Celebrate Easter In Gatlinburg
By Leif Palmer
Posted on April 6, 2022
There are lots of reasons to visit Gatlinburg any time of year: world-class attractions, a wide variety of lodging options, restaurants, shops and plenty of downtown public parking. Gatlinburg also has some special events taking place that would make it a great travel destination on Easter weekend.
That Saturday, April 16, for example, you could visit attractions like Anakeesta, SkyLift Park, Star Cars or the Gatlinburg Space Needle. And in between, downtown has dozens of restaurants and unique shops within easy walking distance. If you want to do something Easter-specific, you might also visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, where, in addition to their usual collection of ocean species from around the world, they'll be hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza. This free event will take place in the plaza outside the aquarium. Sponsored by KinderJoy Candy Company, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature lots of candy, toys and crafts for the kids.
On Sunday morning, if you're interested in attending a local Easter service, you have a few options. You could drop in at any number of denominational churches in downtown Gatlinburg and surrounding neighborhoods of the city. Any would be happy to welcome you as a visiting guest.
Or if you're an early bird, you might head up to Ober Gatlinburg, where they'll be having their annual Easter Sunrise Service. The 30- to 40-minute mountaintop service will begin at 6:30 a.m. and be led by local pastors from the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association. The offering collected that morning will be used by the association to assist those in need.
Ober Gatlinburg will provide guests with complimentary rides on the Aerial Tramway that runs from downtown to the mountaintop resort beginning at 5:00 a.m. and continuing until the service begins. If you choose to drive, complimentary parking will be provided at the resort itself. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held indoors around the ice-skating rink.
A brunch buffet will be available at Seasons of Ober restaurant from 7:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The menu will feature French toast, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon, biscuits, mini muffins, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee and much more. The price of brunch is $14.95 (plus tax0 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 5 through 10. Children younger than 5 dine for free.
Other area Easter-themed events include an Easter egg hunt at Wear Farm City Park in Pigeon Forge on April 16, Easter brunch at Mama's Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge on April 17 and Easter brunch at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend on April 17.
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.