Gatlinburg Tennessee really is the gateway to the Smokey
Mountains. Located in a narrow, bottlenecked valley/travel route between
the mountains, this ultra-touristy resort town resembles a vast and
somewhat gaudy pioneer theme park set against the astounding natural
beauty of the Smokies. Though the blatant lowest-common-denominator
commercialism of the place may rub some the wrong way, there’s
no denying that there are countless things to do and see here, especially
for families. Too much of everything ensures there’s something
for everyone in Gatlinburg.
The sheer number and variety of shops, restaurants and other attractions
in the town of Gatlinburg defies description. Most are in some way regionally
themed, many are not. One of the best, believe it or not, is Ripley’s
Aquarium of the Smokies, a 1.4 million gallon aquarium with 340-foot
gliding path under Shark Lagoon and over 8,000 different sea creatures.
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is a lift chair that glides over the valley
to a height of 500 feet to scenic views at the peak of Crockett Mountain.
If you enjoy subjecting yourself and your kids to massive sensory overload
and foot-long corndogs, then Fannie Farkles is your kind of place; it’s
packed with games, toys and Ogle Dogs, all in retina abusing shades
of pink and blue. Now who’s up for a few old Sinatra favorites
at the Patty Waszak Theater?
Gatlinburg is set amid the natural wonders of Tennessee, so outdoor
adventures are right at hand. Golfers will love the unique course designs
and spectacular mountains views found in the Gatlinburg and Bent Creek
Courses, the latter of which was designed by PGA pro Gary Player. There’s
decent fishing in the Little Pigeon River and 3 local campgrounds that
are packed with amenities. If you want to rough it or do a little horseback
riding then head for the nearby Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
The Big Pigeon, Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers are awash with rafting opportunities.
Rafting In The Smokies provides guided runs for rank beginners. More
experienced paddlers may enjoy trips down class III and IV rapids courtesy
of Smokey Mountain Outdoors.
600,000 people a year get married come
at one of Gatlinburg’s 13 wedding chapels.
Gatlinburg has a festival for every season:
Spring Fest, the 4th of July Parade, the Heritage Festival and Winter
Fest. In you just love bagpipes and Scottish dancing then autumn’s
Heritage Festival is right up your MacAlley.
