Great Smoky Mountains Make for Ideal Destination

Doing things together is what makes a vacation great. Monument sightseeing is fun, but not exactly something that involves a great deal of communication. If you’d like a vacation destination that offers some of the most pristine wildlife viewing opportunities and several activities to enjoy with your family or significant other, there is no place on earth like the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Families and couples often choose to tour the area by car, although bicycling and horseback riding are other popular options. Camping, fishing, rafting and many other outdoor activities are easy to arrange, which is why the area is well known as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Another popular destination in the Smoky Mountains is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where interactive and insightful exhibits cover the many oceanic and freshwater species of the world. Ripley’s is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which also offers Ripley’s “Believe It Or Not!” museum, 4D theatre and Haunted Adventure. 

Located in nearby Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, one of the country’s largest theme parks. Dollywood offers something for everyone and many activities for families to enjoy.  There are phenomenal rides and attractions at Dolly Parton’s theme park, as well as one of the most extensive artisan and craft exhibits anywhere. From candle making and woodcarving to glassblowing and blacksmithing, Dollywood offers craft lovers a myriad of opportunities to watch master craftsmen (and craftswomen) in action. 

For live entertainment, there are many choices in the area. Dollywood features many of the biggest names in country, pop, blues and bluegrass music and holds some of the biggest music festivals in the United States. The towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend, as well as the surrounding areas offer many small theaters and venues where up-and-coming artists pay their dues. 

The Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the best untouched wilderness to explore as well as plenty of other non-outdoor activities. From historic sites and theme parks to camping and rafting, you’ll only be limited in choices by the time you have available. In fact, there are so many unique areas of the Great Smoky Mountains to explore and enjoy, it’s a good bet that you’ll find yourself wanting to come back.

Best of all, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains escape. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the new Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.