Are you planning a getaway without the kids? While Gatlinburg is primarily known for its family-friendly attractions, there are still plenty of things to do that adults can enjoy as well! From browsing through shops to alcohol tastings, it’s time to enjoy some you time without any children around. To help you decide what to do when you visit, we’ve made a list of the top 5 things to do in Gatlinburg for adults:
1. Try Moonshine at the Distilleries
A favorite pastime of visitors who are 21 years old and up is trying moonshine at the distilleries in Gatlinburg. You just pay a small $5 tasting fee to try a variety of moonshine flavors, from the original flavor to some pretty unique ones! Ole Smoky Moonshine is one of the most popular places to go in Gatlinburg. Your $5 tasting fee can actually be used to go toward any item available to purchase. You can also visit Sugarlands Distilling Co or Tennessee Shine Co. One of the best parts about the distilleries are the entertaining bartenders who will keep you laughing as you shoot back the shine. All of the adults will have a blast tasting the various moonshine flavors! Be sure to pick up a jar or two to take back home with you, or get a t-shirt for the perfect souvenir from your tasting experience.
2. Explore Gatlinburg Wineries
If you don’t like moonshine, you can always explore the wineries in Gatlinburg! The city is home to a number of wineries that offer tastings of their unique flavors. We recommend visiting Tennessee Homemade Wines for local recipes and the best sweet wines in the Smokies. They also have wine slushies! Other popular Gatlinburg wineries are Old Mountain Wine Company, Gatlinburg Winery, and Smoky Mountain Winery.
3. Walk Around The Village Shops
The alcohol tastings are always considered some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, but you don’t need alcohol to have fun! One of the best things to do is browse through unique shops in town, and The Village Shops is one of the best places to go shopping! Inspired by European villages, this outdoor shopping mall has a variety of local shops with unique themes, including a sock store, an art gallery, and a cheese shop! You can even grab a snack at one of the cafes and watch the water bubble in the fountain at the center of the shopping mall! Be sure not to leave The Village without grabbing a donut or some coffee from the Donut Friar!
4. Play at Ober Mountain
You may think of Ober Mountain as a family friendly place to go, but it’s one of the best Gatlinburg attractions for adults! If you’re in town for winter, you can spend time on the slopes skiing or snowboarding, or bring out your inner kid by going snow tubing! If you visit during the summer, you can go summer tubing, You can also enjoy a leisurely ride on the Aerial Tramway, see how good you are at ice skating, or try one of the other many fun activities at Ober! Go ice skating, ride a mountain coaster, visit with wildlife, hope on a scenic chairlift, and so much more.
5. Enjoy Anakeesta
Anakeesta is another attraction you may think is for the whole family, but it is one of our favorite things to do in Gatlinburg for adults! When you’re looking for a place to get away and relax, there’s no better place than Anakeesta. Sit back and take in the gorgeous views while you sip on a speciality cocktail from The Bar at the Top of the World, or enjoy a dinner at Cliff Top while you watch the sunset over Mount LeConte. You can also walk to the top of the AnaVista Tower for panoramic views of Gatlinburg and beyond! Find a rocking chair where you can sit as long as you want, or do something exciting like the Dueling Ziplines.
Planning on spending a romantic, adults-only trip in the Smokies? Check out these top romantic things to do in Gatlinburg!
Where to Stay
If you want to stay close to all the best things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, then there’s no better option than Old Creek Lodge. Our creekside hotel is the perfect place for adults because it offers a relaxing escape just minutes from the action. We recommend choosing a room with a balcony for the ultimate relaxation!
Ready to start planning your trip? Take a look at all of our Gatlinburg hotel rooms, and book one for your vacation today!
