Trolley Ride of Lights

Five dollars will get you more than just a footlong sub: In Gatlinburg, it can get you a ride on the Trolley Ride of Lights. From November 4 until January 30, you can enjoy a guided trolley ride of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. The departure of the trolley takes place from Mass Transit/ Trolley Center at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza every night at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30. For more information, visit their website:http://www.ci.gatlinburg.tn.us/transit/trolley.htm

Cheese Cupboard & Hofbrauhaus Restaurant

Hungry for a good reuben? Do not hesitate anymore and visit the Cheese Cupboard and Hofbrauhaus Restaurant in Gatlinburg. The Cheese Cupboard is on the bottom floor of the building and has several different kinds of imported and domestic cheese. Upstairs, however, the building houses the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, a small restaurant that holds about six small tables. The Restaurant offers a little something for everyone with a menu including reuben sandwiches as well as brats and pretzels and everything is reasonably priced. To see a full menu and learn more about the Cheese Cupboard and Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, visit here http://thegreatsmokeymountainsparkway.com/_rest/gdhofbra.htm

Winter Magic Cook-Off and Chili Cook-Off

Warm, mouth-watering chili during the cool fall: What could be better? On November 4 from 5 to 8 pm on River Road and Ripley’s Aqarium, Gatlinburg will be hosting the 20th Winter Magic Cook Off and Chili Cook Off. The event is highlighted by the LED Gatlinburg Winter Magic lights program and live entertainment. Over 20 vendors gather and serve up kettles of chili for everyone to sample. After sampling, the visitors will vote for the best chili and the winner will be awarded the People’s Choice Award. In addition to visitors voting, the judges will vote and award first place for Best Taste, Booth Presentation, Apron Design, and Most Unique Chili Name. For more information, click here.

Because Tennessee has such rich culture and heritage, several places in the mountains have been designated as part of the Tennessee Heritage Trail. The trail was created to both preserve and share Tennessee’s culture and is divided into 3 parts. The Arts & Crafts Trail will show visitors the various creations of Tennessee’s past, including pottery, baskets and other folk art. The History Trail takes you back in time to meet the people and events that shaped the course of Tennessee culture, and Gatlinburg’s part of the this trail is of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The third trail, the Music Trail, exposes the different types of music in the region, including bluegrass, country, and other folk tunes. The locations on the Music Trail in Gatlinburg include The Old Heidelberg Dinner Show, Smoky Mountain Travelers and Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. Click here for more information and a complete list of locations.

Metcalf Bottoms

Once a family farm, Metcalf Bottoms is now a large picnic area approximately 11 miles from Gatlinburg near the Little River. The picnic area is 24 feet by 60 feet and has a capacity of 70 people. Four grills are just outside the pavilion and there are 15 picnic tables for visitors to sit at. Patrons are able to rent out the pavilion from 8 am until 3:30 pm and then again from 4 to 8 pm. The area also offers fishing streams as well as a hiking trail. For more information, visit here.

All wineries offer free tours and wine tastings

Smoky Mountain Winery

Winery Square – Suite 2
450 Cherry Street
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Tasting Room:   (865) 436-0584

Mountain Valley Vineyards
2174 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-6334

Hillside Winery, Inc.
229 Collier Drive
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862

(865) 908-8482

Apple Barn Winery
220 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
(865) 428-6850

Fall Foliage Report

A visit to the Smokies is a must in autumn. Mid-October and early November is usually the peak of color, and the best way to see the fall foliage is to reach a high elevation. If you want to drive, try Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap or Parsons Branch Road. If you are a hiker, try Sugarland Mountain, Albright Grove, Andrew’s Bald or Mt. LeConte.

For more information, visit http://www.gatlinburg.com/.

Hollywood Star Cars

One of the many attractions of Gatlinburg is the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, featuring cars from The Dukes of Hazzard, Gone in 60 Seconds, Back to the Future, Elvis’ Lincoln, Dolly Parton’s Cadillac and many more. Adult tickets are $11.99, Children 6-12 are $6.99, and children under 6 are free. For more information, visit  http://www.starcarstn.com. 

Roaring Fork Motor Natural Trail

If you do not want to hike but still want to experience the wilderness of the Smokies, take a drive! Roaring Fork is perfect for a drive, offering 5 miles of scenic wilderness. You will see everything from old buildings to waterfalls as you drive through the deep forest. If you are planning to visit, booklets explaining numbered posts along the way are available at the start of the road. For more information, click here.

Howard’s Restaurant

If you are looking to enjoy a tasty dinner or a quick lunch, make a trip to Howard’s Restaurant in Gatlinburg. Open seven days a week, Howard’s promises to offer great food, great prices, and a great time. Howard’s specializes in a famous brunch menu that includes steak and eggs and a frittata omelet casserole. They also offer a delicious dinner menu filled with homemade soups and old timey dishes. The restaurant also provides catering to businesses as well as weddings. For more information, visit here.