Highlights from Our Recent 4 Day Trip to Gatlinburg

I know what some of you are thinking. Just being in Gatlinburg is a highlight. But that doesn’t mean there can’t be a few things that stand out on the memory reel. There will be some familiar items on this list, plus some that surprised us a bit. It is now time to fill you in on the best parts of another memorable Gatlinburg vacation!

Best Italian in the Elks Plaza

We had Best Italian pegged for our first night dinner for a reason. The garlic knots are super delicious, but their New York style pizza is astonishingly excellent. You’re only diminishing it by getting toppings on it that will mask the simple pleasure of a cheese pizza. It’s the best and overall winner in value. A 16” cheese will only set you back $12.99. Compare it to other pizza places in town. They just can’t give you what Best Italian will time after time.

Howard’s Restaurant

I truly do not understand why Howard’s has received so many mixed reviews in the past, but it’s clear they are becoming a new favorite of ours. Their burgers are a half-pound meaty delight. We’ve only eaten there twice; however, both times we’ve been more than pleased with the beef. A pleasant surprise came from a side item discovery: steamed teriyaki vegetables. Way better than any vegetable side item I’ve ever eaten in Gatlinburg. And that is saying something.

Anakeesta

I’ll just get this out of the way right now. Anakeesta will likely never be a disappointment and always a highlight for us when we visit Gatlinburg. We bought yearly passes in April, and we’ve more than received our money’s worth—multiple times over. The views are spectacular; there’s multiple options for getting to the top; activities for kids and adults; better yet, there are wondrous mountain views that will surely take your breath away. I recommend this attraction to anyone visiting Gatlinburg for the first or one hundredth time.

Cookie Dough Bliss

Located back in the Marketplace in downtown Gatlinburg is a place I visited for the first time: Cookie Dough Bliss. I figured I would sample a few and that would be it. Well, unbeknownst to me, tucked in the corner of their cookie dough flavors was a sugar-free chocolate chip flavor. It was an instant buy. If you don’t know much about me personally, I am a diabetic. And yes, it is difficult to stay away from many sugar-laden foods in Gatlinburg, but I do splurge on a few favorites in town. With this, there was no guilt, and yes it tastes just like pre-baked cookie dough, only safer.

Calhoun’s

Now I’ve never had a problem with Calhoun’s, but when it comes to a family decision, it always gets left out. Maybe not anymore. I ate at Calhoun’s during my unsuccessful attempt at moving us to Knoxville early this summer, and it was outstanding. Granted, it was their Turkey Creek location, but still, I raved enough about it, convincing my better half to a reluctant visit. While I only had a salad, it was substantial and tasty. My wife enjoyed her steak too, but the free appetizer stole the show. They gave us 4 different breads—all fresh and fantastic, except for the cornbread, which was a bit dry. The others were a biscuit, roll, and a marvelous bread muffin. We will return.

Morning Walks to The Village

This is a highlight of every Gatlinburg trip. It will never get old, and I will always do this. My son Zach was my walk partner on this trip, as he actually wanted to be up early, which is not normal at home or Gatlinburg. I feel rejuvenated with every morning stroll, and I credit these walks for awakening my creativity. It may feel funny to you, but I got my idea of starting a Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain blog from it. Of course, I really feel like I could rule the world after consuming my favorite donut from The Donut Friar, and the best coffee in town at Coffee and Company. It is my all-time favorite breakfast combo/splurge. The Village, with the fountain as its centerpiece, is a simply peaceful and beautiful place to put your worries aside, especially in the early morning hours.

Conclusion

It’s impossible to rank any of these highlights, and I don’t think it’s fair to say any of them should be treated in any other way than as equals. I will add an honorable mention to The Gatlinburg Trail, located at the entrance to the National Park. It’s a very enjoyable two mile walk that never really feels too busy, despite its walkable nature. Dogs are permitted on this trail, and you can enjoy the way it transforms from a roadside trail to a tranquil forestry river walk that eventually takes you to the Sugarlands Visitors Center.

I hope you enjoyed my Gatlinburg highlights. If you’ve never been here, hopefully I assisted you with your first itinerary. If you have made this your vacation and haven’t visited a few of these, now you know I have given my stamp of approval, for whatever that’s worth. After all, it’s still just an opinion. Thanks for reading!