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Things to do in Gatlinburg for Couples

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Gatlinburg, TN is ideal for couples ready for a romantic holiday. From fine dining to local amusements and attractions, to the very best cabins in Tennessee, Gatlinburg offers excitement.  Here are just a few of the top excursions for couples in Gatlinburg.

TIP: nothing’s more romantic for accommodation than your own cabin in the mountains. Check out our Smoky Mountain Weddings page as well as our Romance Packages for getaway cabins, and call 855-91-SMOKY anytime with questions and to book your stay with us.

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How Far is Gatlinburg from Atlanta? What’s the Best Drive?

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You can get to Gatlinburg, TN, in 4 hours from Atlanta, GA, on a roughly 200-mile drive through Appalachian country. And here are some nice places along the way to make a day of the trip and take in some extra sights and attractions.

Some people like to leave Atlanta on State Highway 23, citing the more scenic experience, while others head out on I-85, splitting to I-985 for a while, until Hwy 23 merges in and takes lead designation. Either way, round up the crew and get on the road to the Smokies!

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How Far is Gatlinburg From Nashville?

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Gatlinburg is an easy 222-mile drive from Nashville along I-40, and with some nice adventures along the way. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey.

Why not budget time for some cool mini-attractions that are beautiful, amusing and teaming with wonders to satisfy any curiosity. You can see everything from a pink elephant to a dinosaur made from car parts, to quirky boutiques to state park waterfalls. (more…)

Summer Craftsmen’s Fair 2016

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Images courtesy of Craftsmen's Fair

Images courtesy of Craftsmen’s Fair

The 41st Annual Summer Craftsmen’s Fair begins in Gatlinburg July 14, running through July 17, 2016. It’s summer again, and time again for one of the finest showcases in the nation of handmade arts and crafts. Designated one of the Southeast’s most popular events, the fair attracts top artists and craftspeople from across the country, joining with one of the nation’s largest communities of independent artisans right here in Gatlinburg.

More than 180 craftspeople put their latest creations on display in the ample, multi level space of Gatlinburg Convention Center. And they set up to work – you can find them displaying their skills as they actually make their wares. This is a keynote of the fair, the sheer accessibility of so many gifted artisans, sharing their craft secrets and stories with anyone who stops by to watch and chat.

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Up Late and Loving It: Gatlinburg’s 2016 Fourth of July Parade Celebration

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In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, city locals and visitors intend to stay up late on Sunday night, July 3, 2016. Why? Because it’s the annual First Independence Day Parade in the Nation. The 41st Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade launches at 12:01 am, making it the earliest July 4th parade in the country.

Enormous helium-filled balloons take flight Sunday night and more than 100 floats, marching bands, and decorated vehicles begin the 1-mile parade along Parkway, joined by the hundreds of volunteers who make it happen, and entrants from regional cities and organizations.

This famous event draws a large crowd of up to 100,000 spectators, who pack Gatlinburg to honor the nation’s heroes.

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg.com

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg.com

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Shine On at Ole Smoky Distillery

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Images courtesy of Ole Smoky Distillery

If tasting spirits is on your list of pursuits when you travel, be sure to stop in at Moonshine Holler on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN, and discover Ole Smoky Distillery. It’s a top draw for connoisseurs and regular sippers alike, anyone who wants to try a sip of old-time East Tennessee moonshine – in fact it’s the most visited distillery in the country.

At the Holler, step into the distillery where you’ll see two copper brewing stills shining like trophies. Ole Smoky offers free tours where visitors can learn about the distilling process and the history of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains.

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Explore Gatlinburg with Free Trolley Service in 2016

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Here in Gatlinburg, TN, we have more than just awesome sights, cool shopping, and nifty, family-centered attractions. We have a slam-dunk way to access all of it: by trolley bus.

Free trolley bus, that is…

Starting June 17 through August 14, Gatlinburg will be offering complimentary summer trolley service at all stops along Parkway, the city’s vibrant main strip. This is the sixth year Gatlinburg has offered the free service and, thus far, it’s the toast of the town. You’ll see these specially painted trolleys cruising up and down the thoroughfare carrying a mix of eager tourists and local residents.

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg Trolley

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg Trolley

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Summer 2016 at Dollywood

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What’s on the program at Dollywood this summer? Fun of course, and here are the details on who’s playing, and the special attractions. Summer Lives Here is the summer theme, and it starts on Saturday, June 11, 2016, running through August 7.

There will be shows every day, an evening dance party followed by fireworks every night, and extended hours for the theme park into the night. So if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take one of Dollywoods thrilling rides by the light of the moon and starlight, now you can find out – strap in for an unforgettable ride in the dark!

Image courtesy of Dollywood

Image courtesy of Dollywood

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Tunes & Tales 2016: Summer in Gatlinburg

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One of the great fun activities in Gatlinburg is to stroll along Parkway, catching the numerous sights and attractions. Summer raises the fun level for evening strollers with the city’s annual Tunes & Tales street performances, starting this year on June 10 and running through July 30, 2016 – now the 11th year of this hugely popular event.

Image courtesy of Kevin Tierney

Image courtesy of Kevin Tierney

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Dollywood 2016 Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival

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It’s a LUCKY Friday the 13th in May 2016, because at Dollywood it’s the date that the annual Barbeque and Bluegrass festival starts. From May 13 through May 22, it’s 10 days of awesome food and non-stop music at venues throughout the theme park. The concerts are all free, included in Dollywood admission.

Images courtesy of Dollywood

Images courtesy of Dollywood

For the food, some 50,000 pounds of BBQ meat comes to the grill over the 10 days, cooked by experts and dressed with gourmet sauces. Pulled pork, smoked sausage, ribs by the slab and smoked chicken are among the offerings during the festival.

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About Cabins of the Smoky Mountains

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We are the one of largest cabin rental agencies in the Smoky Mountains and have been recognized by Southern Living as the Best Family Resort in the Smokies.  We manage over 340 cabins in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee areas. Visit us today and get over $700 of free attraction tickets with your cabin rental.