Gatlinburg TN sits at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Perhaps the mystical enchantment of the Smokies cause millions of people each year to choose Gatlinburg at their favorite getaway destination. Gatlinburg also provides days of things to do. This unique village offers, as its main feature, the Smoky Mountains with its second main attraction being Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Gatlinburg's state-of-the-art convention center, location in downtown Gatlinburg, is the focal point for many major events, including arts and crafts shows by world-renowned artisans, music festivals, and many other events attended by thousands of people.
Gatlinburg's annual Christmas Parade attracts over 60,000 people. The annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Parade attracts over 100,000 people. The Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games features Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment, whiskey tasting, food & merchandise vendors.
The longest annual event in Gatlinburg and the nearby towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville is the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest which begins the first week in November and runs through February 28th.
The month of April brings a favorite festival, the Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. This festival offers unique opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 170 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations & classroom lectures. One of Gatlinburg's rites of spring is Ribfest & Wings, a street party with live entertainment and finger-lickin' ribs & wings!.
In January watch and cheer as Special Olympics athletes compete for the gold in their annual Winter Olympics day at Ober Gatlinburg.
Family Fest in the Smokies, a concert series featuring Southern Gospel Music presented by The Gaithers, is held Memorial Day Weekend at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
In downtown Gatlinburg, you will find many interesting shops and shopping villages. The most popular, The Village, offers unique shops, a candy kitchen where you can watch candy being made, restaurants, and a beautiful garden area.
Dining is always an enjoyable experience in this exciting village. You will find small cafes, mom and pop restaurants, and fine dining at The Peddler, the Park Grill, and other restaurants.
Cades Cove, the most visited area of the national park, is only a 35 minute drive from Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg offers three public parks: Mynatt Park, Mills Park, and North Gatlinburg Park. The national park provides a number of picnic areas.
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