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Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains
The Roots of Gatlinburg
The first settlers to
Gatlinburg came from South Carolina and held the family name of Oglesby, which
was later changed to Ogle. Martha Jane Huskey Ogle brought her seven children
to the area and built her cabin, which can still be seen today at the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts' campus right in downtown.
Gatlinburg still has many
reminders of the Ogle family’s existence today, such as hotel names, craft
shops, and area landmarks. The area in which they settled in the early 19th
century became known as White Oaks Flats. This area, which had never been
settled before, was thick with thriving forests and wildlife. The local Native
American tribes were the only human inhabitants and finding a way to live in
peace proved to be difficult. Eventually, the pioneer settlers made the area
their home and veterans of the Revolutionary War came to settle in White Oaks
Flats from North Carolina. The fifty-acre land grants in Tennessee given by North Carolina made this possible.
Geographical boundaries made
communication with the world outside of the Appalachian Mountains difficult.
Mail service became available in around 1855 as a post office was opened in the
mercantile owned by Radford Gatlin, who arrived from North Carolina in 1855 and
was soon to have the town named after him. The postmaster, Richard Reagan,
renamed his office Gatlinburg in appreciation of the office space offered by
Gatlin. This name eventually spread to all of the establishments located in
White Oaks Flats until the original name became obsolete in the late 19th
Century.
Radford Gatlin, known for
speaking his mind and holding Confederate views in a primarily Union supported
area, was disliked by many. Upon sharing his views one too many times, a group
of masked men, thought to be members of the Ogle family, beat him and he was
eventually run out of town around 1860. Regardless of this history, the town
known today for family fun, entertainment, recreation, and natural beauty is
still called Gatlinburg.
In the early 1900's,
Gatlinburg was a quaint town with only one hotel used by loggers and their
families on weekends. After a hard week of work in nearby logging camps,
workers would join their spouses and children for a weekend in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg eventually became
more tourist oriented with the establishment of a few specialty shops. Over the
years, hundreds of shops have been built. Major attractions, great restaurants,
convention centers, and many luxury hotels make up the heart of downtown
Gatlinburg. Thousands of romantic chalets are available for vacation rental
throughout the mountainous area of Gatlinburg, and a ski resort sits atop a
mountain overlooking downtown Gatlinburg.
This romantic city is
located at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the
second most popular place to get married in America and is the perfect place
for a honeymoon or a weekend filled with romance. Many large conventions are
held in Gatlinburg year round as are annual festivals and other special events.
Very popular are arts and crafts shows which take place throughout the year.
The First Church
Religion was
important to the settlers and before they had church buildings, they held
services outside or in homes. Although this area was settled by Presbyterians,
their first church was Baptist. History records that the White Oak Flats
"arm" of the Sevierville Baptist Church convened in the early 1800s
on Baskins Creek, probably at the present location of the Ogle cabin. Under the
guidance of the Reverend Richard Evans, a second church was built on River Road near the mouth of Mill (now Le Conte) Creek, and in 1837, they formed a new
church and called it White Oak Flats Baptist. The congregation then met in a
log cabin on Baskins Creek which also served as a school. The first frame
church building was constructed in 1875, at the corner of the Parkway and Baskins Creek Road (see historic plaque on the sidewalk). The congregation changed its name
to Gatlinburg Baptist Church in 1932; in 1951, they constructed a landmark
stone church at the same location.
Dress casual and come prepared to relax
Casual attire is what it is all about and that's a big part of being on
vacation in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's pretty
much the standard around here. We have a couple of restaurants where you might
feel like sprucing up a little, but it's really up to you.
In spring and fall, days
start off cool, warm up and then cool off again. Winter temperatures generally
stay in the 30-50 degree range so heavier clothing is appropriate. No matter
what time of year, if you're planning on a visit to the mountains, bring along
a wrap. Higher elevations may get even prettier but it means cooler
temperatures, too.
 Location is everything
A perfect balance of rustic seclusion and modern convenience settled at the
foot of Mt. Le Conte, Gatlinburg, Tennessee serves as one of the primary
entries to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Original home to the
Cherokee tribes, and then later the first Scotch-Irish, German, and English
settlers, the Great Smoky Mountains are rich in history and culture, and
provide the ideal vacation setting for those wishing to escape the demands of
everyday life for family fun, entertainment, recreation, and outdoor
adventures.
Known for its convenience to entertainment venues such as Pigeon Forge,
Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg continues to be an annual
draw for people of all ages and interests. Over 11 million people every year
choose to spend their vacations in Gatlinburg, surrounded by the beauty,
culture, and quiet drama of the Smoky Mountains.
Whether you wish to tour Country Music Theaters, outlet malls, The Gatlinburg
Aquarium, or spend a day hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you'll find that there
is always something new and exciting to pique your family's interest. Kids will
love the roller coasters other rides at the many amusement parks in and around
Gatlinburg, as well as the cloud-chasing trams, scary ghost shows, and miniature
golf. Mom and dad can relax and enjoy a delectable meal in one of the many
dinner theaters, replete with award-winning, live entertainment.
All of this is just minutes away from the cabin hideaways and luxury lodges
nestled in the serene, foliate arms of the Great Smoky Mountains and offered by
American Patriot Getaways. Bring your family to see the abundance of beauty,
shopping, and entertainment for yourself!
What to do in Gatlinburg
Within this walking community
are family attractions and things to do in Gatlinburg at nearly every turn. Enjoy
downhill snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, rafting Class IV whitewater, golf,
hiking options from 600 miles of trails, and fishing in hundreds of miles of
streams: the entertainment of the Great Smoky Mountains is both exhilarating
and close by. Explore other great Gatlinburg attractions at one of its unique
museums, craftsmen fair, miniature golf courses, or motion simulators, or enjoy
go karts or bumper cars, Ripley's Aquarium, haunted houses, or ride the sky
lift up the mountain. Everywhere you turn, you'll find plenty of things to do
in Gatlinburg, TN! So make plans now to stay in one
of American Patriot Getaways 350 + luxury log cabins, chalets or condos.
There are so many great
reasons to visit Gatlinburg throughout the year! Some of these are explained
below, by season.
Generally speaking,
weekends are much busier than weekdays, and holiday periods are very active. As
a result, the primary artery into Gatlinburg, Highways 66 at Interstate 40
& Exit 407 and Highway 441 South, can become heavily congested during these
periods. The county is currently working on solution for this congestion that
should be completed very soon.
Be comfortable... The most
important thing you'll bring will be your walking shoes. Tennis, running,
loafers, or hiking shoes are the norm — even if you don't get near a hiking
trail, you'll likely walk four or more miles per day. The night mountain breeze
can feel cool, even in the summer, so a light jacket or sweater might come in
handy. As for attire, casual is what the mountains are all about! Even the
finest restaurants, and there are plenty, love the comfortable look!
Incidentally, folks from Tennessee really DO wear shoes!
Spring
March — May
Springtime in the Smokies! Try to imagine being surrounded by the lush new
growth of the forest, delicate wildflowers of all colors, crisp waterfalls of
melted snow, and newborn wildlife awakened to bask in the bounty of freshness.
There's no better place to satisfy a case of spring fever than in Gatlinburg
and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg knows its place
in the mountains and strives to provide the visitor with a park-like feel along
its streets and sidewalks, aided greatly by the full-time staff that oversees
the City's year-round flower program. Beginning in March, visitors witness
Gatlinburg's transformation into spring when the city's streets overflow with
baskets of beautiful blooms and flowering bulbs. Live entertainment can be
found along the city sidewalks, adding a festive flair to the time-honored Downtown Parkway stroll.
Spring break is a popular
time to visit, and can last a full six weeks from March through mid-April,
based upon various geographic markets' school schedules. Quieter periods run
from mid-April through late May, although visitors and residents alike dedicate
those weeks to jump into Ribfest & Wings, Sidewalk Arts Festivals and
Scottish festivals that all provide great entertainment during your visit!
Gatlinburg's in full swing, and the nearby major theme parks and theaters are
open on abbreviated schedules, so you won't be lacking for something to do!
Spring temperatures range
from chilly to cool at night, with the days running cool to moderate.
Summer
June — August
School's out and summer's here! Summer vacation travel to Gatlinburg and the
Smokies is a new experience for some couples and families, but to most it's an
every-year pilgrimage! There's just something especially inviting for each
member of the family, and collectively for the entire family as well. Outdoor
activities abound! For the sports enthusiast, there's hiking, fly fishing,
cycling, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, just to name a few. And don't
forget the picnic basket! Grab an inner tube and ask a local about their
favorite swimmin' holes in those sparkling mountain streams, or just dangle
your feet from a streamside stone… even on the warmest summer days, the water's
cold! Entertainment parks and attractions provide days and nights of laughter
and excitement as well, and numerous of them are indoor activities, just in
case you get caught in one of those cooling summer showers. Shops and the
crafts community offer extended operating hours, just so you'll have time to
get it all in. Summer events include the nation's first Independence Day Parade
at the stroke of midnight, a huge Craftsmen's Fair at the Convention Center in
July, and Heritage on Display in the Arts & Crafts Community in late
August. Quieter periods during summer are the first two weeks of June and the
last two weeks of August, with a slight lull the last two weeks of July.
Summer temperatures range
from cool to moderate at night, and moderate to warm during the day. Warming
showers can occur for brief periods in mid-afternoon, so an inexpensive poncho
is a good take-along.
Fall
September — November
Arguably the most beautiful of the Smokies' four distinct seasons, the warm,
sunny days and cool, clear nights of September, mixed with just the right
amount of rainfall, soon transform 800 square miles of lush green forest into a
brilliant palette of autumnal color. Starting at the mountain peaks in late
September and moving down to town and the lower elevations through early
November, Gatlinburg becomes surrounded by the most beautiful skylines you'll
ever see, bringing about the spectacular finale to yet another growth season in
the Park.
Townsfolk take great pride
in decorating their businesses and sidewalks for fall, and you'll find a bevy
of cleverly designed displays throughout the entire city. During most of
October and Thanksgiving weekend as well, the downtown Convention Center
features arts and crafts fairs of almost every form. And the first Wednesday
evening in November, there's a big chili cook-off and street party to celebrate
the kickoff of the city's winter lights program. You don't even have to wait
for winter in order to enjoy ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg's huge year-round
indoor rink!
The University of Tennessee is just an hour from Gatlinburg, so don't be confused if you think you're at a
football tailgate party when the Vols are playing a home game on Saturday.
Visiting Tennessee Vol fans and opponent states' fans, the likes of Gators,
Tigers, Wildcats, Lions, and even Bulldogs and Hogs, sport their colors, their
flags, and their pride for up to a week in advance of the game! Quieter periods
are weekdays in September to mid-October, then from the last week of October
until Thanksgiving Day. Little known tip: The beauty of the autumn leaves
typically continues into early November in town, finishing out with the most brilliant
red leaves of the maple.
Fall temperatures generally
range from cool to chilly at night, and cool to moderate during the day. A
sweater or lightweight jacket is a good idea to pack.
Winter
December — February
The bears are slumbering, the leaves have fallen, and temperatures are falling
as well. All of these effects signal wintertime in the Smokies, and snow-capped
peaks and winter activities make Gatlinburg a popular resort even during the
winter. Many from the temperate South come in search of seeing snow for the
first time, and those from Northern states come to visit in hope of getting
away from the snow! Even though it may not be on the ground in downtown (but it
might!), the higher elevations of the Smokies often provide picturesque
panoramas of snow-laden mountaintops. The most popular winter activities in
Gatlinburg are snow skiing or snowboarding, ice skating, and gathering near the
fireplace in your American Patriot Getaways cabin, chalet or condo,. The shops
and attractions are open throughout winter in Gatlinburg, although some revert
to reduced hours during weekdays. The big events of the winter include millions
of lights and enormous lighting displays throughout the city's Winterfest
celebration, Gatlinburg's Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, and the midnight
fireworks show downtown to bring in the New Year. Quieter periods are
weekdays throughout the winter, except between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Winter temperatures can be
fickle, but generally range from teens to thirties at night, and chilly to cool
during the day.
Climate and Temperature
The climate in Gatlinburg is
almost perfect. Summer is usually balmy with an average temperature of 84
degrees. Winter is moderately cold with an average temperature of 39.2 degrees.
Gatlinburg Time
Zone
Gatlinburg is in the Eastern Time Zone. In April we switch to daylight saving
time. We revert back to Eastern Standard Time in October.
Tax Structure
State sales tax: 9.5 percent
Lodging tax: 3 percent
Amusement tax: 2 percent
Airports Serving the Gatlinburg Area
Knoxville's McGhee-Tyson
Airport is only 40 miles away and is served by eleven airlines with connecting
services from cities including Memphis, Houston, New York/Newark, St. Louis and
Philadelphia. The Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport, 12 miles from Gatlinburg has
complete airport facilities for small private aircrafts.
Important Numbers
In case of emergency, dial 911.
Sevier County Ambulance Service
(865) 453-3200
Gatlinburg Police Department
(865) 436-5181
Gatlinburg Fire Department
(865) 436-5112
Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center
(865) 429-6100
Time & Temperature
(865) 453-6171
Weather
(865) 637-7700
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(865) 436-1207
Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley
(865) 453-6444
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