Why Choose Gatlinburg?
The small mountain enclave of Gatlinburg has been a draw to this are well before the shops and the restaurants. Today, the gateway to the Smoky Mountains offers visitors the beauty of the area as well as meeting the needs of other diverse interests.
Shopping
Gatlinburg’s strip has all kinds of wonderful little shops. Many of which have been here for decades. Several of the more interesting shops can be found inside The Village. With its European influence, you will truly feel transported to a tiny little Village where you can find candles, toys, artwork, coffee and some of the best donuts in the area. You can also cross the street and walk through the Mountain Mall. Local shops in all shapes and sizes can be found throughout the multi-level building.
And if you take a drive up 321into the East side of Gatlinburg you will find the Arts and Crafts Community. Also, known as The Glades. The Glades, named for the road many of the shops are on, is an 8-mile loop that has a series of shops and galleries where you can find local artisans who create everything from pottery, baskets and paintings to metal smithing.
Gatlinburg Shopping
Adventures
One of the oldest attractions in Gatlinburg is the Tram. One of the greatest adventures to have is a tram ride up to one of the highest points in the mountains. It is a special ride that stops at one of the longest running adventures in the area - Ober Gatlinburg. From skiing to ice skating as well as seasonal offerings, Ober Gatlinburg and The Tram are a worthwhile visit.
And once you come down the mountain there are plenty of other adventures to be had as well. Annakeesta offers all kinds of amusements including the Sky Bridge. There is also a Ski Lift, another old but updated goodie, and the space needle.
Gatlinburg Entertainment
Of course there is the BIGGEST adventure-the Mountains themselves which offer all kinds of hikes, trails, and waterfalls. From Cades Cove Hikes to Laurel Falls Adventures there is plenty to do in the Mountains.
Hiking in Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountain Hikes
Gatlinburg offers a wide variety of places to eat. Some well known stops like Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, and local favorite Chesapeak’s Seafood and Raw Bar as well as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and the world-famous Pancake Pantry. There are also all kinds of candy stops and ice cream/fudge shops too! That 5 pound vacation weight can happen easily with all the choices.
Gatlinburg Restaurants