Area Information | Venture Smoky Mountains
Nestled in the scenic Sevier County, Gatlinburg, TN, is one of the Southeast's premier vacation destinations. Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this charming town is surrounded by majestic ridges such as Mount Le Conte, Sugarland Mountain, Cove Mountain, and Big Ridge, offering a picturesque backdrop for any getaway.
Gatlinburg truly has something for everyone. Embrace the great outdoors by hiking or climbing in the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For a unique experience, take a ride on the aerial tramway to Ober Gatlinburg, where you can enjoy year-round ice skating, winter skiing, and a variety of thrilling rides and activities. Explore the marvels of marine life at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, ranked as the #1 aquarium on Tripadvisor. Here, you can get up close and personal with fascinating aquatic creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and playful penguins. Additionally, indulge in retail therapy at a plethora of unique shops, and savor delectable dining options ranging from homemade fudge and tempting street food to elegant fine dining experiences.
No matter the season, Gatlinburg offers exciting activities and events for visitors to enjoy. In spring, you can celebrate with Easter traditions, participate in trout tournaments, or join the annual Wine, Dine, and Art Crawl. Summer brings the vibrant Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tails festival, featuring captivating performances by musicians, storytellers, and artisans. As autumn arrives, revel in the beauty of the changing leaves during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival and Oktoberfest. Finally, immerse yourself in the enchantment of winter with the Winter Magic event and the Festival of Trees. With its diverse attractions and stunning natural scenery, Gatlinburg is a delightful destination for travelers at any time of year.
Pigeon Forge
Just six miles north of Gatlinburg, TN, Pigeon Forge is another popular family vacation destination with a special charm all of its own. Located along the Little Pigeon River, the city is named after an iron forge that was built in the area by Isaac Love around 1820. Although the town was an isolated hamlet during the early 20th century, the city saw a large boom in growth when the Great Smoky National Park was opened in 1934.
Pigeon Forge proves that you don't have to visit Broadway to see great musical theater entertainment. With a wide variety of styles represented, including bluegrass, gospel, pop, rock, jazz, and more, there's a show for everyone, no matter what kind of music you love. Or you can enjoy comedy shows and plays featuring memorably hilarious characters and casts that will have you rolling in laughter.
No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete with a visit to Dollywood, recently voted the world's best theme park. Looking for more amusement park thrills? There are plenty of other amusement attractions to visit in Pigeon Forge where you can race go karts, play mini golf, and more.
