1-Day Mini Gatlinburg Tour

We begin our tour at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center outside of the city of Gatlinburg. From here, we go to the city for a history lesson on how Gatlinburg got its start, who its early families were, and how it is today. We will discuss several of the prominent families in the small city both past and present. We will discuss some of its landmarks and a bit of its checkered past. This is a mini version of our very popular Roundabout Gatlinburg tour. If you book this tour, you do not need to book the Roundabout tour as it would only be a repeat of information. After touring around Gatlinburg, we will head to the top of the mountain to Rockefeller Memorial on Newfound Gap Rd. Here you will have 30 minutes to explore at your leisure. On the way up and down the mountain, we will show a DVD about Clingmans Dome -- the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains.

After our tour of Gatlinburg, we will head to Pigeon Forge for a short drive around the city to discuss its history and its humble beginnings as a farm town. We will discuss some of its oldest structures including the Old Mill and the Old Mill District. We will also discuss some of its newest attractions and shopping areas like The Island. Your guide will discuss how the local scenery has changed over the past 30 years and how this dusty farm town has evolved into THE place to be for all families visiting the Smoky Mountains. 

Moving on down into the area known as Wears Valley, we will briefly discuss its history and its namesake. We will also discuss some of the local shops you will find in the Valley as locals call it. This will be our first stop at a local shopping area known as Mountain Brothers general store. This will be a brief stop to allow our seating to be arranged for our lunch as we visit Elvira's Cafe. This amazing local restaurant will be the site of our all inclusive lunch. This lunch is included with your admission price and includes a drink, entree, sides, and tip. You may leave extra tip at your discretion but it is included in the price as well. Elvira's is a place that is known for its amazing local farm to table foods. They serve a wide variety of dishes but all ingredients are local fresh ingredients (while in season). They use Swaggerty sausage from Sevierville, Benton's Bacon from Gatlinburg, local fresh milk, local fresh veggies, and local meats. The food has an obvious superior taste compared to what we call "commercial" food which is delivered in refrigerated trucks. We have taken over 500 guests to eat at Elvira's food and had zero complaints and a whole lot of "Mmmmmmm's".

Continuing our journey down Wears Valley road, we eventually come to the city of Townsend. This beautiful place is referred to by the locals as "The quieter side of the Smokies". This was once a logging town where the Little River Railroad and Lumber company was established. We will learn about several local businesses on our trip down through the main highway in town. Your guide will discuss some of the local events that take place each year and also about some of the historic local buildings. We will also pass by a very unknown site called Dark Island swinging bridge. This bridge is one of the few left that were build back in the 1800's which were used by locals to cross the river to get to work. We will likely visit the local museum which is all about the Little River company where we will see a 100% authentic Shay engine which was used in the area in the early 1900's by the lumber company. This engine has been restored and put on display. The museum also contains many other items from the same time period. The museums hours vary wildly by season, so this stop is NOT always guaranteed.

Once the tour of Townsend is complete, your guide will visit the very small community of Walland where we will take a trip up the Foothills Parkway East to see some of the most amazing views looking back into the park. On a sunny day, you can see the 3 tallest peaks in the Smoky Mountains. Your guide will help point them out as well as assist with photos at your request. There may be a small optional hike at the top of the mountain for those who want to stretch their legs. After everyone gets enough activity and photos, we will begin our journey back down the mountain, back into Townsend to visit our second local shopping area called Apply Valley country store and cafe. This will give our shoppers a chance to get those local souvenirs and for others to use the bathroom after our journey up the mountain and back. This stop will likely be our last depending on time. By this point, its time to begin our trip back to the starting location. On the way back, we will go into the park and follow the river back to Gatlinburg, over the bypass, and back to the welcome center. Our journey is now complete! We will depart with new friends and wish you all happy days and safe journeys. 

Along the tour route, your guide will show you videos on the TV which will cover various aspects of the area. Your guide will also do a great deal of talking and tell you plenty of stories along the way. You are welcomed and encouraged to interact with your guide to get the best experience. There is more to this tour than can be fully described here. The best way to see what we mean is to experience it. Come join us and find out for yourself.