Known as the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a charming resort town that welcomes outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and Dolly Parton fans from near and far. Spacious and affordable Gatlinburg cabin rentals are plentiful, making this a welcoming place for families and friends to visit.
Climate
Visitors to Gatlinburg typically enjoy warm summers with temperatures in the 80s and chilly winters with temperatures in the 40s. Summers tend to be the rainiest, but with over 200 sunny days per year, Gatlinburg’s weather is generally pleasant year-round. If you want to hit the water park, plan on a July visit, but if you’ve got your eye on some great hikes, plan on a May or October visit.
Transit
With a location along the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a city best approached by car. Most visitors drive to the city, which isn’t far off I-75 and I-40, or fly into nearby Knoxville and rent a car from there. Though Gatlinburg cabin rentals have tons of charm, you’ll almost certainly want to take a day trip or two by car to the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond. If you’re staying local, the Gatlinburg Trolley shuttles visitors and locals alike to more than 100 stops throughout the city for a nominal fee.
Things to Do
No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without exploring the majestic Smokies. There are three trails accessible from downtown that are less than four miles long for beginners. Otherwise, take your pick from scenic or challenging trails through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and see waterfalls, forests, and beautiful mountain vistas. Spot wildlife from Cades Cove, home to white-tailed deer, black bears, and turkeys. Take a walk through log cabins, churches, and a working mill, all 18th-century originals. In the spring, you’ll be dazzled by blankets of wildflowers, and in the fall, you’ll see some of the nation’s most beautiful fall foliage.
When you’re ready for some family fun, Dollywood calls in nearby Pigeon Forge. Choose from the theme park, with daring rides like Daredevil Falls and Blazing Fury, or cool off in the water park, which has everything from towering waterslides to wave pools to lazy rivers. Before planning your visit, be sure to check Dollywood’s open dates as this is a seasonal attraction.
The city’s social and cultural epicenter is the Parkway. Along the charming streets, you can discover hidden romantic eateries, down-home cooking, or eclectic international cuisine. Another attraction in this area is Ripley’s Believe It or Not, with facilities that include an aquarium, haunted house, mini golf, candy factory, arcade theater, and playhouse. Those interested in oddities will also want to visit Ripley’s Odditorium, the classic attraction that features hundreds of unusual artifacts from around the world.
Shopping
Shopping experiences here will be as unique as the town’s atmosphere. Even uninterested family members may find themselves converted when greeted by the sounds of local mountain music and the stunning cedar walls at the Mountain Mall. The enticing smells of homemade candy at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and leather goods at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will also lure you into nearby stores. Vacationers who prefer fresh air while shopping can discover hundreds of rustic shops and boutiques along the Parkway.
Nightlife
If you appreciate locally crafted spirits and brews, you won’t want to miss your chance to visit the distilleries and breweries in Gatlinburg. Start with a visit to the Smoky Mountain Brewery, a Tennessee favorite that pours pale, amber, brown, and dark ales to the tune of live music, karaoke, or trivia. Next, visit Ole Smokey Distillery for a taste of true Tennessee moonshine in a variety of classic and seasonal flavors. Finally, don’t miss a visit to Sugarlands Distilling Co., home to a wide range of moonshine and plenty of live rock and bluegrass.
Whether you’re visiting with a significant other, extended family, or a group of friends, Gatlinburg is the ideal vacation spot. Book your Gatlinburg cabin rentals early to secure the best spots, and start planning a trip you won’t soon forget.
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