A local gives his honest opinion on whether or not Gatlinburg is still “worth it”
As someone who has been living and working around Gatlinburg for three decades, I understand that the Gatlinburg that most people see isnโt real life. Downtown Gatlinburg โ most of what people think of as Gatlinburg โ is Potemkin Village, a construction put on for the tourists. And still, I love it.
Gatlinburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It exists somewhere between real life and a Las Vegas version of a mountain village. But the charms of its occasionally pseudo-European architecture, proximity to the national park and fun per square inch make it worth the trip.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The Gatlinburg Pros
Itโs charming, right? Of course, I know some people arenโt ensorcelled by Gatlinburgโs peculiar mix of mountain and old-world charm and neon-cheesiness. But I find it fascinating. Where else can you find European-style village shops coexisting with an arcade and the Loco Burro? The juxtaposition of classy and crass is just off the charts. Gatlinburg is a trip down memory lane to a place that never quite really existed. Some businesses have served my great-grandparents on vacation while some storefronts change business models every six months.
Itโs also walkable. I like places on vacation where I can park my car and forget about it for a few days. The main activities in Gatlinburg are pretty accessible via a short walk. Itโs all on a fairly compact main strip and the things that arenโt are accessible via public transportation. Ask me to choose between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and Iโm choosing Gatlinburg every time because itโs all right there.
Itโs fun and the world certainly needs fun. From Ripley’s Aquarium to Believe It or Not or the arcades to the mini-golf. From pancake palaces to great steakhouses. Gatlinburgโs entire reason for existing is to help people relax and have fun โ and spend money โ on vacation. Itโs the bad place from Pinocchio without the danger. Or Las Vegas without the hedonism. Itโs fun.
Itโs next to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Look, even with the charm of mountain chalets and the fun of mountain coasters, none of this exists without the park. Think of it this way. The Smoky Mountains are so beautiful, that a movement came together to protect them from loggers and businesses that would do them harm. People stood up and demanded the government do something. Thatโs amazing.
Today, Gatlinburg is a gateway to nature. You can see massive wonders of the natural world out the window of your car. Or you can get out and go exploring.
Summary of the Pros:
- It’s nostalgic
- It’s charmingly cheesy
- Most attractions are walkable
- It’s the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Gatlinburg Cons
Itโs crowded. Look, I donโt think we will break any new ground here with the cons. Gatlinburg has been crowded for three and a half decades Iโve been visiting and a good 20 years beyond that. That said, the proximity of things, the relative closeness means thereโs not a lot in terms of infrastructure that can be done. Therefore, if the weatherโs nice and during the right time of year, Gatlinburg is overwhelmed with throngs of people. You just have to deal. The nice thing is you can get into the National Park and spread out. But, if you had your heart set on the minigolf and coasters, the parkโs not gonna help.
Itโs also expensive. A Gatlinburg vacation isnโt Disney. But itโs not cheap. There was a time when you could say a Gatlinburg vacation was affordable. I donโt think thatโs a word I would use anymore. A week in Gatlinburg and the mountains will likely cost your family a nice chunk of change even if you plan and budget well. Even the tourist traps, like Earthquake The Ride, are pricey.
Itโs a tad too famous-y. Thereโs a tradition of musicians having places in Gatlinburg. Iโm old enough to remember Ronnie Milsapโs place and Ronnie Milsap. But too many stars with cookie-cutter concepts see putting their name on a place in Gatlinburg as a quick way to make money. I donโt mind Blake Sheltonโs place because I have a soft spot for funny people. But between Jimmy Buffet, Forrest Gump, Jason Aldean, Shelton and Paula Deen over in Pigeon Forge, there are a lot of people not from the Smokies making money in the Smokies.
Dolly Parton โ a Sevierville native โ is, of course, 100% excepted from this rule. Dolly could build a series of branded outhouses and weโd be OK with it.
Summary of the cons:
- It’s crowded
- It’s expensive
- Earthquake the Ride
- Too many celebrity names
Is It Worth It?
Is Gatlinburg worth it? Of course, Gatlinburg is worth it. Itโs fantastic. Thereโs something for the whole family. Additionally, thereโs something to do year-round. Thereโs also easy access to majestic beauty, fun food, and diverting entertainment. Itโs an amazingly good time.
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