Gatlinburg TN
AboutGatlinburg, Tennessee
Located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the bustling town of Gatlinburg TN has become one of the most popular Southern vacation destinations. Whether you’re traveling for a family vacation, romantic getaway, corporate meeting, or just to get away for a few days, Gatlinburg TN is a relaxing destination you won’t want to miss.
How Gatlinburg Got Its Name
Before the town became known as ‘Gatlinburg,’ it was a very small town named ‘White Oak Flats’ for all of the white oak trees that covered the area.
One of the first settlers to the area was a man named Radford Gatlin who was the owner of the second general store in the area. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that mail service became available, and Gatlin played a role in the creation of the area’s new post office. This is when the town’s name was changed from White Oak Flats to Gatlinburg in recognition of Gatlin’s efforts.
Unfortunately for Gatlin, he was quite a controversial figure. He held strong Confederate views (in a town made up of Union supporters) and was known for being an outspoken individual. No one knows the exact details of what happened, but Gatlin was eventually banned from the area; however, the town’s name was never changed.
Popular Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN
Today, hundreds of attractions, shops, and restaurants have made their home in Gatlinburg TN. Aside from being at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, you will find a great variety of fun things to do in the area, including local attractions, museums, and large events.
Attractions like the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Ober Mountain, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and various moonshine distilleries and museums have become popular. In addition, there are dozens of shopping destinations and restaurants that line the Parkway in Gatlinburg, so make sure to spend an afternoon walking along the Parkway to see it all!
Where to Stay When You Visit Gatlinburg TN
For a true Gatlinburg experience, the best place to stay is in a Gatlinburg cabin rental. At Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, there’s a cabin to suit everyone’s needs, with rentals that sleep anywhere from 2 to 40 guests. In these cabins, you can wake up to the sights and sounds of the Smoky Mountains, sit outside on the deck overlooking the Smokies, or even relax in the hot tub as you take in the fresh mountain air. However you choose to spend your vacation, we’re here to help make it the best Gatlinburg cabin vacation you’ve ever taken. Take a look at all of our Gatlinburg TN cabin rentals and start planning your Gatlinburg getaway today!
