1. The number one of all number ones........The Great Smoky Mountains National Park! With over 800 miles of trails for the beginner or the experienced hiker, fishing, picnicking and viewing the abundant and diverse wildlife. You can tour by car or foot. There are visitor centers where you can get trail information, hours of operation and the complete history of our park. http://www.nps.gov/grsm
2. Dollywood/Splash Country - Whether you come in July or January this is a must do. The best deal is the Play Another Day or the Splash and Play. You really want to have at least two days for both parks. The day you go to the second park doesn't have to be a consecutive day, just within about 5 days. These tickets are available at our office! http://www.dollywood.com
3. Dixie Stampede - This show is great to see year after year because annually they change the show. You have to choose if you want to cheer for the "North" or the "South". You are served a meal that has generous portions, be sure not to pass up the creamy vegetable soup, it is delicious and pretty famous. And for an added twist, you get to eat with your hands! Kids love it. Hours and show times vary, and they have a Christmas show for the holidays. The best place for tickets is on their site: http://www.dixiestampede.com (see #5 about combo tickets).
4. The Titanic - This is the newest attraction and it really is all that and more. When you arrive you are given a boarding pass that has the name of an actual passenger or crew member. You will learn a lot of very interesting facts about the ship, the crew, and the passengers. You will want to order your tickets on line, don't just simply go there, as they have guided tours and they do sell out quickly. Go to: http://www.titanicattraction.com (see #5 about combo tickets).
5. Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies - Amazingly enough, one of the best aquariums in the country. Right here in our backyard. They have special events and featured animals. Plan on a full day here, they are open 9am to 9pm during the week and on weekends from 9am to 11pm. There is a restaurant on site or you can pack your lunch and eat outside over looking the river. They offer special combo tickets for the Titanic and Dixie Stampede as well as others on their site: http://gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com
6. Tuckaleechee Caverns - This is a really neat thing to see, and its very affordable. Guided tours run every 15 to 20 minutes. The total length is about one mile and there are about 400 steps (up and down) throughout. This is a special treat on a hot summer day. They are open 7 days a week during the summer season. Go to: http://www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com. Before or after your trip to the caverns plan on a stop at the Tuckaleechee Trout Farm, where you can catch your own trout and they will serve it up to you: http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/tuckaleechee_trout_farm_restaurant
7. The Glades Arts and Crafts Community - An historic 8 mile loop designated as Tennessee's Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail. The largest group of independent artisans in North America, established in 1937. You will find artisans that paint, whittle, sew, weave, cast and carve to create baskets, brooms, candles, quilts, jewelry, pottery, silver smithing, leather, dolls, scrimshaw, leather, dolls, stained glass, wearable fashions, photography, art, food and so much more. http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/
8. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts - Nationally renowned center of contemporary arts and crafts education. Five galleries and a book and supply store are open to the public year-round. Featuring artisans from all over the country and they offer classes to the public as well. Formally began in 1968, from the Pi Beta Phi settlement school (next door). Arrowmont is rich with history of Gatlinburg and it's local artisans. http://www.lib.utk.edu/arrowmont/index.html
9. Beltz Factory Outlets - Can't leave out the best place to shop! You can spend all day here, it is an attraction all it's own. Several restaurants are here too. Check out: http://www.belzoutlets.com
10. The Comedy Barn - Good clean fun for all ages. Millions of people can't be wrong, and even Paul Harvey endorses it! http://www.seymourherald.com/entertainment/2004/apr/27/3721/
Their site: http://www.comedybarn.com/
There you have it. It would be impossible to do and see all of our list in just a few days, but you can come back and see us anytime!
