Gatlinburg has risen dramatically in popularity during the past decade after being mostly ignored by tourists from outside Tennessee. The city is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a must-see for any traveler through the lovely South, thanks to its central amusement park, ski resort, and some of the best hiking trails in the country.
Despite its diminutive size, Gatlinburg is everything but modest when it comes to entertainment options. If you are planning to visit, be sure to explore the following places:
Anakeesta
Anakeesta is one of Gatlinburg’s most visited amusement parks. You can fly through the air on the zipline, glide through the water in a gondola, pose for a photo with a (stuffed) bear, or challenge yourself in the treehouse playground. Also, observe the Great Smoky Mountains in all their glory from the top of the 60-foot-tall AnaVista Tower in the heart of the town.
Featuring a verdant forest and botanical gardens with more than 3,000 plants, this mountainside paradise also provides a lively and refreshing ambiance for dining, shopping, and unwinding.
Gatlinburg Arts And Crafts Community
When putting together the list of best things to do in Gatlinburg, you cannot miss out on The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, which has been serving the region for a long time. This compact area of Gatlinburg is well worth exploring for the spectacular arts and crafts on display. The community features artists of a wide range of stripes, including painters and sculptors. Art-loving tourists can purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs to commemorate their unforgettable trips.
The Yellow Trolley Route passes through the heart of the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, located in the Gatlinburg Transportation Hub. This mini-trolley is perfect for taking the kids for a stroll in town. To take in all this neighborhood has to offer, it also completes the 8-mile Glades/Buckhorn Loop. It costs one dollar to ride the trolley. Starting in April and running through the end of October, the route operates daily. In November and December, it operates Monday through Saturday.
The tempting aromas wafting from the eateries lining the loop are hard to ignore, especially after a day of sightseeing. A wide variety of cafes, diners, bars, and specialty shops satiate your craving for something sweet and savory. After you have eaten and refueled, go right back out to the stores.
Mysterious Mansion
Since its opening in 1980, Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg has served as the region’s premier haunted house attraction. Do not be fooled by its age; the Mysterious Mansion underwent a complete makeover in 2015. The legend is that a family supposedly perished in this house in 1903, and their spirits still linger. In a terrible chain of events, family members lost their minds, turned on each other, and killed themselves. Since then, the house has been plagued by paranormal activity!
The tour of this Victorian estate built in the early twentieth century could take anywhere from fifteen to twenty minutes. In the frightening parlor, you will find a hidden door leading to the next part of your adventure, where escape challenges await you in every room of the Mysterious Mansion.
The live characters at Mysterious Mansion are excellent. They know just how far they can push the limits of their roles. The real actors will scare you as they come and vanish from various rooms in the haunted house. Surprises, amazing costuming, makeup, and the occasional absence of key cast members will keep you on edge.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Have you ever wished you could take a trip to Africa and see real penguins, exotic fish, and sharks? Visit Ripley’s Aquarium to fulfill your aquatic fantasies. Thousands of marine animals are displayed throughout this cutting-edge aquarium’s ten distinct areas. At this aquarium, you can swim with stingrays, observe huge sea turtles, go on exclusive excursions, and even spend the night in the shark tank (on the floor, of course).
Get to know a penguin and perhaps make some art with it! Snap a picture with your new acquaintance and take your artwork as a memento of your time together. Consider taking a tour in a glass-bottom boat for a truly unforgettable experience. It makes no difference if you are traveling with children or the elderly. The Ripley’s Aquarium is a great place for everyone.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
We have a variety of adjectives to classify the vistas from the Gatlinburg Space Needle; we will just say they are absolutely breathtaking. You can see the entire downtown area from up here while also getting a glimpse of parts of the national park, including the magnificent Mt. LeConte. Whether you go in the fall when the foliage is most colorful or in winter when the mountains are blanketed in snow, you will be treated to spectacular sights.
At the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, you can take a 360-degree view of the city and its surrounding mountains and read about its history. Additionally, you can learn some interesting trivia about the area’s past that will only increase your fondness for it. When you visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle, you must take some amazing pictures from 407 feet.
Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
Departing from downtown Gatlinburg, the aerial tram takes you to the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area. Through the 2.1 mile ride, the tram ascends 1472 feet to reach the destination 2813 feet above sea level. You’ll experience the most spectacular scenic views of the Smoky Mountains along the way. It looks breathtaking, especially in the fall when trees are in all shades of red, yellow, and orange.
The tramway is 300 feet above the ground and can take up to 120 passengers at one time. It is one of a lifetime experience to travel through the Gatlinburg tramway and witness the most beautiful landscapes. Make sure you do not miss the tram ride whenever you are in Gatlinburg.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg is located on the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the perfect combination of urban excitement and tranquility. The town has all the amenities of a major metropolis. If you want to make the most of your time in Gatlinburg, take your time visiting the places covered in this article!
