A Side Of Food With Your Fun
By Leif Palmer
Posted on January 13, 2023
Gatlinburg has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. Often, the challenge is narrowing down the places you most want to visit during your limited window of time in the Smokies. One thing to consider when deciding which attractions to visit is whether or not you can grab a bite to eat while you're at that location. Especially if it's a destination that requires multiple hours or even a full day to experience, the need to find food can be important.
We've compiled a short list of Gatlinburg attractions where you can dine - or at least find food vendors - in the midst of enjoying your morning, afternoon or entire day. In some cases, it might make the difference between going the distance and leaving early just to find some grub.
Ober Mountain
While you're up at the ski resort enjoying the snowy slopes this winter (or having fun on any number of other rides during warmer seasons), you can always take a break to enjoy a meal at Seasons of Ober restaurant. Their spacious and comfortable dining rooms offers up unparalleled views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the food is pretty darned good too. The dining room also has a stage that is home to seasonal live-music showcases. Other food vendors on the property include the Sidewalk Café (pizza, burgers and more), a fudge shop and a coffee shop.
Anakeesta
This is another mountaintop attraction that overlooks downtown Gatlinburg and has a number of eateries that are accessible with the theme park's admission. The Cliff Top restaurant is in Black Bear Village and serves modern American cuisine like steaks, salads, burgers and more. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating with great views. The Smokehouse, in Firefly Village, also has stellar views and features house-smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket and chicken wings. Meanwhile, the Kephart Café is where you'll find quick bites like hot dogs and flatbread pizzas - perfect for guests on the go.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
When you visit this popular downtown aquarium, you can grab a snack at the Feeding Frenzy, which overlooks Stingray Bay. They offer a wide range of snack-style menu items - something for everyone in the family.
SkyLift Park
Yet another mountaintop attraction in Gatlinburg, SkyLift Park has an eatery called SkyCafe (located in the main SkyCenter building) that serves items like pizza, pretzels, wraps, chili, hot dogs, nachos and more. The best part is that hot weather or cold, you can enjoy your treats in climate-controlled comfort with outstanding views of the city below and the mountains beyond.
Any of our parking garages in Gatlinburg, TN, will give you handy access to all of these food-friendly attractions.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.