6 Memorable First Time Experiences in Gatlinburg
There have been tons of memorable moments here in Gatlinburg. The ones that stand out the most are those that had never been done before. With all the activities you can do here and places in the Smokies to see, there’s a pretty significant chance you’ll have several firsts here as well. Here are six notable events I had never experienced until we visited Gatlinburg.
Riding Go-Karts
It may seem unlikely that a grown adult hasn’t had the chance to ride a go-kart, but that would be yours truly. I guess I’ve had the chance, but never had I actually done it until one of our Gatlinburg visits. Cooter’s Place in Gatlinburg has now been replaced by the 80’s-themed Super Fun Zone, but it was where my son and I first experienced this elusive activity. The 10-minute session was a blast, and it didn’t matter that we basically rode around in circles in a garage.
Bear Sightings
It’s not something we plan or seek out, but on three occasions I’ve seen a bear in Gatlinburg and The Smoky Mountains. We saw bears on two separate trips to Cades Cove—the best place to see one or a few—and one big bear sighting outside of the Quality Inn Creekside hotel downtown. We hope to never see one while we’re hiking, since we normally head out early before the crowds enter the National Park. And I’m a little more jittery than I was before when I was blissfully ignorant of the chances of seeing one in random spots around Gatlinburg.
Moonshine Tasting
It’s amazing to think the only moonshine place that was here in 2011 was Ole Smoky Moonshine. I don’t think they even had eight flavors. All I know is we could only taste three, and it was a much different experience than it is now. The entertainment value now at Sugarlands—which was established a few years later—is through the roof, and I’m not ashamed to admit I enjoy it. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s alright. I respect and understand the other side of it.
A Cabin Stay
I’ll never forget our first time staying in a cabin about ten miles outside Gatlinburg. Although we prefer to stay within a welcoming walk from downtown now, there’s nothing as breathtaking as a mountain view from your “home.” We’ve stayed in two cabins on our many trips to the area, and I hope to do it again in the future. It makes for such a peaceful and relaxing vacation. Every single morning brings a surreal sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm to live life to its utmost benefits.
Mountain Sunrises, Sunsets, and Snow
Another spectacular aspect to your vacation, and ones that I’ve experienced for the first time here, are the magnificent sky lights at dawn and dusk of mountain sunrises, sunsets, and snow. It took 7 years of trips before I witnessed the snow-capped Smokies, but the visuals from our first visits set the tone for us to allow ourselves the opportunities to see more. Even though I don’t get the chance to catch every sunrise and sunset, it feels like a blessing every time I see one. Simply stunning sights subsist with satisfying results!
Ice Skating
The unique indoor skating rink at Ober Gatlinburg was the site of my first foray into putting on ice skates. It feels like a throwback to when ice rinks were more common inside shopping malls, but I never had a desire as a young boy to subject myself to that kind of embarrassment. I’m surprised I could do anything on the ice, but I had the support of the boards for most of the time. My son is definitely more of a natural. He had a much easier time, even though ice skating was new to him too.
These stand out in my mind, not surprisingly, as being the highlights of our visits to Gatlinburg. While we didn’t initially set out to experience these things before our very first trip, a few have become essential to our vacation. Feel free to let me know some of the things you did or saw here for the first time. I hope you enjoy your next experience in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, and thank you so much for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe, everyone!