5 Ways to Stay Cool in Gatlinburg in Summer
Summer in Gatlinburg can get a bit warm, but don’t let that stop you from having a great vacation! There are a number of ways to stay cool both indoors and outdoors during your day in Gatlinburg. Here are some of the best and most fun ways to stay cool in Gatlinburg in summer:
1. Go Ice Skating at Ober Mountain
One of the best ways to beat the heat in Gatlinburg in summer is to head up to Ober Mountain to go ice skating! This attraction features a large indoor ice rink that provides wintery fun even during the summer months. Whether you’re new to ice skating or a pro, all are welcome to enjoy this cool activity. If you don’t feel like skating, you can climb aboard one of the Ice Bumper Cars and take a spin around the rink!
2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If you’re looking for a place too cool off in Gatlinburg in summer, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! This Gatlinburg attraction takes you on a journey through the oceans and rivers of the world. You’ll get to see all sorts of colorful aquatic animals, including sharks, stingrays, clownfish, piranhas, crabs, eels, penguins, sea turtles, and much more! Guests of all ages will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks at the Discovery Center and Touch A-Ray Bay. The cool water provides an especially refreshing experience!
3.Try Ziplining
A great way to beat the heat in Gatlinburg in summer is going on a ziplining adventure! As you soar through the trees, the wind is sure to cool you off! CLIMB Works and Anakeesta are two places in Gatlinburg that offer exciting ziplining tours. You can glide across ziplines of varying lengths and speeds while enjoying breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains all around you. Depending on where you go ziplining, your adventure may also include bridges, rappelling, and other fun features!
4. Sample Moonshine
Gatlinburg is well-known for its moonshine distilleries, and many of these distilleries offer tastings and tours where you can sample various flavors of local spirits. Favorite Gatlinburg distilleries include Ole Smoky, Tennessee Shine Co, and Sugarlands Distilling Company. Step inside and try unique flavors of moonshine, whiskey, and bourbon produced locally in the Smoky Mountains. This is a great way to get out of the heat and learn more about the history and culture of the area!
5. Dine at The Park Grill
One of the best ways to stay cool in Gatlinburg in summer is dining at The Park Grill! Our air-conditioned restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere in a rustic mountain lodge. If you’re looking to cool off, you’ll love our unlimited salad bar that’s kept cold with fresh vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and made-from-scratch dressings! Pair your meal with a refreshing sweet tea, ice cold beer, or premium cocktail to remove all traces of summer heat!
We welcome walk-ins, but we recommend making a reservation to make sure you can get out of the heat and sit at a table as quickly as possible. Book a table online and come see us soon!
