I have always enjoyed the artisan shops in Gatlinburg. The beautiful pottery, jewelry, handmade soap; I could go on and on. But I must confess, from the time I was a teenager, I have found several of the other shops… well, lacking. One of the areas I had found lacking in particular was the jewelry shops. Most of my experiences before were full of cheesy, cheap jewelry, being sold at an INCREDIBLY high price. That has not at all been my experience this time. I guess the economy has customers being more particular about the items they purchase, if they

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Visitors that come to Gatlinburg often ask themselves – what will I do? After you spend a few days exploring downtown, experiencing the attractions and taking in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you may be craving a bit of routine, a lot fun and maybe a little exercise. The Gatlinburg Community Center is an all-purpose activity center that is open to anyone who wishes to visit. Offering tennis, Frisbee golf, swimming, a skate park, exercise classes and more, this 52,000 square foot facility is a great place to escape the heat and break up your vacation

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If you are looking for all of the selections of a mall, without any of the same old cookie-cutter stores, you must visit Baskins Square Mall. You will find this cute little mall right in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is located between traffic lights 6 & 7. Here, this treasure of specialty shops is like a haven from the busy going and coming of the parkway. These restaurants and shops are waiting to feed your longing for eclectic flare. Here are a few of the shops you will find here: Little Sparrow Gallery: If you enjoy Native American

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If you’ve visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, chances are that you’ve visited Cades Cove. Drawing in nearly two million visitors per year, the area attracts more guests than any other location in the National Park. The 6800 acre valley is pristine, isolated, and seemingly untouched by humans – a perfect place to get in touch with an undisturbed side of nature. Guests who visit Cades Cove enjoy exploring all that it has to offer; the preserved ancient homesteads, breathtaking mountain views and plentiful wildlife keep visitors coming back for more.  An 11-mile, one way loop circles the cove,

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There’s no place in the world quite like Gatlinburg when it comes to fun family vacations. While other vacation towns only offer adult entertainment, such as dining and theaters, Gatlinburg is home to a wide array of activities that are kid-friendly and fun for you as well! Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting and zip lining. In addition, the area is packed with entertainment and attractions that are fun for the whole family. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Gatlinburg is guaranteed to

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Since Gatlinburg is nestled right in the Great Smoky Mountains it should be obvious that you are sharing this beautiful region with a plethora of animal life. I’ve heard so many families talk about the adults and children alike keeping their eyes peeled for a bear sighting. Visitors may be curious as to where the most likely places are to encounter these animals in safe, controlled environments. While proper safety precautions should always be taken into consideration when approaching the wildlife of the area, there are a few spots, both controlled and open, around the city where bear and other

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Let me play out a scenario: You’ve just finished exploring the beautiful sights and sounds of Gatlinburg and you’re ready to relax with a yummy treat. When your sweet tooth calls, you can always listen in Gatlinburg. Shift your focus to one of the city's many candy and sweets shops. These locations are especially loved by younger children. Stopping by the local candy stops is a nice tradition to start with the family. If tradition isn’t enough, maybe the fact that many of the stores in the area feature homemade treats ensuring that you get an authentic taste of Gatlinburg

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Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains has some of the most amazing views in the country. The lush greenery during the summer, leaves falling during autumn, and snow kissed grounds in the winter all lend to beautiful views year round. The view during the Fall is particularly spectacular. The Fall colors in Gatlinburg spew burnt oranges mixed with charming yellows and dull greens.  There are a few places in Gatlinburg that have some of the best views available. From 360 degree views, to mountain top overlooks, these views in Gatlinburg are great. #5 Great View in Gatlinburg During the Fall –

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Summer is a fun time to visit Gatlinburg, but it’s so hot outside that sometimes you’d rather avoid the Parkway and not hear people complain that it’s hot. There are several fun things to do inside (and a few outside) to enjoy the summer weather without dealing with the heat. Enjoy ice cream at Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream shop located along the Parkway. Order a pizza and spend a day at the mountain cabin you rented playing games or watching movies. Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park is great for everyone. Take advantage of pool access that your Gatlinburg

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