Several years ago, I went skiing for the first time with my family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Telephone (865)436-5423.
I soon learned on the beginner’s slope that skiing wasn’t for me, but thankfully Gatlinburg has thousands of shops and plenty of other activities besides skiing which, in my opinion, make Gatlinburg the best ski resort town in the United States. I am more than happy to leave the rest of my family skiing the 9 trails at the resort while I enjoy their snow tubing and ice skating facilities. While there is ski and snowboarding equipment rentals available at the resort, as well as a lodge and restaurant, the downtown area of Gatlinburg has plenty of accommodations and attractions as well as being located near the numerous hiking trails, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities offered at The Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
There are hundreds of places to stay while in Gatlinburg. When we aren’t camping, our personal favorite place to stay in downtown Gatlinburg is The Edgewater Hotel, 402 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Telephone (865) 436-4151.
This hotel is located in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg and is along the Trolley route. This hotel is close enough to walk to many attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium, and is conveniently located near hundreds of dining and shopping locations, and is also a short drive to the ski resort for a day of skiing or tubing. The hotel also has a dining and banquet hall available and serves a complimentary breakfast each morning. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzis for year round swimming, and usually has value packages available, such as “pay for two nights and get the third night free” specials throughout the year. The location of the hotel and its low price make this one of our favorite places to stay.
With all of the activities that Gatlinburg has to offer, it is easy to work up an appetite. There are many chain restaurants as well as unique dining options for lunch and dinner. Our favorite restaurant for steaks and hearty dinner fare is The Peddler Steakhouse, 820 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Telephone (865) 436-5794.
There are over 400 shops and five malls in downtown Gatlinburg. We usually visit each of the five malls while we are in Gatlinburg, particularly the Mountain Mall at Traffic Light 6. This mall has many unique shops, such as Mahalia’s Candies, and a shop that sells handmade jewelry that my daughters absolutely love. This mall is across the road from the Aquarium and is also on the way to nearby Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
These are just a few of our favorite places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There are literally too many lodging, dining and shopping opportunities available in Gatlinburg. Please visit Gatlinburg’s Chamber of Commerce for help in planning your trip.