Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the Friendliest City in the United States

If you have not had the opportunity to visit Gatlinburg, TN, then you are missing one of the friendliest cities that the United States has to offer. Travelers are often lured to the Southern United States by the promise of "southern hospitality", but in the case of Gatlinburg, this old Southern tradition proves to be quite true.

Gatlinburg is a major tourist attraction year around. Located minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the city of Gatlinburg offers easy access to the natural splendors of the Smoky Mountains. While first time visitors are frequent, the number of return travelers may be quite surprising. There are so many things to do and see in the area and the atmosphere is so welcoming that many are drawn back year after year.

Friendly Lodging
Gatlinburg is loaded with cabins, vacation homes, bed and breakfast establishments and hotels.

If you are planning to spend most of your trip in Gatlinburg exploring the city itself, I would recommend a hotel or motel on or near the Parkway. Your hotel will provide parking, which can be hard to come by during busy travel seasons, and you'll be within walking distance to the main shopping and attraction area of the city. My favorite lodging on the Parkway has become the Best Western Twin Islands. The motel is on the edge of the Parkway leaving visitors to feel more secluded while remaining within easy walking distance to shops and restaurants. After four visits, my family has never had a complaint.

Wonderful Local Food
While Gatlinburg has a number of chain restaurants like Applebee's and The Hard Rock Café, my favorites are the locally owned and operated! We never make a visit to Gatlinburg without a dinner at The Trout House. The people are amazing, the service is wonderful and, obviously the food is always perfect.