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The history of a place is just as vital to its spirit as present time. When history is appreciated and carried on then it creates a place that people feel connected to regardless of if they are guests for a day or residents for many years. There is no doubt that the history of Gatlinburg and the Smokies play a great part in the way millions of people return to the Smoky Mountains time after time. We decided to share with you a few things that we believe help to make up the charm of wonderful town.

Early risers love the food scene in Gatlinburg because there are tons of breakfast options! From omelets and eggs benedict to pancakes and waffles, you’ll find it all here. This is great because you’ll need a hearty breakfast to keep you energized for a day of exploring the Smokies! To help you make the most of your trip, here are 4 of the best places to eat breakfast in Gatlinburg.

When it comes to family-friendly activities in Gatlinburg, there is nothing better than all of the fun Ripley’s attractions throughout town! From a world-class aquarium to a unique interactive miniature golf course, there is something for all ages to enjoy. The best part is that they are all just minutes away from the Bearskin Lodge! Here are the top 4 Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg that are perfect for a day of family fun:

No trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is complete without seeing a show! The Smoky Mountain area is famous for its phenomenal family entertainment. With everything from magic shows to dinner theaters, the Smokies are guaranteed to have a show with your name on it. To help you make the most of your next vacation, the Bearskin Lodge has put together a guide to the top five shows to see in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is famous for its candy stores – and with good reason! Our Smoky Mountain city is overflowing with charming sweet shops that sell some of the tastiest treats you’ll ever eat. To help you make the most of your next vacation, the Bearskin Lodge has put together a guide to the top four candy shops in Gatlinburg TN .

No trip to Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains is complete without a visit to the Gatlinburg Space Needle ! Standing at 407 feet tall, this striking observation tower is the most distinctive feature of the Gatlinburg skyline. In addition to providing breathtaking views, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is also home to a number of awesome attractions that your whole family is sure to love. To help you make the most of your next vacation, the Bearskin Lodge has put together a guide to all of the wonderful things to do at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

If you’re still deciding when to visit Gatlinburg TN, you’re not alone! People frequently call our vacation specialists to ask when the best time to travel to the Smoky Mountains is. Truth be told, there is no single “best time” for a Gatlinburg getaway; it all depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. To help you choose the perfect dates for your unique interests, the Bearskin Lodge has put together a guide to vacationing in Gatlinburg throughout the year.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its spectacular wildlife! The Smokies are home to around 65 species of mammals, more than 200 varieties of birds, over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians, and 67 native fish species. When you vacation in Gatlinburg, TN, you will have ample opportunities to see these fascinating critters around the park. To help you make the most of your next getaway, the Bearskin Lodge has put together a guide to finding some of the most popular Smoky Mountain animals.

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of America’s natural wonders. You can’t help but feel a swell of patriotic pride when you drive through the forested roadways of the area. It’s the ultimate place to get back to nature, beneath the rolling mist of the Smokies. If you’ve been looking to get away and enjoy a camping trip or a luxurious stay in a hotel, longing for the scent of the pines, this is your opportunity. The blooming flowers and woods teeming with wildlife have been a draw for travelers since time out of mind. There’s nothing like getting back to the basics with a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Smokies are also a wonderful place to watch the stars come out, your only company the hooting of owls and the soft wind through the trees. There’s a peacefulness to the region that relaxes and invigorates everyone who experiences the natural wonders of the mountains. In today’s hustle and bustle lifestyle, we often forget to stop and smell the roses. A vacation in the woods is just the ticket for you and your family to recharge and reconnect. There’s even a bonus: on August 21st, 2017, the total solar eclipse will be visible from the Smokies. This unique natural phenomenon does not appear very often and we are fortunate to be able to see it from such a perfect vantage point. The clear skies of the Smokies make it an ideal location from which to view one of the most incredible sights in the sky.

This will be one of the most memorable activities you and your family will have ever experienced. One of the best places in the United States for viewing is in the Smokies, watching the solar eclipse in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’re already surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and this rare experience is perfect to share with friends and family. This will be the first time since 1979 that the total eclipse of the sun was visible from Earth. There are only a few times during your life that a total eclipse will be visible, so it’s important to see it when you can.

The vast Pigeon River that resides mainly in East Tennessee is home to a wide array of exciting things to do and places to see. No trip to Pigeon River is complete without taking some time to go rafting. These unforgettable adventures will pique the interest of anyone you travel with, whether they are 8 or 80. Situated just over 20 miles from Gatlinburg, any outdoor and nature lover will enjoy taking a few hours out of their day to go river rafting.

Offers Thrilling Experiences

Rafting is extremely popular within the Smoky Mountains, with no destination more popular for rafting than Pigeon River, due largely to the fact that it offers a wide range of different experiences that you can partake in. Along the prongs and forks of the river, you’ll spot some enchanting wildlife that make their home in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re spending time rafting along the Upper Pigeon River or Lower Pigeon River, you can expect a single trip to take anywhere from 2-4 hours, keeping your adrenaline pumping and a smile on your face all the way through.

Given that Pigeon River sits along the edge of the Smoky Mountains and is just nearby Gatlinburg, you can easily plan your day around a rafting trip while still leaving plenty of time to visit other interesting attractions in the area. Pigeon River rafting experiences are guided, so you can be 100 percent confident that you’ll be safe and protected during the trip.

Provides Rafting Experiences For Everyone

No matter how experienced you are with rafting, the Pigeon River offers something for everyone. Even the most intense portions of the river are still relatively safe, so don’t hesitate to try some of the more thrilling Class 4 rapids even if you have little experience. Rafting trips make great excursions for couples, families, groups, or even individuals who just want to have some peace and quiet while out on the waters. Even if you’ve never held a paddle before, you’ll quickly learn how easy it is to handle the raft.