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Gatlinburg Named to List of Best Small Towns in America

Architectural Digest released a list of the “The 25 Best Small Towns in America,” and Gatlinburg made the cut! This comes as no surprise to us or anyone who has had the chance to visit Gatlinburg. This small mountain town is full of activities for all ages and all occasions. Learn more about Gatlinburg’s recognition and why it’s one of the best small towns in America!

Best Small Towns in America

things to do in gatlinburg tnWhile big cities are full of energy, visiting a small town is the perfect vacation for those looking to take a break from the hectic pace. That’s why Architectural Digest published a list of what it considers the best small towns in America! Gatlinburg came in spot 16 on the list. The magazine referred to it as “a mountain town with a fun side,” and we couldn’t agree more! Some of the small towns it beat out were St. Augustine, Florida, Hot Springs, Arkansas and Marfa, Texas.

Why is Gatlinburg One of the Best Small Towns in America?

If you’ve been to Gatlinburg before, you know that it’s not hard to see why it’s considered one of the best small towns in America. If you’ve never had the chance to visit, we’re going to tell you some of the main reasons we think it’s the best!

1. Gateway to the Smoky Mountains

This charming mountain town serves as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the country, and you can get to it from Gatlinburg. Drive through Gatlinburg and use the Sugarlands entrance to the national park. Here, you can stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center and talk to park rangers, explore exhibits in an informative museum and watch a free 20-minute film about the Smoky Mountains! After a full day of exploring the park, you can dine at one of the popular restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg, or browse some of the shops and attractions. You’ll love being able to enjoy activities in the park and Gatlinburg all in the same day!

2. Something for Everyone

ripley's aquarium of the smokiesOne of the things that makes Gatlinburg such a popular vacation destination is because it has something for everyone. You’re just a short drive from experiencing the natural beauty in the park by going for a hike or a scenic drive, and you’ll also have what feels like endless options for thrilling attractions and delicious places to dine! Adults love sampling moonshine and listening to live music at Ole Smoky, and kids love attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ober Gatlinburg. Whether you want to relax and take in the views, go shopping or have a blast doing exciting activities, you can enjoy it all in this small town.

3. Incredible Views

Of course, Gatlinburg is known for its incredible views. Everywhere you turn you’ll have a breathtaking sight. Whether you’re relaxing on the deck of your Gatlinburg cabin rental with a cup of coffee or riding a chairlift to the top of a mountain, you’ll be surrounded by picture-perfect scenery. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is one of the best places to visit if you want to sit back and enjoy the views. Ride the scenic SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you’ll hop off on the SkyDeck. From the SkyDeck, you’ll have vantage points you won’t find anywhere else. You can also walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Other popular attractions that offer gorgeous views are Anakeesta, Ober Gatlinburg and the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

About Gatlinburg

View from SkyLift at NightGatlinburg is surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has transformed into a mountain resort destination. It is home to a number of top attractions, including the best aquarium in the country: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. During the winter, visitors travel from near and far to hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing fun. During the fall, the area is full of people hoping to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous fall foliage. This small town offers something to do at any time during the year, which is part of the reason it’s one of the best in America!

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with your sweetheart or a family vacation, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the best small towns in America! Start planning your trip by browsing all the beautiful Gatlinburg cabin rentals and choosing the perfect one for your stay in Gatlinburg!