Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a fantastic choice for your next vacation destination. The Gateway to the Smokies is packed with lodging and entertainment opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets. But while Gatlinburg makes a fine hub, don’t forget that East Tennessee has much more to offer than this one tourist hot spot. Try taking a day trip to one of these nearby attractions:
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are such close neighbors that they are often thought of in the same breath. With less than 10 miles of highway separating the two you can easily enjoy all the action packed adventure these cities have to offer. Driving down the main parkway in Pigeon Forge you’ll find a million attractions competing for your attention. Adventure Golf has miniature golf courses, Fast Tracks has go-karting, LaserPort has laser tag, and the niche museums cater to all kinds of eclectic tastes. There’s an Elvis Museum, a Car Museum and a Dinasour Walk Museum. But perhaps the most eye catching attractionof all is WonderWorks the upside “amuesment park for the mind”.
Knoxville
Knoxville is the closest “big” city to Gatlinburg, but expect to find the same southern hospitality that makes all of East Tennessee so charming. A college town, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers, who have produced such football greats as Reggie White and Peyton Manning. Don your orange apparel (or your own almamatter’s colors) and join the locals in tailgating and cheering the current batch of future hall of famers to victory. After the game you continue your sports themed day trip by visiting the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, home of the largest basketball in the world. And before you leave we highly recommend taking an authentic paddleboat ride down the Tennessee River on the Star of Knoxville Riverboat.
Chattanooga
About a three hour drive from Gatlinburg, located on the Georgia/Tennessee boarder, is the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. And just minutes from downtown Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain a world famous for its rich history and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Start your visit to Lookout Mountain by riding the Incline, the world’s steepest passenger railway. Get a glimps of 7 different states while exploring Rock City with its amazing natural rock formations and panoramic views. Finally tour the caves of the mountain and be amazed by Ruby Falls, a 145 foot waterfall hidded within the mountain.