Indoor Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Sevierville When It’s Hot
The mercury is rising, even in the Smokies, where we stay a little cooler than the lower elevations. Heck, the month of August is a scorcher all over the United States, and people everywhere are looking for creative ways to have fun without getting too warm in the process. In the greater Gatlinburg area you are at a distinct advantage. You can have all sorts of adventures here without ever breaking a sweat.
The first idea is one you’ve probably already thought of! Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, of course. Scores of interesting stores, all in close proximity to each other. Duck in and out of air-conditioned spaces, filling your shopping bags with treasures. There really isn’t anyone on your mind who you won’t find something perfect for. Your house sitter would adore anything from the Simply Southern store. Love purses? You’ll be in heaven, bouncing from Coach to Brighton to Michael Kors, Kate Spade and more. Men aren’t left out of the shopping magic, either! Run to Asics, Grunt Style (where you can get a military discount), Sunglasses Hut, the Columbia Factory Store or the Nike Factory Store. This outlet mall has hours of fun bargain browsing to offer. You’ll have to remind yourself to stop and eat a meal. At that point, you’re literally surrounded by options, including, but not limited to, The Chop House, where you’ll find choice steaks and seafood to make your mouth water, Outback Steakhouse, Joe’s Crab Shack and Olive Garden.
Once you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped and had a great lunch, head back toward Pigeon Forge for more ways to have a blast without suffering heatstroke. Oh, the options are endless. If you are a fan of the movie Titanic (and who isn’t), have we got a treat for you! Pigeon Forge is home to the largest museum dedicated to the sunken vessel and the story of her demise. You will learn more than you thought you could all while having a ton of fun! As you approach the museum, shaped exactly like the sunken Titanic, (only half her size, but still massive), you’ll be wowed by the authenticity of the design. Get ready to step back in time. Your emotions will ride a wild rollercoaster as you browse exhibits designed to thrust you into the last voyage of the passengers and crew who perished.
After you’ve enjoyed learning everything about the final voyage of the world’s most iconic ship, head on into Gatlinburg for more indoor options. The one so many swerve toward (for good reason) is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. You will feel like a kid again as you traverse the Coral Reef section of the attraction, taking in the beauty of Pacific Ocean fish such as the beloved clownfish. The species here truly look like gliding works of art. The bluering angelfish seem to glow, their colors shimmering in the light. Several types of tang swim majestically through the environment, their varying colors brightly illumined, their markings artistically drawn onto perfectly engineered bodies made for the sea.
In the Ocean Realm section of the aquarium, you’ll be thrilled by the amazing variety of shapes and sizes of schooling fish and other wonderful species. The spotted garden eel rises like a garden hose with eyes. The weedy scorpionfish looks exactly like a ghostly statue from a downed ship, all wisps and eyes and angles. The zebra moray startles you with giant eyes reminiscent of the googly eyes purchased at craft stores. They follow you as the fish glides by, seeming to look through you. The fish’s strips are perfectly painted, making it seem to emerge from an artist’s brush, swimming directly out of a frame in a museum somewhere. You have to resist the urge to touch the glass as these creatures slide past, your heart aching with their beauty, mystery and wonder.
Before you head out of the aquarium, you’ll have seen penguins at play, stingrays billowing and sharks swimming overhead. Your mind and heart will be full! Stop at the gift shop to grab a memento of your magical visit to a place that allows you a peek into the world that deep sea divers traverse. It is worth EVERY penny!
You will likely be looking for another good meal after spending the afternoon at these wonderful indoor venues. Head on up to Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure featuring lots to see and do. While up there where the air is clean and clear (and a bit cooler), you can take advantage of the attraction’s Clifftop restaurant for dinner (must pay entrance to Anakeesta). You can sit indoors (in air-conditioned joy) or outdoors where mountaintop breezes abound. Either way, you’re going to be treated to some stunning views of the Smoky Mountains below. Don’t believe us? Check out Anakeesta’s photo gallery at Photo and Video Galleries! There are several other dining options at Anakeesta, as well as a plethora of fun family activities.
We have only scratched the surface of ways to have fun indoors in Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge during the waning days of summer. You will never run out of ideas as you browse the internet and look around you while enjoying your day in our neck of the woods. This place was built for fun and memory-making. Happy late summer adventures!
