Why There is No Great Smoky Mountains Entrance Fee
Over 11 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. In fact, the Smokies are the most visited national park in the United States! Blessed with 900 miles of gorgeous hiking trails, numerous scenic roads, lovely picnic areas, and spectacular wildlife viewing, it’s no wonder that the Great Smoky Mountains are so popular. Of course, another reason so many people come to the Smokies each year is that the national park is completely free to enter.
Gatlinburg Aquarium Takes #2 Spot in USA Today’s List of Best Aquariums
We are excited to report that Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has received a major honor! The popular Gatlinburg aquarium took second place in USA Today’s list of the 10 Best Aquariums in North America. To compile the list, the newspaper's team of experts selected ten finalists and opened up the voting to the readers of USA Today. Ripley’s Aquarium earned more votes than many other notable aquariums, including the Georgia Aquarium, Dallas World Aquarium, The Florida Aquarium, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Why Are the Smoky Mountains Smoky?
If you have visited Gatlinburg, TN, you can confirm that the name “Smoky Mountains” is a great fit! Spanning across East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, this subrange of the Appalachian Mountains features a distinct smoky haze that has inspired countless artists, songwriters, and vacationers. Before Euro-Americans arrived in the region, the Cherokee referred to the area as “Schconage” (Sha-Kon-O-Hey), which means “land of the blue smoke.” Early white settlers took inspiration from the Cherokee when they named the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are located nearby.
5 Great Ways to See the Sights When You Stay at Our Hotel in Gatlinburg
One of the best parts about visiting Gatlinburg is seeing the breathtaking views that are all around you. When you stay at The Appy Lodge, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views! Here are 5 great ways to see the sights when you stay at our hotel in Gatlinburg:
4 of the Best Ways to Save at Our Gatlinburg Hotel
Are you dreaming of a relaxing and affordable vacation in the heart of Gatlinburg? Your dreams will become a reality when you stay at The Appy Lodge! We want everyone to be able to experience an amazing vacation in the Smoky Mountains, which is why we make it easy for our guests to save money when they stay with us. To guarantee you’re getting the best deal on your stay, check out these 4 ways you can save at our Gatlinburg hotel:
The 4 Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
Nothing beats a delicious steak dinner! When you stay at The Appy Lodge in Gatlinburg, you’ll have your choice of steakhouses where you can enjoy a mouth-watering meal. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to share a family dinner or a romantic dinner for two, you’ll be able to find the perfect restaurant. Here are the 4 best steakhouses in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains you have to try:
The Fascinating History of Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, TN is one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States! However, this wasn’t always the case. Over the past 200 years, our Smoky Mountain city has transformed from a small pioneer community into a can’t-miss destination that is visited by over 11 million people each year. To help you prepare for your getaway in the Smokies, The Appy Lodge has put together a brief guide to the fascinating history of Gatlinburg.
4 Fun Facts About the Appalachian Trail
Here at The Appy Lodge, we take our name from the world-famous Appalachian Trail. Our hotel in Gatlinburg, TN is the perfect place to relax and recharge when you come to hike this legendary trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To help you prepare for your next vacation, we have put together four fun facts about the Appalachian Trail.
6 Unique Adventures You Can Have at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg
Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg has been voted the best aquarium in America by the readers of USA Today, and it’s easy to see why! Home to over 10,000 sea creatures, this hugely popular attraction is famous for its interactive exhibits like the Penguin Playhouse, Shark Lagoon, and Touch-A-Ray Bay. In addition to the hours of fun included with standard admission, Ripley’s also offers a number of special add-on experiences that you won’t find at other aquariums. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to six unique adventures you can have at Ripley’s Aquarium.
5 Amazing Shops at Baskins Square Mall in Gatlinburg
No trip to Gatlinburg, TN is complete without a shopping spree! One of our favorite places to do some browsing and buying is Baskins Square. This charming outdoor mall on the Parkway is filled with unique stores that you won’t find anywhere else. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to five of the most-buzzed-about shops at Baskins Square Mall in Gatlinburg.
4 Places with the Best Dessert in Gatlinburg
When you’re on vacation in Gatlinburg, TN, dessert is not optional; it’s mandatory! Our Smoky Mountain city is overflowing with delicious treats that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. To help you make the most of your next getaway, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to four places that offer the best dessert in Gatlinburg.
Top 5 Famous Cars at the Gatlinburg Hollywood Star Cars Museum
No trip to Gatlinburg, TN is complete without a visit to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum! Located right on the Parkway, this unique attraction is home to some of the most famous cars to ever grace the silver and small screens. Guests will even have the chance to purchase a souvenir photo taken in one of their favorite vehicles. To help you prepare for your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to five famous cars that are typically on display at the Gatlinburg Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When you stay at The Appy Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN, you will be just a short drive from some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States! Drawing over 11 million visitors each year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. Boasting free admission, stunning natural beauty, and over 800 miles of pristine trails to explore, it’s easy to see why the Smokies are so popular. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we have put together a handy guide to the top five places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
5 of the Best Places to Have Dinner in Gatlinburg
Going out to dinner is one of the best parts of being on vacation! When you visit Gatlinburg, TN, you’ll find a variety of wonderful restaurants to try. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, Mexican food, or a nice juicy steak, you are sure to find exactly what you’re craving in town. To help you make the most of your next getaway, The Appy Lodge has put together a convenient guide to five of the best places to have dinner in Gatlinburg.
6 of the Best Things to Do in Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg can feel like a world unto itself! Commonly known as “The Strip”, the downtown area is jam-packed with amazing attractions, shops, and restaurants. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to six of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg.