Downtown Gatlinburg, TN is unlike anywhere else in the world! Known as “The Strip,” the heart of the city is filled with seemingly endless things to see and do. When you stay at Black Bear Inn & Suites, you will be just a short walk away from some of the most popular places to visit on the downtown Parkway. To help you plan your vacation, we have put together a guide to 7 can’t-miss attractions within walking distance of our Gatlinburg hotel on the Strip.
1. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
The famous Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area is located high above the city at the top of Mt. Harrison. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive all the way up the mountain to visit this popular attraction! The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a fun cable car ride that leaves from downtown Gatlinburg and travels all the way to the ski resort. As you make your way to Ober, you will enjoy 2.1 miles of breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. The Aerial Tramway is just a 3 minute walk from Black Bear Inn & Suites.
2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is home to some of the most famous automobiles in TV and movie history. Guests at the museum will have the chance to see two Batmobiles, the Back to the Future DeLorean, the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard, and cars from The Fast and the Furious movies. For an extra fee, you can even get a picture of yourself sitting in one of the iconic vehicles! The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a 5 minute walk from our Gatlinburg hotel on the Strip.
3. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Decades ago, daring entrepreneurs in Gatlinburg would sneak around the Smoky Mountains to secretly distill whiskey by the light of the moon. Today, there is no need for secrecy because moonshine is legal in the state of Tennessee! Visitors to the area can sample the area’s famous white lightnin’ at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. With unique flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Sweet Tea, and Pineapple, you are sure to find a variety of moonshine that you love. The Ole Smoky Distillery is a 5 minute walk from Black Bear Inn & Suites.
4. Gatlinburg Space Needle
Inspired by the Seattle Space Needle, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 ft. tall observation tower in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. From atop the tower, visitors will enjoy incredible views of the city and the Smoky Mountains. In addition to its panoramic vistas, the Space Needle is also home to a great pizza restaurant, a fun arcade, and an excellent theater. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 6 minute walk from Black Bear Inn & Suites.
5. Ripley’s Aquarium
There is something really relaxing about going to an aquarium. You can watch all the fish, turtles, and penguins thrive in their habitat at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Your family will love getting to learn more about aquatic life and there are a lot of fun interactive activities to try. You can pet a stingray or try the new glass bottom boat ride! The aquarium is only a 15 minute walk from our hotel, so strap on your walking shoes and get ready for a good time!
6. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium is certainly Gatlinburg’s strangest attraction! This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to the weird and wonderful, with over 500 bizarre exhibits and artifacts from around the globe, including an ostrich skeleton, shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. The Odditorium is a 6 minute walk from Black Bear Inn & Suites.
7. Mysterious Mansion
Looking for some spooktacular fun? This Victorian style haunted house attraction is guaranteed to send chills down your spine! Mysterious Mansion is open year round, so you can experience the fun even after Halloween is over. Take your family on a self-guided tour through the home where you feel creepy residents lurking around you. It’s a great attraction to experience if you’re looking for something new to try!
Guests at our Gatlinburg hotel on the Strip will love being near all of the area’s best attractions! In addition to our proximity to the fun on the Parkway, Black Bear Inn & Suites is also just 200 yards from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Offering an unparalleled location, complimentary hot breakfast, enclosed heated pool, and stunning mountain views, Black Bear Inn & Suites has everything you need for a spectacular getaway. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms!