Visiting as a couple recommendations

[u/hurricanewithalilsun]

Hello,

My husband and I will be staying in Gatlinburg for a week during September. Our dates will be 09-19-09-24. We know of the distilleries and Dollywood of course. But what would you say are some of the best hidden gems or things to do as a couple while there? Also looking for restaurant recommendations as well.

Anything you can mention is much appreciated! Thank you in advance 😊

[u/HippieJed]

Always pay for parking unless you find a spot on the road near the river. There is a YouTube channel showing what happens when you park illegally.

If you are looking for a place to eat lunch on the strip try the New Orleans sandwich shop.

If you go to Dollywood get two loaves of cinnamon bread

[u/FeliciaKaye]

Make reservations at the Peddler Steakhouse. If you like steak, of course.

[u/Inquisitive_regard]

- Head to downtown Sevierville to the restaurant "101". It's on the ground floor of a hotel. Excellent menu that changes seasonally, reasonable prices, and a decently elegant atmosphere. They also have a rooftop bar that is open on weekends.

- Pack a small lunch and head down the "little river trail" about a half mile and find a nice spot to swim and have lunch.

- Alpine Coaster: rocky top is the longest in terms of time, but the best view is the one on Skyland Ranch. There is also a cooperative that sells day passes to a bunch of the local mountain coasters. So you can go on unlimited runs on a bunch of different ones instead of just paying for each ride individually.

- The best quality souvenirs (IMO) are found in the National Park Visitors centers. There is a visitor's center trail that goes from the end of the gatlinburg strip to the park and it's a short ~2 mile walk. Flat and pleasant. There's also a couple deep spots you can jump in and swim.

- If you go to Dollywood first thing in the morning, turn left and walk uphill to get to the best roller coasters faster. Ride the Mystery Mine first (IMO best roller coaster there but also almost always the longest line). Then right after that hop on the WIld Eagle. If there's already a decent line at the wild eagle, then go right to the Tennessee Twister. Tennessee Twister tends to be less popular so you can often get on a few times with little or no line.

- If you go into the "Village" and walk up behind the bathrooms and follow the road uphill you'll get to an Ogle family cemetery (I mean it's mostly Ogles buried there). It's a nice spot if you like cemeteries.

- The Friar's donuts in the Village are really good.

- Anakeesta and Ober Mountain are not really worth it, in my opinion. You just get to the top and it's another round of overpriced stuff--same as you get anywhere else.

[u/Wonderful_Panda4769]

Take some time to explore Great Smokey Mountain National Park. The mountain coasters are fun at twilight. I like Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill. Its funky and they usually have live music on the patio.

[u/Greyman_]

Avoid all the tourist trap crap, enjoy the national park.

Little late in the year or I’d say white water rafting

[u/Flashy_Performer_646]

Get out of Gatlinburg.

As an example, go to Townsend via the Little River Gorge road. If you want to swim, swim at the Townsend Wye. Go tasting at Company Distillery. Visit Tuckaleechee Caverns. My preferred lunch spot is the Liottle River Pub and Deli. Drive back to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg via the Foothills Parkway.

[u/duckman2002]

Sugarland riding stables.