Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular tourist town at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Activities can be found to suit a diverse array of interests from hiking in the nearby national park to taking in a show of live country music. Most motels are found on the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway. If you are looking for motels a bit off the beaten path but still within walking distance of town, consider a stay at one of the properties on River Road.
Rooms at the River Edge Motor Lodge include a private balcony overlooking the pool, making this location ideal for families to supervise children as they swim. Large families may want to request the suites, which include full kitchens and living areas in addition to standard features. One-half mile from the property is Ripley's Aquarium, where you can find creatures usually only found in locations near the ocean. Walk less than a block to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, home to more than 40 vehicles driven by famous individuals.
Edge Park Whaley Motel is on the banks of the Pigeon River and offers hot tub suites in addition to standard rooms. Consider a stay at this property if you'll be dining in your room, as a microwave and mini-refrigerator come in each one. When the weather is warm, guests can swim in the outdoor pool. Walk three blocks to the the Haunted Adventure if you enjoy a good scare. A tamer experience that's less than two miles away is the Hollywood Wax Museum. Venture by car to Splash Country Water Adventure Park in the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge to cool off on a hot day.
The Riverhouse Motor Lodge offers a secluded location still close to the attractions of downtown Gatlinburg. Only two blocks from the town's center, this property is a good choice if visiting in the winter, as all rooms contain log fireplaces. If you're visiting in warmer weather, rooms also include private balconies that overlook a stream. Request the deluxe king room with hot tub if you're looking for added luxury. Walk less than half a mile to take the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway, zooming visitors to a mountaintop view of the area. For a different type of view, walk two blocks and take the elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
