Gatlinburg On a Budget
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg's climate is hot in the summer and cool in the winter. Summer highs are typically in the mid 80s Fahrenheit and winter highs are in the high 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. Rain is spread consistently throughout the year and several inches of snow can be expected every winter.
Sights
The main sights in town are designed for those hoping to escape the nearby natural setting. Many attractions can be considered tacky or gimmicky, but that doesn't seem to reduce the appeal for many visitors. There are many stores in the downtown area and several have attached museums. Cooter's Place is a Dukes of Hazzard store and museum. There is also the Guinness World Records Museum, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, among others. A favorite attraction in the area is the Gatlinburg Sky Life, which offers excellent views of the the area. The Gatlinburg Space Needle also has an observation tower and arcade. If you're looking for something a little different, you can head to the Smoky Mountain Winery, which has complimentary tours and wine tasting.For even more ideas, read this amazing article about things to do in the Smoky Mountains which has information about the national park areas, hiking, and activities for every season.
Neighborhoods
Gatlinburg covers just over ten square miles in total. There is a downtown area which is where you'll find most of the tourist attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. This area is easily walkable, but there is also a trolley that travels throughout. Many of the city's popular resorts are within walking distance to the downtown. The city is surrounded by mountains. Le Conte and Sugarland Mountain are to the south, Cove Mountain is to the west, Big Ridge is to the northeast and Grapeyard Ridge is to the east.Most hotels in the area are chains and are reasonably priced and a decent quality. You aren't likely to find anything particularly special, but you can easily find a good deal if you decide to stay in town.
Activities
Many visitors to Gatlinburg choose to spend their time in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are many hikes in the area, including part of the famed Appalachian Trail. If hiking is not your thing, then Gatlinburg has no shortage of other activities including amusement park rides, water parks, and arcades.Ober Gatlinburg is a popular place to visit with an aerial tramway, alpine slide, a bear habitat, and a ski resort. Cades Cove (in the park) is another interesting place to spend some time. It's about 45 minutes from the town and you can see wildlife that is native to the area.
The town has plenty of festivals year around. Some of the more interesting ones include the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games, Gatlinburg Heritage Days, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Christmas Show.
