Things to do this Spring in Gatlinburg

Things to do this Spring in Gatlinburg

One of my favorite thing about living in East Tennessee is the fact that I can be in Gatlinburg in less than an hour. There is so much to do and see in Gatlinburg that it never gets old and multiple visits are a bonus to our country living. Spring is coming to the Smokies and there are a multitude of fun events happening in Gatlinburg that you will want to check.

We have a list of all the great activities going on this Spring in Gatlinburg along with our recommendations of fun places to visit while there. Check out our list and share your favorite activities below so we can check them out as well.

Events and Activities 

 

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Easter Show (March 29-31, 2018)

Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show.

Easter Sunrise at Ober  (April 1)

Soak up Easter Sunday sunrise from the top of Mt. Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area during this service sponsored by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association.

Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend  (April 13-14, 2018)

Sample wines from Tennessee wineries along with small dish fare from some of the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains.

Hands on Gatlinburg (April 13-15, 2018)

The 2018 Hands-On Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Weekend provides arts and crafts lovers the opportunity to own a beautifully crafted piece of artwork made with their very own hands.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage (April 24-28, 2018)

Outdoor enthusiasts can discover a new season’s worth of wildflowers through guided tours, history walks, seminars, photography classes and much more during the 68th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage  in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Earth Day Festival (April 26, 2018)

Enjoy music, free crafts, activities, face painting, demonstrations and more in downtown Gatlinburg from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Earth Day 5K (April 27, 2018)

Runners and walkers are invited to celebrate Earth Week by participating in the annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk in beautiful downtown Gatlinburg.

Free Parkway Trolley (June 16 – August 15, 2018)

Visitors to Gatlinburg have an additional means to explore the Parkway via this shuttle route which is free for the summer.

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales (June 22- August 11, 2018)

Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying characters from time periods as far back as the 1800s.

 

Places to Visit

Mountain Mall

Not your average mall. This indoor, climate controlled shopping center features 36 shops each with a unique theme. In the heart of Gatlinburg at Traffic Light #6 across from the Aquarium.

Ober Gatlinburg

Ski Mountain Coaster, Snow tubing park & year-round fun for everyone! Ski and snowboard rental equipment and lessons available, year round ice skating, shopping, full service restaurant & lounge and much more!

Space Needle

Ride glass elevators over 400′ to observation deck for the only 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the resort city of Gatlinburg. When atop enjoy Higher Learning, an educational experience from the Space Needle’s perspective including Free View Finders! Visit Arcadia, a 25,000′  two story playground with latest video and redemption games including the area’s largest redemption center. Enjoy Lazer Runner Extreme Laser Tag, Shooting Gallery, Hurricane Simulator, “The Mentalist” and comedy shows, Slice Pizza Bakery, Souvenir Gift Store, and More!

Clingman’s Dome Tower

Enjoy this free attraction that lets you observe the Smokies from its highest point; 6,643 ft.

To get to the observation tower all you need to do is drive 7 miles on the Newfound Gap Road and park in the lot, and hike the half mile to the tower. Some visitors have said that the hike was a bit rigorous, but there are benches on the path to the tower, so it is possible to rest along the way. The walk up to the tower is very beautiful in itself and offers some great photo opportunities.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Experience the aquatic world of Ripley’s Aquarium from the moment you enter the doors. See a 15 foot long shark, touch jelly fish, and marvel at the manatees. Make sure to check out the penguin exhibit, engage in the hands on exhibits, and pick up a souvenir in the gift shop.

Ripley’s Family Attractions

Enjoy more family fun with other Ripley’s attractions. Choose from multiple miniature golf courses, a haunted house, mirror maze, and other fun exhibits. Purchase a pass for one or all of the attractions.

Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Show

Enjoy dinner and a show Smoky Mountain style. They have several show themes to choose from and all are ran by a talented cast and crew. The food is delicious and is a perfect lunch or dinner date for groups of all sizes.

Wilderness at the Smokies

A place to stay with an indoor and outdoor water park, you will please all the guests in your party. Enjoy the city by day and relax poolside in the evenings. 

For more information about places to visit, where to stay, and where to eat in Gatlinburg makes sure to visit the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.