Travel Guide to Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort When Social Distancing

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 with 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.

Mountain Top Pool

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.

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 is 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.

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 hotels’ health and safety precautions and Westgate has an entire page dedicated to their safety plan. You can read all their protocols and precautions here.

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