Gatlinburg: Glittery Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains
Situated in Sevier County, Tennessee, where U.S. Highway 441 meets Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a mountain resort destination like no other. If you’re looking for a vacation experience rich in colorful mountain heritage, well-stocked with flashy luxuries and modern amenities, Gatlinburg is it. You can find a broad range of options for lodging, dining, relaxing and adventure in this welcoming community.In the early 19th century, William Ogle returned to South Carolina after visiting the east Tennessee region. Referring to the area as “The Land of Paradise,” Ogle began preparations to move his family to Gatlinburg, TN. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could realize his dream. His wife, Martha Jane, not wanting her late husband’s plans die with him, moved the family in 1807, and built Gatlinburg’s first cabin.
Folklore for the Masses
Before Great Smoky Mountains National Park opened in 1934, Gatlinburg was a quaint little log cabin hamlet with about 600 inhabitants. Its residents were uncomplicated, Appalachian people who lived off of the land and relied on the charms of folklore to guide them through their daily lives. In 1935, the number of visitors to pass through Gatlinburg on the way to the newly opened park reached 500,000. It was official: One of Tennessee’s key tourism destinations was born.
While today’s Gatlinburg is light years away from Ogle’s “Land of Paradise,” it still is as magnetic as it was back then. Originally it was a resting place en route to the national park but now Gatlinburg is the destination; a wonderful mix of old and new. The authentic charm of handcrafted artwork and wares still exists but you can also treat yourself to an array of modern Gatlinburg restaurants, like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and the Hard Rock Café, Gatlinburg.
What to Do, What to Do…
The city now offers just about every type of activity imaginable: golfing, whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, shopping, bicycling, camping, go-carting, ice skating and winter skiing to name just a tiny handful. The museums, theatres, restaurants and Gatlinburg hotels are plentiful and diverse. And, showcasing much of the local Smoky Mountain sea life, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most visited aquariums in the United States. For those of you with children, or the insatiable desire to hang out with thousands of people, Dollywood – that’s right, the most popular amusement park in Tennessee – is just eight miles down the road. Looking to tie the knot in a more traditional, rural style than Vegas? Gatlinburg has loads of chapels to choose from.
Gatlinburg: Getting There
Gatlinburg’s closest international airport is in Nashville. Renting a car at the airport for the three and a half hour drive is probably the best alternative, though shuttles and buses are also available. Save some cash to spend enjoying all that Gatlinburg has to offer by surfing around for discount airfare, hotels and car rentals far in advance of your trip.
With the unforgettable backdrop of Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your guide, a Gatlinburg vacation is sure to soothe your soul with some old-fashioned, down-home good times.
