It’s natural to want to keep an eye on what weather in Gatlinburg will be like when you’re on vacation. No one wants rain to put a damper on all the fun you could be having. But did you know that you can still have an enjoyable vacation, despite the unpredictable nature of the weather in the Smoky Mountains? Here are 5 tips for helping you handle the rain on your trip.
1. Always Bring Ponchos and Umbrellas
Don’t be fooled by seeing a forecast that looks like the weather in Gatlinburg will be sunny for your trip. Be prepared for any change in the outlook by packing ponchos and umbrellas, so you can deal with a stray shower — at bare minimum — that is known to be common here. If you do forget, you can find shops that are prepared to put up signs declaring they have these items when it begins to rain. In fact, most ponchos in Gatlinburg only cost a few bucks, but still keep you dry.
2. Plan to Do Indoor Attractions
What makes Gatlinburg such a wonderful tourist destination is the fact that there are plenty of family-friendly indoor attractions to visit when the weather in Gatlinburg turns gloomy. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlin’s Escape Games, and the Ripley’s Odditorium will keep you out of the rain for hours, and you’ll probably wind up forgetting about the weather completely!
3. Dive Into Shops to Stay Dry
Another reason not to let the rainy weather in Gatlinburg affect your mood is the amount of shops on the Parkway that you can dive into. You can shop and taste the flavorful spirits from Ole Smoky Barrelhouse; spend some time shopping at the Nantahala Outdoor Center sporting goods store; or visit the Mountain Mall for multiple magnificent shopping options.
4. Keep Tabs on the Weather While You’re Here
The weather in Gatlinburg can change quickly, which is why it’s important to stay in-the-know while you’re in town. The local meteorologists are a great resource and will inform you of any changes that may occur throughout the week. The forecast you caught before you left can still change, so be ready to change up some plans if you need to.
5. Watch It From Your Room
You can watch the weather in Gatlinburg change from the comfort of your room in our hotel. There are few things cooler than watching a weather system blow through the area. With the mountains being a fantastic backdrop, you don’t have to be obsessed with the weather to enjoy this awe-inspiring wonder of nature. A saying goes like this: “A bad day in the mountains is better than a good day at work.” This is wisdom beyond words.
A stay at Black Bear Inn & Suites is also better than a good day at work. When the weather in Gatlinburg turns gray and rainy, our location downtown is a convenient place for you to handle this minor inconvenience in your plans. Go ahead and book your room at our hotel no matter the weather, since you know how to stay dry!