Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Reach Higher Ground

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is surrounded on three sides by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Talk about embracing nature.

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Gatlinburg Story Ideas

Small town-goodness is everywhere you look in Gatlinburg - from quaint shops and unique art galleries to a walkable downtown area bustling with friendly faces, fun attractions and hometown restaurants. Gatlinburg, affectionately known as the gateway to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is truly a place to relax, reconnect, and reach higher ground. The following story ideas are centered on Gatlinburg’s events and travel options. For travel information and images, visit www.gatlinburg.com or www.gatlinburgpressroom.com

Discover the Treasures of the Smokies and its Historical Collections

Blessed by the gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed, Gatlinburg is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. From tiny trickling streams to the more than 240 species of birds found in the National Park, Gatlinburg embraces nature at every turn. Encompassing 800 square miles in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the showcase for some of the most inspiring natural and cultural treasures the Southern Appalachians have to offer. It is the most-visited national park in the United States and lies within 550 miles of one-third of the American population. It’s the perfect destination for taking a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty that surrounds you.

As stewards of significant historic resources, Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves and maintains a collection of some 77 historic structures, along with preserved scenes and landscapes in five historic districts. This collection, representing a century of human history in the Appalachia region, helps to tell the story of the people who lived and worked in the Park prior to its creation.

Since its establishment in 1993, the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has assisted the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect GSMNP by raising funds and public awareness, and providing volunteers for needed projects. Boasting over 4,500 members, Friends has raised close to $20 million through individual, corporate and foundation contributions, special events, and sales of specialty license plates in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Surrounded by Mountains, Explore the Depths of the Sea

For an up-close-and-personal glimpse of fascinating marine life, follow your curiosity through the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Rated as the “Number One Aquarium in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor.com, the facility boasts more than 100,000 animals thriving in 1.4 million gallons of aquariums including 12-foot sharks, thrilling interactive exhibits, and the world’s largest underwater tunnel measuring in at 345 feet.

Birdwatching in the Smokies

Whether you’re tracking the red-breasted nuthatch, eastern screech owl or the downy woodpecker, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the premier place for birdwatching. The crest of the Smokies towers nearly a mile above the foothills, creating a range in elevations and a variety of topographies that provide a diversity of habitats and microclimates for some 240 species of birds - 60 varieties of which are year-round residents.

A Lifetime Together Begins in Gatlinburg

In Gatlinburg, the promise of future days ahead is as strong as its Smoky Mountain heritage. Imagine the romance of misty valleys and sun-dappled peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains, and you quickly realize why so many people come to the Smokies each year to be married or attend a wedding. Destination weddings are wildly popular in Gatlinburg, the “Wedding Capital of the South” - second only to Las Vegas. Lovebirds can say their vows in 15 unique wedding chapels including rustic log chapels, southern Colonial chapels, Victorian chapels, mountaintop chapels, and quaint Storefront chapels. Gatlinburg’s Hard Rock Cafe even features its own version with Rock ‘n Roll weddings.

From Tee to Green

Imagine your 8-iron struck your golf ball solidly, and now it’s traveling off the side of a mountain toward the flag placed 195 yards out and 200 feet down from the tee. This is a day at the Gatlinburg Golf Course, recently named the best municipal golf course in the state of Tennessee. Appropriately named “Sky Hi,” you’re playing #12 at Gatlinburg’s own 18-hole, 145-acre municipal golf course. The picturesque 52-year old facility underwent a $1.75 million renovation in 2007, including the addition of a new clubhouse.

Gatlinburg’s History Inspires its Artistic & Cultural Heritage

Boasting an exciting history steeped in tradition, Gatlinburg was originally settled in the early 1800s and first named White Oak Flats for the abundant native white oak trees covering the landscape. Visitors today can explore the historic sites of Gatlinburg, such as The Red Barn, constructed in 1923 which served as the “model barn” where young men were taught agriculture. Ogle’s Cabin is Gatlinburg’s first home, built in 1802 by William Ogle who told his family of the “Land of Paradise” in the mountains of East Tennessee.

With breathtaking natural surroundings that inspire creativity, Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts culture has long held a deep association with the Southern Appalachian mountains. Nowhere else in the South is there a richer heritage of fine craftsmanship than in Gatlinburg. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, established in 1937, is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Located on an eight-mile loop at the northeast edge of Gatlinburg, the community proudly preserves the craft heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains year-round. Explore the best in a wide range of craft shops, including pottery, woodcarving, candlemaking, quilting, weaving, broom-making, and painting, among other fine art forms. Gatlinburg also is home to the renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, founded in 1945.

Gatlinburg’s Green Commitment

Gatlinburg is committed to preserving the blessings of Mother Nature. The city’s Trolley System is the fifth largest mass transit system in the state of Tennessee and its fleet of more than 20 trolleys is fueled by a blend of B20 biodiesel, a 20%, vegetable oil-based fuel product blended with 80% petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel has a sparkling track record of reducing engine wear and maintenance and increasing fuel economy while decreasing sulfur, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions. In 2008, nearly 800,000 patrons took advantage of riding rather than driving to their destination.

Gatlinburg goes to great lengths to emphasize sustainability through efficiency and energy conservation, including city-wide recycling programs and revolutionary trash-to-energy conversion technology. The city also converted its entire spectacular Winter Magic light displays to energy-saving LED bulbs. Many local businesses are participants in the Gatlinburg Goes Green program, that serves to educate businesses about their current and potential environmental impact. These and other sustainability initiatives continue to evolve, furthering Gatlinburg’s commitment to preserving and protecting the environment.