So without any further delay, here’s the list of must-visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee attractions you shouldn’t miss on your vacation:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Every year, eight to ten million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  And for good reason.  You’ll find lots to do and see at this sprawling National Park, and the vista is definitely more than enough to keep anybody coming back.  The wealth of flora found at the park is unmatched.  The park’s grounds bloom with over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants and wildflowers all-year-round.  You can even take wildflower walks to view the many flower species found in the park.  Fauna at the National Park is equally abundant.  Visitors can expect to spot a wide variety of birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.

The National Park is also the largest protected bear habitat in the East.  And if wildlife viewing isn’t enough to keep you busy, you can go horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and camping on park grounds.  Be sure to stop in at any of the park’s visitor centers for complete information and suggestions for what to do and see while you’re at one of the premier National Parks in the USA.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee, North Carolina
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/
(865) 436-1200

2. A Walk in the Woods

Gatlinburg is definitely an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers.  To fully experience everything the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer, you can opt to literally take a hike with the expert guides of A Walk in the Woods.  A Walk in the Woods offers nature enthusiasts a wide variety of guided hikes and backpacking trips on the trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The guide service uses only trained experts with years of hiking and trail experience, to ensure that visitors enjoy an enriching and safe journey to the mountaintop.  A Walk in the Woods also offers visitors guided hikes to the top of Mt. LeConte, the tallest mountain in the Eastern United States.  Faced with an incredible view of sunrise from the mountain’s cliffs, you’ll find the hike to Mt. LeConte’s summit worth it.

A Walk in the Woods
http://www.awalkinthewoods.com
4413 Scenic Drive East, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-8283

3. Smoky Mountain Rafting

If cruising through fast, churning whitewater currents is your idea of fun, then Smoky Mountain Rafting is perfect for you.  Smoky Mountain Rafting offers guided raft trips down Gatlinburg’s Pigeon River.  The brave and the daring can choose the river’s 6.5-mile Upper Section, a 2-hour stretch with big waves and thrilling drops.  If you’d like to take it easy and just take in the scenery, go for the 5.5-mile Lower Section.  This section features calm waters with class 1 and class 2 rapids, with an exciting surprise at the end.  Or for something new, try navigating the Pigeon River on your own on a Funyak, or an inflatable kayak.  Expert guides will make sure that you’re safe throughout the entire trip down the river.

Smoky Mountain Outdoors

http://www.smokymountainrafting.com

453 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 430-3838

4. Ober Gatlinburg

Known for being the only ski resort in Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is perfect for visitors planning for some fun in the snow.  For those interested in making tracks down the slopes, Ober Gatlinburg offers eight skiing trails at varying lengths and difficulty levels.  Those who just want to enjoy the scenery, though, can relax and take one of the ski resort’s three chairlifts to the top of Mount Harrison.  Or for a more unique, exciting experience, try snow-tubing down a multi-track slide!  Kids might also enjoy seeing the animals at the resort’s Smoky Mountain Wildlife Adventure, which features animals native to the Great Smokey Mountains.  Ober Gatlinburg is definitely the place to be for some family-oriented fun!

Ober Gatlinburg

http://www.obergatlinburg.com

1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN  37738

(865) 436-5423

5. Dollywood Theme Park

Fans of the famous Dolly Parton ought to visit the Dollywood theme park at least once in their lives.  Just like its namesake, Dollywood offers visitors topnotch entertainment and enjoyment.  Thrill-seekers will surely get a kick out of the park’s rides, which include exciting roller coasters, family rides, and water rides.  Others will enjoy the live musical performances; more than 30 performers grace Dollywood’s stages daily, playing country, rock & roll, and Southern Gospel music.  Craftsmen and artisans also await visitors, selling various handmade, unique products.  Plenty of tasty food options throughout the park.  At Dollywood, you’ll find everything you need to have the best Tennessee vacation.

Dollywood Theme Park

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

http://www.dollywood.com

(865) 428-9488

(800) 365-5996

6. Treasure Quest Miniature Golf, Circus Golf 3D in Blacklight, & Hillbilly Golf

If you’re looking for a unique mini golf experience, then downtown Gatlinburg is the place for you.  On the Parkway are several novelty golf courses especially designed for wholesome family entertainment.  Treasure Quest Miniature Golf offers visitors 18 easy and challenging holes.  Kids will definitely enjoy walking through the ancient jungle temple theme.  For a more interesting round of golf, try out Circus Golf 3D in Blacklight.  The miniature 18-hole golf course features animatronic characters and special sound effects to make playing putt putt golf even more fun.  The miniature Hillbilly Golf course provides visitors with hazards in the form of rocky walls and native plants.  You can ride an Incline 300 feet up to a mountain-top, to enjoy a unique aerial view of the city.

Treasure Quest Golf

716 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-3972

Circus Golf 3D in Blacklight

919 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-4415

Hillbilly Golf

Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-7470

7. Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Often considered the top scenic overlook in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg sky lift offers an unparalleled view of the city and the Smoky Mountains.  Visitors can board the Sky Lift at its downtown station, and enjoy the view as the cable seat lifts over Little Pigeon River, towards the summit of Crockett Mountain.  At the end of the ride, atop Crockett Mountain, is a viewing platform perfect for taking pictures of the Smoky Mountains.  So don’t forget to bring your camera when you board the Sky Lift!  The picturesque view is definitely something you won’t get tired of seeing.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift

www.gatlinburgskylift.com

765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-4307

8. Gatlinburg Ziplines

Adventure-seekers will surely get their fix at Gatlinburg Ziplines.  This popular Gatlinburg Tennessee attraction lets visitors zip through the treetops in the Smokies, providing an hour-and-a-half worth of views of various flora and fauna.  You can even look down on downtown Gatlinburg while walking through a skybridge.  And if that isn’t exciting enough for you, you can opt to take the Twilight Treetop Tour, which takes you through a nighttime zip through a special lighted course.  And there’s no need to worry for your safety; whether you take a day or a night tour, you’ll be strapped into full-body harnesses.

Gatlinburg Ziplines

http://www.zipgatlinburg.com/

204 Savage Garden Road

(865) 430-9475

9. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Before you head home from your Gatlinburg vacation, make sure you go around the 8-mile loop known as the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.  The community is recognized as the largest group of independent artisans in North America.  Along the loop, you’ll see some 120 shops offering valuable items and collectibles for you to remember your Gatlinburg trip by.  Choose from candles, quilts, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and stained glass.  You can also pick up oil and watercolor paintings and various framed photographs.  And to take a break from all the shopping, check into the community’s many cafes and restaurants.

Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community

http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/

Tennessee

10. Gatlinburg Space Needle

No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without some time up at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.  Gatlinburg’s Space Needle is a steel tower 400 feet off the ground, with an observation deck equipped with view finders providing a 360-degree view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.  The view takes on a different appearance at night, when Gatlinburg’s main Parkway is lit up.  When you’ve had enough of the view, get on one of the glass elevators and head for Arcadia, a two-level, 25,000 square-foot recreation center home to various attractions such as Extreme Lazer Tag, Hurricane Stimulator, and a mega-sized ticket-redemption arcade.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN  37738

(865) 436-4629

http://www.gatlinburgspaceneedle.com/

11. Trout Fishing

Fishing for trout in the streams of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular activity for both visitors and residents of Gatlinburg alike.  Lots of streams are available within the city of Gatlinburg itself.  There are even streams designated especially for children.  But before you take your fishing line to the water, don’t forget to pick up a fishing license at Gatlinburg City Hall, the Welcome Center, or other local outlets.  To make trout fishing a more convenient experience, you can get help from fishing guide services such as Smoky Mountain Angler.  Smoky Mountain Angler lets visitors choose from fly fishing and spin fishing.  The service’s guides can help you understand what and what not to do when trout fishing at Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountain Angler

http://www.smokymountainangler.com/

466 Brookside Village Way, Suite 8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-8746

12. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Who says you can’t appreciate nature from the inside of a car?  To experience the beauty the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer, you can opt to take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.  Considered a hidden jewel by many Gatlinburg tourists and visitors, the trail offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains.  Streams, creeks, and trees line the trail, giving visitors a picturesque ride through the woods.  The scenic trail provides the perfect background to snap pictures against.  You can also take a 1.2-mile hike to Grotto Falls.  If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the park’s famous residents as well…bears!

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/roaring_fork.html

Rte. 441, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

(865) 436-1200

13. Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens

Visitors who are looking for food for the soul may be interested in visiting Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens.  The museum features life-sized representations and 3D dioramas of scenes from the life story of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his crucifixion.  Ancient coins and gems, as well as a sculpture of Christ, are also put on display.  Wheelchairs are available for elderly tourists.  If you want a little inspiration on your Gatlinburg attraction, then you’d definitely want to stop by this museum and stroll through its gardens.

Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens

http://www.christinthesmokies.com

510 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN  37738

(865) 436-5155

14. Sweet Fanny Adams Theater

If you’re looking for a good time and you’ve got a couple of hours to spare, then the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater is your best bet.  The comedy theater, dubbed as the oldest and most unusual theater in the Smokies, puts on humorous, music-filled shows through its many talented performers.  No matter what your sense of humor is, you’ll surely chuckle more than a few times at Sweet Fanny Adams.  The audience even gets to join in on the cast members’ fun.  For more than 30 years now, the Sweet Fanny Adams has been bringing entertainment and joy to residents and visitors of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Sweet Fanny Adams Theater

http://www.sweetfannyadams.com

461 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 430-9461

15. Wild Bear Falls Water Park

Wild Bear Falls Water Park allows visitors to enjoy the fun of swimming and water sports all-year-round.  The water park offers eight water attractions designed for kids and adults alike.  Toddlers can splash around in zero-depth Little Pigeon River, while kids can have a grand time zooming down the various looping water slides.  Adults may get some peace and relaxation while floating along the lazy river of Cades Cove, or enjoying the swirls of warm water at Moonshine Hollow or Grotto Falls.  With all the water park’s attractions, you’ll never run out of things to do!

Wild Bear Falls Water Park

http://www.wgwildbearfalls.com

915 Garden Road, Gatlinburg, TN  37738

(865) 430-4800

16. Bent Creek Golf Course

Considered one of the “Top Fifty Golf Courses in the South” by Southern Living Travel Guide, Bent Creek Golf Course is a haven for golf enthusiasts.  With the par-72 course’s lush greenery and view of the Great Smoky Mountains, you can enjoy yourself even just by looking around.  The course’s front nine, located on the valley floor, is perfect for beginners, while veterans and experts can take on the back nine mountain course.  The mountain stream winding through the course provides added challenge and difficulty to golfers, too.

Bent Creek Golf Village

http://www.bentcreekgolfcourse.com

3919 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN  37738

(865) 436-3947

17. Gatlinburg Golf Course

Dubbed as the Best Municipal Golf Course in Tennessee by the Golf Digest magazine, the Gatlinburg Golf Course is a dream destination for many golfers.  Open all year round, Gatlinburg’s premier golf course offers 18 holes on well-maintained grounds.  And while taking a break from hitting those balls, golfers can take in the course’s unmatched scenery.  The golf course also offers some unique holes, such as the “Sky Hi” (so named for the 200-foot drop from tee to green).  Pro shops and food services can also be found on the premises.

Gatlinburg Golf Course

http://www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com/golf.php

(865) 453-3912

18. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

How would you like to see a shark swimming up close, touch a sting ray, or watch as hundreds of fish swim above your head?  You can do all that and more at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.  Contained in an aquarium holding over 1.4 million gallons of water, these marine organisms span more than 350 individual species.  Kids will enjoy walking through the 345-foot underwater aquarium tunnel going through Shark Lagoon, which houses sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and nurse sharks.  The aquarium’s Discovery Center also allows visitors to hold horseshoe crabs, as well as enjoy many interactive displays.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

http://gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com

88 River Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(888) 240-135

19. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

What do you do with a piece of property that once belonged to two men who mysteriously disappeared?  Turn it into a haunted tour, of course.  Ripley’s Haunted Adventure takes visitors on a guided tour of Grimsby & Streaper Casket Company.  The owners’ disappearance is often attributed to The Sink, a cave on which the casket company’s grounds were built.  The mystery is still a long way from being resolved, but until then, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure will be around to give visitors spooks and chills.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

http://gatlinburg.ripleys.com/your-visit/haunted-adventure/

908 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 430-9991

20. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium

Oddities are what made Robert LeRoy Ripley, founder of the Ripley’s franchise, famous, and oddities are definitely aplenty at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium.  The museum, which reopened in 1994 after a major 1992 fire, currently houses over 500 unique, peculiar artifacts from all over the world.  The large collection draws a large number of tourists and visitors each year, all curious to see the unusual items on display.  The museum itself, with its cracked facade and cracked interior, is definitely something to see.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium

http://gatlinburg.ripleys.com/your-visit/odditorium/

800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-5096

21. Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf

Ever wondered what it would be like if mini-golf had been popular during Davy Crockett’s time?  Well, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf gives you the chance to find out.  Play a round of 18-hole mini-golf as you view the interactive displays and animal figures scattered throughout the greens.  The course can be a challenge to finish, with steep drops, numerous ramps, and even water hazards.  If you like a little fun with your mini-golf, then this is one of many Gatlinburg, Tennessee attractions perfect for your entertainment.

Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf

http://gatlinburg.ripleys.com/your-visit/mini-golfs/

188 Parkway Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738

(865) 430-8851

22. Hypnotized Comedy Show at the Gatlinburg Space Needle

One of the easiest ways to entertain people is to make them laugh.  And you’ll definitely do a lot of laughing at the Hypnotized Comedy Show hosted by Jon Dee.  While you watch from the audience, Dee safely hypnotizes various volunteers, making them perform unusual, entertaining feats.  Imagine watching as your brother or sister, while hypnotized, act like chickens on cue.  You can even get up on stage to volunteer yourself.  Aside from hypnotism, Dee also performs magic and ventriloquism.  You’ll surely enjoy every show Jon Dee puts on at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

Hypnotized Comedy Show at the Gatlinburg Space Needle

http://www.gatlinburgshow.com/

Gatlinburg Space Needle, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(877) 732-5497

23. Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg

For a spooky and unique experience, head to the White Oak Cemetery and join the famed Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg.  The Ghostwalk veers away from the usual tours of haunted houses around town.  The hour-long walk starts at White Oak Cemetery, where a storyteller in costume greets visitors.  The guide takes visitors to the most haunted and historically significant places in Gatlinburg, sharing legends and folklore about these areas.  You can expect to hear stories of mysteries and hauntings that have occurred in Gatlinburg’s and the Great Smoky Mountains’ past.  For those brave enough to try it, the Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg is available all-year-round.

Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg

http://www.ghostwalkofgatlinburg.com/

White Oak Cemetery, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 556-0674

24. Mysterious Mansion

You’ll find lots of thrills and chills at Gatlinburg.  For a truly unforgettable experience, take a tour of the Mysterious Mansion.  This haunted house treats visitors to a scare with its many secret passageways and a dark, scary dungeon.  Ghosts and creeps wait at every turn, prepared to make your skin crawl with goose bumps.  Listen closely and you’ll hear creaking floors in empty rooms and things that go bump in the night.  The Mysterious Mansion is definitely one of the scariest places in town.

Mysterious Mansion

424 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-7007

25. Smoky Mountain Winery

Wine connoisseurs shouldn’t miss out on the experience Smoky Mountain Winery has to offer.  Visitors can visit the winery for a free tour and get to taste some award-winning wines.  The staff is friendly and eager to share information on winemaking and the types of wine created in the winery.  Those interested in taking home a bottle or two will be happy to know that the winery produces a wide variety of wines—including reds, whites, blushes, and fruit wines.  No matter what your taste in wine is, you’ll find something you like at Smoky Mountain Winery.

Smoky Mountain Winery

http://www.smokymountainwinery.com/

Winery Square – Suite 2, 450 Cherry Street, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-7551

26. Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

Planning to stay in Gatlinburg for a while?  If you’ve got lots of time on your hands, make sure you devote a week or two to workshops at Gatlinburg’s Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.  Workshop topics span a wide range of subjects, such as woodworking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry making.  Weekend and evening classes for children and adults are also offered.  Various galleries display local artists’ work, and also pieces by the school’s artists-in-resident.  The school’s galleries, resource center, and supply stores are open to the public all year.

Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

http://www.arrowmont.org/

556 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-5860

27. Craftsmen’s Fair

For the best handmade products in Gatlinburg, visit Craftsmen’s Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  Craftsmen’s Fair is usually held twice every year, during summer and fall.  Both fairs offer visitors unique souvenirs to take home, ranging from pottery and jewelry to paintings and woodwork, perfect for presents for loved ones and friends back home.  To keep visitors entertained, the fair also features live music concerts.

Craftsmen’s Fair

Gatlinburg Convention Center

http://www.craftsmenfair.com/

Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-4583

28. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Yes, there is a museum devoted entirely to salt and pepper shakers.  And the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg is the only one of its kind in the whole world.  For a relatively low entrance fee, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on salt and pepper shakers in all shapes and sizes.  What started out as a modest family collection turned into a showcase of truly epic proportions.  Shelves upon shelves of shakers greet the visitors; some of the shakers are great conversation pieces.  The shakers are separated into themes by pepper mills; the museum also happens to display over 1500 mills from around the world.

Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

http://thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com/

Winery Square, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 430-5515

29. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

A sweet tooth is something most people have.  And if you’re looking to indulge yours while you’re in Gatlinburg, make a stop over at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen in The Village.  This candy store sells a vast assortment of sweets, from chocolate-covered jellies to pecan bark.  The shop also sells taffy, and features a taffy-pulling machine on display, a visual treat for the children.  The best part is the sweets’ reasonable prices, meaning you can stock up as much (or as little) as you want.  Candy from Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is the perfect souvenir to bring back to family, friends, and colleagues.

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

632 Parkway, The Village, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436 4617

30. WonderWorks

Even from the outside, WonderWorks is truly something to see.  The building appears to be inverted, but don’t worry.  Everything rights itself once you walk through the Inversion Tunnel. To boggle visitors’ minds even further, WonderWorks features an anti-gravity chamber and an illusion gallery.  There are even interactive exhibits that simulate hurricane-force winds and 5.3-magnitude earthquakes.  And if that isn’t exciting enough for you, head for WonderWorks arena and play some laser tag with your friends.

WonderWorks

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

http://www.wonderworkstn.com

(865) 868-1800

31. Cirque de Chine

The Cirque de Chine, held at the Smoky Mountain Palace, draws hundreds of visitors to each of its shows.  After all, it’s not every day you see a breathtaking display of Chinese acrobatics.  Watch as men ride bicycles through moving hoops, and ladies get catapulted into the air.  Even just the colorful, eye-catching costumes are something to behold.  The Cirque troupe is composed of trained acrobats and performers, experts at their chosen craft.  And as a treat, the performers show a “Mask Changing,” a theatrical act rarely performed outside China.  Make sure to reserve a ticket to the Cirque de Chine if you want to see and enjoy the exquisite precision of traditional Chinese acrobatics.

Cirque De Chine

http://smokymountainpalace.com/

179 Collier Drive Sevierville, TN 37862

1-800-590-4428

32. Smoky Mountain River Romp

You’ll never run out of water recreational activities when you’re in Tennessee.  Just a few miles from Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain River Romp is open for visitors who want to experience the Little Pigeon River first-hand.  At the River Romp, you can float down the beautiful river in tubes while taking in the incredible scenery of the Smoky Mountains.  The “ride” is about 2.5 miles long; once you get to the end, you can request for a driver to pick you up and return you to the starting point called the “Barn.”  Or for something different, you can take another tube ride back to the starting point.  Don’t worry; you’ll be advised of river conditions before you go into the river, and you’ll be provided with US Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

Smoky Mountain River Romp

1980 Pittman Center Road
Sevierville, TN 37876-6270
(865) 774-5994

33. Scenic Helicopter Tours

Want a bird’s eye view of what the area has to offer?  Head over to the Parkway at Pigeon Forge to sign up for a ride from Scenic Helicopter Tours.  Starting at downtown Sevierville, you’ll be flying towards Gatlinburg via helicopter, through The Dixie Stampede and over Dollywood. The flight enters the Great Smoky National Parks, approaching the base of Mt. LeConte, giving you unforgettable views of flora and fauna below, with the Smoky Mountains around you.  Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the views you won’t want to forget.  Scenic Helicopter Tours also accepts arrangements for aerial weddings and special tours.

Scenic Helicopter Tours

http://www.scenichelicoptertours.com/

2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 453-6342

34. RainForest Adventures Zoo

RainForest Adventures Zoo is the perfect mix of fun and learning for kids.  The zoo’s collection of tropical and temperate animals spans over 130 species, with natural habitats at rainforests all over the world.  Kids can see and get acquainted with animals not regularly featured at other zoos, such as kinkajous, coatimundis, and macaws.  You can also visit the zoo’s Aussie Walkabout, an area featuring kangaroos, wallabies, finches, and flightless birds.  Kids can even pet and feed baby bunnies and pygmy goats!  As a special treat, visitors get to see the different baby animals hatched and born at the zoo.

RainForest Adventures Zoo

http://rfadventures.com/

109 Nascar Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862

(865) 428-4091

35. Cades Cove

If you’re confused on which part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visit first, here’s a tip: pick Cades Cove.  As one of the most visited areas at the National Park, Cades Cove has a lot of activities and views to satisfy visitors of all ages.  You’ll enjoy spotting and identifying the wildlife found at the cove, or perhaps attempting to catch the trout abundant in the cove’s streams.  Rental cabins and campgrounds can also be found on and around the cove area, for visitors who want to fully experience the beauty of Cades Cove.  You can also opt to access the cove via Cades Cove Loop Road, where you can also see farms, fields, and trails.

Cades Cove

http://www.cadescove.net/

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

36. Outdoor Adventures of the Smokies

Outdoor Adventures of the Smokies offers one of the best ways to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains.  Hop onto an all-terrain vehicle and try to navigate the bumpy trails yourself, while taking in the gorgeous scenery the mountains provide.  Or if you’re not up to roughing it out on an ATV, go for the monster-truck or balloon rides.  Both guarantee that you get unique experiences up at the Smoky Mountains.  Kids may also enjoy getting driven through a safari via a tractor-pulled wagon.  Or for a truly one-of-a-kind thrill, try the famous Fishpipe by yourself or with a friend.

http://outdoors.greatsmokies.net/

910 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

(865) 429-8757

37. Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo and Riding Stables

Taking your Tennessee vacation with kids in tow?  Then you shouldn’t miss out on the Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo and Riding Stables.  The petting zoo offers kids opportunities to interact with a wide variety of animals, including deer, horses, goats, camel, and reindeer.  Visitors can also take horse and pony rides around the well-maintained, easy-to-navigate trails.  And don’t worry, the animals are completely safe to be around, even for kids.  On the zoo grounds is also a gift shop for souvenirs to take home with you.

Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo and Riding Stables

http://www.deerfarmzoo.com/

478 Happy Hollow Lane Sevierville, TN 37876

(865) 428-DEER

38. River Road, Little Pigeon River

Sometimes, it’s not all about the exciting tours or the thrilling rides you can enjoy.  Just sitting back and enjoying the beauty of the Smoky Mountains is something you won’t soon forget.  Gatlinburg’s Little Pigeon River is an attraction in itself, with its crystal-clear, cool waters.  For a relaxing, peaceful experience, try walking down River Road by the Little Pigeon River.  Wildflowers dotting the roadside definitely enhance the view you get while strolling down the road.  You can also try to hook the mountain trout swimming in the river’s depths.  Whatever you decide to do, just don’t forget to take pictures!  Places like River Road and the Little Pigeon River are definitely one-of-a-kind.

River Road, Little Pigeon River

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

39. Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

You can get entertainment even by just strolling down Gatlinburg’s Parkway.  Each night, tourists and visitors of Gatlinburg are treated to entertaining mini-performances on the Parkway during the annual Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales event.  The performers include storytellers, musicians, and craftsmen all in period costume willing to share their talents with anyone who listens.  The performances are also simultaneous, so visitors can definitely find lots to enjoy and watch.  Watching some of these performances is the perfect way to end a busy day spent exploring Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales

http://www.smokymountaintunesandtales.com/

Sitting on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the USA.  Gatlinburg is surrounded by breathtaking scenery of ridges and forest trails—perfect for nature lovers seeking rest and relaxation.  For those looking for fun and excitement, Gatlinburg, Tennessee attractions are plentiful in the form of countless resorts, theme parks, and museums…something for everyone indeed!

The Incline

The first stop on your Lookout Mountain day trip might be a ride along “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” Since 1895 The Incline Railway has been trolleying passengers from the foot of the mountain to its summit. This National Historic Engineering Landmark has a dramatic 72.7% grade near the top, which makes it the steepest railway in the world. Additionally, the views afforded to passengers are in a word: breathtaking!

Rock City

Atop Lookout Mountain (roughly 3 miles from The Incline) are the awesome rock formations and botanical gardens of Rock City. Since the early 19th century sightseers have come here to explore the naturally occurring “streets and avenues” that earned this landmark its nickname.

In the 1920s, Frieda Carter decided she would plant the mother-of-all rock gardens here in Rock City. It was Frieda’s husband, however, who conceived of turning this into a must-see tourist attraction. Garnet Carter’s famous “See Rock City” advertising campaign beckoned visitors from as far away as Michigan and Texas. You, too, will want visit here to enjoy the 4,100 foot walking trail,  the ancient and massive rock formations, and the panoramic view of 7 states.

Ruby Falls

Hidden within the caves of Lookout Mountain is a waterfall unlike any other. Every minute hundreds of gallons of water thunder down a 145 foot drop to splash into a  pool below. This is Ruby Falls, America’s highest and deepest underground waterfall.  Discovered over seven decades ago by  a group of excavators, the falls have become a national treasure. While here you can enjoy a walking tour of the caverns that house the falls and learn about the amazing history and geology of this natural wonder.

If you’ve decided to vacation here in East Tennessee, why not take a day out of your Gatlinburg holiday to visit one of America’s most dynamic landmarks. This easy day trip is both family-friendly and educational. From the amazing geology to its storied history (including the  most romantically named battle of the Civil War: The Battle Above the Clouds), Lookout Mountain offers fun and excitement for everyone.

The company, which was founded by its legendary namesake in 1947 as a way to help Country Music fans find their favorite records, has expanded over the years from its two locations in Music City to Pigeon Forge, and also at the famous Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas.

If you’re looking for anything from Roy Acuff to Faron Young (and all points in between), you need to stop by this legendary store. Their selection is mind-boggling. Be prepared to take it all in, however. There are plenty of times that I have left the store, got about two or three miles down the road, and realized that I didn’t look for this artist or that artist.

Two of the most unique aspects of the Ernest Tubb Record Shops’ selection are the box sets that they carry. Bear Family Records, a company based in Germany, has released many multi-disc packages of artist such as Connie Smith, Buck Owens, and of course, Ernest Tubb. (It would stand to reason, would it not?)

One of the most incredible packages they have at Ernest Tubb is a sixteen-CD, 446-cut box containing nearly everything that Jim Reeves ever recorded. Keep in mind, these sets aren’t for the faint at heart—or price, either. However, they do have hundreds of CD’s priced at $9.98 or lower, offering Country Music fans of all budgets a chance to enjoy the music.

The store also carries an unusual amount of vinyl. Believe it or not, some record companies still release records—although in limited amounts. Recent releases by George Strait, Sugarland, Jamey Johnson, and Lee Ann Womack can all be found in the recorded form that many still believe sounds best today. But…there’s more, one can also find a great deal of vintage vinyl from acts such as Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and Ernest Tubb. There must be a reason his records are here in great abundance!

The store is a jewel for those that consider themselves to be fans of Country Music. Whether your tastes are for today’s hottest acts like Trace Adkins or Rascal Flatts or legends like Eddy Arnold or Patsy Cline, you will find what you are looking for here.

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Quick Sidenote…Recently came across this awesome website: Top-Country-Songs.com. From today’s latest releases to the early days of Country Western, this definitive guide has got to be one of the best country music resources on the web.
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Their employees are all very friendly, and very knowledgeable about the music they sell. Sometimes, you can give them a few lines from a song, and they will know exactly what you are looking for…and what album it is on. That’s called service, my friends, and you’ll find it waiting on you at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Along an eight-mile stretch in Gatlinburg, you will find an area that has been designated as a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. There are over a hundred establishments along this route that specialize in some of the most beautiful craftwork that you will ever see. Whether it be candles, stained glass, dolls, leather, or oils and watercolors, you will find something that will catch your eye here.

Some of the artisans represented in the area include:

Alewine Pottery

A staple on the trail since 1983, Robert Alewine has been fascinated with his craft since he was nineteen. What started as a one-man operation has steadily grown over the years, with the company now employing three full-time potters—and even a television channel! The oil lamps there are particularly impressive.

Back Porch Gallery

Here you can find a variety of arts and crafts, ranging from stained glass (which they do a fabulous job) to even having a detailed oil painting made of your pet from a photograph. It’s definitely one of the most diverse stops along the way.

Misty Mountain Woodcrafts

Do you want to take home a piece of woodcraft straight from the mountains? If so, this stop might be well worth your time. Rodney and Diane Fincham take extraordinary care with their work, and the result is something that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

Nancie’s Fancies

Specializing in beaded jewelry, Nancie’s Fancies is unlike any stop you will make in the area. She even makes beaded eyeglass chains, which I found to be one of the most unique products that you will find there. What started out as primarily a passionate hobby for the owner has now become one of the most popular businesses in the region. A true example of someone who “loves what they do.”

Ogle’s Broom Shop

It is exactly what it says it is—a shop devoted to brooms. They’ve been doing it for three generations. In addition to brooms, one will also find a large selection of hiking sticks and walking canes, all handmade.

The Rose Pedaler

Want to keep that rose in a permanent manner? If so, you need to check this out. They will take that rose that has a special place in your heart, and will include it in a special piece of jewelry that is sure to be just as special for years’ to come!

Friends, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more to see when it comes to the Arts and Crafts district in Gatlinburg. For more information, log on to www.gatlinburgcrafts.com and find out a whole lot more!

Most of you know about “The Parkway.”  It is the main road in the body of the Smokies.  It starts in Sevierville and goes through Pigeon Forge, through the mountains, and into Gatlinburg (and beyond if you want too).

But many tourists aren’t aware that there is another parkway called, “Dolly Parton Parkway” off to the left as you enter Sevierville from the popular 407 exit.  Dolly Parton Parkway holds it’s own with businesses, restaurants, and shops, and the majority of the business that is done on this parkway is local stuff.  Some experienced tourists have learned back roads that use Dolly Parton Parkway to skip the traffic from the main parkway.

The point of my story is this—located on Dolly Parton Parkway is a unique furniture store called Ogle Furniture Outlet.  While shopping for new living room furniture, we headed up the hill to this shop to see what they had and if we could afford it.  When we opened the doors of the building we were shocked.  It was huge…really huge!  I had never seen so much furniture in my life.

We weren’t jumped on by sales people.  A lady greeted us with friendly comments and told us if we needed her to just yell.  We spent forever in the store.  In and out of the rooms filled with the neatest furniture I have ever seen in one location.  They had the top names, like many other stores, but the selection and the uniqueness of the shop was memorable.

Displayed along the back wall are museum quality signs and fixtures from various places of the past that were once located in the surrounding area.  Gas station signs, advertisements, and rare pieces were displayed from the floor to the ceiling.  That stuff alone was worth coming in to see (I like old stuff and I am a junk man, so I was in heaven!).

Something that stuck out in my mind was all the pieces that were “mountain” pieces.  There were log bed frames, rockers, tables, chairs, plant stands, and much more.  I thought to myself, if someone was looking for the type of furniture that was in their rental cabin, this is the place.  It made me want to redecorate our house like a cabin!

My wife had other ideas, so we proceeded to shop for our furniture.  We were pleased to find just what we were looking for (under our budget, I might add).  The furniture was delivered within a few days and we have been enjoying it ever since…actually, I am sitting on the couch as I write!

I know going to a furniture store may not be on your list to do when you are vacationing here in the Smoky Mountains, but if by chance you were looking for a unique piece that captures the area, this is the place.  Drive along Dolly Parton Parkway until you see some flags flying on the hill.  The big red and white sign with “Ogle Furniture Outlet” is the place.

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When you walk into this store you will see thousands upon thousands of books.  All the books are family friendly (and many are Christian).  The selection is unlike any place I have ever seen.

The great thing about this place is that it is so cheap…really cheap.  Several of the titles I saw were 90% off the retail price.  These books aren’t seconds or old titles either!  There are books for $5 that are the same on the shelves of other book stores for $24.99!

Family Book Outlet has a large variety of Christmas music, books, and gift items if you are starting to shop!  The kids section is unbelievable; I know I keep saying that, but is practically too good to be true.

My sister came to visit from West Virginia and she went crazy in the store.  She is a public school teacher and a Sunday school teacher and she couldn’t believe the prices on the literature and books she could use in her lessons.  She ended up filling two shopping carts!  I got tired after an hour waiting on her so I sat on the rocking chairs provided on the front porch.

While chatting with the staff there, they were very knowledgeable of the inventory and were most helpful searching for titles for customers.  They told me that if they don’t have the book in stock, they can probably special order for me and have it shipped directly to my home!  If you are in the ministry, you even get a discount.  A preacher was in line behind me and he showed them his “preacher’s card” (or something) and they gave him a ten percent discount.

The store goes beyond books, you can find family-friendly toys and a large variety of music.  My Grandma fell in love with their cookbooks.  She collects them and found several titles she had been looking for.  Some have even been out of print.

And I almost forgot, they have a used book section with some really great deals also.  Customers can bring in their personal books (family-friendly and approved by the store manager) and exchange them for gift cards to be used in the store.  I took in a box of books that we were going to sell at our yard sale and we received a $42 gift card—believe me, $42 goes a long way there!

Their selection of bibles is enormous.  The prices on these are slashed too.  Many of the Bibles are at least 40% off the suggested retail price.  This location is added to my “must take and see” list when my family and friends are in from out of town.

We buy a lot of our gifts there too. You receive quality items for a fraction of the cost at other stores.  It is unlike any bookstore I have ever visited.

So, as you plan your vacation to the Smoky Mountains and your Christmas shopping, make sure you add Family Book Outlet to the list.  You can stop in on your way into town to grab some books to read in your hotel room or on the porch of your cabin, or as you leave for the ride home.  It’s a perfect location!  Make the trip to Family Book Outlet—you will agree with me that it is unlike any bookstore you have ever visited.

I remember my first Holiday Season spent in Pigeon Forge.  I would drive around town and look at the lights every night!  I couldn’t wait to have my family and friends come to town so I could show them the spectacular displays placed around town.

The shops and businesses work night and day to make sure things are exactly perfect for Winterfest to kick off.  In my days working at Dollywood, I was shocked at the amount of time the employees spent decorating for Christmas.  People would work around the clock—for real—24 hours a day for several days!

Lights are wrapped around each tree and building in the park.  They decorate the theaters with pine garland and point all the garland ends in the same direction…now that’s effort!  It is beautiful.  Dollywood also has festive food and drinks like hot chocolate, wassail, and Christmas cookies from their Bakery that will make the trip even better.

Another spot to see the lights is Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge.  It runs along the river, down from The Old Mill.  Lights are displayed in oversized patriotic displays like The Liberty Bell, The Spirit of St. Louis, The American Flag, and Iwo Jima.  You can walk along the trail and see the lights up close.  My little girl loves that!  She asked the other night when we can go to the park and see the lights up close.

If you want to “take it all in” and see what the town has to offer, I suggest taking the Trolley Christmas Tour.  Leaving from their headquarters (beside Patriot Park) the trolleys (decorated with flashing lights themselves) take you around to all the hot spots with the best light displays.

The trolley rides themselves are pretty fun.  When my nephew was a little boy, he thought the trolley ride was an amusement ride, like at Dollywood. I didn’t tell him any different because it was a lot cheaper than riding on a rollercoaster.  The trolley is also a great way to get around town and avoid parking and traffic issues.  They provide a schedule with times and routes—it’s kind of like our very own version of the subway.

While making your plans to visit us over the holidays, remember to take an evening to enjoy the lights.  Hours and hours have been spent to make your trip to The Smokies the best and most memorable trip it can be!

Businesses and theaters “Deck the Halls” with over the top holiday trimmings.  Each year it seems to be bigger and more elaborate.  My wife marvels at the unique blue lights outside of the Christmas Place Inn and Store.  They are quite amazing!

Along with these decorations come a string of shows catering to Christmas.  Singers, dancers, and actors have worked overtime the past few weeks to perfect their holiday shows.  One that I would like to highlight today is a favorite of my family, Dixie Stampede.

With 32 trained horses, camels, sheep, and more animals that I can’t remember, Dixie Stampede Christmas Show is top of the line.  The cast of professional horse riders also sing and dance for your entertainment.  The costumes have been dazzled with red, green, gold, and white…and the set of the show is decorated like a typical southern plantation at Christmas with pine garland, lights, red bows, poinsettias, and Christmas trees.  The actual show allows you to participate in the program so you feel like you are part of the cast—It is unforgettable!

When you arrive at “The Stampede,” you enter a nostalgic barroom atmosphere where you will be entertained by a bluegrass band (which could easily serve as the main show)!  There, you can purchase a specialty drink (non alcoholic) in one of the boot glasses you see everywhere.  If you have kids, plan on getting one.  They must have it, and then you can sell it in your yard sale this summer.  I think we have about 10 or so!

When it is time for you to enter the arena, the staff escorts you to your seat.  You are soon greeted by your server to begin your meal.  Did I mention that this was a dinner show?  You might be thinking that the food at these shows isn’t that great.  Not here…Their food is sooo good!

We often joke about going to “The Stampede” to just eat dinner.  You get a whole rotisserie chicken, barbecue pork loin, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup—my favorite, herb-basted potatoes, homemade biscuit, dessert, and unlimited drink refills.

The show starts and you sit in amazement as you watch the dazzling lights, talented performers, trained animals, and eat good food.  The servers are actually performers in their own right.  You seem to become fast friends with the employees of Dixie Stampede and before you leave…you feel like you work there—and love it!

If you didn’t know it, this is one of Dolly Parton’s attractions and she puts a guarantee on it that it is the Smokies’ most fun place to eat.  I guess if you don’t agree, you can call Dolly and she will take care of it.  I do hope you can make this show during a trip to the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area.  It is located right on the Parkway, about a mile from Dollywood.  For complete information and show times, call 1.800.356.1676 or visit www.dixiestampede.com.

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The Comedy Barn is located in Pigeon Forge on the Parkway between light #3 and light #4.  Housed in the multi-million dollar barn shaped theater, it is  hard to miss when driving down the Parkway. The cast not only performs, but also sell concessions and souvenirs, greets audience members, and signs autographs. It s an every-man’s theater that strives to provide the best experience for the over 3 million tourists who visit annually.

Once the show starts, be prepared to laugh and be entertained. The show features fire-eaters, jugglers, musicians, ventriloquists, and even farm yard animals. In between, there is plenty of country, bluegrass, and gospel music, along with computerized lights and special effects. The show prides itself with providing clean family-oriented comedy and entertainment that kids and adults alike can enjoy. In the three times that I have visited the show, none of the shows have been the same and each time was equally funny and enjoyable.

The cast loves to use audience members as part of the show so be warned that you may end up on stage being  “hypnotized” or as part of one of the other many funny skits. Kids are even given a chance to be a part of the show and interact with some of the funny barnyard animals.

The lobby offers souvenirs of toys featuring animals from the show as well as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, candy, and novelty toys. Each show is taped nightl, so after you watch it you can buy a copy to view and enjoy later.

The show is open all year around and has an 8:15 pm show almost every night, with additional shows at 2:00 pm. and 5:00 pm offered during peak seasons. A special Christmas shows is offered daily in late November and December. Special group rates are available. The ticket box office is open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.  Tickets can be purchased online at the box office or online. Coupons can be found online and at various locations in Pigeon Forge.

Next time you visit Pigeon Forge, stop in enjoy the show that has been voted the Funniest Show for 10 years in a row. You won’t be sorry!

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Construction of Foothills Parkway began in the 1960s. The longest completed segment is a 17-mile stretch that winds its way from US Highway 129 in Chilhowee to US 321 in Walland. This route is open to the public and makes for an idyllic Sunday drive surrounded by beautiful foliage and impressive mountain landscapes.

At the point where the first completed section of Foothills Parkway meets US 321, there lies a stretch of road that has been dubbed the “missing link.” Here, construction began but was never completed due to steep and unstable terrain. Several miles of this incomplete road are open to pedestrian traffic making for a lovely wooded path along which to hike, bike, or horseback ride. Plans exist to complete of the missing link, however, it is an expensive proposition which faces political opposition from both fiscal conservatives and environmentalists alike. Still, work progresses–if at a snails pace.

Also completed is a 6-mile section of the Parkway that lies in Cosby, Tennessee. It connects to Interstate 40 and was to be Foothills’ northeastern terminus. Construction began here at the same time as at the southeastern end, with the goal having been for the two sections to meet in the middle, somewhere along what is now the missing link.

Lastly, there is a four lane scenic highway referred to as the “Spur” which is technically part of Foothills Parkway. It encompasses a stretch of US 321/441 and serves as the only direct route between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Spur runs along the West Fork Pigeon River and ties into the Gatlinburg Bypass, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

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