Original Post | 2015

It was a trip I had made since I was a kid. Heading north from Clarkesville, Georgia, my parents and I zoomed past Clayton and Mountain City, finally taking a right turn in Franklin, North Carolina, which told me that Cherokee wasn't far away.  Back then, some 40 years ago, Cherokee was only a little strip with businesses flanking the squished two-lane highway, featuring Indians in huge colored head-dresses and standing beside them, 'real' bears with snarling mouths wide open. When I grew older, I realized those bears weren't real. Such a disappointment, but nevertheless, it made me look! The strip is still there, but it's an afterthought because before you reach it, there is Harrah's Casino. You reach the congestion before you ever reach the history. I understand economics, and "if you build it, they will come," but the small town charm seems a bit lost these days, as if the neon lights of the casino have caused the stars to disappear, just like the shops selling moccasins I bought when I was a child. 

I like change, I really do, but I also like consistency (when it matters)  - with only a slight sprawl. So, I continue my travels, driving through and past Cherokee, and mid-way to my destination, I take a breather at Newfound Gap and then - just like yesterday, I enter the tree draped entrance to the hamlet of Gatlinburg where streets are lined with people, shops sell the best doughnuts around and at the very end, there's cherry red candy apples for the kid in all of us.

Whatever you desire, you can find it in Gatlinburg. From adventure on the slopes to lounging in front of a fireplace to downing some of the South's best moonshine, you don't have to look any farther than the downtown parkway.

From the charming to the romantic, there's a place to lay your head. The Hampton Inn Gatlinburg is a great downtown location with easy access to shopping, entertainment, and the convention center; its next door to the Aerial Tram, too. Plus, spacious rooms with fireplaces! Want to be on top of it all? Climb toward The Park Vista , a newly renovated Doubletree brand where you can have a room with a city or mountain view.  There are many B & B's, condos and homey cabins - and it's all up to your mood. Find a complete list here.

If nostalgia is what you crave, it's The Historic Gatlinburg Inn. Built in 1937, it was downtown before there was a downtown.  From Dinah Shore and Lady Bird Johnson to Liberace, visitors have slept in these beds and twinkled these ivories. Even the University of Tennessee should sing its praises; it is here, in Room 388, that Boudleaux and Felice Bryant penned the words that had Tennesseans singing, "Rocky Top, you'll always be, home sweet home to me." Originally a 12 room hotel, it has been increased to 70 and will be undergoing a small renovation in the near future. After all, they are the historic Gatlinburg Inn. Some things, you don't mess with. We'll introduce you to the people and history of the Inn in a later post.

There’s Magic on the Mountain

Head to the top and visit Ober Gatlinburg. Sure there's snow - even if there's none other places in the area, but there's so much more. It's not just a winter destination, but one that offers breathtaking views year round. Take the twenty-minute ride on the Aerial Tramway (adults, $12; child, $9.50) and you're get some of the best views of the Smoky Mountains. There's also the Scenic Chairlift ($7) that will allow your legs to kick all the way to the top of Mount Harrison  and enjoy views of the Smokies at 3,600 feet elevation. The chairlift takes you to the Alpine slide,  with 1800' of tracks that maneuver through the woods and ski trails.  Our suggestion, take the chairlift at night and enjoy the light show!

Need a little help with the gadgets and boards and skis? There's ski classes for adults and children; don't forget the snowboard class, too. If you're a first time skier, a lesson is mandatory.  Need private lessons? They offer those, too.  If you're like me and want a little more stability - try snow tubing. The tubes swish down the snow tube course five sessions (1.5 hours per session, unlimited runs) daily during the week, six sessions on the weekend. Most sessions sell out, so check ahead.  Sorry, no reservations. Tickets are sold first come, first serve.  There's even a Kids Snow Zone - just my speed.  Skate year-round on the indoor ice rink. The cost is $9 for three hours on the ice including skate rental. More of a free spirit? Check out the Freestyle Terrain park with five featured  jumps.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift takes you 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain. See Gatlinburg from a different perspective, and enjoy misty blue views of the Smoky Mountains.  There's even a cup of hot chocolate waiting up top if it gets a little nippy.