A Complete Sensory Experience in Gatlinburg: Using All 5 to Perfection

I don’t think many of us realize just how much Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains affect us until we think about how our senses are awakened with every visit. It truly is the best drug because we are addicted to the most positive qualities that they present to us. It makes us happy, joyful, peaceful, and more together if we allow it. I’m going to discuss a complete recommended sensory experience for your Gatlinburg vacation broken down into each of our five senses.

Sight

We’ll start with the easiest first. If you’re not impressed with the initial sight of the Smoky Mountains, you may not like much else the area has to offer. Gatlinburg is nestled cozily next to this grand spectacle. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Park, and it’s the most recognizable when you look southeast behind the Park Vista hotel. I could go on and on describing all the different views, but for the sake of this article, we’ll keep it short. Explore!

Gatlinburg itself should also be enjoyed with the eyes. Aside from the typical tourist attractions—which actually aren’t bad to look at, especially the Ripley’s Odditorium and Aquarium—the architecture of the downtown buildings are impressively unique. Check out the The Clock Peddler building and the Marketplace shops across the road for more than a glance, and you might be a little surprised at what you see structurally. I would be ignorant if I didn’t mention people-watching as form of sight that is enjoyment for many while relaxing on a bench or overlooking a balcony from a hotel or restaurant.

Hearing

This one may not be as obvious to you, but a walk in Gatlinburg or the Smoky Mountains can perk up our ears. In the warmer months, the birds will be chirping; the sound of a rushing waterfall, river, or creek will fill the air during any month. Wandering past Zoder’s Inn, the Aquarium, and all along the aptly-named River Road will give you a taste of nature without setting foot in the Park. There’s also a nice little place between the back of Smoky Mountain Brewery and Quality Inn Creekside for extraordinary peacefulness. While any hour of the day will suffice with this activity, it’s best done in the morning at sunrise when very few people are around. A word of warning though: Be wary of bears in these spots, especially in the early morning hours.

This is the land of Bluegrass as a musical outlet, and Ole Smoky Moonshine has arguably more of it here than anywhere else. The Holler, as its called is a place to sit and enjoy in the afternoon and evening hours most days of the year, believe it or not. Ole Red, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Shamrock’s, and Gatlinburg Brewing Company have a quite diverse mix of bands and singer-songwriters to amp up the entertainment volume in town.

Smell

Gatlinburg is sometimes described as having a carnival-like atmosphere, and this is mainly due in large part to the mouth-watering smells in town. It’s not enough that you can get a whiff outside the fabulous restaurants in town—Calhoun’s, Cherokee Grill, Howard’s, just to name a few. Nope, I have to talk about Fannie Farkle’s, home of the famous Ogle Dogs and giant sausages with peppers and onions. For over 40 years, they’re responsible for adding to the aura of Gatlinburg as a food paradise, among many other outstanding observations. Going back to the morning meandering involves a stroll anywhere close to The Village where The Donut Friar is churning out their morning array of delights for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. There’s just no denying the smells that permeate the air when you’re enjoying the Gatlinburg downtown.

Touch

You may be asking. What is there to touch that can awaken my soul? No I’m not talking about finger foods. Go into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have yourself a field day with Mother Nature. Grotto Falls is a waterfall that you can not only see; you can walk behind it a put your hands underneath the falling water. Of course you can’t do this with any other one in the Park, and it’s important you’re still being safe when doing this. Along the Gatlinburg Trail next to town, you can take off your shoes and dip your toes and feet in the water for a cool sensation of pure oneness with the blessed East Tennessee landscape.

Taste

I’ve already mentioned Fannie Farkle’s and The Donut Friar’s delicious smells, but you need to follow through and get a taste as well. Definitely not a disappointment. Breakfast and pancakes are the standard bearer in town, and while that is a great bucket list activity, you need to give extra attention to the broad range of other excellent home cooking-ish preparations in Gatlinburg. Desserts and side dishes are not to be ignored, and some are specific to Southern-style cuisine. You can have grits for any meal of the day here. For vegetables and legumes, baked beans, Spinach Maria, and fried okra are a few you may not find in too many places up North. Pizza is an unexpected surprise. Fabulous pizza can be had at Best Italian, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and Big Daddy’s. Steak is great as well! Our picks are Cherokee Grill and Alamo, but The Peddler has been a staple we’ve yet to indulge. Stay tuned!

If dessert is on your must list—as it should, but hopefully with some moderation if your diet restricts it—then banana pudding is a top recommendation, given its ubiquitous nature here. Fudge and taffy are fantastic treats to be had at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and Chocolate Monkey among many others. After all, I did mention that Gatlinburg is comparable to a carnival or state fair, only year-round.

If you’ve been to Gatlinburg and The Smoky Mountains, you are probably no stranger and quite well aware of all these activities that’ll activate your senses. My hope is that if you’re planning your first visit to this beautiful part of East Tennessee, you’ll find it helpful. And it would be awesome and also a privilege for me to assist you even more if necessary. I started this to share and educate people on why we find it a necessary escape from reality. Please subscribe if you want to know even more. I appreciate the interest in my Publication, and I hope I’ve given you a good guide for your visit!