Traveling within the US has its charm, unlike any other. There is so much for you to see, so much to do, and so many fond memories to make along the way. A good ol’ American road trip is always a must-do on every American’s bucket list. However, it would be a shame if you didn’t check out what the Tennessee Mountains hold when moving through America.
The sheer majesty of the place can make even the most seasoned travelers surprised. We often think of Tennessee in terms of its major cities. Even though Memphis, Maxwell, and Nashville take up the spotlight of the great state, they can’t overshadow the charm of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tourism to the Smokies has increased, and more and more people are visiting these mysterious mountains. If you’re in the mood for a nature retreat and are thinking of places to check out within the US, check out Gatlinburg, the city in the mountains, and just a few miles away from Pigeon Forge, an all-time favorite vacation hotspot.
Moving on here’s a shortlist for you to check out once you reach the great Smokies
Stay in the authentic cabins
Start by staying in the cabins at the Smokies. Perhaps the best way to spend your vacation is to live in some of the luxurious cabins in Gatlinburg. The cool thing about renting cabins is that not only do they offer a variety of amenities to make your stay memorable, but they also come in a variety of sizes that cater to everyone’s requirements.
If you are coming with a big family for a vacation/ getaway, check out the large cabins in Gatlinburg. There is plenty of room for everyone, and it offers a unique experience of staying near the mountains.
Go for a hike
What better way to experience the mountains than emerging from your cabin, fresh and ready to go for a hike with the family? The chance to walk around and experience what the natural surroundings have to offer is a great way to absorb nature. For the city folk, a chance to get out and breathe in the fresh air is a must.
If you live in metropolitan cities, this can be a fantastic experience. Other than that, it’s always a good idea to be active and get the entire family involved. If you’re traveling with kids, chances are they would be more excited than you to experience the great outdoors and go for a hike. Just make sure you watch out for the wildlife.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
When in Gatlinburg, make sure you head over to the Ripley’s Aquarium to check out what they have to offer. Yes, this is the same Ripley’s which you might have seen on TV. They also have the ‘Believe it or Not’ building in the same area so that you can check that out as well.
At the aquarium, they have a ton of marine life that you might be interested in seeing. There’s something somewhat quirky about visiting an aquarium in the mountains of a landlocked state.
Check out the Penguin Playhouse on your way back to bring the trip together nicely. The kids will love a trip to Ripley’s and indeed learn a thing or two in the process.
Rent a jeep and drive around
Keep it simple by renting a jeep to explore your surroundings. You are in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, so get to know the place. Pack some food in a picnic cooler and go for a long drive with the family. Explore the surroundings and take in the majesty of nature through the Great Smoky Mountains.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that you’ve experienced everything you wanted without breaking the bank. A trip to these mountains doesn’t mean that you have to explore every nook and corner. A passive drive or walk would suffice for some people.
Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park
Open 365 days of the year, take a trip down to the adventure park whenever you get the chance. Check out some of the fantastic single-rail coasters they have and have some fun with the family.
An hour should be more than enough for everyone to have a good time at the adventure park.
Check out the mountains gliders, which happens to be one of their most famous rides. Be warned, though; it can get a bit scary if you’re scared of heights. Take your time, pace, and enjoy yourself. You don’t have to worry about parking costs and spending too much time because parking is free!
Conclusion
After reading this article, there should be no doubt that the Smokies are the place to be. Sift and sort through the points that suit you best and go for it. Enjoy your stay in the mountains and catch up on some much-needed, post-pandemic R&R.
