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Don't lament missing the Southern gem Gatlinburg

 

The town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee as well as Pigeon Forge, the home of Dollywood theme park, and the entire entertainment strip along local Highway 441 is a true Southern travel delight to which visitors from everywhere often return. From my home near Jasper, Georgia, one can drive to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, have a picnic lunch somewhere near a summit high in the Great Smoky Mountains, and return home within eight hours. I am still amazed that I live so near the wonderful areas that at one time we could only visit for a few days during vacations.

Recently, as my wife and I cruised through Gatlinburg on our way to a picnic lunch in a small park near Clingman’s Dome which ascends to an altitude of more than 6,500 feet, it occurred to me how much my life has changed. We used to drive all night on the last leg of a trip so that we could spend an extra day in a quaint Gatlinburg cabin or hike along a clear mountain stream in the colorful peak of autumn or witness the vivid greens of summer in the mountains. There is something for everyone in and around Gatlinburg, and being closer to the prize does not lessen the entertainment value one bit for the north Georgia Travel Examiner. Once in Gatlinburg, the trolley service to all points of interest is highly recommended by your Travel Examiner, because, as with most popular resort towns, traffic is heavy; however, driving in town is all but completely unnecessary. The following link provides a detailed map with schedules for Gatlinburg trolley routes.  http://www.gatlinburg.com/maps/TrolleyMaplorev1008.pdf

Motorcycles are a big deal in the Smoky Mountains, but if you don’t want to trailer or ride your own hog to Tennessee, no problem; just rent one! http://local.yahoo.com/info-36221023-smoky-mountain-harley-dvdsn-pigeon-forge?csz=Gatlinburg%2C+TN+37738 However if hiking and biking in the Smoky Mountains is not your thing, perhaps a weekend of skiing at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park would interest you. The popular full-service ski resort and amusement park is located in town, so the shopping and dining action is literally moments away from the trams and rides to anywhere in town are provided by an efficient trolley service with regular stops at all popular points of interest in Gatlinburg. If skiing and snow-boarding peaks your interest, click on the following Ober Ski Resort link and check it out.    http://www.obergatlinburg.com/SPass08.htm

You say you’re traveling in a group and some of the gals want to ride a Harley through dangerous mountain curves almost as much as the guys want to marathon shop Gatlinburg only stopping for tea and croissants every few hours? This poses no gender or cultural divide in the Gatlinburg area, because as I mentioned there is something for everyone.

For example, the famous Dollywood theme park is just a few minutes from town. There are fun rides and other entertainment for kids - plus art, plays, themed shows, music and more for the entire family. While there are shuttles available all along the highway 441 theme park districts and trolleys operating throughout Gatlinburg, the following link gives complete detailed driving directions to Dollywood and all relevant travel information regarding the Dollywood theme park and related festivals http://www.dollywood.com/maps-directions/ 

Currently the Dollywood Smokey Mountain Christmas Festival is putting a twinkle in thousands of childrens' eyes, and bringing a smile to many hearts, young and old. The festival runs through January 3.  For complete information on Dollywood Festivals, follow link: http://festivals.dollywood.com/mini-section/seasons.aspx?season=christmas

Lodging in Gatlinburg is as diverse as the travelers who stay there. One might choose a bed & breakfast, Inn or Hotel. There are also campgrounds, chalets and cabins as well as condominiums, motels and lodges. Travelers can find vacation package deals of all sorts in Gatlinburg. One reliable website to search for vacation packages is the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce page which I will link at the end of this paragraph. One thing that any visitor must see during the Christmas season is the Gatlinburg Winter Magic displays. Of course, animated displays with forty feet high colorful cascading lights decorating forests and streets would be rather difficult to miss. The provided website link gives details on many topics useful to travelers including lodging, seasonal displays, arts and crafts and much more. http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/  Also, the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce is an excellent source for information for visitors. http://www.gatlinburg.com/lodging/

If you and that someone special would rather spend a night on the town enjoying Karaoke, bluegrass music, or dancing, it’s all there for you. If a quiet night sipping wine and cuddling in front of a warm fireplace in an A-frame cabin sounds good, do it. In any case, if you plan to travel the Southeast, don’t miss Gatlinburg. This Southern gem of a town is uniquely irresistible, and having been in the area, you don’t want to later lament skipping this quaint but exciting vacation destination. The north Georgia Travel Examiner knows about enjoying travel, and trust me, you don’t want to leave Gatlinburg off your vacation itinerary!