The Inside Scoop
Gatlinburg, nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, stands as a vibrant tourist destination renowned for its natural beauty and diverse attractions. The town seamlessly blends outdoor adventure, entertainment, and Southern hospitality, making it a magnet for visitors seeking an active and fun filled visit.
Gatlinburg’s friendly allure lies in its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The town serves as a gateway to the park, attracting eco-conscious visitors eager to explore its pristine trails, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty emphasizing Gatlinburg’s status as an outdoor paradise.
There are several golf courses relatively nearby, the closest being Bent Creek Golf Course. This Gary Player-designed course set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains features a layout that caters to golfers of all skill levels.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Gatlinburg’s lively downtown area, replete with an array of shops selling local crafts, delightful restaurants, and entertainment venues offering live music The bustling arts and crafts community, featuring local artisans and craftsmen, adds a touch of authenticity to the town’s appeal.
For those seeking family-friendly adventures, Gatlinburg boasts attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg’s ski resort, and the iconic Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Spending Christmas in Gatlinburg promises a delightful combination of festive decorations and holiday-themed events including the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade and the Great Smoky Mountains Polar Express, making it a memorable destination for a magical holiday experience.
However, there’s no bad time of year to visit Gatlinburg as each season has its own charm. The annual calendar is dotted with events, from the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair to the Winter Magic Tunes & Tales.
In summary, Gatlinburg is a must-visit gem in the heart of the Smokies for those seeking a thrilling mix of outdoor adventure and entertainment.
Perfect Music Vibes
- Dolly Parton: “Jolene”
- Elvis Presley: “Blue Suede Shoes”
- Johnny Cash: “Ring of Fire”
- B.B. King: “The Thrill Is Gone”
- Aretha Franklin: “Respect”
- Otis Redding: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
- Jerry Lee Lewis: “Great Balls of Fire”
- Roy Orbison: “Oh, Pretty Woman”
Top Vacation Experiences
- Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its stunning hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
- Take a Ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains from a chairlift that takes you to the top of Crockett Mountain.
- Experience the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more.
- Explore the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and discover the wonders of the underwater world home to over 10,000 exotic sea creatures.
- Take a Stroll Through the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains where you can browse and purchase handmade crafts from local artisans.
Bars, Venues, & Views
With its stunning mountain views, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant nightlife has a wealth of fun and friendly bars and shows!
- If its lively honky-tonk you’re after,The Wild Bear Saloon features live music, dancing, and a mechanical bull!
- Blake Shelton owns Ole Red Gatlinburg and this bar and restaurant offers live music, a rooftop terrace, and a menu of Southern-inspired dishes.
- The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a brewpub serving handcrafted beers and a variety of pub grub in a casual atmosphere.
- The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar: This unique bar serves over-the-top milkshakes, cocktails, and desserts in a fun and whimsical setting.
- The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: This bar and observation tower offers stunning panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, along with live music and a variety of drinks.
Why not take in some of the best shows on offer while you’re in the area!
- A trip to the area wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a popular dinner show featuring live music, dancing, trick riding, and a four-course meal.
- A high energy show, the The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show tells the story of the famous feuding families through music, dance, and comedy.
- For a good laugh, the The Comedy Barn Theater hosts a variety of comedy shows, including stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy.
- If you’re in the mood to be amazed, The Magic Beyond Belief Show features illusions, sleight of hand, and audience participation.
Love to Eat
Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning mountain views, family-friendly attractions, and delicious food. Here are some of the most interesting restaurants for you to try out!
- The Peddler Steakhouse is an upscale steakhouse offering a fine dining experience with prime cuts of steak, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.
- Located in a historic mill, The Old Mill Restaurant serves Southern cuisine with a modern twist, including dishes like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes.
- A Gatlinburg institution, the Pancake Pantry is known for its fluffy pancakes, made from a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations.
- An old school fondue restaurant The Melting Pot is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends. Choose from a variety of cheese, chocolate, and meat fondues.
- The Park Grill is a casual restaurant offering a diverse menu with something for everyone, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood.
Random Gems
- Visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum showing a collection of over 40 cars that have been featured in movies and TV shows, including the Batmobile from the 1960s Batman TV series and the DeLorean from Back to the Future.
- Play a round of mini-golf at Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf: This unique mini-golf course is set in a cave and features 36 holes of challenging fun.
- Take a ride on the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, a thrilling roller coaster that winds its way through the forest, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Gatlingburg Pinball Museum, home to over 100 pinball machines from the 1950s to the present day.
Catch Some Sport
- The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
- The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
- The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
- The Ballad of Laurel Springs by Janet Beard
- The Lost Queen by Signe Pike