Tag Archives: Cooter’s Garage

Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It was my birthday and I wanted to walk around Gatlinburg to spend time visiting some of the shops and a couple of wineries on the main thoroughfare.  While the rest of the family decided to stay in for the day, Scott was up for taking Nolan to Cooter’s Garage to see the  Duke’s of Hazard memorabilia and would later meet me at Loco Burro for lunch.

A section of shops off of the main strip also included the  Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.  The aquarium exhibits over 10,000 species of sea creatures with additional activities to include animal encounters, glass bottom boat rides, breakfast with mermaids and overnight sleepovers with the sharks.

In the distance, standing 407 feet tall is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The observation tower, visitors can reach the top with views of the Great Smoky Mountains, downtown Gatlinburg and the nearby peaks.  Completed in 1969, the tower has been open for over fifty years.

I was surprised to find so many places to shop in Gatlinburg in addition to its wide number of restaurants and activities.  Coves of small businesses sell services and tourist items that take shopping to a whole new level.

The Skylift is a part of Gatlinburg’s Skypark which also includes a SkyBridge, SkyTower, SkyDeck and SkyCenter.  This attraction is perfect for viewing the morning sunrise, overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains.

There are several wood carving shops that offer multiple sizes of merchandise for purchase.  From small signs to large life-size animals, the unique designs and workmanship are absolutely astonishing.

The shopping areas are uniquely designed for shoppers and non-shoppers as well.  Plenty of seating is available for those that need  a rest from walking the main street or for waiting on their friends who can’t get enough of the merchandise Gatlinburg has to offer.

Downtown Gatlinburg is also a dieter’s nightmare.  Candy shops beckon sugar addicts with large signs and free samples.  From fudge to taffy, there seems to be an endless abundance of sugar for enticing anyone with a sweet tooth…

As well as an abundance of moonshine and wine.

In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg, I noticed a hidden gem that I may have missed if I wasn’t looking.  A beautiful two-toned log cabin with a stone fireplace is the Ogle Cabin, built around 1802.  It is believed to be the first structure built in this area and was used as a school, hospital and museum.  In 1986, it was registered as a historical site.

Gatlinburg is a place of hidden treasures and is open year around.  From history buffs to foodies and lovers of the outdoors, this vacation destination is spectacular.

Have you visited Gatlinburg?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my stroll around downtown Gatlinburg and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cooter’s Place
542 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone:  865 436 9909

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Rockies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 430 8808

Gatlinburg Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4629

Gatlinburg Sky Lift is now Gatlinburg SkyPark
745 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4307

Ogle Cabin
576 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 
900 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 430 3034

What to Eat:

  • Shrimp

The Loco Burro, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It was my birthday and I wanted to walk around Gatlinburg to spend time visiting some of the shops and a couple of wineries on the main thoroughfare.  While the rest of the family decided to stay in for the day, Scott was up for taking Nolan to Cooter’s Garage to see the  Duke’s of Hazard memorabilia and would later meet me at Loco Burro for lunch.

I chose Loco Burro’s with its outdoor patio to people watch from the second floor.  The hostess led me towards the escalator where I rode it to the top.  The restaurant had just opened for the day, so there were several tables available.  I chose one with a view of the Observation Tower.

From here, I had a clear view of the Parkway which  was beginning to fill with tourists and traffic.  My server dropped off a menu with some chips, three salsa samples and took my drink order for a house margarita on the rocks with salt.

I decided on the chicken burrito with a side of beans and rice which arrived on a large platter and could have fed a family of four.  Finishing my meal, I requested a box to pack up my leftovers and continued to drink my margarita while eating a few more chips.

I was surprised when my server dropped off a large plate of desserts and learned that my friend Dave had called the restaurant and ordered them.  We had just talked for a few minutes prior, so I was appreciative of his kind gesture.   I knew there was no way I was going to finish these, so I waited for Scott and Nolan to arrive.

Within minutes of my dessert delivery, I noticed Scott and Nolan walking up the Parkway and waved down to them .

When Nolan saw the dessert at the table, his eyes were huge and he had such a big smile on his face.  Such a polite little guy, he would ask me if he could have another bite each time he had taken one.  I told him, that if it was okay with his father, he could have as many bites he was allowed.

Before leaving the restaurant, we noticed a mechanical burro and we begged Scott to ride it.  Of course Nolan wanted to ride it but he wasn’t tall enough, so he begged his dad to ride it instead.  The wait staff was encouraging him to do it and told him that if he could hang on for twelve seconds, they would purchase our meal on our next visit.

Nolan was happy to put the helmet on but he didn’t seem too excited wearing it.  Within seconds, he was taking it off and handed it to his dad.

Scott put on the helmet, mounted the mechanical burro and turned it on.  He stayed on for a few seconds and we couldn’t help but laugh when he fell off onto the large cushions underneath.  We laughed so hard and cheered him on for a couple of attempts before he decided he was finished. Although he didn’t beat the record, we had a lot of laughs.

Have you eaten at Loco Burro in Gatlinburg?  What did you order?  Did you ride the mechanical burro?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my downtown Gatlinburg adventure and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat:

Loco Burro
735 Parkway, Suite 1
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone:  865 430 5624

What to Eat:

I’m a burrito girl and their chicken burrito was amazing!  I also recommend the salsa trio and don’t forget to save room for dessert!