Memorial Day Weekend is a popular time for families to enjoy a long weekend together. Grilling, picnics, and getaways to the mountains are fun ways to celebrate together. On the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee is a treasure – the Great Smoky Mountains. Memorial Day Weekend here can be as action-packed or laid-back as you choose.
Action-Packed Adventures
Visit Dollywood and Splash Country in Pigeon Forge for thrilling rides, live shows and plenty of fun foods. This amusement park has rides for all ages, dining shows and loads of water fun like the Tail Spin. A long weekend will give you just the right amount of time to explore all of both parks.
Get fresh air and exercise (along with amazing views) when you hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. See waterfalls, remnants of past settler cabins and caves as you trek past streams, through old growth forests and up ridges. Wildlife is abundant. Watch for black bears, white-tail deer, and wild turkey.
Grab your money and do some serious shopping. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have quaint shops where you can purchase homemade soaps, specialty candles, sparkling jewelry and more. Take home a pair of leather boots or a package of cheddar potato soup mix. Find things you will not find anywhere else, with loads of items made locally.
Ultimate thrill-seekers can hop on a heart-stopping whitewater-rafting ride. The Pigeon River has level III and IV challenges for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors will provide all of the equipment and experienced guides to give you a memorable ride down the rapids. Those with small children or little experience can enjoy float rides or easy rafting with Rafting in the Smokies. This outfitter also offers guests a trip to Family Adventure Island where ziplining, a 150 ft swinging bridge and a natural beach for swimming all add up to a fun-filled time for the whole family.
Laid-back Fun
Would you prefer to enjoy a more relaxed vacation? The Smoky Mountains offer activities for all ages, skill levels and interests. Drive through Cades Cove or ride it on your bicycles. This beautiful loop offers stunning mountain meadows, thick woods, and historic homes from founding families. See the cantilever barns, explore log cabins, climb the ladders to the upper floors. You can feel how isolated and hard life was for these settlers. Wildlife is everywhere along the loop. See bears with their cubs, deer and wild turkeys. This place will take you back to a harder, yet simpler time.
Take in a dinner show for great southern-style food and a fantastic show, too. The Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s Dinner Feud features thrilling stunts, singing, dancing and comedy along with fried chicken, pulled pork barbecue, creamy vegetable soup and more. Come in, eat all you want and laugh with the longest running feud around.
Visit the aquarium, ride the trolley or do some geocaching. The Smoky Mountains are waiting to entertain you on Memorial Day.