Gatlinburg TN is a Must Visit While Staying in Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg is a small mountain town located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The main entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is in Gatlinburg. It is a small town, only two miles long and five miles wide. There is one main street through town and it is tightly congested with people and traffic especially during the busy seasons. If you decide to drive to Gatlinburg, I suggest you find a parking lot and pay the fee to park and walk. Everything is closely adjacent to one another and the walking is not that bad. Another option would be to take the trolley out of Pigeon Forge and let them drop you off in Gatlinburg, then take the trolley back to Pigeon Forge when you are ready to return.

You will definitely find enough to occupy you and the family to make this a whole day trip. There are many attractions, restaurants and unique shops that you will not find in Pigeon Forge. And the mountain village atmosphere is a unique experience as you are basically at the foot of the Smoky Mountains.

Of the many attractions in Gatlinburg, a few that we would recommend would be Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, The Space Needle, Hillbilly Golf, Sweet Fanny Adams Theater, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and the Gatlinburg Skylift. These are just a few of our favorites but there are many more!

Click here for more information on Gatlinburg Attractions!

There are many great places to eat in Gatlinburg TN. Some of the most notable and our favorites are the Hard Rock Cafe, Atrium Restaurant (great breakfast), Lineburger’s Seafood Co., Smoky Mountain Trout House and No Way Jose’s Mexican Restaurant. No matter what type of food you are hungry for, you’ll find it in Gatlinburg!

Click here for more information on Gatlinburg Restaurants!

If you like shopping for those unique items and gifts, you have come to the right place. Gatlinburg is lined with shop after shop and many of them are specialty shops. And you will find a better selection of souvenirs here than even in Pigeon Forge. One of our favorite shopping stops is the Mountain Mall located at traffic light #6 on the Parkway in Gatlinburg. It is an indoor mall with 38 specialty shops located on several levels. There are several airbrush shops, souvenir shops, T Shirt stores, old time photos, as well as jewelry stores, sunglasses and many, many specialty stores. You’ll also find home made fudge, funnel cakes, soft pretzels and ice cream.

Click here for more information on the Shopping in Gatlinburg!

If you decide to stay in Gatlinburg TN, either for a night or your vacation, there are many cabin rentals and motels to choose from. The cabins are located throughout the mountains with very awesome views! The motels range from the national chains to the quaint home town local establishments.

Click here for more information on Gatlinburg accommodations!

One of the highlights of Gatlinburg TN is Ober Gatlinburg. This is a ski resort and amusement park located above the town. You get to Ober Gatlinburg by riding one of America’s largest Ariel Tramways. Once you are at the top you will find the little village of Ober Gatlinburg where you can snow ski or ice skate in an indoor rink. There also is an amusement park with water rides, an Alpine slide, arcades, go karts, miniature golf, plus much more! And guess what? More shopping malls!

Gatlinburg, TN Get the lowest prices on the best Gatlinburg Motels

Hotels & Resorts In Tennessee

Park Vista Hotel And Conv Center The Park Vista Hotel is the premier full-service hotel in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Whether you're looking for a great family vacation a weekend getaway Starting At: US $66/Night >> Click For More Details & Pictures

Although Pigeon Forge is where you want to stay for your vacation, you must plan a day to visit Gatlinburg. It’s small, cramped and congested during the busy seasons, but there is so much to see and do in Gatlinburg it is well worth the trip!