Gatlinburg Named the Best Small Town in Tennessee
TripSavvy, an expert travel site, recently released a list of “The Best Small Towns in Every State,” and Gatlinburg was named the best small town in Tennessee! We may be biased, but we have to agree that Gatlinburg is one of the best towns in the state. From gorgeous mountain views, to arts and crafts, to exciting attractions, the small town has so much to offer both locals and visitors. Learn more about what makes Gatlinburg the best small town in Tennessee!
Best Small Town
With millions of visitors annually, it’s hard to think of Gatlinburg as a “small town,” but this mountain town only has a population of a little over 4,000 residents! TripSavvy named Gatlinburg the best small town in Tennessee because of its family-friendly adventures, incredible views and it being a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Attractions listed in TripSavvy’s article include Rowdy Bear Mountain, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park and the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. In addition to the hustle and bustle along the main Parkway, Gatlinburg has some quaint spots that offer more of a “small-town” feel. Tour the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, have a picnic in Mynatt Park, or grab a bite to eat at a hidden gem restaurant, like Parton’s Deli!
Gatlinburg Attractions, Restaurants and Shops
While Gatlinburg is best known for being the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town itself is full of fun for everyone. There are countless attractions, restaurants and shops that visitors love to explore while they’re in the area.
Gatlinburg Attractions: Ride the Aerial Tramway up to Ober Gatlinburg in the winter months for skiing, snowboarding and tubing fun, or walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park! There are so many attractions for people of all ages, like Anakeesta, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum and Hillbilly Golf.
Gatlinburg Restaurants: After you work up an appetite at all the exciting attractions, enjoy local cuisine at one of the many delicious restaurants in the area. Popular restaurants include The Peddler, Cherokee Grill, Taste of Italy, and Alamo Steakhouse. And, of course, you can’t leave without enjoying breakfast at the Pancake Pantry! Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood or Mexican cuisine, you can find it at one of the restaurants in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Shops: Whether you’re looking for a Smoky Mountain souvenir or just want to browse the unique items Gatlinburg has to offer, there are plenty of shops in Gatlinburg for you to explore. Visit The Village to grab a donut from the Donut Friar, pick up some spices from the Spice and Tea Exchange, or purchase local art at the Master’s Editions Village Gallery. Other places to shop in Gatlinburg are the Mountain Mall, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, Nantahala Outdoor Center and more.
About Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg wasn’t always the action-packed town we all know and love today. Over the years, Gatlinburg has continued to grow, with the establishment of the Arts & Crafts Community in 1937, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940 and plenty of fun and exciting attractions in the following years. Of course, the main draw for Gatlinburg is that it’s the gateway to the most visited national park in the country. People from all over the world visit Gatlinburg and explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Now, Gatlinburg is known for being a popular vacation destination, with gorgeous mountain views, thrilling attractions, delicious restaurants and unique shops!
Plan your visit to Gatlinburg TN today and see for yourself what makes it the best small town in Tennessee!
