Bringing your kids to the Smokies, and you’re trying to figure out what to do? There are plenty of fun things to do in Sevierville with your kids! From seeing cool animals to driving go karts, you won’t run out of fun activities. Here are the top 5 things to do in Sevierville with your kids:
Making memories with your friends and family is important when you’re on vacation. You’re probably trying to decide what you can do that everyone will enjoy. One of those things could be playing laser tag! You’ll love running around trying to chase friends and family to get the most points. Here are the top 4 places to play laser tag in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events of the season! Each holiday season, the Gatlinburg Parkway turns into a winter wonderland. The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is just what you need to get into the holiday spirit! Here is everything you need to know about the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade:
Do you need to finish your Christmas shopping? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a nice vacation in Pigeon Forge and finish all your holiday shopping! There are a ton of Christmas shops in Pigeon Forge where you can get last minute decorations and gifts for people. Plus, there are quite a few holiday themed stores where you can pick up extra decorations and gifts! Here are the top 4 Christmas stores in Pigeon Forge for your last-minute holiday shopping:
One of the most fun parts of any vacation is getting to try delicious food at exciting new restaurants, and Gatlinburg TN has the best selection of family friendly restaurants in the Smokies. Whatever your kids and significant other are in the mood for, you’ll find it in Gatlinburg! Check out these 5 delicious restaurants in Gatlinburg TN the whole family will love:
Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Here are the 8 best waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
One of the great things about taking a family vacation to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg is there is always something new to experience. Whether you have visited the Smoky Mountains a few times in the past or come back every year for your annual vacation, you can look forward to checking out the latest fun attractions and activities. Here are 4 new things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for families:
The Rocky Top Wine Trail in Pigeon Forge is the perfect destination for wine lovers! The trail features a total of five stops, including Pigeon Forge wineries and Sevierville wineries. Guests can visit the wineries in the order that is most convenient for their travel. Learn all about the Rocky Top Wine Trail and its Pigeon Forge wineries below!
Did you know Elk are prevalent in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? It has been about 150 years since elk wandered throughout Tennessee. Now, you can catch sightings of them exploring the park with their herds. Here is everything you need to know about elk in the Great Smoky Mountains:
Thanksgiving is an amazing time of the year where families from far and wide can come together to celebrate all that they are thankful for! With families continuing to grow it can sometimes be hard to fit everyone under the same roof during holidays. So this year, you and your family should travel to a holiday destination where the whole crew can be comfortably accommodated. Well look no farther, because our rentals have everything that you need for an amazing holiday. Here are 4 ways to spend Thanksgiving at our cabins in Gatlinburg:
Visiting the Smoky Mountain area is always an amazing experience and a trip you’ll never forget. However, during peak season, the traffic is no joke. Luckily for you, we have a couple of recommendations for how to bypass those annoying traffic jams. Here are 3 ways to avoid traffic in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
Did you know that you can go on a deep sea adventure in the Smoky Mountains? When you visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ll be able to observe sea life from all around the world right in Gatlinburg TN! From sharks to penguins and even jellyfish, there is so much to see. Here is everything you need to know about Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor vacation plans. You may have planned to spend time in the national park or go to an outdoor attraction in the area. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun things to do right at our Pigeon Forge TN cabins for rent! Check out these 5 things to do at our Pigeon Forge TN cabins for rent on a rainy day:
Becoming a national park was not easy for the Smoky Mountains. Joining the National Park System took a lot of money and a lot of work by thousands of people. Here is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed:
Are you planning a trip to Gatlinburg soon? This beautiful Smoky Mountains city has a rich history that makes it a perfect place to visit on vacation. Here is the history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee:
Nestled in the valley of the Little Pigeon River’s West Fork and surrounded on three sides by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg has evolved from a rural hamlet to a thriving gateway community. Settled in the early 1800s, it was first named White Oak Flats for the abundant native white oak trees covering the landscape. It is believed a middle-aged widow, Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, was the first official settler here. She came with her family to start a new life in what her late-husband described as a “Land of Paradise” in East Tennessee.
In 1854, Radford C. Gatlin arrived in White Oak Flats and opened the village’s second general store. Controversy soon surrounded him and was eventually banished from the community. However, the city still bears his name.
As a self-sustaining community, Gatlinburg changed little in the first one hundred years. When the Civil War erupted, some locals joined the Union, others the Confederacy. But, in general, the mountain people tried to remain neutral. Although only one Civil War skirmish was fought in Gatlinburg, countless raids were made by both sides to gather vital resources needed to sustain the war effort. As with much of the South, deprivation and hardship persisted long after the war.
Originally called White Oak Flats, there are many stories as to how Gatlinburg got its name, all involving a controversial figure who settled here in 1854. Radford C. Gatlin was flamboyant and, as a preacher, established his own “Gatlinite” Baptist Church. He was a democrat in a republican community, which was frowned upon. After continuing to go against the status quo in the newly established Gatlinburg, Tennessee, he was eventually told to leave.
With the formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tourism boosted the area’s economy. Many of the displaced mountain families moved into town, either developing new enterprises or taking jobs in new hotels, restaurants and service facilities to meet the needs of the burgeoning tourist industry. Progress slowed considerably during World War II. But, by war’s end, tourists returned with a vengeance and the sleepy little village of Gatlinburg expanded to meet the demands. Incorporated in 1945, it has since developed into a four-season resort and convention Mecca.
When you take a trip to Gatlinburg, check out our cabin rentals for the best Smoky Mountain lodging experience! Our rentals offer awesome amenities like fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, theater rooms and game rooms! Some even feature indoor private pools that provide even more seclusion! Check out our current cabin specials so you can save money on your next stay.
Now that you know the history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can better appreciate the beautiful area on your next Smokies vacation. Check out our Gatlinburg cabins so you can stay right in the center or all the modern Gatlinburg activities.