Gatlinburg is widely known for a few different things: A frontiersman’s paradise, the Gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains… but even to the hardiest of travelers Gatlinburg still holds a number of secrets! Here are 5 things you didn’t know about Gatlinburg:
We’re Home to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies!
One of Gatlinburg’s biggest and best attractions is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a multi-level located right in downtown that is home a coral reef, ray bay, sharks, and more! But did you know that with Ripley’s Aquarium in town, humans actually aren’t the most populous species in Gatlinburg? There are over 10,000 different sea creatures that live within the aquarium while there are only about 4,000 permanent residents of Gatlinburg, and it’s just all the more reason why you need to check out Ripley’s!
Gatlinburg May Be Old, but its First Cabin Still Stands Proudly!
One thing that you may know about Gatlinburg is that we have a deep history that stretches back centuries (to the early 1800’s), but what you may not know is that Gatlinburg’s very first log cabin is still standing to this very day! Known as the Ogle Cabin, you can feel free to check it out anytime at its location at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.
Gatlinburg is Home to Tennessee’s First Pancake House
Ask any resident of this great town what the city’s most popular food is, and you’ll be certain that 9 times of ten you’ll hear pancakes. Breakfast and pancake restaurants may be all the rage today, but a few decades ago there were simply none to be found in all of Tennessee! That all changed in 1960 with the opening of the Pancake Pantry, Tennessee’s first pancake house located right here in Gatlinburg, and they are still serving some of the most delicious flapjacks in the Great Smokey Mountains to this day!
A History of Incredible Artists and Craftsman!
One of the best kept secrets about the town of Gatlinburg is that we are home to one of largest groups of crafters and artisans in all of the US, and we take great pride in our history and tradition in the arts! If you visit the Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail here in town you’ll find a number of amazing painters, jewelers, and more along the 8 mile loop. It’s a must see here in town!
Gatlinburg is Home to Tennessee’s Only Ski Resort
Every year during the wintertime the Great Smokey Mountains truly turn into a winter wonderland, and fresh light powder covers the forests and mountains to create a scene that is truly breathtaking. But snow also means something else: snowboarding… skiing… fun! Well if you’re looking to enjoy the snow and shred the slopes, Gatlinburg is the only place in all of Tennessee with a ski resort!
Whether you’re looking to check out Ripley’s Aquarium or hit the slopes while in Gatlinburg, one thing’s for certain: you’re going to want to reserve a spot with the Cabin Rental Store! The Cabin Rental Store is the premier property rental company in all of Gatlinburg, and we’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for you in town regardless of size you need or time of year you plan to visit! So don’t wait, check out all of the amazing properties we have available for you right now!
