Gatlinburg Area Information

black bear hotel room

4 Great Ways to Stay Warm During a Winter Vacation to Gatlinburg

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: 
santa's claus-et

Top 4 Destinations for Holiday Shopping in Gatlinburg TN

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: 
black bear inn and suites exterior

4 Reasons to Stay at Our Budget Friendly Gatlinburg Hotel on the Strip

If you’re on a budget, then you want to be able to save as much money as possible when you go on vacation. Our budget friendly Gatlinburg hotel on the Strip will definitely fit into your budget, and there are plenty of reasons why! Check out these 4 reasons you should stay in our budget friendly Gatlinburg hotel on the Strip: 
gatlinburg skylift

Top 4 Things to Know About Experiencing the Lights Over Gatlinburg Event

One of the newest holiday events in the Smokies is Lights Over Gatlinburg, where Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with thousands of sparkling lights! This unique event is perfect for the entire family, so bring everyone from kids to grandparents to participate in this festive celebration of the holiday season! Here are the top 4 things to know about experiencing the Lights Over Gatlinburg event: 
ober gatlinburg tram

Top 4 Reasons You Should Ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

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: 
fall in downtown gatlinburg

Top 4 Things to Do During the Fall in Gatlinburg TN

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: 
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

4 Candy Stores in Gatlinburg That Are Sure to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

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: 
great smoky mountains national park

4 Reasons to Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Your National Park Visit

One of the huge benefits of staying at the Black Bear Inn & Suites is that our hotel is right on the doorstep to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you are planning to visit the park for the first time, there is no better place to start your visit than at the Sugarlands Visitor Center! This official visitor center is open daily and has all the information necessary to plan an active and fun-filled day in the park! Here are the top 4 reasons to stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center: 
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg on The Strip.

Top 6 Affordable Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

You can do fun things when you visit the Smokies without spending a ton of money. We want to share some of the most affordable things to do in the Smoky Mountains with you so you can stick to your budget without missing out. From seeing animals to floating down the river, you’ll enjoy all of these activities. Here are the top 6 affordable things to do in the Smoky Mountains: 
cherokee grill in gatlinburg

Top 5 Steakhouses in Gatlinburg TN You Should Try

If you’re wanting an upscale meal at a steakhouse in Gatlinburg TN, you have several places to choose from. With every cut of steak and even more delicious entrees, you will have a great meal at any of these places to eat. Check out these top 5 steakhouses in Gatlinburg TN you should try: 
salt and pepper shaker museum in gatlinburg

Top 6 Unique Places to Visit in Gatlinburg You Can’t Miss

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: 
black bear inn and suites exterior

3 Advantages of Vacationing at Our Hotel Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg, TN is right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. People come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of the national park’s mountain landscapes, wooded hiking paths, and rushing rivers. When you stay at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg, you will be just 200 yards from the entrance to the national park. Here are the top 3 advantages of staying at our hotel near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 
rafting in the smokies

Top 4 Places to Go Rafting in the Smoky Mountains On Your Next Trip

If you love adventure and want to do something fun on your next trip to the Smoky Mountains, you should go white water rafting! There are several places where you can go rafting in the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy a relaxing ride down the river or get your heart pumping with class 3 and 4 rapids. Here are the top 5 places to go rafting in the Smoky Mountains on your next trip: