Family Fun in Gatlinburg
It’s summer and parents everywhere are looking for fun and affordable trips to take with their families. For family fun at a reasonable price you can’t do much better than Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg has a well-deserved reputation for quirky and family friendly fun. This charming town in the Smoky Mountains has attractions for everyone, from museum buffs to adrenaline junkies.
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Museums
For families looking for a bit of eccentric fun, be sure to visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium at 800 Parkway in Gatlinburg. The “strangest place in Gatlinburg” features over 500 artifacts and exhibits, including a two-headed calf and an eight-legged buffalo. Just down the road at 631 Parkway Suite B11 you can experience the Guinness World of Records Museum. It features memorabilia from your favorite record holders including Elvis, Michael Jordan, and more. Another great Gatlinburg museum is the Hollywood Star Car Museum at 914 Parkway. It has over 40 cars from movies and television shows. Whether you’re a fan of Batman or the Beverly Hillbillies, you’ll find your favorite authentic TV and movie cars here. For something a little more low-key than cars, Gatlinburg also boasts the charming Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. This quaint collection of shakers is located at 461 Brookside Village Way.
Theaters
Gatlinburg is full of fun theaters and cinemas to entertain the whole family. The Shoot Em Up Cinemas at 815 Parkway Suite 3 features an outrageous 3D wild west adventure. The immersive special effects will be sure to delight. For something even wilder check out the Motion Ride Movie Theater at 716 Parkway. This virtual reality simulator has six different movie rides to experience. You can try to survive the Smash Factory or dodge through Astro Canyon.
Amusement Parks
Gatlinburg is known for its fantastic amusement parks. Come check out one of Gatlinburg’s newest attractions at 386 Parkway. Rowdy Bear Mountain is a thrilling gravity-propelled roller coaster. Just down the road at 306 Parkway you’ll find Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. This coaster lets you control your speed, making it perfect for all ages. Speed along or enjoy the scenery as you wind through the woods of Eastern Tennessee. If you want a bit of winter in July come by Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park at 1339 Ski Mountain Road. It boasts year-round skating and snow sports. No matter how hot it is outside, you can cool down here. Anakeesta Aerial Adventure Park is new this year and features ziplines and treetop canopy walks. Come and enjoy the views at 147 Baskins Creek Bypass.
Of course, a visit to this area wouldn’t be complete without stopping by nearby Dollywood. Come visit Dolly Parton’s famous theme park at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge. It has over 40 rides, guaranteeing something for all visitors. In addition to the rides, Dollywood also 15 shows and some of the best food around.
Food
You can’t visit Gatlinburg without checking out the barbeque. Calhoun’s restaurant at 1004 Parkway #101 is known for its Tennessee barbeque and fresh-ground burgers. The Smoky Mountain Brewery right down the road at 1004 Parkway #501 has beer made in house and casual meals including pizza, sandwiches, and burgers. No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina at 555 Parkway is perfect if you’re craving burritos or chimichangas. Be sure to check out their famous salsa as well.
Gatlinburg is truly the perfect destination for the whole family. Its beautiful views and quirky fun make it one of the most entertaining cities in America. Come to Eastern Tennessee and enjoy this charming city nestled in the Smokies.