A warm homespun welcome awaits visitors who come to the gateway of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN. The Great Smoky Mountains offers 800 square miles of breathtaking beauty and visitors can experience its vast beauty by hiking through the towering forests and viewing magnificent waterfalls. Stunningly beautiful land is nestled in one of the last tracts of unspoiled wilderness in the eastern United States, and an early morning sunrise view is an inspiring site.
A favorite also is the opportunity to do white-water rafting while enjoying the varied scenery. The area is known as a mecca for top craft people with unique offerings. The seasons in Gatlinburg are robustly celebrated with special events such as craft fairs, concerts and food festivals. Some of the highlight events include SpringFest, WinterFest, and celebration of the nation's first 4th of July.
Accommodations
Quality Inn Creekside, one of Gatlinburg's mountain resorts, is nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, and is a short walk to the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ramada Inn, and the Sidney James Mountain Lodge on the historic nature trail, are also accessible locations.
Additionally, options include the Bearland Lodge (includes large and individually decorated cabins located throughout the grounds); and the Bearskin Lodge which is on the river and is walking distance to key sights. The setting of the Laurel Springs Lodge, located close to downtown, brings charm as an authentic mountain lodge and is nestled on a wooded hillside. Other extensive offerings include R.V. Parks & Camping for the whole family.
Restaurants
Take your pick of good southern food and home cooked offerings through the specialty restaurants throughout the Gatlinburg area. The Log Cabin Pancake House is located in an old log building; the Smokey Mountain Brewery is a unique restaurant with a lodge; the Gatlinburg Hard Rock Cafe has the largest collection of rock memorabilia in the world, and offers an extensive menu of all-American dishes.
The Coffee Loft, features floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Parkway. Open Hearth Restaurant welcomes diners with their offerings of home baked cornsticks, fresh seafood and rainbow trout. For a change of pace, have a cup of tea in a lovely tearoom, the Wild Plum Tea Room, with several items on its menu.
Major attractions
Sightseers can explore the 1.3 million gallon Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The area is known for fly fishing and has fishing guides and outfitters available in Gatlinburg. Full line fly shops offer products and are authorized for fishing guide service for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They offer guided fishing trips for both the professional fly fisherman and the beginner. The companies include: Sage, St. Croix, and Cortland products. For a special fisherman's choice, locally hand tied mountain fly patterns and commercial flies are available as well.
Golf
Bent Creek Golf Course in Gatlinburg was built in 1972 by three time Masters and British Open champion Gary Player. The 18-hole championship golf course presents a challenge to players of all skill levels and includes a full service snack bar on site.
Shopping
All along the Parkway and side streets, Gatlinburg has ample shopping. Village-style stores, reminiscent of days of leisurely shopping, and over 400 shops are in Gatlinburg afford endless options. Numerous Gatlinburg shops are filled with handmade items, unique clothing, arts and crafts, and pottery. Visitors can also travel the 8-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, a large gathering of independent artisans.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
