The Smokies is ideal for family reunions, family vacations, honeymoons, couples’ retreats, and…a weekend with your siblings? Yes, it’s true! There are tons of reasons to visit the Smokies, including a chance to reunite with those brothers and sisters who are now grown and living far away.
With families of your own, it’s hard to find the time to catch up with your siblings and reminisce on the (mostly) good times you had growing up. So a weekend getaway with your big brother or little sister or the whole gang might be just what you need!
Below, we’ve provided ideas on what to see and do and where to eat, depending on whether this will be a brother’s getaway, a sister’s escape, or a little of both. Of course, you don’t have to stick to our list—this is just the beginning of what the Smokies has in store for your fun-packed weekend with your siblings this year!
Brotherly Love
When we think a guys’ getaway (forgive us for being stereotypical), we think adventure. We think high-action attractions. And we think beer, pizza, burgers, and BBQ. When it comes to the Smokies, guys are sure to find everything they’re looking for. Here are some…
Attractions You’ll Love:
Skydiving in the Smokies—For the most daredevilish brothers out there, we’ll start with the area’s most daring attraction: skydiving over the Smokies! Located in Dandridge, Tennessee, which is convenient to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Skydive East Tennessee is the region’s #1 skydiving center. Their licensed professionals offer a fun and safe skydive experience for people of all experience levels.
Hummer Tours in Gatlinburg—For brothers who want to take it off road in the Smokies, check out Off Road Hummer Tours, where you’ll climb mountains and cross creeks in original military hummers. For even more outdoor fun, ask about their hummer tour and rafting trip combo for a brothers’ weekend you’ll never forget!
Ole Smoky Moonshine—With two locations (on the Parkway in Gatlinburg and inside The Island in Pigeon Forge), Ole Smoky Moonshine not only provides tons of delicious, mountain-made shine, but also hours of (free) bluegrass music from its outdoor stage. What better way to end your adventure-filled day than with a taste of the mountains from Ole Smoky?
Restaurants You Have to Try:
Smoky Mountain Brewery—The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee, Smoky Mountain Brewery offers fresh, locally made microbrews along with classic pub sandwiches, brewhouse burgers, and hand-tossed pizzas.
Hungry Bear BBQ—This BBQ joint is locally owned and operated and located only minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Serving meats that are smoked on-site and a variety of house-made sauces, it’s no wonder this restaurant is one of the top-rated BBQ spots in the Smokies.
Sister to Sister
We don’t want to make too many assumptions, but it’s probably safe to say that a weekend for the ladies will look a little (or a lot) different from the guys’ weekend. There will probably be a little less adrenaline-pumping attractions and lot more time to talk and hang out. So when it comes to sisters, here are some…
Attractions You’ll Love:
Ice Skating at Ober Gatlinburg—Maybe you knew that Ober Gatlinburg had ski slopes and snow tubing. But did you also know this popular Gatlinburg attraction features an ice skating rink that’s open all year? (They also have a fudge shop, unique boutiques, a wildlife encounter, and more!)
Horseback Riding— You never got that pony for your 8th birthday, and now you’re all grown up and still dreaming of it! Embrace the dream and plan a horseback riding adventure with your sister during this year’s visit to the Smokies. You’ll find several stables with options for every experience level.
The Village Shops—You expected it, right? When it comes to a sisters’ getaway, we can’t forget about shopping! And one of the best places to shop in the Smokies is The Village in Gatlinburg, where you’ll find more than 25 cozy shops in the style of a quiet European village. You’ll also find several small eateries inside The Village, including The Donut Friar, which pairs perfectly with a specialty drink from Coffee & Company.
Restaurants You Have to Try:
Wild Plum Tea Room—Do something special with your sister in the Smokies by visiting the Wild Plum Tea Room in the historic Arts & Crafts Community. Inspired by Austrian-style tea houses, this adorable restaurant offers homemade specialties unlike anything else you’ll find in the Smokies.
Bistro 109—If you’re celebrating a special occasion with your sister or you just want to commemorate your sisters-only weekend with an upscale dinner, don’t miss Bistro 109. A local, 5-star restaurant in Sevierville, you’ll love their unique atmosphere and fresh, high quality food.
The Whole Gang: Small Group Fun
Hopefully you see by now that no matter who you travel with, you’ll find plenty of things to see and experience while you’re in the Smokies. That includes a mix of all your siblings for a small family getaway! Try the Escape Game in Pigeon Forge, the Comedy Hypnosis show with Guy Michaels, or a ziplining adventure through the trees. The options for fun go on and on when it comes with a siblings’ weekend in the Smokies!
Also, be sure to book a cabin that has amenities to entertain you and your siblings when you want to stick around the cabin. We have awesome cabins with rec rooms (pool, air hockey, foosball, darts, and more), their own movie theaters, and even private indoor pools! Give us a call at 800.684.7865 and let us help you pick the perfect place.
