A Sweet Escape to Gatlinburg – Part 1: Sweet Treats & First Impressions
- Monica Ritter
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
There’s something about Gatlinburg that feels like stepping into a cozy mountain town out of a storybook. The Smoky Mountains wrap around you, the streets are lined with shops and little surprises at every corner, and there’s always the smell of something delicious in the air. My husband and I spent the weekend there, and the very first stop set the tone for a trip full of sweet memories.
A Cinnamon Roll Dream
Tucked along the main strip, we found a place called Cinnaholic, and let me tell you, this was love at first bite. These aren’t your ordinary cinnamon rolls, they’re gourmet creations piled high with toppings that make your eyes light up before your fork even touches them.
We decided to share a few things (because how could we choose just one?). The banana pudding roll was everything you’d hope for, soft, gooey, with a sweet banana cream that melted into every bite. The blueberry cobbler roll tasted like summer mornings, full of fruity goodness and just the right crunch from the streusel topping. And because we couldn’t resist, we added a rich brownie on the side for later, because some things are just worth it. I actually cheated on my strict diet that I have been on to taste each one!
I can honestly say I’m still dreaming about those cinnamon rolls, and I don’t think it’ll be long before we find ourselves back there for round two.


Strolling Through Town
With our sweet sweet tooth satisfied, we started wandering down the main strip. Gatlinburg has a charm that’s hard to describe, it’s busy, but in a way that feels inviting instead of overwhelming. The streets are filled with shops, restaurants, and little spots that draw you in one after another. Every window has something different, from homemade candies to rustic home decor, and it feels like you could spend days just exploring without ever seeing it all.
As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel that excitement that always comes with being in Gatlinburg. The Smokies rise up in the background, the town is filled wiht laughter and talking. Everywhere you turn, there’s another reason to smile.
Just the Beginning
This was only the start of our trip, and already my heart felt full. Between the food, the mountain air, and the simple joy of walking hand-in-hand through town, I knew this weekend was going to be one I would remember for a long time with my husband
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But the best part? This was just the beginning. In my next post, I’ll be sharing about the alpine mountain coasters, those thrilling rides that twist and turn through the Smokies and make you feel like a kid again. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Gatlinburg series: Thrills in the Smokies!
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