This post is written in collaboration with the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Last weekend, my husband and I took a little getaway to the Smoky Mountains for some R&R. Between work, life, and COVID, we’ve been tired and felt a little beat down. Gatlinburg and the smokies are only a 3 1/2 to 4-hour drive from Nashville, so it’s the perfect place to go. Today I thought I’d share what we did on our Gatlinburg vacation away and all there is to do at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort when social distancing.
Travel Guide to Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort When Social Distancing
Where to Stay
Of course, stay at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! We had a lovely stay in the One Bedroom Deluxe King Bed Villa. Our room had two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room, bedroom with a king-size bed, and a giant bathtub. But my absolute favorite thing was the view. We had a balcony with rocking chairs and you better believe I sat out there every night to watch the sunset. It was so relaxing to enjoy the view with a glass of wine in hand.
What to Do
Serenity Spa – The theme of the weekend was relaxation. So of course we hit up the spa. Currently, they’re only offering Nail Services, Foot Massages and Brow Wax so we got foot massages. My husband and I sat on opposite sides of the room and wore our masks the entire time. The staff also had on masks, visors, and gloves. The foot rub felt amazing and left feeling so relaxed. It was raining after our spa appointment so we went back to our room for a nap!
Mini-Golf – My husband and I are competitive so we had to play around of mini-golf! I won’t say who won (cough cough, me, cough cough) and it’s cool playing with an amazing view. While we were playing there was a double rainbow! It’s also a good photo opp with the I Love Westgate sign! The website says it’s open 24 hours but it currently closes at 5 p.m. Also, wear a mask while you play and wipe down your equipment after using it.
Zipline – Unfortunately, the zipline was closed for maintenance during our visit so we didn’t get to go flying through the trees. But it looked like so much fun and I recommend going while you’re at the resort and spa! It’s open from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Crocket Creek & Mountain Top Pools – Another relaxing part of our stay was the Mountain Top Pool. We could layout, take a dip in the pool, and get a drink or cold sandwich if we wanted. This pool is open from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Wild Bear Falls Water Park – We didn’t hit up the water park while we were there but it looks so fun! Lockers are available to rent for $10.00 and coolers, food & beverage products, chairs, and floats are not permitted. The water park is open 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Go For a Hike – The Westgate is close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They have hikes of different skill levels, just be safe and watch out for bears!
Where to Eat
Smoky Mountain Marketplace – This marketplace is near the lobby towards the resort entrance. Here you’ll find food and snacks and anything you might need during your stay. We stopped by for ice cream and souvenirs during our stay! They’re open from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. And delivery available daily from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Southern Comfort Lobby Bar – When you’re checking in, hang out in the lobby at the Southern Comfort Lobby Bar. The lobby feels like a cozy log cabin and has big fireplaces, leather seats, and a piano playing quietly in the corner. It’s the perfect way to start your stay at Westgate! (Open from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Roaring Fork – Located on the second floor of Wild Bear Falls, f you’re looking for a light lunch or delicious grab-and-go meal, Roaring Fork offers appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and specialty drinks to satiate your appetite.Open from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mountain Top Pool Bar– If you’re at the Mountain Top Pool Bar and find your stomach growling, just wander over to the bar! They have alcoholic drinks like the Tennessee Moonshine or Gatlinburg-Rita or Pepsi products and water. They also offered a few snack options! Open from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday & Sunday Only.
Drafts Burger Bar – Located nearby at River Terrace and Convention Center, enjoy a burger and milkshake before walking around downtown Gatlinburg. They’re at half capacity right now but have lots of socially distanced outdoor seating! They’re open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Safety
Westgate is taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and the health and safety of guests is their top priority. Of course, if you’re experiencing COVID symptoms, please stay home. We’ve traveled a little over the past few months and we social distance, wear masks everywhere we go and carry wipes with us to wipe down everything. We also check all hotel’s health and safety precautions and Westgate has an entire page dedicated to their safety plan. You can read all their protocols and precautions here!
To check out some other Westgate Gatlinburg hotel deals, take a look here.
What an amazing trip! I’ve been itching to get out of the house and am hoping to take a socially distanced trip this fall. We’ll see!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
yaaaas hopefully planning a trip here soon 🙂 looks like you guys had a great time and Westgate looks so cozy!
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com
This place looks so amazing! All the amenities and comforts makes it look so relaxing! I would love to check this place out!
Kileen
cute & little
The rooms look cozy and love the views! Sounds like a great place to visit! xoxo, Sarah
The bathtub alone is enough for me to want to schedule a trip to this resort. It looks like a dream! And the mountain views! Swoon! I need a vacation so badly. I definitely want to take a trip like this sometime soon.
Oh my goodness, what a view! This looks like a great place to stay! Will have to keep this in mind when we decided to reschedule our trip!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Sounds like you had an Amazing trip. That soaker Tub- omg! I wish we could travel here – I can’t wait for covid numbers to get under control so the border can open up!
What a fun spot! And oh my gosh the spa – yes please sign me up!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
I absolutely love how detailed you are when it comes to the stay, since this is the kind of advice people are looking for! I need all the details if I’m planning a trip there!
What a fun stay! Looks beautiful and so relaxing. And that view is amazing!!