The national park contains 500,000 acres covering portions of Tennessee and North Carolina and features more than 800 trails for hiking. Visitors have the opportunity to hike, bike, picnic, swim and fish. Campsites are also available. Hundreds of species of birds and thousands of plants have been spotted in the park. Check out the displays on wildlife, geology and history of the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and was officially dedicated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940.
Home to more than 35 authentic cars from celebrities and the silver screen, the museum offers a trip through some of the most memorable movies and TV shows over the last 50 years. New vehicles are added almost every year to keep the museum in step with the current Hollywood entertainment industry. The museum is open seven days a week and tours last about an hour.
Ripley's Aquarium houses 10,000 aquatic creatures and more than 350 individual species. Visitors can see sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish. The aquarium offers the opportunity to come close to stingrays, horseshoe crabs, sea horses, tropical fish, piranhas, poisonous frogs and many other exotic animals. A Discovery Center offers educational programs on the ocean world and marine life and gives guests the chance to enjoy interactive displays. The aquarium is open 365 days a year.
Standing more than 400 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle opened in 1970 and offers a unique view of the Smoky Mountains from an observation deck that can hold more than 200 visitors. The Space Needle is home to Arcadia, a two-tier 25,000 square foot entertainment center. At Arcadia, guests can play the latest video games, pool and air hockey. Visitors can also participate in a game of laser tag or get their picture taken wearing clothes from the Old West. A virtual roller coaster simulator takes riders on a twisting and spiraling trip through an asteroid field.
Opened in 1981, the winery produces award-winning wine and claims status as one of the oldest manufacturers of premium wines in Tennessee. The winery turns out a variety of red, white, blush and fruit wines. Visitors can tour the winery at no cost and staff members are on hand to provide insight into winemaking and answer questions. Guests can both purchase wines and enjoy free samples of more than 20 wines.
The theme park owned by entertainer Dolly Parton is located on 125 acres in nearby Pigeon Forge. Annually, the park attracts more than two million people. Dollywood offers visitors the chance to enjoy more than 20 amusement rides, including The Thunderhead, a wooden roller coaster. The park also features live entertainment and family attractions. Each year, Dollywood hosts several festivals, including a Smoky Mountain Christmas. The park is open from March to January.
