Make the Most of Your Winter Weekend Getaway in the Smokies

An itinerary for the perfect long winter weekend in the Smoky Mountains

Winter travel is reserved – chiefly – for the holidays. After all, getting over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house can take up a fair amount of vacation days. And we don’t want to use up all our precious time off of work when the weather outside is frightful.

Still, with a little planning and patience, we can squeeze a small time for ourselves for a quick mountain getaway. Maybe leave work an hour or two early on Friday, hit the road or get to the airport in time to pull into our hotel late Friday night and we’ve got the whole weekend ahead of us.
Even better, when Monday is a holiday or personal day or a vacation day, whatever you want to call it. But we can get a lot done between a Friday night arrival and a Monday morning departure.

Friday night – arrival

Under the best of circumstances, we can get into town and checked into our hotel before Friday night turns into Saturday morning.

While I enjoy pushing things and waiting to book a room until we’re on the road, it’s better to book your stay before you leave. I prefer Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge in terms of hotel for our stays. Especially if it’s near enough to the strip to walk and not have to get the car out of the parking area.

If you get into town early enough, you can grab dinner on the strip… Calhoun’s is a great way to get things off. 

Saturday morning – Gatlinburg and beyond

We’re starting things off at 7:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, beating the crowds. Winter is chilly, and you need a little extra energy to keep your body temperature up for your adventures. What are we getting? Pancakes, of course. Actually, anything pancake adjacent like waffles, crepes or blintzes are also perfectly acceptable.

After loading up on a hearty breakfast, we’ve got to get into the mountains, weather conditions permitting. Winter is not the prettiest time in the Smokies, but the National Park is one of the world’s wonders. It should not be ignored. What are our options? Again, depending on the weather, you can get out and explore a brief trail or walk around someplace like Elkmont. I’ve always liked spending a few minutes beside one of the mountain’s streams in the cold weather. I don’t chill easily and enjoy the invigoration that comes with that cold mountain air that feels especially pure near the frigid water.

However, it’s also a great time for a drive. You can go to Cades Cove. But, I recommend driving through the Newfound Gap to Cherokee. The scenic views from 441 are breathtaking, with convenient pull offs along the way for especially beautiful photos spots. In Cherokee, a quick trip to the casino – if you’re into that kind of thing – can be fun but set both time and money limits. Nothing can ruin a getaway more than losing track of time or money. 

Also, make sure you check the weather before going, keeping in mind that rain in the lower elevations can be snow and ice in the high mountains. The GSMNP service will close Highway 441 in inclement weather and you don’t want to have to take the long way around. Always check their website, which can be found here.

Saturday evening – dinner

After our trip to North Carolina and back, where we had a light lunch, we’re ready for a serious supper. Steakhouses like The Peddler, the Greenbrier and Cherokee Grill all make for excellent options. But for this winter trip, a little fondue from The Melting Pot is just what the doctor ordered.

A variety of breads and veggies dipped in melty cheese. Meats cooked at the table in broths or oil, depending on your preference. Fruits and desserts dipped in decadent melted chocolate for dessert. The Melting Pot is a perfect wintery dining experience. Do I love that the view is chiefly of the Shoney’s across the street? I do not, it blows the chalet vibe. But we must deal with what we must deal with.

Sunday – Pigeon Forge and Sevierville

After a big day, we’re sleeping in a little and having Sunday Brunch at The Cottage, a delightfully bright and tasty destination on the strip in Pigeon Forge. This Southern Brunch experience is a classic. Having gone sweet yesterday morning, we’re going savory this morning with breakfast tacos or the braised short rib omelet. The Avocado Toast is excellent as well, but you’re going to want a little more as we’re eating at brunch time and building an appetite for a big dinner. The fried green tomatoes, the dip trio or the Southern Board all make for excellent options.

With full hearts and bellies, we have the afternoon to ourselves for shopping at the outlet malls, going back to the hotel for a jacuzzi and a nap – we are meant to be relaxing after all – or if we have kids a little arcade and go-kart time. About three or four o’clock we are back at it with one of the famous Pigeon Forge museums. Alcatraz East, Titanic or WonderWorks are all options. But we happen to be fans of the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Should the Hollywood Wax Museum be as entertaining as it is? No. It should not. Some of the figures are excellent and some are … less so. But this is somehow a perfect throwback to the cheesiness that used to be Pigeon Forge and it’s silly enough to be entertaining. It also has the bonus benefit of not be incredibly depressing. The Titanic and Alcatraz are kind of bummers if you think about it.

Sunday evening – dinner

Dinner? We’re going to the best restaurant in the Smokies… The Appalachian in Sevierville. The roaring wood fire grill, the dark wooden interior, the extensive bar and the seasonal menu all make The Appalachian the perfect winter destination. Is it expensive? It can be. The steaks, in particular, can be more shocking than the wintry air. But if you have the means, it’s definitely worth it.

If don’t want to spend quite that much, The Local Goat in Pigeon Forge is an acceptable alternative.

Monday morning – going home

Now, we could start the day with another breakfast spot, but there’s a road trip ahead and we’re going to need to get some gas and that means Buc’ee’s, the Texas convenience store sensation that’s sweeping the nation. At Buc’ee’s, you can get gas and a whole lot more. Do you want to start your day with a breakfast burrito? A cinnamon roll? One of those kolache things? Great – Buc’ee’s has you covered. Did you forget to buy someone a souvenir, a Christmas present or a gigantic inflatable beaver? Buc’ee’s is where you want to be.

What do you do on a winter weekend in the Smokies? Let us know in the comments and on the socials!