Pigeon Forge offers TONS to do, from go karts, laser tag, miniature golf, and arcade games to moonshine, educational attractions, great restaurants, and a wide variety of shops. But Pigeon Forge has another perk: the sister city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just down the road. Easy access to Gatlinburg means double the fun – more attractions, more restaurants, more shops, and more events. And this year Gatlinburg’s lineup of events boasts something big: the 75th anniversary of this charming and now-bustling mountain town!
A Gatlinburg History Snapshot
When William Ogle headed to the Smokies in the early 1800s, he called it a “land of paradise.” He decided to make it his home, building a cabin with the help of the Cherokee people. He died before being able to bring his family back, but his wife Martha was determined to make the journey with their children.
As settlers came to the area, the history grew. Radford C. Gatlin lent office space to postmaster Richard Reagan, who subsequently named the area Gatlinburg – and by 1856 it stuck. During the Civil War, much of the area was burned, and Gatlinburg began rebuilding in 1865. By the early 1920s, the timber industry picked up, people realized how important it was to preserve the beauty of the area, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was eventually established in 1940.
Over the years, millions of visitors have made Gatlinburg their go-to vacation destination. Restaurants, shops, attractions, and charming Smoky Mountain cabins continue to thrive, bringing Gatlinburg to its exciting 75th anniversary today!
Celebrate 75 Years – Classic Gatlinburg Style
Certain attractions, events, restaurants, and shops have come to be considered “classics” in Gatlinburg over the years – and for good reason. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, with kids, as a team, or as a group of adults, these classic picks are perfect for celebrating Gatlinburg’s 75th anniversary!
- Ober Gatlinburg – Skiing, OktOBERfest, alpine slide, and more
- Gatlinburg Space Needle – 360-degree views of the city
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Fannie Farkle’s – Ogle Dogs
- Cades Cove – 11-mile scenic loop drive
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- The Village Shops
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community – 8-mile loop road with over 100 artisans
- The Peddler Steakhouse – riverside dining
- Ole Smoky Moonshine – distillery with tastings and tours
What’s NEW in Gatlinburg
While Gatlinburg has the classics covered, they also know how to keep things fresh! After 75 years, it’s important to spice things up, right?! So if you’ve been to Gatlinburg loads of times and want to do something new – or if you’re coming for the first time and love doing the newest things, here are a few things to check out!
- Anakeesta – chondola rides, aerial adventures, dueling ziplines, and more!
- Ole Red – live music, cocktails, and nighttime fun brought by Blake Shelton
- Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park – world’s first mountain glider
- Local Goat restaurant
Cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
At Cabins for YOU, we have a full lineup of cabins for any vacation – honeymoon, family vacation, weekend with friends, team tournament, church retreat, family reunion…and the list goes on. Cabin sizes run from cozy 1 bedrooms to spacious large group lodges, and amenities include everything from hot tubs, movie theaters, bunk beds, mountain views, saunas, and private indoor pools to flat yards, big screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, tons of deck space, pet-friendly spaces, game rooms, and more!
You can check out our blog to get ideas on what to do while you’re here and learn more about area attractions, restaurants, and shops. You can also give us a call – our reservation specialists know the Smokies inside and out!
