When it comes to Spring Break getaways, Gatlinburg has it all going on. And with smaller crowds this time of year, you'll spend less time waiting in line. Once you've checked into your favorite resort in Tennessee, there is plenty to check out in Gatlinburg! Theme Park thrills, family fun, fresh mountain air, exhilarating adventures and breathtaking beauty await in this beloved mountain town. Whether you're looking to relax and recharge or remain in go-mode from sunup to sundown, Gatlinburg has you covered. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) 1 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Spring in the Smokies is a season of splendor. With more than 1,600 species of flowering plants, there's no shortage of opportunities to discover why it's sometimes called the “Wildflower National Park.” The spring blooming season is approaching, so check out one of the world's most mesmerizing floral regions in all its splendor. With more than 150 hiking trails and 800 miles of Smoky Mountain terrain, each trail promises a new adventure around every turn. Where: Gatlinburg Welcome Center, 1011 Banner Road, Gatlinburg TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4178 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Check Out These Related Articles 16 Best Kept Secret Beaches in Florida to Escape the Crowds The 12 Best Fishing Charters Near Daytona Beach Top 12 Local Favorite Places to Eat in Gatlinburg, TN View this post on Instagram A post shared by Smoky Mountain Outdoors (@smokymountainoutdoors) 2 | SMO Rafting | Jump into fun and go whitewater rafting with local outfitter Smoky Mountain Outdoors. From scenic floats for families with children age 3 and up, to Class III-IV whitewater trips for ages 8 and older, SMO offers the longest whitewater trips on the Pigeon River. Their facility provides a complete experience: background bluegrass, riverside pavilion and eatery, souvenir photography, gift shop, changing rooms and showers, and ample parking. It's an outdoor adventure you don't want to miss! Where: 103 Silverbell Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-430-3838 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 3 | 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration | Enjoy an entire week of fun-filled, family-friendly festivities honoring the culture of the Irish as Gatlinburg kicks off its 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration (March 12-18). The town will be painted Shamrock green as Irish flags and decorations adorn the city and Celtic music floats through the air. Restaurants, attractions and other businesses are joining the celebration with both traditional and whimsical Irish fare, concerts and special Irish food and beverages. Where: Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4178 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anakeesta (@anakeesta) 4 | Anakeesta “Blooms and Tunes” | Anakeesta is ushering in Spring with “Blooms and Tunes,” an event certain to heighten anticipation of the season. From April 14 through June 5, the mountain top theme park will feature larger-than-life spring-themed art installations, live music daily, chef-inspired menu items and thousands of new blooms at Vista Gardens. Enjoy spectacular views of downtown and the National Park as you mix relaxation and delicious dining to create a memorable experience — day or night. Where: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-325-2400 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (@gatlinburgskylift) 5 | Gatlinburg SkyBridge | Celebrate St. Patrick's Day throughout March by trekking 500 feet above Gatlinburg to enjoy the record-breaking SkyBridge's green lights! All 680 feet of the bridge will be illuminated, including twinkling shamrocks dangling beneath the SkyBridge. As you approach the middle, you'll be dazzled by 200 feet of tunnel shining brightly with green lights. And don't forget to hike the new SkyTrail and take a ride on the iconic yellow SkyLift chairs at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Where: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4307 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karly Duggan | Adventure (@adventuringwithkarly) 6 | Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway | A 2.1-mile ride up the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to Bavarian-themed Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park will leave you breathless as you take in the panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. After searching for pots of gold and lucky leprechauns on the snow tubing hill, take advantage of holiday food and drink specials at Seasons of Ober and Loft Lounge during their week-long St. Patrick's Day Celebration from March 12-18. Where: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-5423 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg (@ripleysaquarium) 7 | Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies | Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is like no other aquarium you've seen. Home to more than 10,000 species of exotic sea creatures, it's been named best U.S. aquarium by USA Today. Travel beneath the ocean on a 340-foot-long glidepath through Shark Lagoon to come face to face with sharks, stingrays, sawfish and more. And meet the cutest bunch of penguins this side of the South Pole in the Penguin Playhouse. Keep your eyes peeled, you might see a mermaid! Where: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-430-8808 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by RedSlayerRides (@redslayerrides) 8 | Dollywood |Things are going to be BIG this season at Dollywood, which opens March 11. New attractions will include Big Bear Mountain, the longest roller coaster in the park's history. Their “I Will Always Love You Celebration,” observing the 50th anniversary of this monumental song, will take place from opening day through April 8. Dollywood offers more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest park atmosphere in the world. Where: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | Who: 1-800-DOLLYWOOD VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eat • Sleep • Snack (@eatsleepsnackgirl) 9 | Tennessee Jed's | Gatlinburg Spring Break travelers will find culinary delights for every palate, from fine dining to kid-friendly, health conscious to grab-and-go. To eat like a local, check out the ever-popular Tennessee Jed's. All the meats for their classic sandwiches are slow cooked overnight and roasted fresh daily. They also serve Nathan's all-beef hot dogs with a variety of fixins — including house-made Coney Island style chili — and biscuits and gravy are served on the weekends. Where: 631 Parkway, Ste A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-412-1131 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda leigh (@manda_leigh23) 10 | Sugarlands Distilling Company | Don't miss a visit to the #1 distillery in the U.S. during your stay in Gatlinburg. Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, Sugarlands Distilling was named the #1 Distillery Experience in the U.S. by Tripadvisor. Spend a few hours sampling their award-winning spirits, enjoying delicious Sugarlands Shine and Appalachian Sippin' Creams, and shopping for mountain merchandise and apparel. Its authentic spirits, barn-house location and first-class entertainment offer visitors the complete Tennessee distilling experience. Where: 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-325-1355 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Com (@gatlinburgartsandcrafts) 11 | Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show | This popular event, produced by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, is their first craft show of the year. Come out to see the unique handcrafted gifts and products Gatlinburg's talented craftspeople have been making over the winter. Many of the artists who will be featured are 2nd, 3rd and even 4th generation crafters who've learned their handicrafts from previous generations. The Spring 2023 show will be held April 5-8 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Where: 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4178 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Molly Metheny (@molldollmi) 12 | Cade's Cove Loop Road | This 11-mile, one-way paved road provides a great opportunity to see the beauty of the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your car, and stop to enjoy some of the sights along the way. There's an excellent visitor's center about halfway through the drive where you can explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits, check out the bookstore or plan an itinerary with a park ranger. It's the perfect way to see what it was like to live in the mountains when early settlers first arrived in the region. Where: 5686 Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882 | Who: 865-436-7318 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Make this year's Spring Break your most memorable ever! From theme park thrills and exhilarating outdoor adventures to St. Patrick's Day festivities, Gatlinburg has it all. Use this map to plan your special vacation. Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today Gatlinburg Town Square By Exploria Resorts is ideally situated in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, within easy walking distance to downtown and all the entertainment, shopping and nightlife only the Smokies could offer. So hurry! Check out these resort destination offers and book your stay today! * Exploria Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
