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Getaway to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
By: Susan Collmorgen
The breathtaking scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has made it a popular mountain resort and vacation destination. Nicknamed "the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains," it neighbors nearby Pigeon Forge and has a population of less than 4,000 people. Only 2 miles long by 5 miles wide, Gatlinburg is a small town, but the accommodations and activities it offers are comparable to what you’d expect to find in a much larger city.
Gatlinburg is located in the heart of Eastern Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. Its people pride themselves on their heritage and culture, and their exquisite arts and crafts are no exception. In fact, over ninety craftsmen display their works along the eight-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
A variety of quality family attractions can be found in Gatlinburg, including an assortment of Ripley's attractions. One of the most popular is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies where sharks and sea life surround you as you safely walk through an underwater tunnel. Other attractions include motion simulators, bumper cars, haunted houses, and even a mountainside sky lift ride.
A must see for anyone traveling to the area is the city's premier landmark attraction--the space needle. At 407 feet tall, the space needle provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Outdoorsmen and nature lovers flock to the area for its first-class outdoor activities. Snow skiing, white water rafting, hiking, and world-class fishing are just a few examples of what's available. There are over 600 miles of hiking trails and hundreds of miles of streams creating the perfect adventure for both birdwatchers and photographers.
Gatlinburg even has its own public transportation system. Over 20 trolleys cover 50 miles in and around the city; with 100 locations to board, vacationers can easily get from one point-of-interest to another.
You'll also find more than 100 restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisine choices. Whether you crave stacks of mouth-watering pancakes, down-home southern cooking, or tastes from around the globe, your taste buds are sure to be pleased during your stay!
Let's not forget the assortment of Gatlinburg lodging properties. With almost 11,000 units ranging from cabins, condos, & chalets to hotels, motels, & inns, there is a place for everyone to call home!
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