6 Great Places to Stay in When Visiting the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains is home to the most popular park in America, boasting mind-blowing scenery with stunning mountains, lakes, forests, and much more. Besides offering you scenic views, the park includes several adventurous activities. From riding the mountain coaster to rafting in the river, there’s a lot you can do here. It’s also the natural habitat of tons of different animals like black bears and coyotes. From about 60 varieties of mammals to 150 types of birds, you’ll be surprised to see the variety of both fauna and flora here.

Great Smoky Mountains

But before making your way there, ensure that you’ve figured out all the details of the vacation. You need to create a budget to avoid any financial crises. On top of that, you need to think about the timeline of your trip. Above all, you need to decide where you’re going to stay. After all, it will play a significant role in making or breaking your vacation experience.

In this article, we’ve outlined six great places where you can stay during your trip to the Smokies for a memorable vacation experience.

1. Visit Sevierville

Visit Sevierville

Do you want to escape your busy routine and unwind on your vacation? If so, there isn’t a better place to be than Sevierville. The town is full of excellent lodging options that accommodate every tourist’s interests and needs. If you want a private space with mountain views and a river, consider booking a condo at Appleview River Resort. It has various types of condos that offer different experiences and facilities. For example, the Pie in The Sky TN unit is perfect for visitors who want large rooms, balconies, and indoor pools.

The town also includes incredible attractions to keep you entertained throughout. The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark includes exciting water slides for visitors of all ages. You can also visit the Aerial Adventure Park for an unforgettable, adventurous experience. There are also various shopping stores and malls in town, like Flea Traders Paradise Market, offering everything from clothes to souvenirs.

2. Explore Gatlinburg

xplore Gatlinburg

Are you looking for a place that strikes the perfect balance between scenery and entertainment? If so, you need to add Gatlinburg to your list. It’s located between magnificent mountains, allowing you to witness awe-inspiring scenery from almost everywhere. From experiencing the views from a hotel room to taking it all in on a scenic drive, you’ll be definitely be stunned by its natural beauty.

Along with the views, Gatlinburg offers many adventurous and exciting attractions. Whether you’re traveling with your kids, parents, or partner, there’s always something to do. For instance, kids can have fun on the rides at an amusement park like Ober Mountain Amusement Park while you can explore the Sugarlands Distillery. In addition, there are also various amazing restaurants in Gatlinburg, offering diverse delicious cuisine.

3. Go Wild in Nashville

Nashville

Nashville is popularly known as the Music City, and for good reason. There are live music performances hosted at stunning venues like Bluebird Café and Ryman Auditorium throughout the year. Whether you love country music or jazz, you’ll find a show that aligns with your music preferences and interests.

But that’s not all. The town also hosts entertaining annual events throughout the year, like the CMA Awards, which acknowledges the best musicians, or the Southern Festival of Books, which celebrates the power of reading.

Nashville also offers innumerable ways to escape everyday boredom. For instance, culture enthusiasts can explore art galleries, museums, and theatres, whereas nature lovers can head to Percy Warner Park to witness the extraordinary views.

4. Experience Pigeon Forge

Experience Pigeon Forge

You may have already heard things like ‘A visit is a must’ or ‘It’s one of the best places in Tennessee’ whenever Pigeon Forge is brought up. But what sets it apart from other destinations? To begin with, Pigeon Forge experiences all seasons, allowing you to witness it in a variety of different ways, from enjoying winter snow to seeing spring flowers bloom.

Besides that, the town is full of fun and entertaining activities for every type of visitor. If you’re an adventurer, you can head to FunStop Family Action Park and have fun on its rides with your family. If you want a more active experience, you can burn calories while having a great time at TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena.

Pigeon Forge is also a dream come true for every shopping lover. It includes various shopping stores, malls, and centers, allowing you to grab fantastic items for cheap.

5. Relax in Knoxville

Knoxville

Do you want to stay somewhere during your trip that’s not too crowded yet offers the perfect vacation experience? If so, head to Knoxville –one of the hidden gems of Tennessee. It includes many unique and intriguing historic sites and museums like the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, allowing you to get insight into its past.

But don’t think Knoxville is just about history. It’s home to several entertaining attractions that promise to accommodate everyone’s interests. If you’re in search of something that satisfies the adventurer inside you, head to the Navitat Adventure Park. If you’re just looking to spend your vacation relaxing, you can stay in and enjoy the calm atmosphere in the town’s music-filled streets.

6. Groove in Memphis

Groove in Memphis

There are so many fantastic cities in Tennessee, so why should you stay in Memphis? Memphis, referred to as the home of Blues and Soul, is famous for its fantastic musical heritage. You can visit Sun Studios, where Elvis Presley made record-breaking and genre-defining music. You can also head to the Stax Museum, which offers deep insight into soul music’s history.

Moreover, thanks to Memphis’s lovely weather, a wide range of outdoor activities can keep you busy. There’s a lot to do in town, from bike trails to pedal boating. The town is also famous for its expansive food scene. Even though their specialty is barbecue, restaurants in town offer everything from American staples to Asian cuisines.

Final Words

If you’re planning to visit the Smoky Mountains, you absolutely need to check out the six places mentioned above. Gatlinburg allows you to experience new adventures, whereas Knoxville offers the perfect escape from city chaos. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or shopaholic, you’ll have an excellent time staying in these beautiful cities in Tennessee.

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Ferona Jose

Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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