By Angela Robinson
Gatlinburg is the southern gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
When visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, visitors are drawn to the natural beauty of the town's surroundings. Tucked into the midst of the Smoky Mountains at Gatlinburg are a large number of family-friendly activities, many of which are accessible year-round. This article highlights an amusement park and indoor and outdoor activities.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park
Ober Gatlinburg Ski resort & Amusement Park is a popular year-round attraction. Located 3,000 feet up in the Great Smoky Mountains is Tennessee's only ski resort, which is opened in the winter months. The ski resort offers winter visitors nine trails for skiing and snowboarding as well as the longest chairlift in the South. In the summer, visitors have fun at the amusement park where water rides, bumper cars, mini-golf and a Velcro wall entertain visitors of all ages. There is also an ice skating arena that is open year-round.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5423
obergatlinburg.com
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains the way that the early settlers did: on horseback. With no experience necessary, you can take a guided horseback ride through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All riders must be at least five years old and weigh no more than 225 pounds. The Smoky Mountain Riding Stables only requires reservations for large groups. The stables are closed from December to March.
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
1720 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5634
smokymountainridingstables.com
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Open every day of the year, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features more than 10,000 sea creatures from all over the world. Get up close and personal with the creatures of the sea as you walk through the aquarium's 345-foot tunnel. Touch a sting ray during one of the hands-on presentations, or check out the dive shows held regularly at the Coral Reef exhibition.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-8808
aquariumofthesmokies.com
Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre has been entertaining visitors to Gatlinburg for more than 30 years. The entire family will enjoy an evening of laughs from the multi-talented cast which presents two different musical shows each season, alternating nightly. Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets are available by calling the number listed below.
Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
461 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4039
sweetfannyadams.com
About the Author:
Angela Robinson is a work at home mom who is currently pursuing a career in freelance writing. She enjoys the challenge of researching and writing on topics such as home and garden, travel, education and health issues. Angela enjoys the expansion of knowledge as well as the flexibility that freelance writing offers.
Photo Credits:
Smoky Mountains image by louloua asgaraly from
Fotolia.com
