Gatlinburg, TN

It has been over a decade since I’ve been to Gatlinburg, TN but when I was growing up we vacationed here countless times and I have nothing but fond memories.  Gatlinburg is nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains and the most popular form of lodging are the chalets that dot the landscape.  There are of course also your expected hotels and motels but in my opinion a chalet is the only way to go.

There are shops and restaurants galore (great outlet malls, ladies!).  The last time I visited most still had a mom and pop sort of vibe but since that was more than 10 years ago so that may have started to shift with the times.  There are also a few neat art galleries scattered around, but the one thing I absolutely must do every time I’m there…Hillbilly Golf!  It is so much fun!  You can play mini golf at numerous other locations in town and can also have a little fun behind the wheel of a go-kart.  But nothing tops Hillbilly Golf.  🙂

If you want to step away from modern life and escape in to nature that is pretty darn easy to do.  I have never been there and not come across at least one bear.  Sometimes too close for comfort, including the time I was hiking with my mom on a marked trail and we saw two cubs.  They were adorable but we didn’t see their mommy and a deer darted across the path right in front of us so we made our way out of the area as quickly and calmly as possible.  Also keep an eye out for Copperhead snakes…and yes they can swim.  Mostly though you are just surrounded by quiet beauty.  Another activity I enjoyed was creeking.  We just walked along one of the numerous streams checking out any little creatures that might be living there and examining the rock formations and fossils.

For a bit of educational/historical value there are numerous Civil War sites throughout the area and at least one park that I unfortunately cannot remember the name of allows for a pre-recorded self guided driving tour.

There really is no bad time to go.  The fall is beautiful with all the changing leaves and its still pleasantly warm during the day.  Winter can be a little treacherous but if there has been a snowfall its gorgeous and quiet for a romantic getaway.  Spring and summer offer a lot of fun outdoor family activities.  Enjoy Gatlinburg!