While Smoky Mountain vacations are always fun, they can be even better when you bring your fur baby along. Before choosing a place to stay, see what the area has to offer when it comes to pet-friendly attractions. Keep reading to learn more! Here is a list of 4 pet-friendly activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
1. Tour Gatlinburg’s Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
You and Fido will love going on a tour of Gatlinburg’s Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Because it is indoors, the activity offers an excellent way to get out of the heat or cold. It is both an entertaining and educational experience. Take a close look at the collection of more than 20,000 salt and pepper shaker sets. They each have their own unique shape and design. As for education, learn about the journey of salt and pepper. The seasonings take a fascinating trip from nature to your table to your mouth. After the tour, pick out your very own salt and pepper shakers from the museum’s gift shop!
2. Enjoy An Outdoor Meal
Along with the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Gatlinburg also has some restaurants that are dog-friendly. Sit on the patio and enjoy a wonderful meal with your pet! One of them is Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill on the Parkway. Start out with an appetizer of Cream Corn Fritters with ranch sauce. Get the Porky’s Choice sandwich with a side of Seasoned Baked Beans or Loaded Potato Salad. For dessert, head down the road to Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts. Order an ice cream cone or milkshake with your favorite flavors. The shop also has a great selection of fresh-baked donuts. As for Fido, he will love a doggie donut treat.
3. Walk Around the Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is an outdoor attraction that has been beloved by tourists since it opened in June 2013. Some shops in the area are pet-friendly, one of which is The Island Trading Post. The shop has a great selection of souvenirs. Get a t-shirt, refrigerator magnet, mug, and so much more. When all that shopping works up an appetite, get a delicious snack or treat at the Yee Haw Snack Shack. Their savory items include hot dogs, nachos, and fries! If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, get the Funnel Cake Fries or a rootbeer float! You can also get an authentic New Orleans Snowball. Make it your own when you choose from over 100 flavor combinations and toppings. It will be refreshing after an action-packed day. Sit down with Fido to enjoy your food in front of The Island Show Fountain. You will be amazed as 89 nozzles shoot water 60 feet into the air! What’s more? They are choreographed to 14 pieces of music. Come at night to see the water light up in different colors.
4. Go For A Walk on the Gatlinburg Trail
Another one of the activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that are pet-friendly is a walk on the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is an easy 3.8-mile round trip on flat terrain. Look out on the waters of the Little Pigeon River. Visitors cross it by walking on one of the longest footbridges in the park. There will be lots of colorful fish swimming about. You may even see some animals on land too. For the safety of yourself, your pet, wildlife, and other visitors, make sure Fido stays on a short leash that is no more than 6 feet.
Now that you know of some pet-friendly activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it’s time to choose a place to stay! Explore all of our pet-friendly Smoky Mountain cabins to find the perfect one!
