Author: Alison Galloway, Advisor
alison@fdvglobal.com
The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range that stretches through East Tennessee and the North Carolina border. They are world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life. The Great Smoky Mountains are America’s most visited National Park. So why wouldn’t you want to visit them for yourself?
I am fortunate enough to live with the Smoky Mountains in my “backyard.” Even though I live close, I still want to do a staycation. There is so much the area has to offer for any type of visitor, from the theme park lovers, to the hikers, and everyone in between.
I would want to start my journey by checking into the Wilderness of the Smokies, which houses Tennessee’s largest indoor water park. They also have outdoor slides that are open during the summer. There is also a NEW waterpark just across the street that you can add to your stay as well called Soaky Mountain Water Park! This 50-acre waterpark will feature some of the most thrilling and unique waterpark attractions available! This is the perfect family resort! As a family with three kids, we like to stay at places that are more than just a room to sleep in. We can spend a full day or two just at this resort!
Taking adventure to new heights!
An attraction that is sure to make your adrenaline pump in the Gatlinburg area is the Gatlinburg Skylift Park. I do not recommend this experience if you are afraid of heights! You start this adventure with a chair lift up the mountain, which first opened to the public in 1954. At the top of the SkyLift there is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, a brand new attraction. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! It stretches 680 feet across a deep valley with a height of 140 feet at its midpoint. Not scary enough, they have glass-floor panels in the middle of the span!
Take your tastebuds for a trip!
After an adventure at the SkyLift Park, I would head to an area called The Island before heading back to the resort. The Island is full of places to eat, shops, and more fun! I would want to eat dinner at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen! I am drooling just thinking about the classic Deen family recipes. You get endless portions of Southern-style entrees and sides served family style.
After Dinner Fun Awaits!
After eating a filling meal, I would want some time to relax. Next would be a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Towering at 200 feet tall, it is one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast. A trip around would be just what I need before browsing through the shops.
One shop I would like to highlight is the Ole Smoky Moonshine. The Ole Smoky Barn is approximately 6,000 square feet. The Moonshine is made directly at the Barn and offers a variety of flavors including classics and seasonal favorites. They offer free tastings. They even have an outdoor stage featuring daily live bluegrass music.
These attractions just scratch the surface of the many adventures and places to explore in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area. I can’t wait to share more of this amazing gem of a place with you all. If you would like to start planning your own Smoky Mountain Vacation, contact me today!