Experience Gatlinburg From An Aerial Tram!

There are so many great ways to see the great Smoky Mountains, but if you’re seeking a unique experience for your next visit, then you may want to check out the aerial trams in the area. They offer a unique view of the Smokies while still providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are two aerial trams available, so check them out and start planning your Gatlinburg vacation today!

The first aerial tram is the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram. This tram takes you from downtown Gatlinburg through the Smokies to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies as you ride the lines. The tram also stops at several attractions and provides a unique transportation experience to several activities.

The other aerial tram available in the area is the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. This tram also boards in downtown Gatlinburg and provides stunning views of the town, the mountains, and the Little Pigeon River. Once you reach the top of the lift, you and the whole family can enjoy the sights before heading down. You might even decide to have a picnic lunch at 1,800 feet above sea level!

Watery Adventures Await In Gatlinburg

For a true nature enthusiast, adventure awaits in Gatlinburg! There are several rivers in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas of Tennessee. If you’re the type that enjoys a leisurely trip down the river or a whitewater rafting adventure, you’ll find it in the Gatlinburg area. Here are just a few of the tours offered by Vacations Made Easy.

Whether you’ve been whitewater rafting for years or you’re looking for the chance to jump in, the Pigeon River Rafting Adventure is a perfect choice. This tour will have you soaring over Class III rapids, zooming past rock faces and bouncing over boulders. Not to worry, your guide is very knowledgeable and the trip is perfectly safe for anyone over the age of 8. The trip includes all the gear you’ll need and there is a picnic area with volleyball courts and a gift store for you to enjoy after your river trip.

Another river rafting tour is the Nantahala River Rafting Tour. During this 3.5 hour tour, you’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina as you raft down the Nantahala River. There are several packages available, allowing you to choose the one that’s right for your vacation. Enjoy the water-worn cliff faces and the smell of the river as your experienced guide maneuvers you down the river.

These are just two of the adventures available in the Gatlinburg area. With activities ranging from monster truck rides to river rafting, there is sure to be an adventure for your vacation! To check them all out, visit our Gatlinburg Adventure Activity page.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: A Great Destination for Kid-Friendly Vacations

If you are looking for a great destination to visit with your family, check out Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These jewels in the Smoky Mountains offer a variety of activities that can appeal to all ages. Check out the following ideas of activities every member of your family is sure to enjoy.

Dollywood

An activity that combines thrilling roller coasters and entertaining shows, Dollywood is one of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge for good reason. This park contains acres of family fun set in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. This theme park contains multiple roller coasters, water rides, and entertaining shows. In addition, even young children have their own children’s park to have fun in. You will also find dozens of restaurants, shops, and craftsmen scattered around the park. Throughout the year, Dollywood hosts different festivals, so be sure to check the calendar when you book your tickets to see what Dollywood has in store for you.

Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies

If you have budding scientists in your family, a visit to the Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-do on your vacation. This unique aquarium attraction contains a massive walk-through aquatic tunnel where you can see sharks swimming overhead and around you. The tunnel is just one highlight of this attraction, which contains over 10,000 creatures and a variety of different exhibits.

Monster Truck Rides

If your family is a little more adventurous than most, then check out the Monster Truck Rides. This activity allows you to experience riding in a real Monster Truck with 66 inch tires. The truck can hold 12 passengers, so this is an activity that the whole family can do together. The truck takes five laps around the course, and you get to experience what it is really like to ride in one of these powerful machines. For a unique and memorable vacation activity, you cannot beat the Monster Truck Rides.

Check Out the Smoky Mountains’ Newest Attraction

Looking to add the excitement of visiting a brand new attraction in the Smoky Mountains on your next trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area? One of the newest attractions in the area, the ZORB, hails from New Zealand and is one of the most unique activities you can enjoy in the area.

If you liked rolling down hills as a child, this activity is perfect for you! The ZORB features a huge inflatable ball that you will roll down an 820 foot hill in. The globe is approximately 11 feet tall, and up to three riders can ride in it at one time. The ZORB also has the ZYDRO option, which is a wet and wild activity that is available even in the middle of winter. This ride option includes you, the globe, and five gallons of water (cold in the summer, warm in the winter) rolling down the hill. Kids as young as eight can enjoy this attraction, making the ZORB an activity that the whole family can enjoy. A perfect escape from the boredom of winter or a fun addition to your summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains, ZORB is the new must-do activity in the area.

Looking for other ideas for fun winter diversions? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have many options open year round with indoor fun for all ages. At the Guinness World of Records Museum in Gatlinburg, you will see a unique collection of exhibits, artifacts, and more from the record-breaking history of the Guinness World Records. This museum contains a replica of Noah’s Ark, Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” boat, and a view of the original Batmobile. With so many fascinating exhibits, the Guinness World of Records Museum is the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon in Gatlinburg.

For another interactive activity sure to keep kids entertained, check out WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. This engaging attraction is known as an “amusement park for the mind” and features multiple exhibits and stations that allow for interaction, creativity, and a true hands-on experience. Here you can experience how an earthquake feels, what lying on a bed of nails feels like, and what it is like to land a space shuttle. With exhibits to appeal to any age group, WonderWorks is sure to be an attraction that pleases everyone in your family.

Start Your New Year Right in Gatlinburg

If you do not already have plans for how you are going to ring in the New Year, spending the weekend in Gatlinburg is a sure bet for a fantastic vacation. Because the New Year falls on a Friday this year, you have the perfect opportunity for a long weekend of relaxation after the busyness of the holidays.

To make planning your vacation in Gatlinburg easy, we have a pre-built New Year’s package for you. The Celebrating New Year’s In The Smokies vacation package already comes with lodging, shows, and dinners for your convenience. With this package, you will have four days and three nights to enjoy everything that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to offer for the New Year’s holiday. 

This package is full of great Gatlinburg activities and shows, including the Smith Family Theater, Country Tonite, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. In addition, you can experience the lights of the area on the guided Winterfest Light Tour. This package also includes dinner each night. One of the dinners will be at Dolly Parton’s famous Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. In addition, you will enjoy a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, which will make your holiday extra-special. 

With country music, delicious food, and the convenience of a pre-planned vacation, the Celebrating New Year’s In The Smokies package is the perfect vacation option for anyone looking to get away and celebrate the beginning of 2010. Whether traveling with your family or booking a romantic vacation for two, you will be sure to have a great time on this vacation.

Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood!

Having started November 7 and running through December 30, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival offers travelers a wholesome, holiday outing amidst the great dining, thrilling rides and handmade crafts of Dollywood. Over three million lights brighten the popular Smoky Mountain theme park with various parades, live performances and seasonal dining adding to the festivities! If you’re looking to unlock the full magic of the season, you’re sure to find it in ample supply at Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

Dollywood’s 125 acre setting is the perfect place to hold a winter festival and can certainly offer more than enough to keep the entire family entertained! Thrilling rides, children’s play areas, live shows and a wide spread of dining options all come together for an experience that can easily last the entire day. Aside from the sheer fun that can be found at Dollywood, visitors will also find an authentic representation of Smoky Mountain heritage and culture at nearly every turn.

Jacuzzi Suites Help Gatlinburg Visitors Relax

Lodging can make a vacation better than you had ever imagined. That being the case, why not upgrade your lodging to make sure that you have the best possible vacation? There are hotels in the Gatlinburg area that want you to be comfortable, so they offer a jacuzzi suite just in case you want one. Who wouldn’t love a jacuzzi?

Laurel Inn Condos

Adventure is only five minutes away for the guests of the Laurel Inn Condos. Most rooms have a trail leading from the front door to the town of Gatlinburg. When you’re not exploring the Smoky Mountain area you can enjoy a full kitchen, watch your favorite cable channel, or surf the Net. If you really need to relax, draw a nice bath in the jacuzzi tub. That’s what it’s there for.

Hotel Pigeon Forge

The Hotel Pigeon Forge has one of the best locations in Gatlinburg. The guests of this hotel are within walking distance of just about everything in town. With the many amenities and the ideal location, guests experience the best of both comfort and convenience. Don’t forget that this hotel offers jacuzzi suites for the guests that are looking to really relax during their stay in the Smoky Mountains.

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

This picturesque lodge is perfectly situated next to a mountain stream and only three blocks from downtown Gatlinburg. The location alone will have you relaxed in no time. The rooms are surrounded by the serene Smoky Mountains and there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy. After you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, head back to your room and relax even more in the jacuzzi tub!

Past Meets Present In Gatlinburg Accommodations

If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg or the Smoky Mountains area, you’re probably looking for lodging. Nothing says “Smoky Mountains” better than a cabin. If you’re looking a great hotel that offers you the ambiance of the Smoky Mountains, look no further than these two great cabin-style accommodations!

Smoky Getaways Cabins

This is the perfect log cabin style place for you to stay during your visit to Gatlinburg. The exterior of the Smoky Getaways Cabins resemble the classic log cabin of the pioneers, but the insides have all the amenities of your favorite hotels. Relax in front of the gas log fireplace or take in the breath-taking views from the front porch. You’ll be in the Smoky Mountain mood from the moment you drive through the covered-bridge entrance.

Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals

Don’t miss a single moment of excitement during your vacation to Gatlinburg with reservations at the Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals. These 5-Star accommodations offer every luxury amenity that you would expect from your favorite hotel, but they also offer the look and ambiance of the iconic Smoky Mountain log cabins. The convenient location places you within 10 miles of all the major attractions Gatlinburg has to offer. Hickory Mist is the perfect combination of past and present.

Experience a Smoky Mountain Christmas in Gatlinburg

November marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, and two attractions that you should not miss during the holiday season are Dollywood Theme Park and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.

Dollywood Theme Park’s annual Christmas festival, Smoky Mountain Christmas, begins on November 7 and runs to January 2, 2010. This popular event features over 4 million sparkling lights, live holiday shows, Santa’s Workshop, and special holiday-themed rides. Even the Scroogiest member of your family will find something to put him or her in the holiday spirit!  Live shows during the Christmas season include Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, Appalachian Christmas, Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland, and the Christmas in the Smokies, which features a 12 member cast and a live band. One highlight of the festival is the nightly Carol of the Trees, in which the millions of twinkling lights shine in a choreographed performance to holiday music. In addition, guests can also enjoy the daily Parade of Lights. One special ride to enjoy during this festival is the Polar Express 4-D attraction, which is an indoor experience that tests all of the senses.

With the Dollywood Three-Day Weekend Getaway Package, you can experience the holiday cheer of Dollywood along with three nights’ of lodging in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy all that a Smoky Mountain Christmas has to offer.

Another Dolly Parton offering in the Smoky Mountains is Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. In addition to being a fabulous dinner show, the Dixie Stampede also gets into the Christmas spirit with an unforgettable holiday show. With the Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge Vacation Package, you can enjoy tickets to the Dixie Stampede as well as two nights’ lodging in Pigeon Forge. During the holiday season, the arena at the Stampede is transformed, featuring evergreen boughs, poinsettias, and twinkling lights. The show includes a take on the traditional Christmas story as well as the fun games and tricks that guests can always expect at the Dixie Stampede! As always, the show is accompanied by a delicious four course Southern feast.

Gatlinburg is full of opportunities to enjoy a fantastic holiday experience, so do not miss out on your chance to experience the best of what Christmas in the Smokies has to offer!

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Offers Great Activities

If you’re planning on traveling to the Gatlinburg area via Highway 66, you are going to see road construction. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has begun a major project along this highly-traveled thoroughfare so why not try a neighboring attraction? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just on the other side of the Tennessee-North Carolina border and there is plenty to keep the family busy during your trip.

Auto Tours

One of the best way to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by car, especially in the winter season. There are 384 miles of roads weaving their way through the Smoky Mountains just waiting for you to travel them. Just a heads up, these roads are not paved but they are kept in suitable condition for most passenger cars. If you are looking for information to guide you, you can purchase booklets that act as your travel guide as you explore the park.

Wildlife Viewing

While approaching, feeding or disturbing wildlife in a national park is illegal, watching them is not.  Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a few great spots to observe white-tailed deer, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, woodchucks and other animals from the safety of your car. The best part is, you won’t be breaking any laws. Three of the best spots are Cataloochee, Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The best time to see wildlife is in the morning or evening and if you’re patient, you are sure to see your share of Smoky Mountain wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera!

Junior Ranger Program

If you are planning a weekend trip, you may want to check out the Junior Ranger Program that runs through October 31. The program is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1- 1:30 PM. You kids will love this hands-on look at Cades Cove. Stop by the Cades Cove Visitor Center to get started. After the workshop, why not take advantage of everything else the park has to offer?

If you’re interested in visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are also plenty of hotels to choose from in the area.

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