The changing of the leaves each fall brings a kaleidoscope of colors to the Great Smoky Mountains and makes Gatlinburg, Tenn., a beautiful destination for a family vacation. An award-winning craft fair, along with the many attractions in the mountain town, make Gatlinburg a perfect destination.
Gatlinburg is a quaint mountain town nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. It offers a variety of travel experiences ranging from family activities to romantic getaways to outdoor adventures. There are more than 400 shops in the area, as well as a number of attractions. Located a four-hour drive from the North Georgia area, there is something for toddlers to senior citizens to enjoy.
Mountain Laurel Chalets offers some wonderful cabins for rental which is a great place to make your headquarters during your stay. Located up a winding mountainside, the cabins provide a great view of the countryside. Mountain Laurel Chalets are located in the heart of Gatlinburg on Ski Mountain Road in Chalet Village.
We stayed in the two-bedroom chalet, Poppes Skyline, which has a beautiful view of the mountains and countryside. Upstairs has a king bedroom, two bathrooms, living room and full kitchen. On the deck outside is rocking chairs and a grill. Downstairs is another king bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and large family room with a pool table. Just outside on the back deck is a hot tub. Each bedroom, as well as the living room and downstairs family room has a television.
We enjoyed spending family time at the chalet and grilling out for dinner each night. With the pool table and hot tub, we had plenty of options. It was also very relaxing to sit out on the decks and enjoy the view.
For more information on Mountain Laurel Chalets, go to www.mtnlaurelchalets.com or call 1-800-315-4965.
LOTS TO DO
Attractions for kids to senior citizens and everyone in between are located along the main strip in downtown Gatliburg. Putt putt is a popular for all ages and among those to check out are Circus Golf, Hillbilly Golf and Treasure Quest Golf. Each one has something special to offer. Circus Golf is a glow in the dark experience with circus displays. Hillbilly Golf includes an incline rail car ride up the mountainside to the course. As for Treasure Quest Golf, it is a fun course with a unique theme of an ancient jungle temple.
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift or Ober Gatlinburg tram are two options to check out to go up the mountain to get an amazing view of the town. The Space Needle also gives visitors a great view of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features a moving walkway through a crystal clear tunnel along the floor of a 750,000 gallon tank, surrounded by 12 foot sharks, stingrays and thousands of other fish.
A couple of other fun spots in the downtown area are Hollywood Star Cars, where you can get a close up look at cars made famous on television and in the movies; the Hollywood Wax Museum, where you can pose for photos with famous sports figures and celebrities; Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, for a challenging adventure; and Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the Guinness World Records Museum, which both have displays on amazing people and places throughout history.
Up next is the four-month Gatlinburg Winter Magic event that has been voted one of the best events in the Southeast. More than three million lights brighten up the town making it a true winter wonderland. There is something each season that makes Gatlinburg a special place to visit.
Whether travelers are looking for adventure and outdoor activities , shopping, relaxation or family fun, Gatlinburg has something to offer for everyone.
For more information on visiting Gatlinburg, go to www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com.
