Gatlinburg is a beautiful city; if you plan to visit, you have great taste. Being a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a tourist-packed city year-round. You may be wondering what the hype is all about.
Here are ten reasons to choose Gatlinburg as your next best holiday destination.
Stunning Natural Beauty
Gatlinburg is an awesome vacation spot tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains. The scenery is jaw-dropping, with mountains and waterfalls taking your breath away. It’s like stepping into a postcard!
If you love the outdoors, Gatlinburg is a dream come true. There are endless adventures like hiking, biking, ziplining, and horseback riding. You’ll never get bored with so many exciting activities at your fingertips.
We know you’re looking for a vacation full of natural beauty, thrill, and delicious food. In that case, Gatlinburg is the place to be. It’s an unforgettable destination leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Gatlinburg is the perfect spot for a fun-filled family vacation! There are so many awesome attractions that both kids and adults will love, like the Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies. But that’s not all! Other family-family attractions in Gatlinburg include mini-golfing, go-karts, and a scenic chairlift ride.
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
Opened in 1950, the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a classic candy shop offering you the best combination of smells and flavors. Aside from delicious candy, the shop also has a rich history spanning decades.
Whether you’re into taffy, fudge, or caramel apples, there’s something for everyone at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. You’ll find 27 unique flavors of homemade taffy, decadent chocolates, and award-winning fudge in six different flavors.
Diverse Wildlife
Gatlinburg is teeming with all kinds of wildlife just waiting to be discovered. First up, we have the stars of the show: black bears. These fluffy creatures are the epitome of cuteness. You might see them munching on berries or climbing trees if you’re lucky.
Gatlinburg is also home to majestic white-tailed deer. Imagine seeing these graceful creatures grazing peacefully in a meadow. It’s like a scene straight out of a nature documentary.
And let’s not forget about the elk! These massive animals are definitely a sight to behold. With their impressive antlers and regal presence, they’re sure to leave you in awe.
Anakeesta Theme Park
There’s no better place to create unforgettable, thrilling memories than the Anakeesta theme park. This is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy outdoor adventures in the heart of Gatlinburg.
Whether you want to walk their 14-Bridge Treetop Skywalk or explore the waterfalls at their Vista Gardens, there’s something for everyone at the Anakeesta theme park. Alongside thrilling adventures like the Dueling Zipline and Rail Runner mountain coaster, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains.
Delicious Southern Cuisine
Gatlinburg is home to rich and hearty Southern cuisine passed down from generation to generation, some of which are:
- Barbecue: Gatlinburg is famous for its barbecue. Many local restaurants serve up slow-cooked pork, beef, and chicken with a variety of homemade sauces.
- Fried Chicken: Another classic Southern dish, fried chicken is a staple of Gatlinburg cuisine. It’s often served with biscuits, gravy, and other sides like mashed potatoes and collard greens.
- Biscuits and Gravy: This classic Southern breakfast dish features fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, creamy sausage gravy. It’s a hearty and filling way to start your day.
- Moonshine-flavored Fudge: Gatlinburg is also known for its moonshine, a type of homemade whiskey. Many local candy shops offer moonshine-flavored fudge, a sweet and unique treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Homemade Ice Cream: Many of the local ice cream shops near the Smokies offer homemade ice cream using fresh ingredients and unique flavors. From peach cobbler to caramel apple pie, there’s a flavor for everyone to enjoy.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a must-visit spot for car and film enthusiasts touring Gatlinburg. The museum holds the most iconic automobiles seen in Hollywood films.
That includes ‘The Munsters’ Drag-u-la, ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean time machine, and two Batmobiles from the Batman TV Show. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the Ghostbusters Ecto-1. Many of these cars were made by George Barris, the industry’s maker of most Hollywood cars.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a magnificent wilderness area stretched across Tennessee. It’s one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and for a good reason. The park is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife in the country.
From the misty mountain peaks to the lush valleys, the park offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature. One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking. With over 800 miles of trails to hike on, you can explore easy walks or strenuous multi-day treks.
Ghost Tour in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is known for its rich history, so it only makes sense to take a two-hour ghost tour at nightmarish hours of the night. The tour starts at the Holiday Inn’s Smoky Mountain Resort, taking you through the town’s haunted streets and telling stories of its most popular ghosts.
By the time the tour ends, you’ll have tracked down spirits with actual ghost-hunting equipment.
Welcoming Community
You’ll be greeted with friendly smiles and helpful advice from the moment you arrive. The locals take pride in their town and love sharing its treasures with visitors like you.
The welcoming community adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your holiday experience. You’ll feel part of the family as you explore the town, chat with shop owners, and interact with locals. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends in no time.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg is known for being the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, but there’s so much more to this city. It’s packed with family-friendly attractions, year-round seasonal delights, delicious Southern cuisine, and a charming downtown area. If you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation spot to explore this season, Gatlinburg is the place to go.