It's no surprise that the Smoky Mountains are a popular vacation destination.

As our first-year anniversary trip destination, these Tennessee mountains will always be a special place for my boyfriend and me. No matter whether you are celebrating an occasion, making Spring Break memories, or planning a family vacation, this area definitely does not disappoint.

From the views to delicious food and fun attractions, the cities in the Smoky Mountains always seem to have something new to offer!

Ryan Heuer/ Unsplash
Ryan Heuer/ Unsplash
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SkyLand Ranch

Located in Sevierville, Tennessee, right in the heart of the mountains, SkyLand Ranch has all of your favorite attractions on one 100-acre farm. Owners Lisa and Mark Williford are no strangers to mountain attractions as they also run Rowdy Bear's Smoky Mountain Snowpark in Pigeon Forge. A 10-year-long family dream, SkyLand Ranch offers a variety of family-friendly activities while showing you what farm life is like on the top of a mountain.

General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online and include a scenic chairlift, animal encounters, live entertainment, and access to unique shops and eateries. Visitors can upgrade their tickets to ride the mountain coaster during their visit.

See Spectacular Views from the Horizon Skyride

No trip to the Smokies is complete without taking in those amazing views. Visitors can take a scenic ride the Horizon Skyride to the top of the mountain where the ranch is located. If a chairlift ride triggers your fear of heights, there is also a shuttle and open-air safari truck.

Catch a Thrilling Ride Down the Mountain

skyland ranch facebook
skyland ranch facebook
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As the longest mountain coaster in the Southeast, The Wild Stallion is sure to be popular among thrill seekers. The 1.25-mile coaster offers an 8-minute or more ride down the mountain, allowing you to control the speed. They even offer nighttime rides to allow visitors to enjoy the view of the city lights.

 

SKYLAND RANCH
SKYLAND RANCH
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Pet a Longhorn  

If there is even the slightest mention that I can pet something cute and fluffy, I'm in! And what kind of ranch would SkyLand be if it didn't have animals? Enjoy up close encounters with the ranch's four-legged friends like miniature horses, cows, goats, and sheep. Visitors even have the chance to encounter Longhorns, the ranch's most popular furry attraction.

Vivian Arcidiacono/Unsplash
Vivian Arcidiacono/Unsplash
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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth or Enjoy Good Ol' Fashioned BBQ

Of course, riding a mountain coaster and cuddling mountain animals is going to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of eateries to choose from. The SkyLand Cafe and Bakery is a food barn that offers homemade sweet treats, a sandwich shop, and pizzas. If that's not enough, there is also the Backyard where you can grab BBQ, roasted corn, chicken, and burgers from one of the food trucks. With so many options, you won't know what to choose. Plus, not many people can say they enjoyed delicious BBQ on the top of a mountain.

SKYLAND RANCH
SKYLAND RANCH
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Catch a Live Show

While enjoying SkyLand's other attractions, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment. From animal presentations and magic shows, you'll never feel bored. You can even catch a show from Gary "Biscuit" Davis, a musician and banjo expert who spent 20 years playing for Dolly Parton.

SKYLAND RANCH
SKYLAND RANCH
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Don't Forget a Souvenir!

Before you make your way back to the bottom of the mountain, you have to visit Williford Mercantile, SkyLand's retail barn. Filled with tons of one-of-a-kind souvenir shops, a boutique, western wear store, and toy shop, you won't leave empty-handed.

SKYLAND RANCH
SKYLAND RANCH
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CHECK OUT THIS REEL THAT WE COULDN'T EMBED - IT SHOWS YOU A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING! 

Even More to Come...

With so many fun attractions, you would think it couldn't get any better. But coming soon, visitors will get to walk on Legacy Lookout, a unique walkway offering 360-degree views of the mountains. Along the way, you can learn more about life on the ranch and the attractions that call it home.

I will definitely be adding SkyLand Ranch to my travel plans next time I'm craving those magical mountain views.

Forget a Cabin, You Can Stay in a Smoky Mountain Castle Near Gatlinburg

This Airbnb will definitely make you feel like Smoky Mountain royalty!

Forget a Cabin, You Can Stay in a Smoky Mountain Castle Near Gatlinburg

This Airbnb will definitely make you feel like Smoky Mountain royalty!

 

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