Life is about finding adventure, and one place where you can easily go to get that sense of exploration and excitement is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This destination is where the Great Smoky Mountains meet Dixie and not too far from the famous attractions in Pigeon Forge. Whether you want to explore the mountains, visit the amusement parks, or have other attractions available, Gatlinburg has something to offer for both adults and youngsters.
As tourism is the primary industry in the area, the locals are quite motivated to make this a welcoming and safe vacation spot. If you’re on the fence about where to spend your summer vacation, you should look at Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This list will cover some of the main reasons you should visit the town.
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Taking in the incredible scenery
It’s a rather common complaint among people nowadays to feel fatigued because of sensory overload. The constant noises from traffic, the more polluted air of the city, the light pollution, and the tedious grind of the daily work can lead to burnout. It’s great for the mind and body to take the time and reconnect with nature.
If you enjoy scenic views, you can’t beat the horizons of Gatlinburg. Thanks to the vast biodiversity within the region, as well as the breathtaking mountain panorama, the Great Smoky Mountains is one of America’s most visited national parks. People who visit Gatlinburg can explore its lush forests and scenic views. Whether or not you’re an active explorer, staying in one of the Gatlinburg cabins will give you the chance to take in these beautiful sights.
If you want a sense of adventure, you can certainly explore one of the many hiking trails in the mountains or go off the well-beaten path and find your secret spots in the region.
Family fun at Dollywood
One of the most popular attractions close to Gatlinburg is the Dollywood amusement park, and for that too good reason. Dollywood offers something for everyone, from a restaurant devoted entirely to ham and beans to thrilling theme park rides, jumbo corn dogs, and more. If you’re a birder, you can explore their Wings of America exhibit, which houses some of America’s most famous species. It even has a rollercoaster where you’ll be sitting in the spread-out wings of a large bald eagle. If you want a scarier ride, you can hit up the Mystery Mine. This will give you the chance to plunge at a steep incline into the dark depths provided by this indoor ride.
You can also learn about Appalachian history, watch blacksmiths working, or ride a traditional steam train. Whatever tickles your fancy, you’ll find something to do at Dollywood. And the best part is that this is just one of the attractions at Gatlinburg.
Do a pub crawl
Pub crawls are more of a European student tradition, but whether you want to relive your semester abroad or experience it for the first time, this is a great place for a pub crawl. Gatlinburg houses several breweries you can explore, including the Sugarland Cellars, the Little Bear Winery, and even the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. If you’re planning on going to the latter, you should try to plan your trip for June to visit the distillery on National Moonshine Day. Most of these are located near the main hotels, but you should probably plan out the path you want to follow to ensure you spend more time enjoying the unique drinks and less in a taxi.
You’ll find a variety of drinking options, all the way from one-of-a-kind wine tastings to authentic moonshine. As a bonus, you can bring the bottles back home as a gift for your friends and family.
Embrace your inner prospector
When you come back from a vacation, you want to have a few good stories to tell. It’s even better if those stories are one of a kind. Sure, many people can say they’ve gone hiking or to amusement parks, but how many of them can say they’ve gone gem mining? That is one activity that is unique to Gatlinburg. Well, it’s not exactly mining, as you won’t be going into actual mines with a pickaxe to find precious jewels. Instead, you’ll have the chance to purchase bags of dirt in various sizes and use the provided sifting trays and troughs of flowing water to look through the pile.
It’s a rather immersive emulation of the old-fashioned way of finding gold, and you won’t believe how exciting and rewarding it can feel to find something. You can expect to find emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, moonstone, and quartz, among other stones. Not only that, but you’ll also have the chance to have jewelry made from precious stones.
Travel through the Lost Sea
Speaking of experiences you can’t have anywhere else, you may or may not know Tennessee has an extensive cave system, many of which remain unexplored and even undiscovered. You’ll have to go a bit out of your way to partake in this cave tour, but it is a truly moving experience.
The cave is set up with sufficient overhead lighting and a walkway, so you won’t have to struggle with headlamps or risk walking on wet, jagged rocks. The tour guide will take you a mile into the caves, where you can go on a boat ride in the Lost Sea. Once here, you can see schools of rainbow trout scuttle by and even feed them if you’d like. There is a sense of serenity that comes from being close to the water, and the coolness of the underground enhances it. It is one of those sights that is hard to describe but breathtaking when you get the chance to see it. You owe it to yourself to take the chance and explore the Lost Sea.
Also read: Top 7 State Parks to Visit when in Florida
Conclusion
There are a number of vantage points to gaze upon in Gatlinburg, whether you do so from a hiking trail or a long, scenic car ride. Alongside that, you can try out the various rides and exhibits of the famous Dollywood theme park, giving you a chance to have fun and learn something at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you want to go to Gatlinburg to slow down and smell the local flora or party at the various breweries and dinner shows. You’ll find that this location has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip!