You cannot visit the Gatlinburg area without appreciating the arts and crafts that are rich within the Smoky Mountains. There is just something about the beauty and richness of these mountains that bring out the artist in all of us. Whether it is the squeak of a potter’s wheel that draws you into a certain shop, or the smell of leather being formed into moccasins or belts, there are many opportunities to find a craftsman in Gatlinburg. Maybe it’s the scented wax of a candle maker’s shop that beckons you to walk through the door. I remember being fascinated as a child walking into a candle shop and watching the artisans dipping candles into vats and then carving them into miniature works of art.

There are studios and artists’ shops dispersed throughout the Gatlinburg area, but the best place to see them all is at the Craftsman’s Festival! You’re one-stop shopping venue for all things handmade. Experience the art of the Smoky Mountains at this year’s Craftsmen’s Festival starting October 6 – 23 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The convention center will be magically transformed into an arts and crafts haven for anyone who loves to browse for handmade goods.  Not only will there be booths, but most of the crafters will be demonstrating how they make the wonderful things that will be on sale.  In addition to the craft booths, there will live bluegrass music shows featuring such entertainers as Tim Watson: “Fiddle Man” and Dennis Lee and band.

The Craftsmen’s Festival hours are 10-6 daily and 10-5 on Sundays.  Admission is $6.00 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Check out the Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair website for additional information.

If you have an eye for things of beauty and enjoy art at its finest, The Shops at Carousel Gardens will prove to be an eye feast for you. Not anywhere else will you find so many aesthetically pleasing pieces so easily accessible and available for purchase. Here you will find the work of 45 different artists and pieces ranging from captivating paintings to unique furnishings. All of this and unique eateries in a relaxing atmosphere. A few of the artists you will enjoy while here are:

Louise Bales: Louise’s family has lived in Gatlinburg for generations. She is a watercolor artist whose work depicts the beauty of nature in the Great Smoky Mountains. Among her works you will see hand-painted gourds, note cards, as well as wall décor.

Deborah Cain is an artist that uses interesting sources as a means for creating her work. She often combines music and art. She often uses pieces of old sheet music, organs, pianos as well as other things to create her beautiful and unique pieces. Some of her favorite works involve watercolor paintings on rice paper.

Lou A. D’Amico will be your artist of choice if you enjoy photography. She uses digital photography, standard film, and video to capture the local scenery.

Misty Mountain Soap is a shop where you can find the beauty of nature in skin products. Here you will find lotion bars, bath salts, natural insect repellant, healing balm, and many other natural products.

Paul Murray uses his pencile and paints to depict the lives of those that live in the hills and dales of the great Appalachian Mountains. His incredible talents capture a culture that has remained largely untouched by the passing of time. His works are truly unique and moving.

Bette Raymond uses natural substances to dye commercially and hand-spun yarn. Her beautifully dyed yarn will add a unique and intriguing touch to your next project.

You will find many many more artists represented in The Shops at Carousel Gardens. A few of the other products made by these amazing artists are pottery, watercolor marbling, handmade paper, weaving, slumped glass work, jewelry, furniture, clothing, and much much more. If you get hungry, enjoy your delicate treats while surrounded by artful beauty in the eateries you will find in the Carousel Gardens.

With the waters of Gatlinburg being so clear and clean, it would be a shame to visit the area without experiencing one of the more peaceful pastimes of the region – fishing. The accessible streams and locations around the city make this a spot for both professional and amateur fisherman to hone their skills and enjoy their vacation, all at the same time!

The general fishing streams within the city are stocked with a wide variety of trout. Stocked locations around the city include West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, LeConte Creek, Roaring Fork Creek and Dudley Creek. There are also children’s ponds set aside for fishers twelve and under. These spots are loaded heavily with trout, allowing your little ones to enjoy the fruits of a successful fishing trip from there very first outing! These spots are located at North Gatlinburg Trout Fishing in the Smoky Mountains Park, at the northern Parkway entrance to the city, and Mynatt Park off Historic Nature Trail.

As with every sport, there are definitely some rules and regulations that need to be reviewed before jumping in full-force. The first step is to make sure you’ve got your fishing license. A variety of temporary permits can be purchased for tourists to the area who are in need of them and children twelve and under are exempt from this process. The Gatlinburg Welcome Center is the perfect place to complete this step. Fishing is allowed from thirty minutes prior to sunrise to thirty minutes past sunset. Corn and other types of bait are allowed, except for during the strictly enforced “catch and release” period between December 1st and March 31st. Also, since the city stocks the streams with trout on Thursdays, there is no fishing within the city limits on those days.

In addition, there are many businesses around the city, such as Smoky Mountain Angler and Guide Service, that can address any questions or concerns you may have, while also helping you get prepared for your fishing trip. After making the necessary arrangements, you and your family can enjoy some extended peace and quiet on your vacation by taking the time to enjoy the fishing spots of Gatlinburg!

If you came to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to partake in some of the spectacular shopping, but were overwhelmed by extreme temperatures or it rained on your parade, don’t be bummed out! You can still enjoy some of the very unique mountain shops while staying nice and dry and not freezing or sweating to death. The Mountain Mall of Gatlinburg, located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at traffic light #6, offers all the intriguing shopping opportunities as the main drag without having to ever step out of its safe enclosure.

There are so many shops inside The Mountain Mall that if you brought your grandparents, parents, spouse, children, and grandchildren you would all be sure to find at least one shop that would compel you to make a purchase. The Mountain Mall has homemade candy, food, handmade jewelry, crafts, pipes, music, custom tobacco products, movies, leather goods, special made hot sauces, books, sports collectibles, toys, magic tricks, original artwork and much more.

If your spouse that prefers museum type outings is usually a damper during your shopping excursions, don’t fear bringing them along. There is something for them at The Mountain Mall too. This very unique mall is a mountain themed shopping center. The craftsmen of this mall paid such attention to detail in this endeavor that even the walls and trash cans fit the theme! The Mountain Mall has two indoor water fountains to mimic the beautiful sound of cascading water heard from the Great Smoky Mountain streams. This sound is enhanced by the Appalachian mountain music that plays throughout the mall. While perusing this mall you will see the same barrels used to make Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whisky, millstones, a moonshine still, and a full sized bear trap, and more.

But like I said, this mall has a museum feel to it, and that is a result of the historical displays that line the walls of the mall. These are tributes to the history of Gatlinburg and the Ogle family, which is one of Gatlinburg’s founding families and the current owners and managers of The Mountain Mall. Ogle’s General Store was opened in 1850 and was moved in 1910 to the very spot where the mall now stands.

So drop by The Mountain Mall while you are visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for a uniquely cultured shopping experience.

Sometimes just hearing the word “Gatlinburg” conjures images of thriving forests on magnificent mountains. Of course, these images come to mind a little easier when they’ve been experienced firsthand at some point or another. If you would like these images to be forever stuck in your memory, then you definitely need to take in the sights of Gatlinburg for yourself. We have a couple sites that you should visit to get the most breathtaking views.

Gatlinburg Space Needle – this 342-foot high tower features a glass elevator that will take you all the way to the top. Once there, you’ll be exposed to an impressive 360-degree panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. While the Space Needle also offers many indoor activities, the view from the top is certainly the biggest draw of this location.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park – With breathtaking viewpoints and 800 miles of trails that allow visitors to delve into the heart of the region, the park is a must when you visit. It also hosts a whopping100 native tree species. That’s more species than in all of northern Europe! This ensures that experiencing the Park will be a wholly unique experience.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift – Hailed as the number one scenic overlook in the city, this slow, relaxing lift will take you above Gatlinburg and give you a gorgeous view of the mountains. They have night rides too if you’d like to see the city at night snuggled up to someone special.

From your own cabin – What better way to enjoy beautiful views than from your own cabin nestled in the mountains of Gatlinburg? Imagine waking up to unforgettable, panoramic views of majestic mountains. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region. Many cabins are conveniently placed in locations with stunning views so when you’re picking a cabin be sure to get one with a view. Don’t deny yourself the chance to get up-close-and-personal with the sites and sounds of the Smoky Mountains!

Matrimony is a wonderful thing, and if this is an endeavor you and your loved one are about to embark on then let the city of Gatlinburg congratulate you in its own special way! Gatlinburg, as well as the surrounding Smoky Mountains, is one of the South’s premier romantic getaway locations. With this in mind, you and your soon-to-be spouse should definitely consider having your wedding in this unique city. Gatlinburg sports a wide variety of romantic attractions to make the beginning stages of your marriage unforgettable.

A wedding ceremony is certainly not something to be taken lightly. Such ceremonies are also not things to be compromised upon either; no matter what locale or type of wedding you prefer, on your special day you are entitled to have your own way! It will delight you to know, then, that no matter what kind of wedding location you’re considering, Gatlinburg has got you covered! The city features an assortment of chapels that can be utilized, such as the Creekside Cove Wedding Chapel near downtown Pigeon Forge, and the Little Log Wedding Chapel, a log cabin-themed site that will give your wedding that rustic feel so unique to the Smokies.

If churches aren’t your style, why not go for an outdoor wedding? This will ensure that your marriage is infused with the natural charm of the Smoky Mountains. You can even have your wedding service inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Forging a bond with your spouse in front of Cataract Falls or in the Park’s Greenbriar area is sure to make the memories you’ll have of the event even more precious. Keep in mind, though, that such ceremonies require approval from the Park itself, and this should be done at least two weeks in advance.

If you’d prefer something more at home, then why not take full advantage of your vacation in the Smokies by having your wedding right in the comfort of your cabin? That’s right – you can have a full-service ceremony without having to leave your abode, including your preferred styles of wedding cake, photography and more! With services starting at just $90, this is not an option to be passed up. There are also a variety of romantic cabin getaway packages offered by various cabin services that can ensure that romance stays in the air for the entire duration of your vacation.

As you can see, Gatlinburg offers a wide number of options to make your wedding completely customizable and unforgettable! This will ensure that even while on vacation you can have an occasion that is all your own. And when this occasion is your very own wedding ceremony, why would you not want things your way?

Are you craving a little more excitement on your next vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee? If local shops and attractions are not satisfying your “thrill” factor, check out ghost walks and tours!  No longer just for the Halloween holiday, ghost tours can be a great way to get your blood pumping. If you’re not scared of spirits or spooked by goblins, a ghost tour can be a new, fun experience for the whole family.

The Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg offers a bone chilling storytelling experience that takes you far away from the typical “haunted house!” Tours begin at night and will take you through some of Gatlinburg’s oldest and most haunted buildings. The tour lasts about an hour, covers less than a mile, and it is guided by lantern light from your costume dressed storyteller. At the beginning of each tour, your group will be provided with an EMF (or ghost detector) as you walk through the sites of murder and chaos that took place during Gatlinburg’s early years. Voted the best ghost tour in Gatlinburg by TripAdvisor and guaranteed to be the lowest priced tour in the area, you and your family are sure to have a blast! Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg offers tours year-round with times at 9:00, 10:30, and midnight.

You can also check out Ghost & Haunt Tours, a ghost tour company that offers you a glimpse of the “real” Gatlinburg. Offering ninety minute tours that cover less than a mile, the tour walk is easy and suitable for the whole family. As you explore the dark streets and alleys of Gatlinburg, you will hear stories and tales of the unexplained and strange. Learn about Gatlinburg’s dark history while you explore haunted hotels and buildings in the downtown area.  You and your group will explore a Gatlinburg cemetery that was built in the 1830’s- a place with frightful history that is sure to send chills down your spine! Ghost & Haunt Tours is the only haunted tour in Gatlinburg that guarantees paranormal pictures every night! With clammy palms and photographs in hand, you and your family will treasure the tour as the highlight of your trip. Open March 1^st – October 31^st, the tours operate seven nights a week. Ask them about their holiday schedule – Ghost & Haunt Tours is open select days in November and December, as well.

So if you and your family are ready for an exciting trip into the spirit world of Gatlinburg, ghost tours are a perfect adventure!  Come prepared – tours are held “rain or moon,” so dress appropriately, bring your camera, and get ready to have a bone chilling time!

If there’s one thing I can’t stress enough, it’s that Gatlinburg excels in offering entertainment for all ages. This vacation destination ensures that guests find attractions and venues that are suitable for families as well as adults traveling without children. These efforts are especially apparent when it comes to Gatlinburg’s nightlife.

Entertainment for all ages – Families who want to enjoy nighttime entertainment have several locations to choose from. The Hard Rock Café is a well-known locale where all ages are welcome. The Comedy Barn always offers a good family-friendly show as well. During the summer seasons the Elk Plaza shopping center often features live bands in their courtyard. The entertainment is free, but donations are encouraged. All of these venues offer your family entertainment several, if not all, nights of the week.

Karaoke and Dancing – Dolce Uva, which translates to Sweet Grape, offers delicious wines as well as beer. They have karaoke every Friday and Saturday evening. In February of 2011, they added Murder Mystery Dinner Shows to their event calendar so you could start the evening with an entertaining dinner show and finish belting out your favorite guilty pleasure. KJ’s Saloon in Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que also has karaoke Wednesday through Friday. They also have pool tables, darts, pinball, and live bands in the evening on their outside deck. If you want to spend your night dancing to a wide variety of music, then you should check out Pucker’s Sports Bar and Grill. They have a full bar and a DJ every night of the week from 11:00 AM until 1:00 AM.

Casual Bars – Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Bar is a good bar to go to when you just want to socialize and enjoy a drink. The upper level in this bar has a balcony overlooking the streets of Gatlinburg perfect for people watching. The Smoky Mountain Brewery is another venue with free live bands as well as delicious micro brews made on-site.

Be sure to check for age limits if you have anyone under age in your party. Some places are 21 and up. With all that being said, you and your companions shouldn’t have any problem finding something to do at night during your stay in Gatlinburg.

Everyone knows about the Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center that is swamped with women. Women casually strolling through the shops at a leisurely pace; women focused on the business at hand; women on a mission wildly going from shop to shop spending every dollar they have made in the last eighteen months! Then there are the poor men. Bored men strolling along beside the happy leisure shopper; men sitting on the benches, window ledges, and anything else that will hold them up while their shopper gets business taken care of; bag laden men frantically trying to keep up with the woman they love as she blows his very last dollar on things that have no rhyme or reason in his head. Men, very near your source of boredom and torture there are shops for you!

Fireworks Supermarket: If you are a man that is easy to please, all it takes are a few (or a truck load of) explosives, this is your haven from the madness. Fireworks Supermarket is a warehouse of explosives. They have spinners, novelties and sparklers, rockets, the loudest brand of firecrackers made, fountains, missiles, parachutes, roman candles, reloadables and tubes, multi-effect packs, multi-effect aerials, 500 gram products, and assortment packages. They have a place where you can enter the products you are interested in and hit “play show” to see what your show would look like, or you can purchase one of the show stopper packages they already have arranged. Visit them online at www.fireworkssupermarket.com, call them at 865-933-1264, or stop by the warehouse at I-40 Exit 407 in Sevierville.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works: If you are a knife enthusiast, then come enjoy yourself at the world’s largest show place while the lady in your life does her own shopping at the Tanger Outlet. Smoky Mountain Knife Works has over a million knives in stock ready for you to take home. They carry traditional, collectible, military, tactical, hunting, fantasy knives and much more! Along with knives, they have genuine American Indian artifacts, mineral rocks, fossils, dinosaur bones, and ethnographic relics from near and far. If you have an idea for a knife original, stop by the Kelgin knife making center and make it a reality. There is so much more at Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Check out their endless list of displays and offerings at www.SMKW.com, call them at 865-453-5871, or mosey on over to see them at 2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy in Sevierville.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World: While the lady in your life spends time in shopping heaven, spend a little time in a heaven all your own at the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World. Here you will find an indoor boat showroom that features the best selling boats in the world as well as ATVs. You fishermen will find 3,500 rods and 500 reels on display. They have the biggest selection in the region! They also have large designated areas for Marine and water sports, hunting gear including over 900 guns, hunting clothing, camping, men’s and ladies’ clothing, and boots and footwear. Their store is so large that they will provide you a map upon your arrival. At the end of your entire wilderness wandering, you are going to be famished. No worries! Follow your nose to World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant. You will not be disappointed by their succulent steaks or fresh seafood! Get a sneak peak of heaven at www.basspro.com, call them at 865-932-5600, or visit them at I-40 Exit 407 Outdoor Sportsmans’s Place in Kodak, TN.

No reason to protest when the ladies suggest hitting up the outlet malls, do some shopping of your own!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee has one of the most interesting aquariums in North America. Throughout the Gatlinburg aquarium there are various geographic regions modeled including the Amazon and the arctic. They have amazing aquatic life including catfish, sharks, stingrays, penguins, and so many more.

So you say you have been to the aquarium several times, and while you love it, you need something to enhance the experience, something to make it seem new again. If this is where you find yourself, then you should definitely check into one of their many programs!

Birthday Party: If you and your family happen to be in Gatlinburg, TN when your loved one’s special day arrives, schedule a party at the aquarium! Who wants one more “Happy Birthday” song from some restaurant staff when you could be surrounded by those vacationing with you and the sharks for your birthday this year?! Your party will include admission to the aquarium following the party, cake, ice cream, punch, a personalized greeting from a diver during a dive show, a special gift for the honoree, a private room, and one-on-one time with an animal!

Sleep with the Sharks: Find out if sharks sleep during this unique adventure! Spend the night at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Your night will include a dive show, scavenger hunt, late night activities, and then you will bed down among the sharks, watching them until sleep overtakes you. When you awaken in the morning the aquarium staff will have breakfast waiting! To make reservations, call 888-240-1358 ext. 2142.

Swim with the Stingrays: So maybe you love coming to the aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN, but what you would really like is to get up close and personal with those awesome animals! Here’s your chance! The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to have a lot of close up experience with their beautiful stingrays. This is a great activity for anyone over the age of five. To make a reservation or to learn more about this experience contact the aquarium staff at education@ripleys.com

Weddings: If you REALLY love the aquarium, and you are looking for a unique venue for your special day where all of your guests will enjoy and forever remember their time spent with you on your special day, you can have your wedding here! The staff at the Ripley’s Aquarium at the Smokies will plan your rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception with you. As you make one of the most important commitments of your life you will be surrounded by awe inspiring aquatic life.

The staff at this Gatlinburg aquarium is equipped to meet all of your banquet and catering needs, from hors d’oeuvres to an elegant sit-down dinner. For more information call 888-240-1358 ext. 2141.

As you can see, the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has offerings beyond the walking tour. Continue coming back and getting closer and closer to the animals that make Americas #1 aquarium home!