Things to Do in Gatlinburg on a Chilly Day

Top Things to Do in Gatlinburg on a Chilly Day Near Autumn Ridge Cabins

You’ve landed in your beautiful cabin at Autumn Ridge, unpacked and the coffee’s on. What will you do with the rest of your chilly day? Late fall and early winter in the Gatlinburg area is packed with possibilities for fun and memory-making. How you will craft your magic is entirely up to you!

If you are a physically active couple who want to go the extra mile in the exercise zone, one answer is obvious: Ober Mountain. The snow tubing season kicks off in mid-November (skiing and snowboarding start in mid-December as weather permits). Become kids again together as you fly down the mountain. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate and lace up your skates for a romantic time on Ober’s ice rink. Though the rink is open year-round, skating is especially fun when the weather’s got a chill and you feel as if you are embracing the season.

If gliding and sliding aren’t your thing, no worries. There is plenty more fun on tap in the Smokies. Your first stop should be Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where you’ll see thousands of types of aquatic wildlife. Ever wondered what it felt like to (safely) touch a stingray? You can find out at Ripley’s! Get a close and detailed look at so many of the unseen creatures that fill the world’s rivers and oceans, from sea turtles to jellyfish. It’s hard to imagine a more interesting few hours than those spent looking at clownfish, schools of identical species turning and stopping together, and large ocean-living sharks.

When you leave the aquarium, you’ll need to head straight to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum for more indoor fun. You will experience a trip down memory lane, viewing more than 50 vehicles from movies and television down through the decades. The museum’s curators have carefully crafted scenes for displaying the cars which will transport you into the movies and shows in which they were featured. So much fun! Have your picture taken with an adorable Volkswagen from the Herbie movie era, or next to the jalopy driven by The Beverly Hillbillies!

Late November and December in the Gatlinburg area means plenty of Christmas shopping right at your fingertips! The local shop owners have had all year to plan and the possibilities will not disappoint you! The Mountain Mall has a fun music and movie store (you’ll find vinyl records), and a plethora of other shops with items ranging from candy to t-shirts to jewelry and beyond.

Jonathan’s The Bear Necessities is a MUST-STOP for shopping on The Parkway in Gatlinburg. No matter who is on your Christmas list, you will find something special for them in this unique place, founded in 1978. After all, if you’re in the Smokies, you might as well bring home some gifts to reflect your time in these magical hills. There are puzzles, books, frames, ornaments, and t-shirts, among other offerings. You might even find a few Bigfoot-themed gifts! (We know he’s here.)

The Village Shops, also on The Parkway, will be a duck into an Old-World experience, cobblestones and all! You can shop home goods, candles, tea and spices, games, gifts and more, and grab a nice lunch or snack too!

You’ve had a full day together and night is falling. Head back to Autumn Ridge to dress for a nice dinner out on the town! There are several amazing options. The Alamo Steakhouse is a fan favorite. The menu has, predictably, plenty of high-end beef options, but you can get great chicken and pork options too. Side items will send you heavenward, and the dessert menu isn’t too shabby, either.  Care for some “Killer Key Lime Pie? The Peddler Steakhouse is another local icon, where you can get some high-quality beef or opt for chicken, salmon or trout, among other mouth-watering dishes.

After dinner, head to the Skybridge for a stroll above the city. The longest pedestrian bridge on the continent, the Skybridge stretches the length of two football fields. It’s a truly unique experience, made all the more interesting at night. As the stars shine above and the many Christmas lights of Gatlinburg twinkle below you, you will know you have spent your Gatlinburg chilly-weather vacation day exactly as you should have. No regrets here!

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