Gatlinburg is a mountain city located in Sevier County, Eastern Tennessee. Most of its main attractions provide sweeping vistas of the neighboring park, which includes the Space Needle observation tower (407-ft.) and the Sky Lift that takes visitors from Downtown to the amusement park and Ober Gatlinburg ski resort. Gatlinburg is among the premier tourist destinations in the State of Tennessee.
It’s the best place to take your vacation given how it provides an array of options to meet any tastes and preferences. It’s a popular resort thanks to its location on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg is actually dubbed the ‘Doorway to the Great Smoky Mountains’. So, if you are looking for a fun-filled adventure in the great outdoors, then Gatlinburg is definitely the place you should be. There’s a lot to experience and explore here!
Here’s all you should know about Gatlinburg if you’re planning on taking a vacation there:
Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies
Situated in downtown Gatlinburg, this aquarium was voted #1 in the country and is the go-to destination if you really want an immersive aquatic world experience. Here at the Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies, you can gaze in awe at the over 100,000 exotic aquatic creatures without getting wet or being in danger. This place is among the best attractions to visit in the Smokies.
The aquarium’s cream is the 340-foot underwater tunnel that enables visitors to see stingrays, giant sea turtles, sharks, and an array of other aquatic creatures. It’s among the longest underwater tunnels on the planet and features a moving glide-path that superficially whisks guests through the ocean’s depths. You’ll be amazed when you see huge ferocious sharks swimming within inches of you.
There are several exciting exhibits you should visit in the aquarium, some of which include: the Sting Ray Bay, a Gallery of the Seas, a Shark Lagoon, the Coral Reef, the Ocean Realm, the Tropical Rain Forest, the Penguin Playhouse among others. The Gatlinburg aquarium is the best choice if you’re looking for a more family-friendly attraction. Launched in 2010 at a whopping $5 million, the Penguin Playhouse offers kids the chance of crawling through acrylic tunnels and get up close and personal with penguins.
If you want to grab a bite, The Feeding Frenzy restaurant is at hand to service your needs. You can eat while surrounded by the gracefully gliding stingrays. The Cargo Hold Gift Shop sells souvenirs for you to remember your time here. Your visit to the Ripley Aquarium is sure to make your visit to the Smokies unforgettable.
Downtown Gatlinburg, TN
Downtown Gatlinburg is nestled right at the entry of the Smoky Mountains and is a bustling tourist resort that offers some of the best attractions, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. The attractions in downtown Gatlinburg are among the must-visit places of your Smoky Mountain vacation. These attractions will serve as your main source of edutainment during your stay in Gatlinburg. The good news is that downtown Gatlinburg attractions are interesting, exciting, and just all-around fun. It’s no surprise why Gatlinburg receives over 1 million visitors per year.
While walking around downtown Gatlinburg taking in the ambiance, you’ll come to see its role in your Smoky Mountain experience. The attractions in downtown are so unique and varied that it’s difficult to get bored or finish them all when roaming downtown Gatlinburg – fun is everywhere you look. It is home to the highest-ranked aquarium in America and has a 407’ observation deck overseeing the picturesque Smoky Mountains. Attractions here are sure to thrill and take your breath away.
Vacation Cabin Rentals In Gatlinburg Tennessee
You can’t experience everything about the Smoky Mountains in a single day. To make the trip truly memorable, you need to give yourself time to soak up everything you can. Your vacation is made to feel like home with cozy Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Cabin rentals are a popular choice for accommodations if you want to enhance your Great Smoky Mountains adventure. What’s more, a cabin rental is way more affordable than a hotel in the city.
The chalets and cabins are suitable for family vacations, class and family reunions, company retreats, anniversaries, and romantic honeymoons. The chalets and cabins in the Smoky Mountains provide the comfort and convenience of a home with fully-stocked kitchens, separate bedrooms, spacious living spaces, indoor pools, incredible mountain views, and so much more. It will be like your home away from home. You can get great deals on 1 to 6 bedroom cabins as well as large cabins depending on your numbers. Consider taking a look at Gatlinburg cabins, Pigeon Forge cabins, and Sevierville cabins for your next holiday.
Gatlinburg TN Christmas
The holidays are here with us yet again! 2020 has been a gloomy year with numerous restrictions on gatherings and movement being enforced. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy the festivities. There’s a lot to celebrate about, and Gatlinburg is at the frontlines trying to deliver some winter magic. Gatlinburg Downtown Parkway is full of the holiday spirit with unique LED light displays and life-size snowmen spread out across the town. Here are some attractions you can visit on Christmas Day.
Anakeesta: This mountain-top adventure theme park features a chair, zip line, and gondola and can be accessed from Downtown Gatlinburg. This fun attraction is open on Christmas and offers activities such as gem mining, canopy forest walk, restaurants, and shopping. Because of their special ‘Santa’s Village’ event, expect this place to be fully decorated with Christmas lights everywhere and even carolers spreading the holiday spirit.
The Great Smoky Mountains: It’s never a bad time to visit the Smoky Mountains. You can take a scenic drive or winter hike on the beautiful white snow. Places like Elkmont, Tremont, Cosby, and Greenbrier are perfect spots to visit.
Shadracks Christmas Wonderland: Shadrack’s Light show is extremely popular in Sevierville. See amazing Christmas light displays as you drive through. This show draws huge crowds and receives great reviews every year. This Christmas wonderland features a Petting Zoo, Santas Village, pony rides, and Inflatables for children.
