Summer Fun Awaits In Gatlinburg
By Leif Palmer
Posted on June 18, 2020
Schools have been out for weeks. Warm weather has been around for weeks. We're almost three weeks into June. But for those paying attention to the calendar, summer officially arrives this weekend, and with it comes the season of vacation travel. Things are a little different this summer, since many businesses are still adapting to guidelines and protocols in the interest of public safety. That being said, most attractions, shops and restaurants in Gatlinburg are open for business. Right now, it's just a matter of deciding when you're coming to the Smokies and planning the trip that best fits your travel goals.
Attractions are always a staple of any vacation to the Smokies, and right now, you can still choose from popular destinations like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. The aquarium isn't the only Ripley's attraction open for business either. You can also visit the Believe It Or Not! Museum, Davy Crockett Mini-Golf and the Marvelous Mirror Maze. And Ober Gatlinburg has its summer activities up and running too. These include the Aerial Tramway, downhill water tubing, mountain coaster, alpine slide, scenic chairlift, water raft ride, wildlife encounter and even indoor ice-skating for those really hot days.
When it comes to shopping, you have plenty of choices there as well. You can hit up local shopping complexes like Mountain Mall and Baskins Square, both of which are filled with a wide variety of specialty shops. Standalone specialty retailers like the Nantahala Outdoor Center are also available to help you get geared up for whatever outdoor adventures you might have planned for your trip.
Gatlinburg restaurants have your dining-out needs covered morning, noon and night. From Crockett's Breakfast Camp to T.G.I. Friday's to the Park Grill and Peddler restaurants, you'll find an eatery for every cuisine preference and every budget. And don't forget that lodging providers like Bearskin Lodge and Greenbrier Campground can accommodate your overnight needs, whether you're looking for a place in the middle of town or something a little closer to nature.
If you're not staying at a Gatlinburg hotel or motel, don't forget that we offer convenient and affordable parking facilities throughout downtown. One price covers you for the whole day, and you'll find that our Gatlinburg parking rates are hard to beat.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.