5 Cool, And (Somewhat) Peaceful Places in Downtown Gatlinburg Worth Discovering

It’s all relative when you’re speaking of peaceful spots in downtown Gatlinburg. Is it going to match the virtual isolation and tranquility found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park next door? No. Not really. However, if you want some places where you can really recharge the spirit and mind, the following are spots worth discovering. A few may seem ridiculous on its face, but hey, check out any of these places to see if you agree. You just might!

1. Fiafia Smoothie Cafe

This unassuming cafe is a bit hidden, but it’s very much a part of downtown Gatlinburg. I wrote a review about Fiafia Smoothie Cafe about a month ago, and I feel they need to be included. Here, you can get a healthy pick-me-up in the way of smoothies, smoothie bowls, avocado toast, lemonade drinks, teas, and even gluten free oats. The ingredients are clean, and I believe you will feel energized just as I was after eating their delicious Power Oats bowl.

2. The Bridge and Creek Behind Quality Inn Creekside

Mere steps away from Fiafia Smoothie Cafe is a bridge and what could be a kids park area, but without the equipment. This is a serene creek away from the hubbub of downtown Gatlinburg. I’ve come back here many times to recharge and take pictures, and it’s also a great location to collect your thoughts and let your stress levels subside. And you don’t even need to drive into the national park to experience it.

3. McMahan Parkway Parking Garage

When I said “ridiculous,” in my introductory paragraph, this is what I was referring to. Since I rarely drive downtown, I walk up here often to…yes, take pictures, and I’ve shown many of them on my Facebook page. Is it the most peaceful place on this list? Not exactly. But the top of this city garage gives you magnificent views of the mountains, the city, and the majestic icon that is the Space Needle. So, if you don’t mind a few car horns and noise-makers, it can still give you a unique admiration for this tourist town.

4. Any Spot Along River Road

River Road is the aptly-named road in downtown Gatlinburg that runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. You’ll find mostly hotels and eateries here, but there are spots where you don’t actually have to have a room reservation (or a parking spot) to enjoy. The highlight is a section where there’s a sidewalk with benches you can just sit, read a book, or listen to the white noise of the river. You may also have some geese waddle by and say hello too!

5. Mynatt Park

I saved the most peaceful and beautiful place in Gatlinburg for last. Mynatt Park is the best place to recharge in this entire tourist town, if you ask me. There’s a reflection point when you first walk into this public space. The Memorial Wall honors the crews that bravely fought the Gatlinburg fires of 2016, and those 14 who lost their lives that fateful night. Mynatt Park is simply a beautiful place for a picnic, a walk, recreational activities, and more. It’s where we like to go for pictures, play, and pleasure. It makes us happy knowing it’s here to help our mental acuity, and I’m sure you will think so too. It’s located down the Airport Road from the light #8 intersection downtown.

The next time you visit Gatlinburg and…say, the national park is closed, you can still take pride in the fact that downtown has a lot to offer aside from the many moonshine, wine, and cheap tee shirt shops. We’ve done it all as tourists, and I want you to have the best all-around experience your family deserves to have. Hopefully, you can find these spots and many more on your Gatlinburg vacation!

Thank you all for reading and subscribing to my publication. I appreciate the time you’ve spent reading my content. It is my passion to live and breath everything this tourist town offers so I can pass along my love of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains to you. Stay tuned!