One of the best things about staying at Edgewater Hotel is how easy it is to slow down.
Park your car when you arrive, leave it there, and spend an entire summer evening exploring downtown Gatlinburg on foot. No fighting traffic. No searching for another parking space. Just a relaxed walk through one of America’s favorite mountain towns.
Here’s how I’d spend the perfect summer evening.
Check In and Unwind
After checking into your room, take a few minutes to settle in before heading out.
If your room overlooks the Little Pigeon River, step out onto your private balcony and enjoy the peaceful sound of the water below while the energy of downtown Gatlinburg hums in the distance.
If you’re on the mountain side of the hotel, you’ll have a different kind of view. Look toward Crockett Mountain and you might even spot one of Gatlinburg’s famous black bears wandering the hillside. From many rooms, you’ll also overlook the hotel’s outdoor pool, where families spend warm summer afternoons cooling off before another evening of exploring.
Either way, it’s a reminder that you’re close to everything Gatlinburg has to offer while still having a comfortable place to unwind.
When you’re ready, head downstairs and begin your evening.
Take the Scenic Route
Instead of immediately joining the crowds on Parkway, start your walk along River Road.
This quieter street has a completely different feel. You’ll pass the Little Pigeon River, cross charming pedestrian bridges, and enjoy a little more shade on warm summer afternoons. It’s one of those places many visitors discover only after they’ve been coming to Gatlinburg for years.
Within just a few minutes, you’re back in the heart of downtown.
Find a Great Dinner
One of the hardest decisions you’ll make is where to eat.
Within just a few minutes of Edgewater Hotel, you’ll find dozens of locally owned restaurants serving everything from burgers and barbecue to seafood and international favorites.
Some of my personal favorites include Boudicca’s Celtic Pub, where you can enjoy hearty Irish fare and one of the best beer selections in town; Smith & Son Corner Kitchen, known for creative Southern-inspired dishes in a relaxed atmosphere; and No Way Jose’s Cantina, a longtime Gatlinburg favorite for flavorful Mexican food and frozen margaritas.
Of course, that’s only scratching the surface. One of the joys of staying at Edgewater is that you can simply wander until something catches your eye.
Wander Without a Plan
After dinner, don’t rush to your next destination.
Some of the best moments in Gatlinburg happen when you simply explore.
Browse a few locally owned shops. Stop in an old-fashioned candy store. Watch taffy being pulled by hand. Sample homemade fudge. Listen to musicians performing along the Parkway. Pop into an art gallery or discover a store you’ve never noticed before.
Summer evenings have an energy all their own.
End with Something Sweet
No summer evening feels complete without dessert.
Whether you’re in the mood for handcrafted ice cream, a fresh waffle cone, caramel apples, or one of Gatlinburg’s famous candy shops, you’ll have plenty of choices just a short stroll from the hotel.
Take your time and enjoy it.
You’re on vacation.
Walk Home Under the Lights
As daylight begins to fade, make your way back toward Edgewater Hotel.
The lights along Parkway begin to glow. Families are still out enjoying the evening. The scent of fresh fudge drifts from open shop doors, and the Smokies slowly fade into the evening sky.
A few minutes later, you’re back at the hotel.
Instead of climbing into your car and sitting in traffic, you’re relaxing on your private balcony. If you’re on the river side, you’ll hear the gentle sound of the Little Pigeon River flowing below. On the mountain side, you can enjoy the peaceful view toward Crockett Mountain as another summer day comes to a close.
Sometimes the best vacation memories aren’t made by checking attractions off a list.
Sometimes they’re made by taking an evening walk, discovering a great restaurant, treating yourself to dessert, and realizing everything you needed was only a few minutes from your room.
That’s one of the simple pleasures of staying at Edgewater Hotel. The best of downtown Gatlinburg is just outside your door, and the perfect summer evening is only a short walk away.