Winter Vacation: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
When you’ve got 3 separate entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, it isn’t a surprise that visiting the National Park is the most popular attraction in this town.
It’s so popular that the location’s population skyrockets during the peak tourist season from less than 4,000 residents to over 40,000.
With miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, historical exhibits and cabins, and the opportunity to view some incredible wildlife, we understand why the park is such an attraction.
You’ll also love admiring the area from Gatlinburg’s top attractions, including the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. But this town isn’t just a gateway to the Smokies.
It’s a destination in its own right and particularly popular with families. There are plenty of kid-friendly diversions, including the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
To get a feel of the local Gatlinburg culture, you can visit one of the local galleries, including the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to watch local artists and artisans create everything from pottery and paintings to handmade jewelry and brooms.