Anyone who ever visited Gatlinburg in the 1970s or 1980s can tell you that back in those days, it was tough to find parking in downtown Gatlinburg. Even then, the town was really hopping with tourists, so on some days, it could be a real challenge to snag a coveted spot. Fortunately, more and more parking opportunities have been added in the past 20 years or so, so the days of coming up short on parking are fewer and fewer.
One of Gatlinburg's oldest and best known attractions, Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg), got its start in the early 1960s as a ski resort in the Great Smoky Mountains. Over the years, that mission has endured, but throughout the decades, the mountaintop attraction has gradually expanded its offerings and capabilities, becoming a popular destination not only for winter travelers but for summertime visitors as well.
It seems like spring just arrived, and now here we are, already staring down the barrel of summer. Even though it won't officially arrive until June, Memorial Day is less than two weeks out, and that's always the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. So if you haven't already made any detailed plans about a trip the Smoky Mountains, read on to learn more about some of the neat things taking place in and around our city this year.
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is pretty much the center of the universe when it comes to handmade arts and crafts in the Smokies. Some 100 artisans work at a variety of shops, studios and galleries located along the community's eight-mile loop. It's where people from all over the country travel to find one-of-a-kind pieces like pottery, candles, quilts, woodwork, paintings and much more.
If you're a fan of Mother Nature, this is a prime time of year for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. We're well into spring now, so all sorts of colorful changes are taking place, not only in the national park but outside its borders. From the emergence of wildflowers and tree blooms to a heightened awareness of our planet's natural resources, the next couple of weeks have a lot to offer Smokies visitors in search of outdoor beauty and wonder.
When it comes to public parking, Gatlinburg has more options than you might think, even in the heart of downtown. We offer seven different lots in the downtown area, with locations that span the length of the Parkway. Our rates are very competitive, and because of our convenient options, you can have peace of mind as you leave your vehicle behind for a day of good times in downtown Gatlinburg and beyond. In fact, thanks to the trolley systems in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can cover a lot of ground in the Smokies without having to remove your vehicle from your parking space.
The Spring Trout Tournament has been one of the most popular annual events in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains for years. But starting last year, the event took on a new wrinkle, becoming not only a fishing competition but also a way to help preserve the precious natural resources of the Smokies.
Believe it or not, Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge kicks off its 2023 season in just a few days. On March 10, season passholders will be able to enter the gates for the first time this year, while the general public will be able to pass through the turnstiles the following day. Here's what to keep an eye out for if you plan to visit the park any time this year:
Well, a couple of months ago, we posted part one of a two-part blog about visiting Anakeesta in downtown Gatlinburg. But then we promptly forgot to follow up with the rest of the information in our next post. At least it's not too late to rectify this oversight, so we're forging ahead with the rest of our deep dive into the popular mountaintop attraction. In our previous post, we gave you the 411 on getting tickets and getting to the top of the mountain itself. Now that you're free to roam, we'll give you a more in-depth lay of the land.
A romantic dinner is one of the staples of any good Valentine's Day celebration. And if you happen to be spending the night (or the week) in Gatlinburg to mark the occasion, you'll find that you have a wide selection of great dining choices before you. This week, we'd like to offer a few suggestions for eateries that will cover all the bases on your big night out, from food to atmosphere to setting. Choosing any of these restaurants is an appetizing way to say “I love you.”