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Smoky Mountain Area Attractions
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia Resort is located 15 minutes from The Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. Each year nearly nine million people come to enjoy the four seasons of the Smokies. The park covers area in both Tennessee and North Carolina and is about 16 miles wide by 50 miles long.
Historic structures such as homes, mills and churches (see Cataloochee church at left) built by early settlers
have been preserved and offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who lived here in the 1800s.
Wildlife is abundant. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot some of the 70 different mammals and more than 200 species of birds that make the park home. The park is also known for having more varieties of fresh-water fish than any other national park in the country, and fishing is permitted year round with the appropriate license from Tennessee or North Carolina.
Perhaps the most famous inhabitants of the Park are the nearly 1,700 black bears
which visitors are encouraged to enjoy from a distance.
For the hiking enthusiast there are more than 900 miles of well-marked hiking trails. Many of these trails offer the hiker spectacular views of the Smokies or culminate in a waterfall. Pets are not allowed on Park trails, so it's best to leave them home.
The Park has three visitor centers- Sugarlands on the Tennessee side, Oconaluftee on the North Carolina side, and one is found midway around the Cades Cove loop road. These centers offer information, books, pamphlets, and maps. Oconaluftee is directly adjacent to The Pioneer Farmstead that includes a meat house, chicken house, springhouse, blacksmith shop and a dwelling in a setting reminiscent of the 1800s. The Sugarlands visitor center is two miles inside the Park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Pure Fun
The fun even continues during the winter. The towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville offer full activity. Winterfest, beginning in mid-November and ending in the spring, is a celebration of winter that includes festivals, lectures, organized hikes, special entertainment, sports competitions, storytelling and more.
If you enjoy golf
there are several resort-type courses in the area. Most are open year round and offer magnificent views of the Smokies. Call ahead to reserve a tee time.
Horseback riding is popular in the Park. There are even drive-in horse camps. Most stables are open when the weather is good and offer trail rides, guides, and group hay rides.
You can simply drive down the Parkway (Hwy. 441) and select from a variety of amusement parks such as Dollywood, arcades, miniature golf, mini-tracks with go-carts to race around on, movie theaters, and bungie jumping. The latest addition to the area is Ripley's new aquarium in Gatlinburg.
Live Entertainment
Here in the Smoky Mountains there is a wide variety of live entertainment that is sure to please everyone. After a day of sightseeing and shopping, sit back and relax and enjoy true southern hospitality while the country's finest entertainers perform. Remember to make your reservations early.
Pigeon Forge
Dixie Stampede - Enjoy a delicious 4-course feast and be dazzled by a horse-racing, whip-cracking, wagon-busting good time complete with the North/South rivalry. Get there an hour early and enjoy the pre-show in the Dixie Belle non-alcoholic Saloon! 1-800-356-1676
Dollywood - There is plenty of entertainment here for all ages… over 40 live shows daily, rides, attractions, and more than 25 craft showcases. Evenings are filled with dazzling performances by popular artists for an additional cost. For tickets or information call (865) 428-9488.
Music Mountain Theater - Presents a musical variety show complete with the best in country music, hand clapping 50's rock-n-roll, inspirational gospel, sing-a-long favorites, toe-tappin' show tunes and patriotic tributes. A Must See! Reservations call (865) 428-SHOW.
The Comedy Barn - America's funniest family variety show! We feature nationally known comedians, magicians, jugglers and "Arnold the Mind Reading Pig"! Reservations suggested and Kids are free! (865) 428-5222
Sevierville
Lee Greenwood Theater - Travel through time musically as Grammy award winner Lee Greenwood performs hits from the 40's to the present. You'll be amazed by the spectacular lighting and special effects used in this state of the art theater. For reservations call (865) 933-8080.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg's Passion Play - Religious Drama. Reservations (865) 430-3777.
Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and Music - Comedy. Reservations (865) 436-4039.
Elwood Smooch's Hillbilly Hoedown - Comedy and Country Music Family show. Reservations (865) 436-4157.
Shopping
In 1996, the Smokies area was voted the best shopping spot in the South (Southern Living Magazine), and people come from all over to take advantage
of the incredible values offered in and around the Smoky Mountains, such as the Village Shops in Gatlinburg, the Arts and Crafts Community, and the outlet shops of Pigeon Forge. Tthere are five outlet malls boasting famous brands like Nike, Sony, Hush Puppy, Naturalizer, Reebok, London Fog, Anne Klein, J.Crew, and Coach. These are only a few of the many select stores offering significant discounts.
Wedding Info
The Smoky Mountains have another claim to fame - the wedding and honeymoon capital of the South. There is a complete range of wedding packages and services, including tuxedo and dress rentals as well as caterers, bakeries,
florists, jewelers, and of course the natural cathedral of the Great Smokies.
Marriage License Info
Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license from the County Clerk's Marriage License Centers (see below). There is no waiting period and an appointment is not necessary to obtain the license. Proof of age is required by a driver's license, state-issued picture ID, a valid passport or certified birth certificate. A blood test is not required and applicants need not be residents of Sevier County to wed there. Couples may also bring a valid Tennessee marriage license from anywhere in the state of Tennessee, but remember that the license is only valid for 30 days after issue. If applicants are under the age of 18, both parents or legal guardians must sign the marriage certificate. NOTE: The license costs $36 and may be used anywhere in the state of Tennessee. The County Clerk will only take cash in the exact amount.
MARRIAGE LICENSE CENTERS
Gatlinburg Shilling Center- Regan Drive, Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 865.430.3404
Pigeon Forge City Hall- Pine Mountain Road, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays only. Call 865.908.6613
Sevierville Courthouse-Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Call 865.453.5502