The festive mountain town of Gatlinburg is the northern gateway to America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains. Guests of Gatlinburg cabins can explore and hike on a variety of trails in the area, including portions of the Appalachian Trail that run through the park.

One name is synonymous with Smoky Mountain attractions in Gatlinburg. Dolly Parton has cornered the market in family fun with her always entertaining persona and genius at making life more fun! Don’t miss her Dixie Stampede. This is a must-attend dinner attraction and is great for the whole family. The Stampede features a four-course feast, a phenomenal musical production and thrilling horse riding stunts. Her flagship, is the internationally famous amusement park, Dollywood. Dollywood is a fun vacation adventure with great musical performances, thrilling roller coasters, over 30 rides, including kiddie rides, craft demonstrations and more. Dollywood also features an outdoor water park - Splash Country Water Adventure Park.

When it comes to fun activities and interesting museums, Ripley’s is the worldwide attraction leader. Ripley’s line of amazing has caught on in the area. Check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies , and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and the one and only Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Odditorium and Guinness World Records Museum.

Another great activity in the area includes the Rain Forest Adventures Zoo which features over 600 live animals, representing over 130 species of unique and beautiful creatures from the rain forests of the world. Another memorable outdoor event for the whole family is llama trekking. Get on the backs of these clean, friendly, fluffy pack-llamas and let professionally-trained staff take you hiking through the Smokeys. Zip-lining is another popular activity in Gatlinburg. There are several to choose from including Smoky Mountain Ziplines, Zip Gatlinburg and many others. You can actually see a liveweb cam of the area on High Country Web Cams. In the winter months, try the scenic tram ride up Mount Harrison to Ober Gatlinburg which features downhill skiing, an alpine slide, and indoor ice skating. Special events include the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival and the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, both held in mid-May.

If sticking to the less adventurous activities is more your speed, the Smoky Mountain Region has plenty of other choices including the wacky world of Wonderworks, the life-sized religious dioramas at Christus Gardens, The Elvis Presley Museum, the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, go-carts and water rides, and a number of music, magic, and variety shows in the local theaters. .

If shopping is more you thing, you are in luck! Gatlinburg has you covered with their five malls boasting over 400 shops. You are sure to spot a bargain at the nearby Tanger Outlet in Sevierville. Gatlinburg cabin rentals are also convenient to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, featuring 70 artisans producing traditional folk arts such as quilts, weaving, leatherwork, baskets, pottery, and candles.

Although, Gatlinburg is a number one family choice, did you realize it is a top choice for weddings and honeymooners too? Gatlinburg is actually considered by some as the “Wedding Capital of the South.” Its’ scenic beauty of glorious mountains, serene forest, rushing streams and cascading waterfalls is the perfect setting for a romantic Gatlinburg wedding. Brides and grooms will find many wedding and reception options from traditional to naturally simple, as well as a few they've never thought of. Available chapels abound all over Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville . Some great options are the Sweetheart Chapel, Douglas Lake Stable Angel’s Wedding View Chapel and many more. Other wedding venues including boat cruises, lake-front and horseback. Another popular trend is to get married in your Gatlinburg cabin or chalets, which offer privacy and incomparable mountain settings. Need to shop for a wedding dress, try Fantasy Bridal, one of the largest bridal stores in the southeast. Everything else needed for that perfect day can be found and planned on-line from caterers, wedding cake decorators, photographers, florists, to ministers. Gatlinburg is the ideal place to set the tone for years to come.

Come see for yourself what all the hype is about in Gatlinburg!