If you’re looking for what to do in Gatlinburg on a rainy day, you’ve come to the right place! If the weather is bad, you can check out the attractions in downtown Gatlinburg, including the Aquarium of the Smokies. This interactive aquarium features exhibits that will keep you entertained for hours. Visitors can also see marine life, including the famous “Pearl Harbor” exhibit. You can also purchase a souvenir to take home, as they only accept cash.
If you’d rather stay indoors, you can do a little shopping. The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community has over 100 artists and artisans selling their wares. There’s also a wonderful cafe in downtown Gatlinburg called Red Oak Bistro. The food here is locally-sourced and paired with fine wines. If you’re in the mood for a fine meal, you can try one of the many restaurants in the city.
If you’re a movie fan, you can head over to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction, where you’ll find over 500 exhibits on three floors of fun. The aquarium itself is open at 10am. Visitors can also take in educational exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg. Adults can enjoy a fun night out at their bar, Sips & Sharks, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres. You can play trivia games, too!
If you’d rather spend your day indoors, you can also check out the Ober Gatlinburg Visitor Center. This location features a mini golf course and is open year-round for the military. The Ober mall is home to the facility, which offers discounts to military members. A full-service museum, which is located two miles from the park, is also an excellent choice.
If you don’t mind a dreary day, you can still find plenty to do in Gatlinburg on the first rainy day of your trip. Gatlinburg’s Village Shops have many unique shops and restaurants. Try Boudicca’s Celtic Pub for a delicious meal and the Donut Friar for a memorable dinner. There are also several interesting shops in the downtown area, including Zi Olive and The Cheese Cupboard. A visit to the Sugarlands Visitors Center also offers a film about the Smoky Mountains.
If the weather is too hot for outdoor activities, the Aerial Tramway offers an amazing view of the mountains and downtown. Aerial trams depart from downtown Gatlinburg regularly and hold up to 120 passengers. Aerial trams run over 2.1 miles to Ober Gatlinburg, where you can see an ice rink, arcade, and multiple indoor rides. There’s something for everyone in the family, whether you’re looking for an indoor mall or a quaint ice skating rink, or just a place to spend a rainy day.
If you’d rather stay indoors, you can visit the Magic Kingdom to enjoy a thrilling show. The Wonders of Magic show is performed by Terry Evanswood and runs almost every day during peak seasons. The show features a dazzling array of illusions and sleight of hand tricks that will keep you enchanted for hours. This attraction is also a great option for kids of all ages, as it’s perfect for families and the entire family.