Directions To Downtown Gatlinburg
Introduction
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a charming mountain town located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families looking for a fun-filled vacation. In this travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Directions To Downtown Gatlinburg, including the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Gatlinburg offers a plethora of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top attractions you should not miss:
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Home to over 10,000 sea creatures, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit attraction in Gatlinburg. You can walk through an underwater tunnel and see sharks, stingrays, and other exotic fish swimming right above you.
Gatlinburg SkyBridge
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offering breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. It is 680 feet long and 140 feet high and is a popular spot for photography.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park that offers year-round activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and an alpine slide. It also has a wildlife encounter where you can see black bears, river otters, and other animals.
Hidden Gems
While Gatlinburg has a lot of popular attractions, there are also some hidden gems that are worth checking out:
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Sugarlands Distilling Company is a local distillery that offers tastings of their moonshine and whiskey. They also have live music and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive that takes you through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a great way to see wildlife and waterfalls and is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors.
Greenbrier Picnic Area
The Greenbrier Picnic Area is a peaceful spot in the national park that offers picnic tables, grills, and a river for fishing and swimming. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Food Scene
Gatlinburg has a diverse food scene that includes everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat:
The Peddler Steakhouse
The Peddler Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse that serves high-quality steaks and seafood. It is located right next to a river and has a beautiful view of the mountains.
Pancake Pantry
Pancake Pantry is a popular breakfast spot that serves a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, and crepes. It is a great place to start your day before exploring Gatlinburg.
El Sonador Mexican Restaurant
El Sonador Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food. It has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to go with friends or family.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Gatlinburg can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing fun. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
Stay in a cabin
Renting a cabin is often cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially if you are traveling with a group. You can cook your own meals and enjoy the privacy of your own space.
Take advantage of free activities
There are many free activities in Gatlinburg, such as hiking in the national park, visiting the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, and walking along the Gatlinburg Trail.
Eat at local restaurants
Local restaurants often offer lower prices than chain restaurants and serve authentic food.
Outdoor Adventures
Gatlinburg is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities to choose from. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures:
Hiking
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the most popular hikes include the Chimney Tops Trail and the Alum Cave Trail.
White-water rafting
The Pigeon River offers white-water rafting trips for all skill levels. It is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Ziplining
Gatlinburg has several zipline companies that offer a thrilling way to see the mountains. Some of the most popular companies include Climbworks and Legacy Mountain Ziplines.
Family-Friendly Activities
Gatlinburg is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids will love. Here are some family-friendly activities:
Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a thrilling ride that takes you through the woods and down a mountain. Kids will love the speed and excitement.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot-tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of the mountains. Kids will love the elevator ride and the view from the top.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a fun and interactive museum that features cars from famous movies and TV shows. Kids will love seeing the Batmobile and the DeLorean from Back to the Future.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you are looking for something unique to do in Gatlinburg, here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences:
Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is an eight-mile loop of studios and galleries where local artists sell their work. It is a great place to find unique souvenirs.
Gatlinburg Ghost Tours
The Gatlinburg Ghost Tours take you on a spooky journey through the town’s haunted history. It is a fun and unique way to see Gatlinburg at night.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a local brewery that offers tours and tastings. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Natural Wonders
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. Here are some of the must-see sights:
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a scenic drive that takes you through historic buildings and offers views of wildlife and waterfalls.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is accessible via a paved trail. It is a great place to take a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
Vibrant Nightlife
Gatlinburg may be a small town, but it has a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some of the best places to go:
Ole Smoky Moonshine
Ole Smoky Moonshine is a local distillery that has a lively atmosphere and live music. They also have a rooftop bar with views of the town.
Blaine’s Grill and Bar
Blaine’s Grill and Bar is a popular spot for drinks and dancing. They have a large selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The Smoky Mountain Brewery
The Smoky Mountain Brewery also has a bar where you can try their locally brewed beers. They often have live music and events.
Local Markets
Gatlinburg has several local markets where you can buy souvenirs, crafts, and food. Here are some of the best:
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts from local vendors. It is open from May to October.
Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is an eight-mile loop of studios and galleries where local artists sell their work. It is a great place to find unique souvenirs.
The Village Shops
The Village Shops is a charming shopping area that offers