
Places to Visit in Georgia With Family: The Coastal Region!
The Coastal Plains of Georgia are a site to see. The natural wildlife, river systems, sandy beaches with unique features, and rich history of the coast offer something for everyone.
The Savannah River Area is located in the northern part of the Coastal Plains bordering South Carolina, so it is rather inland from the coast. However, this area is rich in culture and history so it is definitely worth the 2-hour drive.
Savannah, GA
One of the most unique places in Georgia is Savannah. With a fantastic history, gorgeous scenery, and even a few haunted places (or a dozen) to visit, the city is a wonderful option for a family vacation to Georgia. The Savannah Historic District is even considered one of the most haunted places in the United States, so lovers of the paranormal will love it there.
Though we do not have any current reviews of Savannah, Georiga, we hope to in the future! Until then, check out Visit Savannah to help you plan out a fun trip!
Jekyll Island
If you are looking for an otherworldly experience on the coast, then Jekyll Island is the place. Check out our review of Jekyll Island, which is loaded with things to do and helpful advice on where to stay and places to eat.
The Lake Jocassee Gorges have been featured as National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime” and it’s only an hour from Greenville, SC. Devil’s Fork State Park and its Lake Jocassee are an easy and beautiful spot to explore this local wonder.
For more destinations within a couple hours of Greenville, see our popular day trip page.
I love the outdoors and grew up hiking, biking, camping, and doing all kinds of great activities outside. Hoping to instill that same love in my young children and searching around for outdoorsy things to do, I’m continually amazed at the Upstate and all that it offers for not only outdoor enthusiasts, but for those same outdoor lovers who have kids.
Lake Jocassee has been on my South Carolina bucket list since I heard of it last year. I then saw that the Lake Jocassee Gorges were featured as one of National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime.” Um – I live really close to this destination of a lifetime. I needed to go, like now.
About Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee was created in 1973 through a partnership with the state and Duke Power. The dam at the Jocassee Gorges is 385 feet high and 1,750 feet long. The lake itself fills 9,000 acres with water that reaches depths of over 385 feet deep. There are even companies that take scuba divers out on the lake!
Lake Jocassee is known for its crystal clear waters that are fed with cool Appalachian waters that fall from dozens of gorgeous waterfalls that are only accessible by boat. Areas of the lake are also part of the only temperate rain forest east of the Rockies. The shoreline is undeveloped, which makes you feel like you are deep in the wild.
The lake is incredible, breath-taking, and stunning. I had seen photos but really, they just don’t do it justice. Being there, breathing that mountain air, swimming in the water, listening to the silence of nature, and just being awed by the entire environment is a wonderful feeling.
What to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids: Kayaking
There’s plenty to do with kids at Lake Jocassee but the first time I ventured out to the lake, I chose to rent a tandem kayak and take my two kids out on a little boating adventure. A tandem kayak – specifically a sit on-top one like the one we had – normally fits two adults, each of whom are paddling. In my instance, I sat in the back seat, my nearly-three-year-old in the middle, and my six-year-old in the front seat. I did all the paddling (of course).
We rented the tandem for four hours, which included life vests for each of us plus a waterproof case for my phone and keys, an emergency whistle, and a map of the lake.
I really wanted to see at least one magical waterfall so we started out on our adventure. I also brought along a bag of snacks, water, and sunscreen, plus we all wore hats. Being out of the water can be brutally sunny and the last thing I wanted was for anyone to get sunburned (spoiler: I got some sunburn because apparently I failed to reapply the sunscreen when I should have).
It was really easy paddling in the kayak. I’ve kayaked before – not tandem with kids along though – but it is easy to learn if you have never done it. The water was so clear and we could see little fish and rocks. My girls loved the new experience.
Since the water level was low enough, we stopped a bunch of times in different coves, secluded beaches, and sandbars to jump into the water, take photos, and have snacks. I’ve since gone back to the lake several times and now have my own kayak so I can drop it in further up the shoreline from the rental place, which cuts down on the time to get to the waterfalls. I made it last time but it’s pretty far, especially in a kayak.
There is also a little island near one of the waterfalls to dock the kayak and swim around. That place was really fun.
For an awesome kid kayaking clinic, check out our review of doing one with Jocassee Wild Child.
If you have your own kayak or SUP
I’ve since gotten my own tandem kayak, pretty much for the purposes of kayaking at Lake Jocassee, and the best way to see the waterfalls is to drop the boat in the furthest parking lots at Devils Fork State Park. A handy map of the waterfalls is here. It’s a FAR paddle, about an hour to Wright’s Creek Falls. It’s worth it but be prepared, especially for the intense storms that pop up on the lake.
When you get into the park (go early, it gets crowded), make a left and pass the first parking lot on your right. Drive past the campgrounds and to the unmanned gate where you pay your entrance fee. Keep going down the curvy road until you come to a fork where there are two signs: “non-motorized boats/motorized boats” and “non-motorized boats only.” Go left to the non-motorized/motorized boats drive.
You’ll come to a parking lot and boat ramp where you can drop the boat in. Then head directly across the lake. Here is a map of the waterfall locations.
Devils Fork opened a new boat ramp in 2020 that is right past the campgrounds on the right. If you choose to drop in here, the paddle to the waterfalls will be even further. But you can just paddle around the area and still have a blast if you don’t want to go that far.
The lake is also an awesome place to go stand up paddleboarding. You can use your own off any boat ramp or rent them.
What to do at Lake Jocassee: The Beach
Really, there’s a beach. It’s surrounded by rocks that you need to climb down but it truly is a beach, albeit a small one. I wasn’t prepared with chairs and an umbrella so we used towels and rocks and it worked fine. I saw later that could have rented chairs, umbrellas and tubes from Eclectic Sun though, since they are set up right next to the beach. The lower the water level, the bigger the sandy beach. If the water level is high, you may only have rocks to sit on.
There are no lifeguards, just a yellow flotation line in the water, which is probably more for the boats than swimmers. The water felt great and we ended up having our lunch there on the beach.
There is also a small playground near the front of the parking lot near the Pavilion, plus picnic benches and grills.
Be sure to note that the lake is inside of Devil’s State Park, which means you have to pay the entrance fee, which is $8/adults, $4/ages 6-15, free for kids six and under. It is also free entry every Tuesday all year round. During the busy summer months and holiday weekends, you need to get to the park early (no later than 8:30 am) in order to park. Capacity is always reached during summer weekends early in the day.
If the lot fills up, you’ll have to wait to get in. Check the website and SC State Parks Facebook page or Devils Fork on Twitter since they will update it when the parking lot is full. You could choose to reserve a parking spot ($50, which includes admission for two guests and a paved parking spot).
What else to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids
Jocassee Wild Child
Take your kids on an awesome nature expedition around the lake with Jocassee Wild Child. The tour is around four hours and includes waterfalls, nature exploration, and really cool history lessons. Read our review here.
Boat Tours
Since many of the waterfalls are only accessible by boat, enterprising companies offer boating tours. Jocassee Lake Tours was the one that I was leaning towards for this excursion. They have tours where they take you to the waterfalls and let you jump in the water and swim around before going to the next waterfall.
Fishing
I don’t know anything about fishing. I do know that we saw some fish in the lake and that, according to Google, there are tons of great fish in the lake just asking to be hooked. We saw some people in canoes fishing so if you want to teach your kid the right way to do things, this could be the lake to do it in.
There are also fishing tours available to choose from. Be sure to purchase your SC Fishing license before casting a line.
Vacation Rentals
Jocassee Outdoor Center features several different rental properties on their website for guests to browse through if they are looking for the right place to take their family for a vacation.
You can also look through the SC State Park website to find cabins and villas.
Camping
Camping at Lake Jocassee is awesome. Primitive tent sites line the lake and there is a short path to a private beach behind tent site #1. There is a bath house on site and bathrooms. You need to reserve sites far enough in advance, usually a year, especially the ones that are right next to the lake. You may get lucky if you keep an eye on the state park website or by calling the Ranger station. You can also camp at an island at the lake that is accessible by boat only. I totally want to do this!
You can hike an easy one-mile loop at Lake Jocassee named after the rare wildflower that blooms there in the spring: Oconee Bells Nature Trail. More info here on the trails at Devils Fork State Park. This is the only hiking trail inside Devils Fork. There are miles and miles of trails within 30-40 minutes of the park though like at Gorges State Park, Twin Falls, Kings Creek Falls, and other waterfalls on the Foothills Trail.
But don’t forget…
Sunscreen
More sunscreen
Bug spray
Hats
Towels
Water shoes or shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked
Water
Food/lunch/snacks – the food options at the park are very limited. If you can bring your own, do it.
Any personal tube or water toy you would want to relax with in the lake by the beach
Beach chair and umbrella
Sunglasses
Change of clothes and extra diapers
Places to rent boats, kayaks, canoes
*Make sure to call ahead and reserve your boat. Some days, especially the weekends and holidays, are crowded.
Eclectic Sun LLC This outfitter is located at the Pavilion right when you enter Devil’s Fork State Park. They will drop your kayak/canoe/paddleboard right in the water for you. They also have a small concession stand. This is what they have available to rent:
Single kayak
Tandem kayak
Stand up paddleboards
Canoes
Pontoon boats
Beach umbrella
Beach chair
Lake floats
238 Buckeye Drive, Salem, SC 864.944.1191
Jocassee Outdoor Center They aren’t directly on the lake but only a few minutes away and will drop your rental at various points in the lake. This is what they have available:
Pontoon boat rentals Four-hour Waterfall Tours by boat (call for pricing)
Jocassee Keowee Rentals Stephanie, the owner, is consider the Jocassee Lake Lady. She knows her stuff and is a wealth of useful information. She rents out canoes and pontoon boats.
864.704.0004
Jocassee Lake Tours This company offers boat tours, kayak tours, full moon rising tours, senior tours, and adventure tours. They also have a kids kayak camp and rent kayaks by the day.
Jocassee Dive Shop When the kids are big enough to SCUBA dive, this company will help make it happen. They offer charters to the lake and have lots of rentals available like masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, etc.
710 Dive Buddy Lane, Salem 864.944.9255
Jocassee Charters These people are ones the go to for an awesome fishing experience at Lake Jocassee.
Have you been to SouthTown Wake Park? Summer adventures are calling us, and new and exciting things become harder to find towards the end of the season. We made a discovery in Rock Hill, SC, that will have you hopping in the car and making the trip to York County! SouthTown Wake Park has something to keep everyone entertained, no matter how adventurous you are!
Visiting St. Augustine in Florida and looking for a really neat place to go that is both fun and educational? Let us introduce you to Castillo de San Marcos, a National Park right on the water with cannons and a pretty amazing history.
Anakeesta sits atop a mountain overlooking Gatlinburg and we sent contributor Kristina and her kids to explore the village and learn why people just love this magical place right outside the Great Smoky Mountains.
Media tickets were given for this review but opinions are solely those of the author.
Trying to explain what a Chondola is to my two children, ages 8 and 5, is kind of a challenge. But when Anakeesta’s Chondalas came into view on our way into Gatlinburg and I pointed them out, my kids were ecstatic.
They showed none of the trepidation I felt thinking about riding an open chair lift up the side of a very high mountain. In the end, with my fear swept aside and holding tight to my littles, we jumped on the Chondola and headed up the mountain to the magical village of Anakeesta.
What awaited us at the top was more than I could have imagined.
Chondalas at Anakeesta
Find a place to stay near Anakeesta. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Falling in Love with Anakeesta
The word Anakeesta comes
from the Cherokee word meaning “place of the balsams” or place of high ground.
That’s accurate when it comes to the location of Anakeesta. And weaving in the
Cherokee history is only the beginning of how Anakeesta integrates itself into
nature.
The mountain village promises
magic and wonder, adventure and entertainment. Being on top of a mountain can
be a peaceful feeling. Breathing in the mountain air, gazing at the peaks of
the Smokies and the lights of Gatlinburg far below can give one a feeling of
being on top of the world. And it does feel like that. But there is also a feeling
of awe and wonder, which Anakeesta harnesses to deliver a one-of-a-kind
experience for guests.
Anakeesta opened in
late 2017 and just a year later was named Tennessee’s Best Attraction of the
Year, which certainly says something about the vision of the park and how the
owners successfully executed their vision for a family-friendly and unique
destination in Gatlinburg.
How to Experience Anakeesta
It’s not difficult to spend the day at Anakeesta. We arrived around Noon and immediately grabbed lunch at Cliff Top Bar & Grill, which has open walls that look out over the mountains. They have a menu with traditional American food with a slight, yet utterly delicious, twist. I got the Brisket Philly Cheesesteak ($12) with sautéed onions and melted provolone that looked like a dream on a plate. My kids both got the Mac & Cheese ($6) off the children’s menus and because I was doing a review, I just had to try them. I can accurately say the dish was super cheesy and on point.
Views from the Cliff Top Bar & Grill at Anakeesta
After lunch, we checked
out Firefly Village and the cute shops that sell a variety of handmade crafts,
outdoor gear, and branded apparel. There is also an excellent ice cream shop
that sells Blue Bell Ice Cream and handmade and decorated cookies. Beyond the village
lies more views upon more views and an outdoor beer garden, where Yee Haw beers
are served. Other food is available from trucks as well like BBQ, pastries, and
popcorn. A little coffee truck is up at this area as well and it looked really
good because as parents, you can never truly have enough coffee.
The Vista Gardens are past the picnic tables and beer garden – where the outdoor movies are shown at night – and these are just stunning, in part because the owners used to be landscape architects. The paths weave around 3,000 flowers, 800 shrubs, and 400 trees and take guests up to even more stunning views of the Smokies. There are also a couple really neat sculptures, including a pretty heart-shaped vine that is perfect for your mountaintop photo.
Loving that view
Further into the garden
is the BearVenture course for kids that looks like a little ninja warrior course,
except safer. My kids loved this part and wanted to stay longer. But we had to
move onto the treehouse where they could climb over rope bridges and artfully
laid tree trunks and up to a little tower. This part is totally contained,
which is awesome for parents who want to sit down and relax while their kids
play.
The Treetop Skywalk entrance is just past the Vista Gardens. This skywalk is the longest in North America and consists of 16 skybridges and 14 viewing platforms. The bridges all swing and wobble so you have to be able to walk unassisted and no strollers are allowed. Bridges are suspended between 50 and 60 feet off the ground but you can look below and try to spot bears or other wildlife.
Treetop Skywalk
The Chondola rides to
get up and down the mountain are exceptionally cool experiences, even with
kids. They just need a stern talking-to beforehand, that they are to sit on
their bums the whole time and not move. Or was that just my parenting paranoia
coming through? Maybe. We saw a lot of other families on the Chondolas with
well-behaved children. If that’s too worrisome, you can sit in one of the
enclosed cabins and still have a neat experience. Or you can choose to take the
massive Ridge Rambler up and down the mountain instead. This huge military-like
vehicle that seats 45 is a new addition to Anakeesta.
NEW: Birdventure Playground
The new Birdventure playground at Anakeesta is the coolest playground we’ve been to in Tennessee!
There are slides and climbing structures and ropes to jump on. It’s modeled after bird houses but are human-sized. It is so much fun to explore and climb through, even as adults. The slides are really fast and there’s a huge rope net that you can literally jump on.
It’s included in your admission to Anakeesta.
Kids must be 44 inches tall and 3 years old to use the slides and closed toed shoes are required.
Here’s a short reel that shows you how cool it is.
Ziplining at Anakeesta
A magical mountain
village would not be complete without a heart-pumping zipline to get adrenaline
going. The zipline at Anakeesta sends riders zipping through the forest 150
feet in the air on dueling ziplines so you can zip alongside your friend or family
member.
There are three ziplines and the same number of platforms – but to get to two of the platforms, the zip liner must quite literally walk the plank, rappelling down 50 or 60 feet to the ground. Our guide told us to “just step off the ledge”. Meanwhile, all of us are thinking he doesn’t really mean that, right? It was fun once you got over the fear!
For the zipline, riders must be at least 7 years old and weigh 70 or more pounds. All children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Updated ticket prices are here. It’s a good idea to make a zipline reservation before arriving at Anakeesta.
Rail Runner Coaster
The Rail Runner is the only single rail mountain coaster in the United States, consisting of 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns. You can go as fast or as slow as you like since you control the speed. Never having done a mountain coaster before, I had no idea what to expect. It was a lot of fun! I rode together with my 5-year-old and she loved it, especially as I tested out how fast it could go. The Rail Runner can reach speeds of 30 mph.
Rail Runner at Anakeesa
My 8-year-old rode the coaster herself and she enjoyed
it as well once she figured out how to operate it using the lever. Riders have
to be at least 48” tall and cannot exceed 270 pounds. To ride tandem, riders
must be between the ages of 3 and 7 and a minimum of 38” tall.
Tickets for the Rail Runner start at $14.99. You can ride single and tandem. As with the zipline, if you like the Rail Runner, you can ride again for half price the same day.
Seasonal Events
During late September and all of October, Anakeesta hosts their fall festival, which includes beer and food, entertainment, and a beer-tasting card for an additional charge. Get tickets here.
During
the changing of the leaves, the mountain turns even more magical as guests not
only get a birds eye view of the Smoky Mountains but they can talk through the
bright colors in the Treetop Skywalk or zipline their way around the trees.
In the wintertime, Anakeesta turns into a winter wonderland for their Enchanted Christmas event that includes Santa visits, elves flitting about, and lots of Christmas lights. Their winter season runs from November 15th, 2024 to December 31st, 2024. You can find ticket info here.
Come spring and summer, the gardens are in full bloom and the splash pad is turned on.
Night vs. Day at Anakeesta
Since admission tickets to Anakeesta are good for the
whole day, guests are welcome to come and go as they please. We road the Rail
Runner, did the Treetop Skywalk, walked through the gardens and did BearVenture,
ziplined through the trees, and had lunch before we decided to head to the
hotel – right across the street by the way, the Greystone Lodge – to swim in the
pool and rest up before heading back to Anaskeeta to experience it at night.
Walking through Anakeesta at twilight and watching the
sunset over the mountains is incredible. The views are more amazing, if that’s
even possible. The vibe of Firefly Village is relaxing. People are just walking
around, eating ice cream or just chilling by the bonfire. Lots of people
gathered to watch the outdoor movie. My kids played Jenga and corn hole and
went back to the outdoor ropes and treehouse play area.
But the best part about nighttime at Anakeesta is the Treetop Skywalk. If you’ve ever seen the synchronous or Blue Ghost fireflies, you know it’s almost an ethereal experience. Well, Anakeesta knows that too and sought to mimic what the synchronous fireflies look like with lights underneath the Skywalk. So you are walking in near darkness on the swinging bridges, only lit up by hanging lights, and watching the fireflies below. It. Was. Awesome. My kids were in awe. I know it’s just a light show but it looked so real!
Treetop Skywalk at night
Watching the zipliners at night was neat too. I
definitely wanted to do that again! I can’t even imagine getting on a zipline
and pushing off without seeing far ahead of you, just zipping into the night.
That has to be a whole other kind of adventure.
The other amazing part about nighttime at Anakeesta is the Chondola ride in the dark. You can see Gatlinburg all lit up below and the night sky, stars twinkling above. It’s quiet and peaceful and relaxing. If I wasn’t so tired, I would have ridden the Chondola back up the mountain and down again because it was such a unique experience.
AnaVista Tower & TreeVenture
They have the popular 50-foot high AnaVista Tower and TreeVenture in the mountaintop gardens. You can see sweeping views of the Smokies and Gatlinburg from the top of the tower and both kids and adults can play in the treehouse-themed TreeVenture challenge course! Read more details about both of them here.
Anakeesta Restaurants
Anakeesta has several restaurants on-site. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, pizza, or a signature cocktail, they have something for everyone in your family. Here are the restaurants they offer:
Clifftop Restaurant-They offer American cuisine including steak, burgers, signature salads, appetizers, housemade desserts, and more! Read the menu for Clifftop Restaurant here.
Smokehouse Restaurant-This restaurant is a BBQ restaurant that offers a variety of smoked meats. Read the Smokehouse Restaurant menu here.
Kephart Cafe-They offer pizza, gourmet hot dogs, and local craft beer. Read the Kephart Cafe menu here.
Tap House-This is a bar. They only offer signature cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. Read the Tap House menu here.
Mimi’s Creamery-They offer hand-dipped ice cream cones, brownies, sundaes, and more. Read the Mimi’s Creamery menu here.
The Snack Shack-They offer funnel fries and bottled drinks. Read the Snack Shack menu here.
Tower Bar-They offer speciality cocktails and are the highest bar you can find in Gatlinburg. Read the Tower Bar menu here.
Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery-This bakery is new to Anakeesta (2024). They offer pastries and coffee beverages. Read the full Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery menu here.
Tennessee Sidecar-They offer walking tacos with toppings and iced cold beverages. Read the Tennessee Sidecar menu here.
Rocky Top Tacos-They offer Mexican cuisine and a special kids menu. Read the full Rocky Top Tacos menu here.
Admission
Admission is good for all-day access and unlimited Chondala or Ridge Rambler rides up and down the mountain. Also included in the admission ticket is the Treetop Skywalk, Treehouse Village Adventure, Overlook Event Area, Vista Gardens Walk, Memorial Forest Walk with interpretive signs, shopping and dining opportunities at Firefly Village, and the most stunning scenic views in all of Gatlinburg.
An adult ticket is $36.99 and children ages 4-11 are $24.99. Seniors (60+) are $29.99. Kids three and under are free.
If you purchase your ticket after 6 pm, you can come back the following day. So do the whole nighttime adventure with your family and then go back the next day for lots of adventures.
Anakeesta also offers seasonal passes, which are good for an entire year from the date of purchase. This is a great option for families if they know they are coming to Gatlinburg at least twice a year and want to make Anakeesta a part of their visit.
Season passes are $69.99 for adults and $57.99 for kids.
Pets are not allowed at Anakeesta but ADA service dogs
accompanying people with disabilities are permitted.
Anakeesta is handicap accessible and does allow strollers. They can easily fit in the Ridge Rambler or the enclosed Chondola cabin.
BearVenture at Anakeesta
The next time you’re in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta should
certainly be on your list of places to go and things to do. There is just so
much for everyone to experience and enjoy that you probably won’t want to leave.
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