Gatlinburg

We've been staying in Gatlinburg at Camping in the Smokies for our adventures in the Tennessee side of the Smokies. We've really enjoyed this park alot. It's close enough to all the action in town and in the park but away from it all at the same time. The sites are very roomy, easy to get into, and most of them back up to the creek. We've seen squirrels, turkeys, a blue heron, carolina wrens and a woodpecker all from our camper windows. (Not at the same time!) Laundry is a bargain and owners are friendly and helpful. When we come back to the Smokies we'll most likely stay here again.

The best way to get around Gatlinburg is by trolley. The trolley stops right outside our campground, but on the two days we ventured into town we elected to drive down to the free parking area about a mile down the road at city hall to board the trolley. All lines end at the aquarium in the center of their tourist district.

Downtown Gatlinburg is the typical "touristy" town, though it is done nicely. Plenty of places to get an "old tyme photo" taken (we counted at least 8!), buy t-shirts, fudge, ice cream or candy. Wayne liked the chocolate covered peanuts at Aunt Mahalia's candy store, but I preferred the dark chocolate at the Mountaineer candy shop at Ober Gatlinburg.

We rode the tram up to the ski resort Ober Gatlinburg, walked around for 5 minutes and got back in line to ride it down. For summer visitors it's only attraction is the view on the ride, and a handful of amusements for young children. It was a bit expensive to pay $22 for a round trip 20 minute ride for two, but Wayne has never been on a tram before so that's why we went.

Ole Smoky Moonshine has a large store and a courtyard outside where a live band plays music. We visited the store twice, sampling the different flavors. We ended up buying the White Lightning, Apple Pie and Pink Lemonade flavors. On our second visit I had five different samples and was pleasantly tipsy for the next hour! Doesn't take much when you only drink 2 or 3 times a year!