What's Open in Gatlinburg During the Slow Season
I know some first-time visitors are asking what’s open during the winter months in Gatlinburg. Spoiler Alert: Pretty much everything…however, January and February bring a set of challenges for business owners that can result in fluid business hours due to weather and staffing concerns, among a few. Many of us in the Gatlinburg tourism industry are currently having their hours cut—myself included. This post will hopefully help you better prepare yourself for what’s in store when you arrive.
Attractions
The outdoor attractions like Anakeesta, Ober Mountain, and the Gatlinburg Skypark can all be influenced by extreme weather conditions, as is the case with any other season. Anakeesta is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10-7, in addition to the two holiday weekend Mondays, which are MLK Day and Presidents’ Day. March will begin regular operations for the best attraction in Gatlinburg (my opinion, of course).
This is the busy season for the Ober Mountain ski resort, so they normally open 7 days a week, with wildly varying hours, depending on the day and activity. All hours can be found on their website.
The Gatlinburg Skypark is also a daily operation here in Gatlinburg, and they certainly can’t be missed from the Parkway with their new ticket office and gift shop. Their Winter hours are from 9-9, but check ahead when there is inclement weather. All of these places err on the side of caution and concern.
It usually takes a serious act of God to shut down any of the Ripley’s attractions. The most popular one is The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and their winter weekday hours are normally from 9-8; weekends are 9 in the morning to 10 at night.
Restaurants, Other Food and Snack Shops
Business as usual for the bigger, more popular restaurants in town. They are almost always available for visitors and their appetites, including mine. Both breweries in town—Smoky Mountain Brewery and Gatlinburg Brewing Company—are open late, even in the winter. The former usually closes at midnight, while the latter (GBC) gives the night owl an extra hour. If I’m not mistaken, Gatlinburg Brewing Company stays open later than any restaurant in town, with its 1 a.m. closing time…cue the Semisonic 90s tune.
You likely won’t find any of these places in The Village open past 8. I’m talking about the fantastic Boudicca’s Celtic Pub and Maddie Mae’s Cafe and Creamery. Most days Boudicca’s will close around 7, and Maddie Mae’s may already be closed by 6. That still leaves you plenty of time during the day to check out 2 quality shops/eateries.
The Donut Friar (I know, not a restaurant) can be open past 8, but that depends on the availability of their top-notch donuts. They open super early…like, 5 in the morning for you early birds, so you only have yourself to blame for missing out on the other 15 hours.
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is also on The Village time, and they will close early, along with the others. The one down further on the Parkway is open later—typically 9 or 10, but don’t be surprised if they close earlier if weather is wreaking havoc.
Souvenir Shops and Stores
The same theme applies to the souvenir shops and stores in Gatlinburg…weather. Places like Jonathan’s and The Maples’ Tree stay open until 9 or 10, and this is mainly the case with most others.
The Arts and Crafts Community loop is way more varied; in fact, expect some of them to shut down for a week break in January. Below, I will list what was on their Facebook Page, which is a nice heads-up directory of some small businesses. Don’t expect any of these places to stay open longer than the light of day, but you should be aware of them. It’s a pleasant diversion from some of the sameness found on the Parkway. Here’s the list with underlined links included:
Buie Pottery Jan & March 930-5 daily, Feb- open Valentines & President's weekends
Santa's Claus-et open 9a-6p Mon-Sat & 9a-5p Sun
Rocky Flats Pottery & Soap open 10a-4p Tues-Sun
Fowler's Clay Works open 9a-5p Mon-Sat 9a-3p Sun
A. Jann Peitso, art open 10a-4p Wed-Sat
Brushstrokes of the Smokies open 10a-4p Wed-Sat (Mon-Tues lessons by appt)
Highland Craft Gallery & Lee Manis Baskets- Jan 5- Feb 24 open 11a-4p Mon-Sat 1p-4p Sun. Closed 2/25- 3/10
Holly & Willow's Pet Barn open 11a-3p Wed-Sat
Nelson Farms, TN Jan-closed; Feb open Fri & Sat; March- normal hours
Lorelei Candles open 930a-5p Mon-Sat; closed Jan 20-Feb 1; closed Feb 16-19
Sparky's Glassblowing Jan & Feb 9a-3p daily
Black Bear Crafts closed Jan 6-Jan 18; Jan 19- March 8 open Fri & Sat 10a-4p; closed Jan 31-Feb 12
Glades Soda Fountain open Fri & Sat 11a-4p until March 12
Wire Wonders 10a-4p Tues-Sat
Misty Mountain Soap Co. open 10a-4p Tues-Sat
Hat Characters open 10a-4p Tues- Sat
The Next Chapter Bookshop open 10a-5p Tues-Sat
Love Life Live Life open 10a-5p Tues-Sat
The Basket Case Soap Co., LLC closed Jan 6-10; Jan open 10a-5p Tues-Sat; Feb open 10a-5p Mon-Sat
Cliff Dwellers open 10a-5p daily
East Tennessee Leather Co open 10a-5p Wed-Sat
Split Rail Eats closed Jan 7-15; open 11a-5p Tues & Wed; 11a-9p Thurs-Sat; 10a-2p Sun
Make It Magic open 9a-5p Mon-Sat
Remember: These hours are all subject to change. Usually, if a business in the Arts and Crafts Community closes unexpectedly, they will post a notice on their door. Downtown Gatlinburg is a toss-up. When any business closes early during the slow season, it’s mostly due to decreased traffic, sales, and of course, weather.
I hope this helps you on your visit to Gatlinburg! Feel free to use it as a guide if you’re traveling here during the months of January and February. Thank you all for finding, reading, and subscribing to my publication. It is always appreciated, and I hope you’ll continue to follow for more valuable information and personal experiences right here in Gatlinburg!