This past November, we packed up the kids and set off on a family road trip from New Jersey to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with an itinerary full of fascinating stops along the way. Our journey spanned several states and included exciting detours to historical sites, unique attractions, and scenic college towns.
Our kids are 3, 6, and 7 so we’re always looking to find family-friendly attractions, but ones that adults can enjoy, as well. I don’t typically like to focus on activities that we can do near home like zoos and aquariums, but ones that offer new experiences and scenic spots that are only available in those areas.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family road trip this fall, heading south from New Jersey to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal choice. The scenic drives, exciting pit stops, and cozy, charming towns along the way made for a truly exciting family adventure that the kids absolutely loved.
Gatlinburg is particularly magical in November, with crisp mountain air and an endless variety of activities, but the journey there was part of the vacation, too. Here’s a look at the highlights of our adventure, the memories we made, and a few tips for those planning a similar trip.
Day 1: New Jersey to Luray Caverns, Virginia to Charlottesville, Virginia
For a balance of scenic views and quick travel, taking I-81 South from Pennsylvania toward the Smoky Mountains is ideal.
The whole route spans typically takes about 10-11 hours of driving, but since the point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey, plan to break it up over a couple of days to make room for fun stops, meals, and leg-stretching breaks.
Our first major stop was Luray Caverns in Virginia, about 5 hours from home and just the break we needed after a long morning drive. This natural wonder was a hit with everyone.
The kids were in awe of the towering stalactites and stalagmites, and the cavern’s “Dream Lake” was as magical as it sounds, creating mirror-like reflections of the formations above. We took a self-guided tour, which provided fascinating insights while giving us plenty of time to explore.
The kids were able to run around and go at their own pace. It kept their attention the whole time and the tour took us about an hour.
If you’re heading to Luray with kids, be prepared for cool underground temperatures and consider bringing some extra layers. It does get cold in there, especially in November!
Also included in your ticket is a visit to the carriage and car museum which I thought was so cool. They had dozens of carriages and antique cars from the late 1800s to the 1970s to show the progression of how automobiles evolved over the past century.
There is also a toy and heritage museum included as well if you need to buy some extra time there. You can also add on the Luray garden maze which the kids really loved.
Day 1-2: Exploring Charlottesville and Western Virginia
After Luray, we made our way to Charlottesville, VA for a day packed with history and college-town charm.
University of Virginia
We headed to the University of Virginia and walked through the stunning campus with its Jefferson-designed architecture. It was truly awe-inspiring to see!
Our kids enjoyed spotting statues and historic landmarks, and we took a quick stroll down the famous Lawn, taking in the collegiate vibe.
We ate dinner at one of the college bars on University Ave and it was great bar food at inexpensive prices!
UVA Basketball Game
One of the highlights was catching a UVA basketball game because my daughter is a cheerleader and son is obsessed with basketball. The kids loved the high-energy atmosphere and cheering along with the crowd.
The team is currently number one in the country so it was awesome for us to see a division one NCAA basketball game and they are serious about their college sports down south! If you’re traveling with kids, this is an exciting way to immerse them in local culture, and the game day excitement was contagious.
Day 2: Monticello, Historic Charlottesville, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Lexington, Virginia
Monticello
We started our day with a visit to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s famous estate. Touring the grounds in the fall felt like stepping back in time, with beautiful views and an informative guide.
Exploring Jefferson’s gardens and the historic rooms was a unique experience, blending education with the chance to roam around in the open spaces. The kids weren’t very interested in the tours and the history at all, so this was more for us, but a good place to explore nonetheless.
Even though we had keep reminding them not to touch anything while we were on the house tour, there was a discovery museum just for kids that they could play to their heart’s desire!
They loved all the sensory and fine motor activities in here from building blocks, to making stamps of the Declaration of independence, to sensory bin digging for fossils.
Downtown Charleston
We stopped in the historic district of downtown Charlottesville before heading on the road. This area is vibrant and easy to navigate, so we grabbed a bite to eat at one of the local cafes and walked around exploring the area.
The historic district is a pedestrian walkway that has tons of restaurants and shops and is a great place to walk around with the kids. You definitely feel the southern charm around here.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Once we hit the road heading south, we took the scenic route along the blue ridge parkway. I believe this only adds a few extra minutes to your trip since it parallels Rt 81.
The views along the Virginia route of the Blue Ridge Parkway were just breathtaking and we had to stop for photo ops and to enjoy it at a few of the look out points.
Visiting Lexington, Virginia
We stopped in Lexington, VA, a historic town with tons of charm, for a quick dinner on the way. Lexington is the home of Washington and Lee University and also where we paid a visit to our nephew who attends college there.
We enjoyed strolling through the quiet campus, learning about its history, and taking in the Southern charm. Lexington’s downtown has that small-town feel with cozy cafes and shops, perfect for a quick lunch and a bit of exploring before heading out.
Days 3-5: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
After a few days of exploring Virginia’s gems, we were excited to finally reach Gatlinburg. The kids cheered as we entered the Smoky Mountains, and November’s colors were just incredible.
They also decorate for Christmas at the beginning of November so the lights were magnificent as we passed through late at night.
Gatlinburg is a true hidden gem and I am so glad we got to explore as much as we could. I keep saying that it reminds me of a combination of Nashville and Las Vegas, but for kids (and parents too).
We stayed 4 nights and had 3 full days there, but I wish we had at least one more day to check off more of the bucket list. Here was our itinerary and some of my favorite activities:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A trip to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. November is a lovely time for short family hikes on trails like Laurel Falls (an easy 2.3-mile round trip with a waterfall) or Cataract Falls, a short and gentle hike perfect for young kids.
We did both of these hikes in the morning and the kids did great! Cataract falls was simple – you park and walk a few hundred feet and then you’re at the falls. You can continue walking up a path from there, but there’s no real ending destination. You just walk up and back when you start to get tired.
That extra hike had some steep drop offs since you’re at the edge of a mountain so it made me a bit nervous with young kids. In addition, as you’re walking the short distance to the falls, there are some very shallow creeks with rocks that the kids loved playing in.
Tip: Bring water shoes for this so the kids don’t get their shoes wet!
Laurel falls was much more complex and scary (if you’re afraid of heights like me). Although it’s not a treacherous hike (it’s a flat path), you are walking along side a mountain with a steep drop off in several different areas.
I had to keep yelling at my kids to stay closer to the mountain because my anxiety was kicking in. However, there were plenty of young kids on this hike and my 3 year old even did great!
The temperature was only in the mid 70s that day, but in full sun, we got so hot! Definitely remember to pack lots of water and cool clothes.
You also may want to bring a bathing suit and water shoes because when we finally made it to the falls, my kids wanted to play in the water to cool off. The water was freezing, but they didn’t mind!
Anakeesta
Hands down, one of my favorite must-dos in Gatlinburg. We could have easily spent the entire day there taking in the mind-blowing views and letting the kids play for hours.
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park that combines stunning views, outdoor activities, and a touch of mountain magic. Perched high above Gatlinburg, Anakeesta offers a unique perspective of the Smoky Mountains, with panoramic views, winding trails, and plenty of spots for family fun.
Getting to Anakeesta is an adventure in itself. We took the Ridge Rambler up to the top of the mountain which was an open-air safari van that went up the winding roads to get to the top. The other option is the Chondola, but we did that on the way down.
Once you reach the top, you are welcomed by charming village-style architecture, cozy fire pits, shops, and gorgeous views.
Black bear village is an area where adults can grab a beverage, families can sit and relax, and enjoy entertainment and music at times. It was my favorite spot at Anakeesta because of the views and what they had to offer.
One of our favorite experiences was the Treetop Skywalk, a series of suspended bridges that let us walk high above the forest floor. The kids loved spotting birds and wildlife in the trees, and it was a great way to take in the forest up close.
For a more thrilling view, we ventured to AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, which rewarded us with 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks—perfect for family photos!
Anakeesta has plenty of options for outdoor fun, too, and the playgrounds are certainly not just for kids because they’re big enough for adults! We all had a blast at the Treehouse Village Adventure playground, and wandering through Vista Gardens, a beautiful landscaped area with whimsical sculptures and stunning flowers.
There are not 1, not 2, but 3 playgrounds at Anakeesta! Another one is the TreeVenture Challenge Course. Climb, swing, crawl and slide your way through three levels of play in these interactive treehouses. Six netted bridges and three treehouses offer a different challenge that will delight children of all ages.
Lastly for playgrounds, Birdventure offers larger-than-life bird houses, a dozen interactive adventure zones, and seven giant serpentine slides with light features that will wind more than 50 feet down the mountain! This unique series of slide paths marks another first of its kind in the United States. We loved the trampoline net that the whole family can bounce around in.
If you’re looking for a bit of excitement, try the Dueling Zipline Adventure where you’ll race through the trees with views of the mountains all around us. My kids weren’t tall enough for this though so it’s meant for older kids or adults.
We wrapped up the day with a delicious meal at Cliff Top Grill & Bar, where we enjoyed classic Southern comfort food on the outdoor deck overlooking the mountains. There’s something magical about relaxing with great food and a view that stretches as far as the eye can see.
There are two mountain coasters that we all enjoyed as well. Even little ones can go on with a parent so this was really fun for my 3 year old.
On the way down we took the scenic Chondola down the mountain, which gave us breathtaking views of the Smokies as we lowered above the trees.
From the scenic rides to the outdoor adventures and charming atmosphere, Anakeesta is a perfect spot for families looking to explore the natural beauty of the Smokies in an unforgettable setting. If you’re in Gatlinburg, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience!
Jason Aldean’s Restaurant and Ole Red
I’m from New Jersey, but a country girl at heart, so I loved that Gatlinburg had a few restaurants where I could hear live music and dance with the kids. We had dinner up on the 3rd floor bar area at Jason Aldean’s where we could listen to live music, order from a limited bar menu, and dance the night away.
Another night we went to Ole Red which was a similar vibe, but different layout. Both were awesome if you love live music.
Exploring Downtown Gatlinburg
We took a leisurely stroll through Gatlinburg’s charming downtown on Parkway. From candy shops to ice cream parlors and unique craft stores, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Of course, you’ll spend a small fortune buying all the tickets to all the attractions and shows, but on the bright side, your kids will never be bored!
There were so many charming shops, plenty of kid’s activities and arcades, and a ton of places to eat. November is also when Gatlinburg gets decked out with holiday lights and dozens of snowmen, adding to the festive feel.
The Village area is such a quaint little section right off of Parkway with the famous Donut Friar shop, Pancake Pantry, and a few other small boutiques and cafes.
Impossibilities Show
During our time in Gatlinburg, we went to the Impossibilities show, an amazing mix of magic and mind-reading that left us stunned! The mentalist’s performance was incredibly interactive, and he somehow managed to read our minds and even guess personal details that we hadn’t shared.
At one point, he asked us to think of a random word, and within seconds, he revealed it perfectly! The kids were on the edge of their seats, and we were completely mesmerized by his ability to anticipate our thoughts and reactions.
It was a mind-bending experience that added a touch of magic to our trip, making it a memorable night for the whole family.
Pigeon Forge
While I think that staying in Gatlinburg was the right choice for us, I did love visiting Pigeon Forge. There were SO many activities for kids to do that we couldn’t even possibly do them all.
Pigeon Forge truly has something for everyone. Between the thrills, the delicious food, and the warm atmosphere, it was the perfect November family getaway in the heart of the Smokies.
The Island
One of our favorite spots was The Island, a vibrant entertainment complex full of shops, attractions, and that iconic Ferris wheel, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. It’s free to get in, but you’ll definitely spend money for all the attractions.
The kids loved watching the dancing fountain show, and we all enjoyed wandering through the shops with everything from unique souvenirs to sweet treats. The lights really made everything come alive at night, especially during the holiday season!
There were plenty of rides for the kids to enjoy and you pay individually for each ride. One perk is that if a child is too small to ride alone, you don’t have to pay for the accompanying adult!
Taking a ride on the Wheel gave us an incredible view of the Smoky Mountains, especially with the fall colors adding a golden backdrop.
There were even more complex rides like SkyFly: Soar America, a state-of-the-art virtual reality ride system that gives you the feeling of flight, as well as moonshine and wine distributers that offer free samplings.
Margaritaville
When hunger kicked in, we headed to Margaritaville, where the relaxed, beach-themed atmosphere and fun music instantly lifted our spirits. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, from classic burgers to tropical-inspired entrees, and each bite was a hit!
The laid-back vibe and friendly service made it feel like an oasis in the mountains.
Pirate Show
The highlight of our trip was the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. From the moment we stepped inside, the pirate-themed decor set the mood, and the kids were in awe of the huge pirate ships and the impressive theater setup.
The show itself was action-packed, featuring acrobatics, diving stunts, live animals, and catchy music. Watching pirates “battle” right in front of us while enjoying a delicious meal made it an experience to remember!
There was actual water surrounding the stage, seals and dogs came out, fire throwing, and the acrobatics of the actors was phenomenal.
They even had games for the kids to play in the center hall waiting area before the show started. I thought this was a great addition. The meal was great including fried chicken, ham, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, soup, and dessert. My kids are picky eaters and they even ate very well here!
Dollywood
If we had more time, we would have visited Dollywood, which, in November, is transformed into a Christmas wonderland for their Smoky Mountain Christmas event. The park is decked out in millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday music that fills the air.
You can ride the classic coasters, explore Wildwood Grove with its amazing tree display, and enjoy special holiday shows that put you right into the Christmas spirit. As the evening sets in, stroll through the illuminated displays, and become mesmerized by the synchronized lights and music along Glacier Ridge.
WonderWorks
Another stop that we didn’t have time for, but was on my to-do list was WonderWorks, the “upside-down” interactive museum. From the moment you walk in, everything is designed to amaze, challenge, and inspire curiosity.
With hands-on exhibits that teach kids about physics, space, and even the power of nature. The ropes course and 4D simulator add some thrill to the educational fun. It’s the perfect blend of entertainment and learning, and we spent hours exploring every exhibit.
Tips for a Smooth Road Trip with Kids
- Pack Entertainment: Audiobooks came in clutch- even the ones from Spotify. These actually held their attention much longer than music because they got really into the story and were the most calm and quiet they have ever been on a road trip. Also, coloring books, tablets, and games will keep the kids occupied on long stretches of road.
- Stop Frequently: Kids do better with regular breaks, so plan to stop at least every 2-3 hours.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Have a mix of healthy snacks and a few treats for when everyone needs a little extra incentive to keep going.
- Plan for Weather Changes: In November, temperatures can fluctuate widely, so pack layers for everyone.
- Capture Memories: Bring a travel journal or disposable cameras for the kids to document the trip in their own way.
Taking this road trip was more than just a drive from New Jersey to Tennessee – it was a journey through history, nature, and vibrant local culture that we’ll cherish forever. While I loved our visit to Gatlinburg in November with the Christmas feel and warm weather, a visit in the summer months would have allowed us to enjoy water parks and pools if that’s something you would be more into!
If you’re looking to make similar memories, pack up the car, grab your favorite travel snacks, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!
