Do you hear it? The beckoning, the calling of the mountains? The fresh cool air? The vibrant colors of the changing leaves? The call seems to get stronger as autumn begins to envelope the south. Here at Evans Lifestyle, we hear it loud and clear!
As we examine a map, our eyes land on the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A half day’s drive from Evans, this scenic destination offers an array of adventures, fine dining experiences, gorgeous scenery, and ample opportunities for relaxation.
“Gatlinburg is a great place to visit,” says Edie Kinson of All About Trucks & Autos. “We love renting a big cabin and taking family and friends. There is so much to do in Gatlinburg, like enjoying a day of hiking to see waterfalls or tubing down the river.” The area offers a wide variety of hiking and scenic trails that vary in intensity and length.
To add a bit of history and wildlife to your outdoor excursions, consider spending the day at nearby Cades Cove. “Visiting Cades Cove is our tradition,” adds Edie. “It is an untouched valley that was home to numerous settlers and all types of wildlife.”
Full of restaurants and shops, downtown Gatlinburg houses treasures galore. “Out of all the little shops there,” says Denise Devereaux of Rosewater Spa, “I absolutely love Buckboard Too! the most. It has quirky, old fashioned kinds of stuff – things you wouldn’t expect to find anywhere else.” She adds, “We always try to get into the local places to eat and No Way Jose’s Cantina is my absolute favorite restaurant in Gatlinburg.”
After a quick drive from Gatlinburg, you’ll discover the Rocky Top Wine Trail, a collection of wine shops in the Pigeon Forge area. “We’ve been going for years,” says Cloverleaf Catering’s Donna Jonikin. “You get a card, and with each stop, you can sample different wines, and they punch your card. Whenever you get to the last one, you get a wine glass. It’s fun because each year they are a little different taste-wise because it’s a different crop of fruit and berries they are using to make the wine.”
When you’re ready to answer the call of the mountains, but you’d like for someone else to handle the details for you, help is close by. Marie James, National/International Consultant for FOCI Destination Management says, “We provide travel and luxury concierge services by offering clients a complete day-by-day itinerary based on their preferences. Our goal is to captivate your imagination, develop a shared vision, and make the explorable executable.”
Easily tailored to your personal taste, Gatlinburg offers a vast array of experiences perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. What are you waiting for?
Taste – Lavish your taste buds with the flavorful, unique wines available on the Rocky Mountain Wine Trail. Stops on the trail include Hillside Winery, Apple Barn Winery, Mill Bridge Winery, Mountain Valley, and the Apple Barn Cider House. And it’s free!
See – Take in the view of a lifetime by touring Gatlinburg by air in open-air chair lifts, on the aerial trams, or via helicopter. You’ll see breathtaking views of the mountains and the city below.
Do – Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the mountains through a hike on one of the many scenic trails of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Pack a picnic and enjoy your favorite waterfall or outlook.
