It’s National Hammock Day! July 22 is another one of those wacky “holidays” we love to celebrate, and it may be one of our favorite yet. When we’re not playing in the Smokies, we love relaxing in the Smokies, and this is the day to take that to the max! And even if you don’t have a hammock to call home for the day, there are plenty of other ways to relax and unwind – which is what a hammock is all about! Read on to see our top ideas for relaxing in the Smokies – from your Gatlinburg cabin to downtown Pigeon Forge.
Treat Yo’ Self in a luxury cabin
What better way to relax on your Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg vacation than by hanging out around your cozy and relaxing cabin?! The ultimate lazy day is sleeping in late and staying around the cabin, and thankfully our cabins are packed with amenities to offer you the ultimate in relaxation. Need some ideas beyond just lying around in bed all day? We have plenty of options!
- Grab a book and lie back in a hammock.
- Float around your private indoor pool.
- Treat yourself to a bath in your indoor jetted tub.
- Unwind on a porch swing with a glass of ice cold lemonade.
- Sip hot cocoa by your cabin’s firepit.
- Listen to your favorite music by the wood-burning fireplace inside.
- End your evening with a soak in the outdoor hot tub.
Have movie night at the cabin
Many of our cabins have their own movie theaters! And those that don’t often have big screen TVs with Blu-ray players and DVD players. Some have their own movie libraries, but you can always bring your favorites or rent Redbox movies. Pop some popcorn, grab some candy and drinks, and sit back for a relaxing – and fun – movie night in the cabin.
Take a drive through Cades Cove
The 11-mile loop road at Cades Cove is a scenic and relaxing drive – one you don’t want to miss when you visit the Smokies. There are options to bike or hike, but if you want a really relaxing experience, just hop in the car, roll down the windows, and enjoy the views. You’ll pass soothing streams, historic homesteads, rustling wildlife, and serene mountain surroundings that will put you at ease.
Stroll Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
This top-ranking aquarium – gracing the top lists of TripAdvisor, USA Today, and Forbes – is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day when you want to get out of the cabin. Stroll through the halls of the aquarium, beneath sharks (in the moving tunnel), touching stingrays, and being truly amazed by the 10,000+ exotic sea creatures housed here. As you explore, you’ll see the Tropical Rainforest, Shark Lagoon, Gallery of the Seas, Penguin Playhouse!, Coral Reef, Touch-A-Ray Bay, Ocean Realm, Stingray Bay, Systems Control, and Discovery Center.
Sip along the Rocky Top Wine Trail
Featuring 5 wineries and 1 distillery, the Rocky Top Wine Trail offers a day of relaxation – and delicious local drinks along the way. Enjoy tastings and pick your favorite bottle to take back to the cabin for a romantic night as a couple or a relaxing evening with family and friends.
Soak in the Views at Anakeesta
One of the Smokies’ newest attractions, Anakeesta has plenty of fun – but also plenty of ways to relax! Spend the afternoon walking through Vista Gardens, their sprawling botanical gardens that’s been expanded with 5,000+ flowers, 800 shrubs, and 400 trees. Take a moment to remember those affected by the 2016 Gatlinburg fires on the Memorial Forest Walk, or soak in the views of Mt. LeConte from Firefly Village. There is even a firepit where you can enjoy a hot drink on a cold night – how wonderful does that sound?!
Take a Scenic Ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift
The Gatlinburg SkyLift is a staple in the Smokies, and you’ll get some fantastic views along this relaxing ride. At the top, you can check out the new Gatlinburg SkyBridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America!
Shop ‘Til You Drop
From local boutiques to As Seen On TV stores and everything in between, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have an impressive lineup of places to shop. Find deals on designer duds at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, explore the unique architecture and offerings at downtown Gatlinburg’s The Village shops, or spend a day meeting the artisans – and buying their awesome work – in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community!