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Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Getaway
Since early childhood I have been making family treks to Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountains have been our stomping grounds for all our lives. I remember my dad loading my four older brothers and me, up into the car on some lively Saturday morning. All scrunched up in the back seat and with anticipation and excitment we would leave Asheville, N.C. and head out over and through the twisting and turning mountains roads to Gatlinburg, TN. It would take us about oh, I'd say two hours or so to get there. The roads where not quite as developed back then in the mid 1960's and 70's. I feel old. It was all about the "adventure" back then. Guess what? It still is. I have no doubt whatsoever that you and your family will find just as much excitement and adventure as we did way back then. Heck, even more!
The entire area of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina are like blood that runs in my veins. If you havn't already I hope you will read my Git2knowme page.
What do you think of when you think of a Great Smoky Mountain Getaway? Hiking hidden mountain trails? Camping some secluded spot? Great places to stay and eat? Maybe you like exploring all the unique shops and various art Galleries of the local artist? Perhaps you are just looking for a fun filled distination for your family to enjoy some time away from home. One that offers clean, wholesome fun with maybe a little bit of adventure added in? Gatlinburg Tennessee has all these things and much much more.  The Space Needle was built in 1970. (when I was 10 years old) It is truly one of Gatlinburgs Landmark attractions. The observation deck holds about 250 people and looks out at approximately 342 over the city below. My favorite time to go up is at night. Very romantic. There is also a Fun Center below that has things like an Arcade, Old Time Photo, Lazer Tag, Indoor Mini Golf and more. I think it cost about $6.75 per adult and $2.50 for children. Dont worry. It's easy to find. When you get to town just look up! Below you a a picture of Ripley's Believe It or Not!  It is right down the street from the Space Needle. It is a very popular attraction in Gatlinburg. Ripley's has always been a favorite of young and old alike.
 This is the 4 foot wide Granite ball that "hovers" on a small stream of water. Kinda cool. Not many people can resist spining it around. I couldn't.
As you walk up and down the streets of Gatlinburg you quickly realize there are far more shops than there is time to browse each one. I've always loved the way the shops blend into the side of the hills in Gatlinburg. A few winding back allys that can be discovered. Just like most tourist hot spots it has more than it's fair share of T-shirt vendors, souvenir shops, novelty merchants and annoying timeshare salesmen. Sorry, I just don't like pushy/strongarm sales tactics. If I want to buy something I'll buy it. I dont really need a pitch.
 Nevertheless, walking up and down the streets of Gatlinburg can be quite an enjoyable experience. It can also be good exercise too!
   Nothing like a 500 foot ascent up a mountain side to relax you! It does offer an exceptional view once you get there though. Click the Gatlinburg Sky Lift link above for more info.
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