-- a guest article by Tony Conboy III--
Gatlinburg’s Family Attractions
- Tennessee Mountain Town a Haven for Family Vacationers
With a black bear as the town’s symbol, Gatlinburg is well known by most in the southeastern United States, but just beginning to gain a national reputation for affordable family attractions.
Adjacent to the US National Park that draws more visitors than any other – the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP), and yes, it gets more visitors than the Grand Canyon – Gatlinburg’s most famous residents don't walk on two feet: they're black bears, abundant in the beautiful Park, occasional visitors in the town itself, and much-used in local logos.
While the frequent use of bears in advertising makes sense in Gatlinburg, the abundance of pancake houses is harder to explain – although no one is complaining. Despite the large number of pancake houses, it's not uncommon to see line-ups for some of the most popular spots.
Top family attractions for Gatlinburg area:
Smoky Mountain National Park
As a park ranger told a group during a walking tour, too many people just drive through the park, the new goal of the Park Service is to get people out their cars and into the woods to explore. Highlights include spectacular waterfalls, backcountry hiking, bicycling and an auto trail where you can see Cades Cove and its preserved buildings. There is no admission charge to the Park.
Ober Gatlinburg
If you want to see what snow skiing is like in the South, Ober Gatlinburg is the place. Billing itself as part ski resort and part amusement park, Ober Gatlinburg’s eight ski runs from its 3300 feet summit are open usually from mid-December until early March. Besides skiing, games and an amusement park atmosphere, you’ll also find an indoor ice skating rink, shopping and restaurants. During the summer, there are go carts, water rides and miniature golf.
Space Needle
An elevator takes visitors up 342 feet to an open air viewing platform with a 360 degree of Gatlinburg and surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Ripley’s Aquarium
View 10,000 sea creatures highlighted by a moving platform that takes you under a glass encased walk through shark exhibit. The Ripley Aquarium competes with all of the major aquariums that I have visited. Plan on spending a good part of a day with the family at an Aquarium in the most unusual place – in the mountains.
White river rafting
A great family adventure is white river rafting on nearby Big Pigeon River. Children as young as eight years old, and/or 70 pounds can participate on the 1.5 hour, five mile experience. The white rafting experience gives the family a a great time together, plus some thrilling moments and great views of nature.
Fly Fishing/River Fishing
Fishing is big in Gatlinburg-- so big that within the city limits, Gatlinburg has a city fishing license in addition to the required Tennessee state license. For a real family outing, try a day or half-day with a fishing guide. It’s a great way to connect with your family and with nature, as your guide takes you off the beaten path. No need to worry if you don’t have all the equipment, most outfitters will provide it – rod n’ reel, etc.
Family Restaurants
Bennett’s BBQ is an institution in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and the Alamo Steakhouse are two other popular family eateries. For an upscale or elegant dinner, try the new The Lodge at Buckberry Creek.
Family Accommodations
A variety of hotels, resorts and rental cabins are available: call Jackson Mountain Homes at 865.436.8876 or www.jacksonmountain.com; Fairfield Inn & Suites at 865.430.3659 or www.fairfieldsuitesgatlinburg.com; Mountain Laurel Chalets at 800.315.4965 or www.mtnlaurelchalets.com; Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg at 800.482.1044 or www.mountainchalets.com. Affordability is a feature of the area.
For more information on the Gatlinburg area, call the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Center at 800.568.4748 or see www.gatlinburg-tn.com.
