Gatlinburg is not just a normal town. It is bestowed with picturesque natural beauty surrounded by the smoky mountains of East Tennessee. If you visited this resort-like city before, you would want to come back again to enjoy the beautiful scenery and do some shopping and adventure pursuits. This small town is rich in history and is also known as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains” since it lies at the foot of Mount Le Conte. Because of the scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, this town has become one of the top wedding destinations in the US.
With Gatlinburg serving as a basecamp, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most renowned national parks in America. You can see several novel and beautiful accommodations, many local and national restaurants in this town. While you take a walk downtown, you will spot unique arts, crafts, and shops selling diverse commodities. Likewise, if you visit the East Parkway at traffic light # 3, you will be amazed by the number of shops and restaurants lined up for about three miles.
Best Activities to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The best time to visit Gatlinburg is literally throughout the year. Peak season starts from June till October. But if you are a winter person, visit this town during December & January when you can see the gorgeous snow-capped smoky mountains. This town offers many outdoor adventures, museum visits, and many other activities. Find some of the best attractions of Gatlinburg below.
This park is home to two different kinds of rides which include the first mountain glider in the world. You can experience free falling and hang gliding to take your excitement to the next level. The second ride, the Mountain Alpine Coaster is a gravity-propelled coaster with a speed of up to 35 mph. The ride will take you through the woods of the Rowdy Bear Mountain, and you can control the speed of the coaster. You can also see some bears in this park.
One of the main attractions here is the Sky Bridge which is the lengthiest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Do not consider this bridge as any other sky bridge. This bridge has glass-floor panels that make the walk more exhilarating. Tourists can visit the SkyLift Park to relax on the mountain top, and see the beautiful views of the smoky mountains. Another attraction is the chairlift which will take you to the top of Crockett Mountain.
Never miss visiting this spectacular underwater tunnel aquarium as it offers unique and adventurous experiences to the tourists. What you can encounter here in the aquarium at Gatlinburg are education programs on conservation and protection of the sea creatures, penguin encounter, and painting programs. You get to see 12-foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, corals, a ride over the shark lagoon, stingray bay, penguin playhouse, discovery center, and you also get to see some of the creatures from the tropical rainforest. One thing I love the most here is the Sleep with the Sharks program. I know it sounds scary, but it is safe. You can spend a night at Ripley’s Aquarium where the sharks will be watching you while you are asleep.
To have loads of fun time with your family, Fannie Farkles is the best spot. This place is all about games and food. People come here with kids and grandparents to have a great time together playing and winning gifts. It has been 40 years since they built the best memories for all the families who visit here. Immediately after entering this area, you will get the smell of mouth-watering Ogle Dogs, Cheesesteaks, and Sausage Subs. You can find the latest games and best arcades here. All the visitors regardless of their age enjoy Fannie Farkles.
Other attractions in Gatlinburg include Gatlin’s Escape Games, Ripley Believe It or Not, Gatlin’s Mini Golf, Craftsmen Fair, Museums, Appalachian Ghost walks, Gatlinburg Farmers Market, and a lot more.
Top 3 hotels/resorts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
With modern amenities and southern hospitality, Tree Tops Resort is one of the best places to stay during your vacation in Gatlinburg. There are one and two-bedroom assemblies with a fireplace, queen-size sleeper sofa, whirlpool tub, and other usual amenities. Another attraction here apart from the view is the number of pools. There are three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and two kid pools.
To experience cabin stays, you can choose majestic peaks. It has nine luxury bedrooms with decks and hot tubs facing the beautiful smoky mountains. All the rooms are bath attached, and other facilities include a home theatre, game room, and you can also access their resort pool during summer, located at the foot of the mountain.
This resort gives all the comfort you can attain from a fully-furnished home. Located at a walkable distance from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this resort offers a mesmerizing view. Dollywood theme park and the downtown is nearby, and you can also enjoy the Wild Bears Falls Water Park here. You can pick any villas to stay in for a few days in this beautiful resort.
There are many other resorts in Gatlinburg. You can select your preferred according to your taste. Every individual will have their dreams and fantasies, so search for the best accommodation you like to stay.
Top Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Tennesse
As said earlier, Gatlinburg offers a wide range of delicious food. Steaks, cinnamon cake donuts, chocolate chip pancakes, grilled trout, garlic knots are some of the famous food in Gatlinburg that every tourist should try. Following are some of the top restaurants in Gatlinburg.
These are not the only best restaurant in Gatlinburg. You can find many delightful restaurants serving delectable food to their guests. After reading this article on Gatlinburg in the state of Tennesse, I am sure you would want to visit this destination as soon as possible. I assure you, this resort-like town is one of the best places where you can relax and engage in adventure activities with your family and friends.