Gatlinburg

Eastern Tennessee's mountain hamlet of Gatlinburg is renowned as the entryway to the approximately 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 407-foot Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that connects Downtown with the well-known amusement park and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg, are two of its main attractions that provide panoramic views of the adjacent park.

It is not surprising that visiting the park is the most well-liked activity in this eastern Tennessee town as there are three gates to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park situated right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. In reality, Gatlinburg's population soars from less than 4,000 residents to more than 40,000 during the busiest travel times. It's understandable why the park is so popular with the miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails, historical exhibits, and cabins, as well as the chance to observe black bears, elk, deer, and other species in their natural setting. You'll probably spend time admiring it from a number of Gatlinburg's major attractions, such as the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, when you're not in the park taking in its natural wonders.

Gatlinburg, however, serves as much than just a starting point for trips to the Smoky Mountains. Due to family-friendly attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, this tiny mountain hamlet has become a destination in and of itself. Avoid the tacky gift shops and instead visit one of the many local galleries, such as the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to see how local artisans make anything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewelry.

Location: eastern Tennessee, The United States

Price: $1,641 for a solo traveler, $2,947 for a couple, and $5,525 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip

Best time to visit: between September and October

Website: https://www.gatlinburgtn.gov/