Gatlinburg travel guide by mail
A trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip:
Getting There
- By Air: The closest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, Tennessee, which is about 45 miles from Gatlinburg. You can rent a car or take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to Gatlinburg.
- By Car: Gatlinburg is located in eastern Tennessee, about 45 miles southeast of Knoxville. Take I-40 East to US-441 South to reach Gatlinburg.
Accommodations
- Hotels: Gatlinburg has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options like the Gatlinburg Inn to luxury resorts like the Westglow Resort and Spa.
- Cabins: Gatlinburg is famous for its cabin rentals, which range from cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious multi-bedroom lodges. You can find cabins through websites like VRBO, Airbnb, or Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals.
- Camping: If you prefer to rough it, there are several campgrounds in and around Gatlinburg, including the Gatlinburg Campground and the Pigeon Forge Campground.
Things to Do
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This national park offers stunning scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. You can also visit Cades Cove, a historic valley with preserved log cabins and churches.
- Ober Gatlinburg: This ski resort and amusement park offers year-round activities like ice skating, alpine slides, and an arcade.
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- Anakeesta: An outdoor attraction with a treetop canopy walk, ziplining, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Gatlinburg Strip: This lively stretch of Highway 441 is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions like mini-golf courses and arcades.
Food and Drink
- Pancakes: Gatlinburg is famous for its pancake houses, like the Pancake Pantry and the Alamo Steakhouse.
- BBQ: Try some delicious barbecue at places like Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que or Smoky Mountain Trout Farm.
- Sweet Treats: Gatlinburg has plenty of sweet shops, like the Gatlinburg Candy Company and the Fannie Farkle's Candy Kitchen.
- Moonshine: Visit the Ole Red Gatlinburg distillery for a taste of Tennessee's famous moonshine.
Events and Festivals
- Winterfest: A winter celebration with decorations, events, and activities like ice skating and snow tubing.
- Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair: A showcase of local artisans and craftspeople, held in October.
- Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade: A festive parade and fireworks display on Independence Day.
- Gatlinburg Fall Festival: A celebration of fall with live music, crafts, and food, held in October.
Tips and Essentials
- Weather: Gatlinburg's climate is mild, with warm summers and cool winters. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures in the mountains.
- Parking: Parking can be limited in Gatlinburg, especially during peak season. Consider using public parking garages or shuttle services.
- Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep valuables secure.
- Pet-Friendly: Many hotels and cabins in Gatlinburg are pet-friendly, but be sure to check ahead of time.
Mail-Order Travel Guide
If you'd like to receive a physical copy of this travel guide, you can order it through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau website and order a travel guide through their online store.
- Phone: Call the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 588-1817 and request a travel guide.
- Mail: Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, 115 Park Place, Gatlinburg, TN 37863, and request a travel guide.
I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Gatlinburg!