Imagine you and your family finally arrived into Gatlinburg after driving all day.
You just checked into the Edgewater. All the suitcases are unpacked. The kids are surfing the 70 channels on the television and the oldest one is using the hotel wide WIFI to surf the net. You didn’t drive all this way to stay inside. Now what?
Gatlinburg is full of fun and exciting things to do for the whole family, from dining to attractions. Here is our Gatlinburg Area Guide for all you need to know about the best places for dining, shopping and more in Gatlinburg!

Attractions in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is filled with activities that are fun for everyone! When you stay at our hotel, you’ll be within walking distance to some of the best activities in the area, like mini-golf and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. There’s something for everyone in the area, from outdoor fun, to movie theaters, to rides and so much more! Our Gatlinburg hotel is right in the middle of all the excitement in Gatlinburg! You’ll be minutes from incredible attractions, so you don’t have far to go for a night full of fun! Check out the Gatlinburg Space Needle for stunning views of Gatlinburg, or visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Whatever you choose, you’re in for a day full of fun.
There is another great reason to stay at The Edgewater at the Aquarium Hotel & Conference Center … You are right in the middle of all the fun things to do in Gatlinburg!
Within walking distance of the hotel you will find many great attractions such as the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, fascinating museums, snow skiing, ice skating, mini-golf, moving theaters, arcades, the world’s largest aerial tramway, and so much more.
Visit www.gatlinburg.com for a comprehensive listing of the Gatlinburg scene.
Ober Gatlinburg
- Aerial Tramway
- Ice Skating
- Bear Habitat
- Mountain Coaster
- Tubing
Ripley Attractions
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Ripley’s Super Fun Zone
- Ripley’s Moving Theater
- Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Mini Golf
- Ripley’s Mirror Maze
- Guinness World Records Museum
- Scenic Drives
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (1-hour drive round trip)
Cades Cove Look (4-hour drive round trip)
On Top of Ole Smoky (2-hour drive round trip)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
Other Gatlinburg Attractions
- Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
- Zip Line
- Ropes Course
- Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Christ of the Smokies Museum & Gardens
- Indoor/Outdoor Putt-Putt Golf
- Gatlinburg Trolley
- Rafting
- Gatlinburg Sky Park
- Ole Smoky Moonshine
- Anakeesta
- Dollywood
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dining in Gatlinburg
One of the best parts about vacation is discovering new places to eat and enjoying delicious meals. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, homestyle cooking or just grabbing a quick bite to eat, Gatlinburg has plenty of options to keep your stomach happy during your vacation. Don’t want to drive far to find food? You’re in luck. Our Gatlinburg hotel is within walking distance to a variety of restaurants.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Gatlinburg
The Edgewater at the Aquarium Hotel & Conference Center is within walking distance to countless dining choices.
From down-home cookin’ to fine dining with eclectic recipes, you’ll taste many great flavors from around the world.
With over 100 places to eat in Gatlinburg, the only problem will be choosing where to go.
Visit www.gatlinburg.com for a comprehensive listing of the Gatlinburg scene.
- Pancake Pantry
- Crockett’s Breakfast Camp Restaurant
- The Donut Friar
- Johnny Rockets
- Loco Burro
- Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
- Bubba Gump’s
- Smoky Mountain Trout House
- Puckers Sports Grill
- Parton’s Deli
- Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
- New Orleans Sandwich Company
- No Way Jose’s Cantina
- North China Chinese Restaurant
- Best Italian Restaurant
- Bennett’s BBQ
- Bones BBQ Joint
- Hungry Bear BBQ
- Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
- The Peddler Steakhouse
- Cherokee Grill
- Park Grill
- Greenbriar Restaurant
- Smoky Mountain Brewery
- Calhoun’s
- Alamo Steakhouse
- Subway
- Smith and Son Corner Kitchen
- Anakeesta's Cliff Top Restaurant
Shopping in Gatlinburg
You’ll be able to shop till you drop at the countless stores in Gatlinburg! From popular shopping areas like The Village or the Mountain Mall, to specialty shops like Glassblowing and Jewelry Shop, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need. Find the perfect gift for a friend, or pick out a unique souvenir to take back home!
The Best Places for Shopping in Gatlinburg TN
The Edgewater at the Aquarium Hotel & Conference Center is within walking distance to countless dining choices.
What is the second reason? You guessed it, SHOPPING! Walk leisurely up and down the side streets of downtown Gatlinburg where you will discover hundreds of shops and specialty stores.
There is everything from art galleries, malls, outfitter stores, to candy makers, all within walking distance of The Edgewater at the Aquarium Hotel & Conference Center. Plan some time for a breath-taking scenic drive to Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community where you’ll find many specialty shops tucked within a beautiful mountain valley. Only a short distance from downtown Gatlinburg.
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
- The Village
- The Mountain Mall
- Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
- Regan Terrace Mall
- Baskin Square Mall
- Lots of Locally Owned Shops on the Parkway