It is no secret that each one of us in the present age is living a hectic and stressful life. Because of this, maybe you have decided to take a break from your chaotic lifestyle and planned for a vacation. Undoubtedly, you would be feeling ecstatic. Moreover, being cooped up in your home after the rise of COVID-19 cases, the relaxation in travel bans worldwide is surely exciting for all travel lovers. So, chances are, you might have planned to spend your vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, due to its serene and beautiful landscape.
Gatlinburg is a small, mountainous city in eastern Tennessee, located roughly 30 miles away from south Knoxville. The beautiful destination welcomes all kinds of tourists with various attraction spots. Gatlinburg offers so much, from picturesque landscapes and thrilling rides to stunning aquariums and different adventures. But, with such a beautiful and prominent tourist spot, you might be wondering where to start your vacation? Of course, you can’t visit each place in Gatlinburg. Thus, a better idea is to make a bucket list of must-go places in Gatlinburg.
Here is the list of top five sites you must have on your bucket list on your trip:
1. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks in the United States that doesn’t charge you a fee. The park is around 522,427 acres. You can enjoy the magnificent sunrise view by getting up early and heading over to Clingmans Dome.
And while you wish to explore the famous national park to the fullest, don’t forget to give your body some relaxation time, too. Thus, consider reserving your accommodation at Gatlinburg hotels that offer you mesmerizing views of your favorite attractions. In addition, the hotels allow you to enjoy different amenities such as exercise rooms, pet-friendly rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and much more.
Do you yearn to see waterfalls? In that case, don’t forget to check the 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls. If you love to watch wildlife, look no other than Cades Cove. Here, you can spot white-tailed deer, fox, bobcats, coyotes, black bears, etc.
2. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The 407-foot observation tower, which opened in 1970, is one of the most iconic attractions you must visit in Gatlinburg. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the town from here. Visitors usually take Space Needle’s comfortable two glass elevators to reach the peak. Upon reaching the observation deck, you can use viewfinders free of cost and enjoy an educational exhibition to learn more information and history about Gatlinburg.
The site also offers its guests an opportunity to play at a 25,000 square-foot arcade. Apart from many games, the Arcadia treats you with delicious pizzas, salads, appetizers, and calzones at the Slice Pizza Bakery. Do you have an itch to see magic shows? Then, make sure to stop by the Iris Theatre. Overall, Gatlinburg Space Needle is home to education, entertainment, and games.Â
3. Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies
Your trip to Gatlinburg is incomplete if you haven’t been to the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The moment you enter this enthralling destination, you feel like spending time in a live underwater wonderland. A tour of this one-of-a-kind aquarium allows you to get closer to marine life. So make sure to start your trip to the Ripley’s Aquarium by going underwater and seeing sharks, green sea turtles, tarpons, big snappers via floor-to-ceiling glass. In addition, you can enjoy a Touch a Ray Bay exhibit, where you can see Stingrays glide in a slow, calculating, and effortless move.
4. Anakeesta
Anakeesta has become one of the newest yet prominent attractions in Downtown Gatlinburg. A pro tip is to start early and get yourself an all-day ticket to enjoy this themed park to the fullest. Start your trip by riding an enclosed chondola or four sitter chair lift to get to the top of the mountain. If you have a competitive spirit, look no other than Dueling Zipline Adventure. The zipline allows two people to go through trees simultaneously.
Make sure to explore North America’s largest tree-based bridge – Treetop Skywalk. The fantastic attraction allows you to spot nature and wildlife such as sea bears, wildflowers, woodpeckers, etc. Since the destination is full of fun and adventure, don’t forget to fill your tummy with a mouth-watering meal at Cliff Top. However, you can satisfy your sweet tooth by going to the Pearl’s Pie in the Sky. Thus, no matter what you have planned on your trip to Gatlinburg, you must check out this beautiful and adventurous park and make memories.
5. Gatlinburg Skylift Park
If you love adventure and wish to enjoy spectacular views, you’ll be sure to spend a day exploring the amazing Skylift Park. So begin your adventure to the incredible park by riding up the mountain via Gatlinburg Skylift. The open-air bright yellow and orange chairlift will take you to the top of Crockett Mountain. Upon reaching the top, you’ll get off the Skylift and enjoy the remarkable Skydeck. The Skydeck is the perfect spot to sit down, relax and take photographs.
Don’t miss out on visiting Gatlinburg SkyCenter, located on Skydeck, and take an interesting souvenir from the park. And while you are at the Skydeck, make sure to grab some snacks or drinks and soak yourself in the breathtaking views. Lastly, don’t forget to experience Skylift’s great attraction – Skybridge. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, stretching about 680 feet and height of 140-feet. A visit to Tennessee is incomplete without checking out the famous Gatlinburg Skylift Park.
Summing Up
Whether you are looking for an escape from your mundane life, a relaxing summer getaway, or want to enjoy a peaceful winter season, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, can satisfy all your travel cravings. And while you might be tempted to visit popular destinations, don’t forget to go for a casual stroll in lesser-known places. Who knows, eating at an infamous diner or visiting a small shop may provide you with the best time of your life.
