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The City of Gatlinburg offers what no other town in the country does – a huge variety of family-friendly attractions, a community of the largest group of independent artisans in the U.S., a staggering selection of restaurants, and the breathtaking scenery of the most visited park in the National Park System – the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This blend of restaurants, attractions, and outdoor activities makes Gatlinburg an amazing place to get away. You can break from the chores and stresses of everyday life and relax in this charming mountain town.
And while Gatlinburg is a bustling city, full of life and excitement, it also offers a quaintness not often found in popular tourist destinations. Its rich history of bluegrass, arts, and homemade foods offers visitors a taste of the past. There is so much to do, see, hear, and taste, but there is also a calmness to the area. The incredible scenery, from the soaring mountains to the flower-filled valleys, no doubt plays a large part. Also adding to the relaxing atmosphere is the bluegrass music you'll find being played many nights during the year. During Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales (all summer long) and Winter Magic Tunes & Tales (in November and December), costumed characters tell stories, sing, and play music that will fill the air. A getaway to Gatlinburg will offer fun, relaxation, great music and food, history lessons, new cultural perspectives, and much more.
Fun for every season
In spring, summer, fall, and winter, the city calendar is jam-packed with activities for adults and kids alike. Winter is a magical time, with the holiday lights making the city merry and bright. When the ice and snow melt away from winter, spring arrives to reveal lush wildflowers (the stars of the Wildflower Pilgrimage) and to usher in a new set of exciting events. The entire spring season, the Smoky Mountain SpringFest features lots of family-friendly events, beautiful flowers, seasonal foods, bluegrass music, and more. Summer is also a fun time for guests, with the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair, and the country's first July 4th celebration – Gatlinburg's Fireworks Finale! And when fall begins, the leaves change into the vibrant reds, golds, and oranges of the season.
Year-round, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a wonderful place for people of all ages to explore. The largest group of independent artisans in the U.S. the community is home to dozens of artists showcasing their wares – from leather goods and wood carvings to local photography and pottery. A day driving around the loop is perfect for a romantic weekend. And when you're finished meeting the artisans and picking up some great souvenirs, we have more than 200 cabins you can call home. Our one and two bedroom cabins are especially perfect for honeymoons and anniversaries, with amenities including outdoor hot tubs, indoor jetted tubs, fantastic views, luxurious bedding, wood-burning fireplaces, and more.
Area attractions
In between events, there is always something to check out at the area attractions during your Gatlinburg getaway. The Ripley's family of attractions has 8 different destinations to choose from in Gatlinburg, including the incredible Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Another great place to spend the day, Ober Gatlinburg offers year-round fun. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. In warm months, guests can enjoy the sights on the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, go down the Alpine Slide, wind their way through the Amaze'n Maze, ride the carousel, or play around at Kiddie Land. For anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, there are zip line courses, go kart race tracks, the ZORB, ropes courses, and even indoor skydiving!
Of course, not everyone wants to get their blood pumping that much. Tamer attractions still offer plenty of fun. Guests can browse the Parkway, catch a show at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, or check out Cooter's Place. Visitors 21 and older can tour the area wineries, distilleries, and breweries to get free samples, buy bottles to take home, and learn more about the processes of making local wine, beer, whiskey, and moonshine!
Whether you're in town for a honeymoon, romantic weekend, getaway with friends, or a family vacation, you will find something for everyone to do. If you're traveling with a large group, you'll also love having so many choices nearby! Our large group cabins, some offering private pools, luxurious kitchens, outdoor hot tubs, indoor jetted tubs, theater rooms, and big screen TVs, offer lots of sleeping space for retreats, family reunions, and corporate trips.
Restaurants & Dining
Tasty treats and choices abound in this scenic Mountain town. Even the pickiest eaters will be able to find something they love here. Start the day with a stack of fluffy pancakes at The Pancake Pantry or one of the many other pancake houses. For lunch, have burgers, pizza, sandwiches, a salad, or a hearty Southern-style meal. Or try something new – Gatlinburg is home to several German restaurants and eateries! There is even an entire celebration of German culture, music, and food at Ober Gatlinburg in October! Choose from seafood, steaks, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and more for dinner, then end the night with some sweets. The strip in Gatlinburg offers cupcakes, ice cream, custard, funnel cakes, candy, cookies, and more!
You'll find something to please every member of the family, and if you have leftovers, you can take them back to a cozy cabin for snacks later. Our large variety of cabins offer something for every wish and need, including lots of fun for the kids and kids at heart! Many cabins have game tables – pool, foosball, air hockey, and shuffleboard – arcade consoles, big screen TVs, board games, movies, and video game consoles!
Outdoor fun
Although there are lots of attractions for fun, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is certainly one of the largest draws for those who vacation to Gatlinburg. Boasting more than 800 miles of trails, the park offers opportunities for guests to go on hikes, ride their bikes, go horseback riding, take scenic drives, go bird watching, hunt for wildflowers, and picnic by quiet mountain streams. With many kid-friendly activities, including junior ranger programs and guided tours, the park is a playground for all. On any given day in spring and summer, you may see bears, deer, birds, squirrels, turkeys, and more! There are also miles of streams where guests can cast their lines during a relaxing day of fishing.
And while pets are not allowed along the trails, some areas of the park are pet-friendly. You can play in the park and then head back to one of our pet-friendly cabins for more fun!
A city with fun attractions, delicious restaurants, cultural events, a gorgeous national park, and lots of local shops, Galtinburg is a wonderful vacation destination for anyone! And it's fairly central location in the U.S. makes it a quick drive for many around the country.
For more information about our cabins, call one of our reservation specialists at 1.800.684.7865 today!