Things to Do in Gatlinburg

When you spend a vacation in Gatlinburg, be sure to catch at least one live musical performance while you are in town! This is a special opportunity to hear everything from bluegrass music to your favorite country hits, and you can do it all just minutes away from our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg! Here are the top 4 places to hear live music in Gatlinburg: 

The Ober Gatlinburg tramway has just undergone a historic renovation with $4.5 million in upgrades and maintenance, including the full replacement of the original track ropes from 1973! The tramway has reopened with major upgrades, making this the perfect time to reflect on this iconic Smoky Mountain attraction! Here are 3 interesting facts that you didn’t know about the Ober Gatlinburg tramway: 

Ripley’s Aquarium is a fan-favorite attraction in Gatlinburg that the whole family can enjoy! From summer camps to sleepovers with sharks, Ripley’s offers a variety of activities that will make your trip to Gatlinburg one to remember! Here are the 4 best things to do at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: 

Located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city of Gatlinburg, TN offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world! Over 11 million people visit the Smoky Mountains each year to admire the area’s natural beauty. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Black Bear Inn & Suites has put together a guide to enjoying the six best mountain views in Gatlinburg and the Smokies. 

The Great Smoky Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in the United States. They offer some of the most beautiful views in the nation. Spring, summer, fall or winter you can catch some of the best mountain views in Gatlinburg by visiting the four following places: 

Anakeesta is a perfect destination for the entire family as it features something for everyone, including an exciting selection of attractions that appeal to kids! This mountaintop theme park is not only home to a thrilling mountain coaster, but several fun activities your children will be talking about long after your vacation to the Smokies is over! Here are 4 fun attractions at Anakeesta your kids will love: 

When you stay at our Gatlinburg hotel on the strip, you’ll be near a ton of attractions, restaurants, and more. Our convenient location can take away the stress of directions, traffic, and parking in an unknown area. All within walking distance, here are 6 things to do near our Gatlinburg hotel on the strip: 

The fun doesn’t stop after the sun drops in Gatlinburg! You will find plenty of exciting things to do near our hotel in the evening hours as most attractions, restaurants, and shops are open late into the night. Whether you are a night owl or just looking for a great way to wind down in the evening, there is always something to do! Here are the top 5 things to do in Gatlinburg at night: 

Winter is one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg as there are fewer visitors in town, but nearly all of the local attractions, restaurants, and shops are still open for business as usual. This is the perfect time to explore the trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park or to explore the unique stores in downtown Gatlinburg! While the winter weather is generally moderate in the Smokies, you can easily warm up if you experience some chilly temperatures during your stay. Here are 4 great ways to stay warm during a winter vacation to Gatlinburg: 

When it comes to holiday shopping, you can find something for everyone on your list in Gatlinburg! Whether you are looking for local crafts, candles, toys for the kids, or a unique Smoky Mountain souvenir, there is a store in town that is sure to have what you need. You might even find a few fun gifts for yourself along the way while you're Gatlinburg shopping! Here are the top 4 destinations for holiday shopping in Gatlinburg TN: 

What’s one of our best off-site amenities? We’re near some good food! You can walk less than five minutes to several great restaurants from our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg. Keep reading to learn about the restaurants and food they offer.  

One of the huge perks of staying at our Gatlinburg hotel is we are practically right across the street from the departure point of the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway! While you can drive Ski Mountain Road to reach the amusement park and ski area of Ober Gatlinburg, the Aerial Tramway is not just a means of transportation but an exciting attraction in itself. Here are the top 4 reasons why you should ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway: 

Autumn is a magical time to visit Gatlinburg as the fresh mountain air turns crisp and the leaves change into a spectacular array of colors! If you are lucky enough to visit the Smokies this fall, you will get to see for yourself why so many folks love experiencing this very special time of year! For those who want to know how to make the most of their fall vacation, here are the top 4 things to do during the fall in Gatlinburg TN: 

When you have a craving for candy during your Smoky Mountain vacation, you can always find a sweet treat just steps away from the Black Bear Inn & Suites! In fact, Gatlinburg is home to several fantastic candy shops where you can find a variety of homemade treats and speciality candies! Here are 4 tempting candy stores in Gatlinburg that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth: 

If you’ve been to Gatlinburg before, you have probably done all of the popular activities. When you visit again, you should check out some unique places to visit in Gatlinburg. There are hidden gem restaurants and a ton of activities you will want to do. Here are the top 6 unique places to visit in Gatlinburg you won’t want to miss: