Whether you’re preparing for a solo travel experience or a fun family trip, Gatlinburg is the ideal place to visit. Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is famous for its mesmerizing scenery, fun attractions, and delicious food. No matter what you’re looking for in a trip, Gatlinburg will not fail to give you an experience you’ll remember for years to come. It’s not surprising how countless people from around the world visit Gatlinburg each year. However, there are a few things to consider before visiting Gatlinburg, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Going unprepared can make it tough for you to settle in and find spots you want to visit. You don’t want to end up ruining your trip to this beautiful Tennessee town. So, to help you make the most out of your trip to Gatlinburg, here are five things you should know as a first-time visitor.
Staying areas
When it comes to visiting a new place, it’s best to know where you’ll be staying. Without doing so, you might end up with a mediocre resting place with little to no facilities. It can be hard to enjoy your trip in such a situation, no matter how much fun you have while visiting attractions. After all, without a good night’s rest, one can easily get exhausted and frustrated. So, to choose the right staying area, consider a place with the facilities you need for a memorable trip. However, it’s equally important to select a place close to the attractions you might want to visit at Gatlinburg. Otherwise, you might spend half your budget on commutes.
Do some research before heading out on your excursion. Look up some feasible options for Gatlinburg cabin rentals. A cozy cabin at a convenient distance from the Great Smoky Mountains would give you a breathtaking view and ease of commute.
Attractions
Gatlinburg has several areas one can visit during a trip. However, first-time visitors should stick to the most fun and memorable destinations. Planning will also save you from the worry of finding attractions when you get to Gatlinburg, allowing you to make the most out of your trip. Out of the countless attractions in Gatlinburg, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains should be your top priority. The unmatched natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Smoky Mountains national park are enough to make your trip memorable. With 850 miles of hiking trails, you can peacefully explore the beautiful mountains without paying any money to enter.
Furthermore, you can also visit the Dollywood amusement park. Whether you have kids or not, Dollywood does not fail to give you a fun time, as it has rides for every age group. If you consider yourself a daredevil, you may even ride the lightning rod at Dollywood, which is one of the top 10 rollercoasters in the country. However, alongside visiting Dollywood, it’s also a good idea to watch a play at Sweet Fanny Adams or visit the Titanic museum.
Shopping spots
A memorable trip would be incomplete without having something to take back home. Besides, not everyone prefers spending time outdoors or eating places. Therefore, you should know about some of the best shopping areas in Gatlinburg. Arts and crafts not only serve as great souvenirs but can also be quite appealing and useful. If you’re looking to purchase similar stuff, visiting the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts community is a good idea. Whether you’re looking for woodworks, candles, or glass decorations, you can find it all in the arts and craft community.
Another good shopping spot is The Village, home to more than 20 different shops with several items you might want to take back home. However, what makes The Village different from the rest of the shopping areas is its European theme. You get to purchase unique items and experience the beauty of The Village, thanks to its appealing architecture.
Eating places
One of the most important parts of a memorable trip is delicious food. More importantly, after spending all day exploring and having fun in Gatlinburg, you’ll need a good meal. So, it’s best to know where to eat in advance to avoid starving in hopes of finding a good restaurant. However, fortunately, it won’t take long for you to find a good eating area, as Gatlinburg is full of them. In fact, some tourists even choose to explore Gatlinburg’s restaurants instead of its attractions, thanks to their delicious food.
According to the locals, if you’ve visited the Smoky Mountains, you can’t leave without eating pancakes at the Pancake Pantry. But it’s not only iconic for its pancakes. You can find the ideal breakfast at the Pancake Pantry to start your day in Gatlinburg. Moreover, Gatlinburg is also known for its barbeque. As a result, there are several restaurants that you can visit to try out some mouthwatering barbeque.
Activities
Exploring attractions, eating food, and shopping around are essential parts of an enjoyable trip. However, finding something to do matters equally. When it comes to Gatlinburg, participating in outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains is one of the best decisions you can make. From hiking and ziplining to water rafting and jeep tours, the Smoky Mountains offer various activities. It’s not surprising it’s the most visited national park in the entire country!
Additionally, you can also book a helicopter ride to tour the national park from a different viewpoint. Moreover, you can also bring your gear to camp at the Smoky Mountains national park. However, it’s essential to be experienced with camping to enjoy in a safe manner. Along with camping, it’s also a good idea to head over to Cades Cove for horseback riding. The horse will take you for a trip through the trails in the mountains while you explore sites and witness the beauty of the national park.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg is the right place to visit if you’re looking to have the trip of your life. Gatlinburg has everything you’ll wish for in a travel experience, from jaw-opening attractions to good food and activities. However, if you’re a first-time visitor, things can go wrong even in the best of places. Therefore, it’s better to be prepared by knowing the things mentioned above.
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