After four months of dutifully following the stay at home orders, my boyfriend and I took a weekend trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee – home of the Smoky Mountains.
The trip was spontaneous and very little was planned. Thankfully things worked out for the best, and we have great recommendations for a three-day weekend getaway. Even more exciting, we made this a budget-friendly trip guide so you don’t have to break the bank.
Gatlinburg day 1
If you live in a neighboring state to Tennessee, consider starting your weekend in Gatlinburg with a road trip. A 5-10 hours drive is bearable, and it worked out great for us because we saved on plane tickets, and as you’ll read later on, the car served as our sleeping accommodations, too.
What to eat when crossing through Kentucky
On the way to the Smokey Mountains, we crossed through Kentucky. We were a few hours into the drive, so we decided to stop for dinner at Red State BBQ. This place is located in Lexington, along U.S Route 25, so it’s easily accessible to road trippers.
Red State BBQ serves tender ribs, with several options for dipping sauces for extra flavor. I highly recommend this spot for BBQ eats, but whatever you do, DO NOT ORDER THE BEER CHEESE GRITS.
I’m not even sure what grits are, to be honest. It’s not a typical Mexican household menu item, but I was down to try it out. Unfortunately, Red State BBQ let me down with this side dish.
Where to sleep if you want to save money
As I said before, this is a low budget weekend in Gatlingburg. Instead of renting a hotel room, we slept in our car the two nights we spent in the Smokey Mountains. There are plenty of places for you to park your wheels along the roads leading to Pigeon Forge. You can also camp out or bring an RV. In the morning, you wake up to beautiful mountain views, which is a huge plus on top of saving on a room.
Follow this guide, and you won’t even miss having a hotel room because you’ll spend most of your day exploring. Aside from a mattress, everything you need, mother nature has to offer.
How to clean up when you’re camping
You’re bound to get dirty with all the outdoor activities this weekend trip to Gatlinburg has to offer. To keep this a low budget trip, my boyfriend and I showered in nature’s bathhouse. Find yourself a creek, swimming hole, that isn’t too deep or dangerous, and wash up with a bar of soap. You’ll never feel as fresh as you will after a shower in the Smoky Mountains. It’s the perfect way to regain your strengths and reconnect with your primal nature.
The Sugarlands Visitors Center in Gatlinburg opens at 8 am and is the saving grace of budget-conscious travelers. You’ll find clean bathrooms there where you can brush your teeth and freshen up.
A warm welcome to our weekend in Gatlinburg
Walking around downtown Gatlingburg, you’ll see lots of shops, museums, restaurants, and a lot of pancake houses, for some reason.
Oh yes, you may also come across people flying the confederate flag
We saw it, not even two minutes after getting into town. A group of white men in their pick-up trucks were hollering with pride at the confederate flag.
Gatlinburg day 2
Start your day exploring hiking trails
A three-day weekend trip to Gatlinburg can go by fast, so make the most of the daylight hours. If you’re able to get up by 6 am, drive up to Clingmans Dome for early morning views of the Smoky Mountains. At 6,623 feet, this is the most impressive panoramic view of the landscape in all of Tennessee.
Saturday morning, we also made the 2.3-mile hike to Alum Cave. Hike a little further along Alum Cave Trail, and you’ll make it to Mt. LeConte, which is the third highest peak in the national park.
We didn’t make it that far, and after having been at Clingmans Dome earlier that morning, it didn’t feel like we missed out. If you make it to Mt. LeConte, share some pictures with me and tell me which spot you prefer.
Zipline over the mountains
In the evening, reserve a zipline tour with ClimbWorks. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done ziplining before, this adventure won’t disappoint. Ask for the Mountaintop tour for five ziplines over the Smokys and great views. The side-by-side zipline set up lets you and your travel buddy experience the thrilling ride together, or race each other if you’re feeling competitive. The instructors at ClimbWorks are friendly and make the two-hour trip a blast.
Food and Drink in Gatlinburg
What to eat in Gatlinburg
- Look no further than Estrella HonduMex restaurant. This spot is one of those Tiendas de Abarrotes, or grocery stores, that also serves typical eats from Mexico and Honduras. I had a steak fajita dish that came with sweet, fried plantains and rice and paired with a cold bottled sangria. No complaints about the food we ordered, the place wasn’t packed, and you’re supporting a POC, minority-owned business, Nuff said.
- Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Gatlinburg serves Cajun Classics, and they’re open late. An order of oysters, Jumbalaya, and two pitchers of beer cost approximately $50, and it was enough to feed two people. This place also has Karaoke on Saturdays, if you’re into that, which I am.
Do not miss out on the Moonshine
Come nightfall, head to Sugarlands Distilling Company in Downtown Gatlinburg. Our zip line instructors said this is the best place to try Moonshine, which is a mainstay alcoholic beverage of Southern culture.
For $5 per person, you get to taste their 10-12 different flavors, all 40-70 proof drinks. We sat along the edge of the bar, and the bartender went around pouring shots for 20 minutes straight. We were nice and drunk by the time all was said and done.
With your wristband, you also get 5 dollars off any of their bottled Moonshine or souvenirs. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.
Gatlinburg Day 3
Sinks Waterfall in Pigeon Gorge
Hungover from the night before, but want to take in the outdoors before heading home? Drive to The Sinks along Little River Road, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. The site is a short walk from where you park your car, and it’s an excellent place to take pictures and skip rocks. The Sinks have a fascinating history, dating back to the late 1800s and involving some dynamite. The waterfall may look peaceful, but this is not the place to swim as people have drowned in the attempt, according to reports.
Skylift Park is a must-do for a weekend in Gatlinburg
Crossing the Skybridge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee 
Open chair sky-lift is relaxing and good for all ages
Finish your trip at the Gatlinburg Skylift and Skybridge. This bridge is famous for being the longest suspension bridge in the country, stretching 680 feet over a deep valley and with a height of 140 feet. Here you’ll find rocking chairs and bonfire pits where you can relax while you take in the fresh mountain air.
A weekend in Gatlinburg makes the perfect getaway, and there is no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer. My final advice to you if you plan to make it a road trip, be sure to have your favorite podcasts and a great playlist ready to go.
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