Gatlinburg, Tennessee Vacation Rentals
Explore 456 rental homes and villas in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Air Condition Homes, Best Affordable Homes and Great for Groups. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $62 per night with homes containing as many as 12 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Gatlinburg Overview
Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming mountain retreat that offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and vibrant attractions. As the gateway to America's most beloved national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is the perfect base for exploring the park's lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife through its myriad of hiking trails and scenic drives.
The town itself is a treasure trove of excitement, with the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle soaring above the landscape, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and the bustling streets below. Dive into an underwater adventure at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, where you can marvel at the colorful marine life and get up close with sharks and rays.
For a truly immersive Gatlinburg experience, consider the luxury of renting a private home, where you can enjoy the comforts and privacy of your own space. Many of these homes are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the fun. Imagine unwinding after a day of exploration in your own swimming pool, a feature that's not uncommon in Gatlinburg's rental homes, providing a refreshing escape during those warm summer days.
While Gatlinburg may not boast a beachfront, the town more than makes up for it with its enchanting river walks and the serene Little Pigeon River that meanders through the area. The river's gentle flow adds to the town's picturesque setting and offers a peaceful backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the water.
Art lovers will be drawn to the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, a vibrant hub along Highway 321 where over 100 artisans display their talents through pottery, painting, candle making, and more. This creative enclave is a testament to the town's rich cultural tapestry.
Gatlinburg's downtown is a culinary delight, with a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes. From cozy family-owned eateries serving up hearty Southern dishes to familiar national chains, there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the chance to sample local flavors at the town's wineries and distilleries.
For the thrill-seekers, Gatlinburg doesn't disappoint. Zip-lining through the treetops, white water rafting on the Pigeon River, and mountain biking on rugged trails offer adrenaline-pumping experiences. When winter descends, Ober Gatlinburg transforms into a snowy playground for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Gatlinburg's allure extends beyond its tourist attractions, with a warm community that calls this mountain paradise home. The town's year-round residents infuse it with a welcoming spirit that complements its scenic splendor. Whether you're a family, a couple, or a solo adventurer, Gatlinburg promises an unforgettable escape where the wonders of nature meet the joys of home.
Cultural Attractions in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, is a cultural haven that offers a diverse range of activities for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in local traditions.
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is an absolute must for art aficionados. As the largest assembly of independent artisans in North America, visitors can explore various studios and shops where artists create and sell their unique works ranging from pottery and jewelry to paintings and quilts.
For those with a keen interest in history, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that envelops Gatlinburg is a treasure trove. The park houses numerous historic buildings like log cabins, barns, and churches that offer a glimpse into life during the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, the Sugarlands Visitor Center houses a museum with exhibits on regional wildlife as well as human history.
Live music permeates Gatlinburg with venues like Ole Red Gatlinburg regularly featuring country music. Bluegrass lovers can look forward to Dollywood's Barbeque & Bluegrass festival held annually in nearby Pigeon Forge.
Local traditions are celebrated year-round with events such as Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales where musicians, storytellers, and artisans perform along Parkway during summer evenings. The annual Hands On Gatlinburg event provides visitors an opportunity to learn traditional crafts from local artisans through workshops.
Gatlinburg also boasts several museums including Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium known for its eccentric exhibits or Hollywood Star Cars Museum showcasing famous vehicles from film and TV.
In essence, Gatlinburg presents a rich tapestry of cultural experiences blending arts, history, live music performances along with an appreciation for local customs making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts.
Family friendly activities in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a haven for children and families. The town boasts a variety of attractions that cater to all ages, promising an unforgettable vacation.
One of the standout attractions is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Here, children can be amazed by thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and vibrant tropical fish. The aquarium also provides interactive experiences such as touching a stingray or horseshoe crab in the Discovery Center.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ober Gatlinburg is a must-visit. This amusement park and ski area offers year-round activities including skiing and snowboarding in winter. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy an alpine slide, scenic chairlift rides, mini-golf and wildlife encounters.
Another attraction not to be missed is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Take a ride on the glass elevator to enjoy panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. At its base is an arcade filled with games that will keep kids entertained for hours.
To experience local culture and history, consider visiting the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum or stroll around the historic Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community where local artisans create everything from pottery to jewelry.
While Gatlinburg is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park - America's most visited national park - it should be noted that it isn't one of its official entrances or gateways. Families can still enjoy hiking trails suitable for all ages within easy reach from Gatlinburg or go wildlife spotting or participate in ranger-led programs designed specifically for children.
The town itself is quite walkable with many attractions located along Parkway - Gatlinburg's main street. For those who prefer not to walk there are trolleys running throughout town making it easy to get around.
In Gatlinburg your family will find endless opportunities for fun and adventure amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Outdoor activities in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a haven for those who appreciate the great outdoors. It serves as an entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a sprawling natural reserve with over 800 miles of hiking trails that wind through verdant forests, past beautiful waterfalls and along picturesque mountain ridges. The park is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife such as black bears and elk.
For fishing enthusiasts, the streams in the Smokies are abundant with trout. Bird watchers will be delighted to find more than 240 species in the park. To fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of the park, consider a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road or Clingmans Dome Road.
Beyond exploring the national park, Gatlinburg offers an array of other outdoor activities. Thrill-seekers can go whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River or zip-lining through treetops at one of several adventure parks. Horseback riding enthusiasts can enjoy guided trail rides from local stables.
Gatlinburg also boasts attractions that highlight its natural beauty in unique ways. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park offers visitors a chairlift ride up Crockett Mountain for panoramic views of the Smokies while Anakeesta theme park provides opportunities to walk along a treetop walkway or take a mountain coaster ride down the hillside.
Downtown Gatlinburg is quite pedestrian-friendly with numerous shops and restaurants lining Parkway Main Street. For those wishing to explore further or prefer not walking everywhere, trolleys are available to transport you around town and even into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In summary, whether you're interested in challenging hikes or relaxing scenic drives; whether you love fishing in tranquil streams or rafting down energetic rivers; whether you want to observe wildlife from afar or zip-line through forest canopies, Gatlinburg has something for every nature lover's taste.
Weather in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a city that enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season has its own unique charm and appeal.
The winter season in Gatlinburg runs from December to February. During this time, the city can experience quite cold temperatures with average highs ranging from the mid-30s to low 50s Fahrenheit. Contrary to some reports, snowfall is not uncommon in the city itself during these months, with averages around 5 inches in December and January. The winter season also brings a magical atmosphere as holiday lights and decorations adorn the city.
Springtime in Gatlinburg spans from March to May. This is when temperatures gradually warm up into the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. The city's many gardens and parks burst into life with blooming flowers and budding trees during this time. Rainfall is common during spring but it contributes to the lush greenery that surrounds Gatlinburg.
The summer months of June through August are typically hot and humid in Gatlinburg. Average high temperatures are more commonly found in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit rather than upper 80s as previously stated. Rainfall peaks during this period due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms but despite these conditions, summer remains a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking and white-water rafting.
Fall spans September through November in Gatlinburg and is characterized by cooler temperatures ranging from mid-70s in September down to mid-50s by November. This season is particularly famous for its stunning display of fall foliage as leaves change color creating a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, yellows against a backdrop of evergreen trees.
The most enjoyable weather conditions occur during fall when temperatures are moderate and nature puts on its spectacular autumn display. However, springtime also offers pleasant weather conditions coupled with beautiful blossoms making it another ideal time for visiting Gatlinburg. Regardless of when one chooses to visit, each season has something special to offer adding unique elements to the travel experience.
Transportation in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a destination that most travelers reach by car, given its convenient location within a day's drive for two-thirds of the U.S. population residing east of the Mississippi River. It can be accessed via Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 441, which cuts through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Upon arrival in Gatlinburg, visitors have several transportation options to choose from. The city runs a trolley service covering most areas and providing an economical means of travel. This service includes multiple routes leading to popular attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and downtown Gatlinburg.
For those who prefer self-drive options, car rentals are available in neighboring cities like Knoxville and Asheville. However, it's important to note that parking spaces may be scarce during peak tourist seasons.
Gatlinburg also caters to those who enjoy exploring on foot. The city center is compact with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks on both sides of Parkway - the main street running through town. A multitude of attractions, shops, restaurants, and accommodations are conveniently located within walking distance from each other.
In summary, whether you plan on driving or using public transportation or even walking once you're there, Gatlinburg provides a range of options for visitors to navigate this picturesque mountain town.