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Gatlinburg Tennessee Area Information The Smoky Mountain city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of North America's top vacation destinations and the premier tourist center in the Great Smoky Mountains region of East Tennessee. Gatlinburg TN has gained its notoriety for several reasons. First and foremost it serves as gateway to the international treasure that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A stay in a comfortable Gatlinburg hotel allows for easy day-use access of this spectacular Appalachian playground. Secondly, Gatlinburg features architecture and culture that is reminiscent of a classic Austrian alpine village. And thirdly, Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers a compelling mix of entertaining, thrilling, and historic attractions perfectly suited to young and old alike.The original settlers of Gatlinburg, Tennessee likely had no vague inkling that this little lumber settlement would one day grow to be a central Appalachian tourist destination. The very first settlers of the area that would become Gatlinburg were a single family called the Ogles. In 1807 Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, her children and extended family members settled the area they referred to as "land of paradise" in honor of her husband, who had recently passed away without fulfilling his dream of settling the area. As other settlers arrived the area was originally christened White Oak Flats after the native white oak trees so prevalent in the area. The area was re-christened Gatlinburg after one of its most famous, and controversial early residents. In 1854 Radford C. Gatlin settled here and opened a general store. The town's post office was located in his store and as a result the town soon took after his namesake. Politics ultimately did Gatlin however. An outspoken democrat Baptist preacher in a largely Republican community, Gatlin was banished from Gatlinburg for his political positions not many years after he first arrived in the area. Gatlinburg, Tennessee took its first small steps towards becoming a premier vacation destination when the area next door was christened a national park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was officially established in 1934. Soon after that time, the area quickly grew in fame. The fiery hues on display in the Smoky Mountains during the autumn months quickly became a particularly treasured sight. As more and more tourists visited the area, Gatlinburg residents began to build hotels and restaurants to house these Smoky Mountain visitors. That steady growth in the tourism industry erupted into a massive growth industry in the latter part of the 20th century. Today, Gatlinburg and the greater Smoky Mountains area is the most visited national park area in the United States. Today's Gatlinburg is popular not just for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but also because it is a charming, picturesque alpine village offering many of its own attractions. The Ober Gatlinburg resort offers skiing with spectacular overlying views of downtown Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and downtown Space Needle also offer sensational 360 degree views of Gatlinburg nestled amongst the majestic splendor of the Smoky Mountains. Downtown, Gatlinburg visitors can enjoy strolling along picturesque, historic city streets lined with art galleries, museums, restaurants, and theatres. While Gatlinburg is known for its quaint charm, attractions such as Camp Thunder, Motion Ride Theatre, the Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Camp Fun, the World of Illusions, Mysterious Mansion, and Earthquake the Ride ensure that those seeking out more thrilling entertainment will find plenty to do here as well. Whether you're headed to historic, scenic Gatlinburg, Tennessee to take in the European-styled architecture, to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park up close and personal, to enjoy the more modern attractions featured downtown, to take in some Smoky Mountain hospitality and cuisine, or all of the above, this website offers a comprehensive collection of Gatlinburg hotels to meet all your Gatlinburg accommodation needs. Browse through our impressive collection of quality Smoky Mountain lodging and then book your ideal Gatlinburg hotel with our fast and fully-secure online reservation system. Book your room from the comfort of your own home so that you can enjoy all this area has to offer when you arrive. The spectacular Smoky Mountains and historic Gatlinburg TN await you. |
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