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.”
Gatlinburg has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. Often, the challenge is narrowing down the places you most want to visit during your limited window of time in the Smokies. One thing to consider when deciding which attractions to visit is whether or not you can grab a bite to eat while you're at that location. Especially if it's a destination that requires multiple hours or even a full day to experience, the need to find food can be important.
If you're looking for unique accommodations when visiting Gatlinburg and the rest of the Great Smoky Mountains, consider booking a stay at Buckhorn Inn. It's located on Tudor Mountain Rd., just off Buckhorn Rd., which is one of the main routes through the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The inn has been serving visitors to the Smokies since 1938, and during that time, it's earned a reputation for its blend of elegance and unparalleled hospitality.
One of the great things about visiting downtown Gatlinburg is that it offers the chance to visit fun theme parks that aren't necessarily located downtown themselves. For example, from downtown, you can ride the Aerial Tramway up to the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, or you can ride a chairlift up to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, which overlooks the city from a mountaintop.
Now that we've officially crossed over into December, things are starting to get more serious when it comes to shopping for the holidays. Christmas is only weeks away. But it's not time to panic just yet. There are still lots of opportunities to get out and hit the stores and start crossing more names of your shopping list.