About the Area
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About the Area
An amazing city in the mountains
Gatlinburg is surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering stunning natural beauty just minutes from a bustling, walkable downtown. Almost every attraction, restaurant, and shop sits along the Parkway, so you can walk, drive, or ride the trolley anywhere you like. From quiet mountain trails to neon nightlife, here is the very best of the area, all a short trip from River Edge Inn.
Things to Do
Top Gatlinburg attractions
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg
America’s most-visited national park begins right at your doorstep. Wander old-growth forests, chase waterfalls, spot black bears, and breathe in the blue-tinged haze that gives these ancient mountains their name. More than 800 miles of trails wait for every pace and ability.
Downtown Gatlinburg & the Parkway
Gatlinburg
Step out and stroll the lively Parkway, the walkable heart of town. You will find taffy pullers, pancake houses, quirky museums, candy shops, and mountain views at every corner. It is pure small-town charm with the Smokies rising right behind the rooftops.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Gatlinburg
Ride the glass elevator 407 feet up this downtown landmark for a sweeping 360-degree view of the Smokies and the twinkling town below. Come back after dark for the glittering night panorama, then play a round in the arcade waiting at the base.
Anakeesta
Gatlinburg
Soar up the mountain by chondola to a treetop wonderland. Walk the swaying canopy bridges, race down the dual mountain coaster, browse the village shops, and dine with a view. After sunset the whole summit glows with dazzling lights and live music.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Gatlinburg
Glide up the historic 1954 chairlift to cross the SkyBridge, one of North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges. Pause on the glass-floor panels suspended 140 feet above the valley if you dare. The mountaintop views and the SkyDeck make it unforgettable.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Gatlinburg
Glide through the underwater tunnel as sharks and rays drift overhead at one of the country’s top aquariums. Meet penguins, touch a stingray, and let the kids explore hands-on exhibits. It is the perfect rainy-day adventure, right on River Road downtown.
Ober Mountain
Gatlinburg
Hop aboard the aerial tramway from downtown for a scenic climb to this year-round playground. Ski and snow tube in winter, then ride the alpine coaster, ice skate, and visit the wildlife encounter any season. The mountaintop views alone are worth the trip.
Ole Smoky Moonshine
Gatlinburg
Sip your way through Tennessee’s most-visited distillery, right on the Parkway. Sample dozens of moonshines and whiskeys, watch the copper stills at work through big windows, and tap your feet to live bluegrass. It is the original Holler where it all began.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
5 min from Gatlinburg
Just east of town, follow an eight-mile loop through America’s largest group of independent artisans. Watch potters, weavers, candlemakers, and painters at work in their studios, then take home a one-of-a-kind handmade treasure. A peaceful, authentic mountain detour.
Cades Cove
60 min from Gatlinburg
Drive the famous 11-mile loop through a broad green valley ringed by mountains. Black bears, deer, and wild turkeys roam the meadows, and historic cabins and churches dot the way. On vehicle-free mornings in summer, bike or walk it in peaceful quiet.
Dollywood
30 min from Gatlinburg
Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park serves up world-class coasters, craft shows, Smoky Mountain music, and Southern cooking. Bring the whole family for a full day of thrills, festivals, and down-home charm, all wrapped in that one-of-a-kind Dollywood hospitality.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
25 min from Gatlinburg
This buzzing entertainment district centers on the 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and a dancing fountain show. Ride, shop, and dine your way around, with free parking and free admission. The kids will love it, and the evening lights are spectacular.
Dining
Where to eat in Gatlinburg
From legendary pancake houses to hickory-grilled steaks and lively rooftop cantinas, Gatlinburg serves up something for every craving. Here are local favorites worth seeking out.
Breakfast & Pancakes
Pancake Pantry
Tennessee’s first pancake house, open since 1960, famous for dozens of pancake varieties and morning lines that are well worth the wait.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~5,500+ reviews
Crockett's 1875 Breakfast Camp
Camp-themed spot packed with Appalachian relics, beloved for giant cinnamon rolls, griddle cakes, and hearty skillets to fuel your day.
⭐ 4.6 rating • ~5,600+ reviews
Log Cabin Pancake House
A rustic Airport Road cabin serving classic pancakes, country breakfasts, and Southern morning fare since 1972. A longtime family favorite.
⭐ 4.5 rating • ~3,800+ reviews
The Pottery House Cafe
Tucked into the Old Mill Pottery complex, serving scratch-made breakfast, fresh breads, soups, and lunch in a relaxed, pretty setting.
⭐ 4.5 rating • ~1,000+ reviews
Reagan's House of Pancakes
A family-run Parkway pancake house turning out fluffy stacks, omelets, and Southern breakfast plates with quick, friendly service.
⭐ 4.0 rating • ~1,200+ reviews
Atrium Pancakes
A bright greenhouse-style dining room with fountains and plants, offering specialty pancakes, crepes, and eggs Benedict in a calm atmosphere.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~570+ reviews
Southern, Steakhouse & BBQ
The Peddler Steakhouse
A Gatlinburg landmark where steaks are cut tableside and grilled over hickory charcoal, paired with a renowned salad bar.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~3,600+ reviews
Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse
A mountain-lodge dining room from the Peddler family, known for steaks, prosperity pork chop, fried chicken, and a polished but casual feel.
⭐ 4.5 rating • ~5,500+ reviews
Calhoun's
A Tennessee favorite famous for hickory-smoked ribs and Ale steak, a reliable Parkway pick for barbecue, sandwiches, and regional brews.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~4,700+ reviews
Delauder's BBQ
A family-owned hidden gem serving tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, regularly ranked among the best barbecue joints around.
⭐ 4.7 rating • ~800+ reviews
Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
Serving hickory-smoked barbecue since 1991 on River Road, with ribs, smoked meats, a big breakfast bar, and a full bar.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~4,500+ reviews
Howard's Restaurant
Gatlinburg’s oldest eatery, open since 1946, plating hand-cut steaks, mountain trout, burgers, and Southern classics with creekside patio seating.
⭐ 4.6 rating • ~600+ reviews
Casual, Bars & International
Ole Red Gatlinburg
Blake Shelton’s multi-level Parkway venue blends Southern comfort food, cocktails, and live Nashville-style music with a lively rooftop scene.
⭐ 3.5 rating • ~1,400+ reviews
Smoky Mountain Brewery
A longtime local brewpub pouring house-crafted ales alongside pizzas, burgers, and customizable plates, with live music most nights.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~6,100+ reviews
Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina
A festive cantina above the Parkway, known for fresh Mexican plates, famous margaritas, and a rooftop patio with mountain views.
⭐ 3.9 rating • ~3,100+ reviews
Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria
A family-run spot serving New York-style pizza, calzones, and classic Italian dishes since the 1970s. A longtime casual Parkway favorite.
⭐ 4.1 rating • ~2,300+ reviews
Local Goat
A New American restaurant just over in Pigeon Forge, praised for scratch-made burgers, steaks, and craft cocktails, consistently a top table.
⭐ 4.6 rating • ~5,000+ reviews
Three Jimmy's
A laid-back eatery off the Parkway with hefty burgers, wings, and comfort food, plus live music and a friendly local crowd.
⭐ 4.3 rating • ~1,900+ reviews
Shopping
Where to shop
Hunt for handmade mountain crafts, sweet treats, and brand-name bargains, all a short drive from the inn.
The Village Shops
A charming open-air enclave off the Parkway with cobblestone walkways, fountains, and more than 27 boutiques, galleries, and cafes in a European feel.
Best for: Boutiques & gifts
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
America’s largest independent artisan community, an eight-mile loop of 100-plus studios where makers sell handmade pottery, leather, brooms, and art.
Best for: Handmade crafts
The Mountain Mall
An indoor downtown mall with floors of locally owned, themed shops selling jewelry, kitchen goods, candles, apparel, and quirky Americana finds.
Best for: Indoor local shops
The Shops along the Parkway
Gatlinburg’s main strip mixes fudge and candy shops, T-shirt stores, knife and outdoor outfitters, and souvenir trading posts, all within walking distance.
Best for: Souvenirs & candy
Tanger Outlets Sevierville
An open-air outlet center minutes away with over 100 brand-name stores like Nike, Coach, and Columbia, offering deep discounts year-round.
Best for: Outlet bargains
The Island in Pigeon Forge
An entertainment and retail complex with dozens of shops, restaurants, and rides, anchored by the towering Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and free parking.
Best for: Shops & entertainment
Stay in the heart of it all
Reserve your stay at River Edge Inn and step right out into everything the Smokies have to offer.
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River Edge Inn
665 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-9292
About River Edge Inn
Tucked in downtown Gatlinburg, River Edge Inn has welcomed guests to the Smoky Mountains for decades. Enjoy renovated rooms with fireplaces, private balconies and jetted tubs, a seasonal outdoor pool, and the Parkway just a short walk away.