Father’s Day is a time to say thanks to the dads – or dad figures – in your life. Biological, adopted, friends or family members that are like fathers…no matter who you’re celebrating this Father’s Day, what better way to do it than with a trip to the mountains? The Great Smoky Mountains has it all, whether your dad loves the great outdoors, gadgets, dressing dapper, a good drink, great food, movies, history, art, or feeling like a kid again.
Dad in the Great Outdoors
Does your dad love all things outdoors? The Smokies is a no brainer! It’s home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the U.S. Here you can hike, go horseback riding, ride bikes, go fishing, enjoy a picnic by the water, explore for waterfalls, or take scenic drives and watch for black bears!
Tools + Tech in the Mountains
If your dad is a gadget guy, be sure to swing by the Tanger Outlets for stores like Direct Tools and Gadgets by As Seen on TV. As you stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll also find tons of unique shops that are packed with gadgets and games for dad!
Let’s Have a Laugh
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Dinner and comedy shows are a staple in the Smokies, offering hearty Southern food and plenty of laughs. Feel immersed at the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show or watch the action at the Lumberjack Adventure! There’s plenty of action at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show or Dolly Parton’s Stampede, or you can knee slap all night at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show or The Comedy Barn!
History in the Smokies
Step back in time or learn more about the history of the Smoky Mountains on a trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Walk through state rooms at the Titanic Museum Attraction, stop at historic churches and homesteads in Cades Cove, follow the Tennessee Heritage Trail, or visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The area has a storied past, and the best way to experience it is through exploration!
Kids at Heart
For the dads who are kids at heart, there is plenty to do in the Smokies! Let him show off his gaming skills in one of the many local arcades (Arcade City, Big Top Arcade, Rockin’ Raceway, and more), have fun with laser tag at the LazerPort Fun Center, get immersive at VEX Adventure Virtual Reality Arena, jump around at TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena, or zip around in go-karts at The Track! He can also satisfy his need for speed at NASCAR SpeedPark, putt around at Crave Golf Club, have fun at the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum, or enjoy a unique adventure at the 7D Dark Ride at The Island.
Food + Drink
Is your father a foodie? We’ve got you covered! Pick up hiking snacks at the Beef Jerky Outlet and after-hike drinks at Smith Creek Moonshine – both at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville. Enjoy a delicious steak at The Chop House or The Alamo Steakhouse, try something new at Local Goat, grab burgers and shakes at Cookie Dough Monster, soak in the views with good food at Anakeesta, or treat dad to a decadent meal at Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse. Other great picks include Bullfish Grill, Margaritaville, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, and Sunliner Diner.
Sweet Treats for Dad
Nothing tops off a great day quite like ice cream. Before you head back to the cabin with dad, stop by The Old Mill Creamery to soothe your sweet tooth. With homemade varieties of ice cream, flavors of the month and tasty toppings, a cone full of sweet and cold ice cream will be the perfect end-of-the-day treat. The area also boasts tons of great places for fresh fudge, old-fashioned candies, funnel cake, and donuts – with the hot sign on at Krispy Kreme!
Father’s Day Around the Cabin
Want to just hang out and reconnect with dad? Stick around the cabin! We have some incredible cabins for Father’s Day, packed with amenities like big screen TVs, Blu-ray players, game tables, full kitchens for snacks and drinks, king-size beds, firepits, indoor pools, fireplaces, hot tubs, and fantastic mountain views. Pick up jars of moonshine to sip at the cabin, rent a movie to watch, grill on the deck together, or just hang out and enjoy some quality time with Dad.
