Only one month away…Thanksgiving will soon be here! Can you believe it?! Gearing up and getting into the holiday spirit, we’ve dug deep to discover what we love most in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While the obvious may hit the forefront, such as fun attractions, high-end restaurants, and quaint country shops, we’re thankful for so much more: the top entrance to the national park, Christmas year-round, choice cabins, the friendly locals, handcrafted keepsakes, and unforgettable memories.
Enter the Most-Visited National Park
One of the features we love most about Gatlinburg is the popular Sugarlands entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s free! Yep, as the most-visited national park in the Unites States, you’d think it’d be more costly to enter, but that simply isn’t true. Get ready for alluring forest life, sky-high trees, rolling hills, and fantastic nature experiences along hiking trails — without paying a dime.
As you drive through the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll slowly cross into a tranquil world of majestic mountain peaks and wondrous wildlife all around. Located 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441, stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center when you arrive to get a better feel for the area, acquire a few life-saving safety tips, and explore the natural history exhibits (which includes a free 20-minute park film). Be sure to browse the bookstore and shop to gain even more knowledge as well as take home a special souvenir from your adventure. Conveniently, there are also public restrooms and drink machines available as well as a backcountry information office, so you can head deeper into the park totally prepared.
Year-Round Christmas Shopping
Christmas year-round…is that really a thing? It is in Gatlinburg! No matter the time of year, it’s easy to succumb to the jolly melodies, decorated trees, cookie-scented candles, elves on the shelves, silly nutcrackers, twinkling lights, carefully wrapped gifts, and holiday items of Christmastime. So…we just can’t help but love the magical Christmas shops in Gatlinburg!
With some of the best Christmas goods around, Gatlinburg is proud to host Santa’s Claus-et. Rightly dubbed, this Christmas-themed shop is the largest in town, filled to the brim with personalized ornaments, toys straight from Santa’s workshop, gingerbread plushies, enchanting snow globes, holiday figurines, nativities, stockings, and so much more! And be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the jolly man himself because you can’t leave without snapping a few selfies with Santa. This family-friendly shop even features fun items for other holidays, including Halloween, as well as homemade salsas, fruit spreads, and butters. Time will fly by in a reindeer flash at Santa’s Claus-et!
Cabins, Cabins, Cabins!
With cabins in our name, there’s no hiding our undying love for Gatlinburg cabins, which come in every shape and size, fit every budget, and suit every need (including pet-friendly and motorcycle-friendly). From 1-bedroom retreats to 12-bedroom lodges and luxury abodes to budget-friendly properties, the Smoky Mountain vacation accommodations you desire are waiting for YOU in Gatlinburg. Picture stunning mountain views, a bubbly hot tub under the stars, toasty marshmallows round the firepit, feature films in the theater-style movie room, splashes in the heated private indoor pool, and cuddles in a king-size bed.
When you’re ready to elevate your Gatlinburg getaway, fill out the Options for YOU form online or speak with your personal Vacation Specialist to find your perfect cabin. With a long list of amenities to choose from, you’ll really appreciate this complimentary service.
- Mountain Views
- Game tables
- Arcade Units
- Gas/Charcoal Grill
- Big Screen TVs
- King-size Beds
- Stacked-stone Fireplaces
- Steamy Hot Tub
- Indoor Jetted Tub
- Home Theater
- Outdoor TV
- Hi-Speed Wireless Internet
- Outdoor Firepit
- Riverfront Location
- Rocking Chairs
- Private Indoor Pool
The Good-Natured People
We love the national park, exciting attractions, mouthwatering restaurants, specialty shops, and cozy cabins, but we can’t deny what we lost most in Gatlinburg is the people — kind-hearted to the core. Can’t find your way? Seeking area knowledge? Desire to taste the best fudge in town? Ask a local. Friendly faces are never far away in Gatlinburg. Not to mention, the area is filled to the brim with unbridled talent and unbelievable skill.
Take the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community for instance. This 8-mile loop road in Gatlinburg is jam-packed with over 100 gifted individuals who make up the largest group of independent artisans in the nation. Find handcrafted goods, such as woven baskets, comfy quilts, glass-blown ornaments, oil paintings, pottery sets, wood carvings, custom knives, scented candles, concrete statues, rose-petal jewelry, natural soaps, moccasins…you name it! You may even get a chance to watch the masters at work as many can be found crafting at their shop, which is a great opportunity to pick up a few tricks and possibly make a new friend.
Hike the national park, celebrate Christmas anytime, live the cabin dream, chat with the locals, pick up a few hand-crafted souvenirs, and create memories to last a lifetime — we’re so thankful for Gatlinburg, Tennessee!