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
