Gatlinburg Area Information

Fannie Farkle Arcade

3 Fun Arcades in Gatlinburg That You Have to Visit During Your Vacation

Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, you will have a blast visiting the exciting arcades in Gatlinburg! This is your chance to play the latest video game releases or redemption games where you can redeem tickets for a variety of awesome prizes! These arcades are perfect for an  afternoon of family fun or a date night with your sweetheart! Here are the 3 fun arcades in Gatlinburg that you have to visit during your vacation: 
bride and groom exchanging wedding rings

5 Tips for Planning Your Dream Wedding in the Smoky Mountains

Once you’ve picked a date for your wedding it’s time to select a location! For a destination that will wow your guests and make your special day truly unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with a wedding in the Smoky Mountains! The wedding planning phase is full of important decisions like this, and you can make preparing for your big day a breeze when you follow these 5 simple tips. 
Gatlinburg Space Needle at night

4 Reasons Our Hotel is the Perfect Place to Stay for New Years Eve in Gatlinburg

When it comes to celebrating New Years Eve in Gatlinburg, there is no better place to stay than Black Bear Inn & Suites! Our beautiful hotel is conveniently situated in downtown Gatlinburg! You can easily walk to all of the exciting festivities taking place throughout town! Here are the top 4 reasons why our hotel is the perfect place to stay for New Years Eve in Gatlinburg: 
arts-and-crafts-community

Top 3 Reasons to Do Your Holiday Shopping at the Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg TN

If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list, check out Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community! With more than 100 artists and craftsmen, this is the largest independent organization of artisans in the USA. Whether you looking for candles, pottery items, jewelry, paintings or gourmet gift baskets, you are sure to find it here! Check out these top 3 reasons to do your holiday shopping at the Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg TN: 
Snowman in Gatlinburg

5 Reasons You Should Spend Christmas in Gatlinburg with Your Family

Holidays in a typical family include a visit to see family and loved ones. But if you’re thinking about taking a special trip to spend Christmas in Gatlinburg, it will still feel like home! What’s more wonderful than being together with the family in a place where the spirit of the season is all around? We’ll give you 5 reasons to visit this location that Santa certainly doesn’t miss! 
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

A Guide to All Things Ripley’s in Gatlinburg That You Have to Visit

If you plan on visiting Gatlinburg, you have to stop by one of the many Ripley’s attractions! From date-nights to family outings, these unique places are perfect for any occasion. The best thing about them is that they are open all year round! To help you make the most of your trip, here is a complete guide to all things Ripley’s in Gatlinburg. 
Gatlinburg trolley in front of Ober Gatlinburg sign

Everything You Need to Know About Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg

One of the most popular outdoor attractions returns to the Smoky Mountains this winter with the snow tubing runs at Ober Gatlinburg! This is an exciting activity for the entire family to enjoy and the only restriction is that kids must be at least 3 years old to join in on the fun! Here is everything that you need to know about snow tubing at Ober Gatlinburg: 
Beautiful sunset photo in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails

Smoky Mountain hiking trails are full of gorgeous mountain, river, and wooded views as well as remnants from previous eras! You and your family can learn about the rich history of the Smokies while you reconnect with nature and each other. Here are 5 of the best family-friendly Smoky Mountain hiking trails. 
penthouse suite in gatlinburg hotel

All You Need To Know About the Penthouse Suites at Our Hotel in Downtown Gatlinburg

If you are looking for a special getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains, check out the Penthouse Suites at the Black Bear Inn & Suites! As the only rooftop Penthouse in Sevier County, this amazing 1,500 square foot suite features all types of wonderful comforts and amenities! Here is everything you need to know about the Penthouse Suites at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg: 
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Top 4 Reasons You Should Explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

It’s easy to have tons of fun exploring downtown Gatlinburg, but if you don’t wander about, you’ll miss a beautiful place just a few miles from our hotel. The ​Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail​ is like a forest fantasyland with all kinds of natural and man-made history at every turn. We’ll give you 4 good reasons to take the trek on this 5.5-mile, one-way road. 
The beautiful swimming pool at Black Bear Inn in Gatlinburg.

Top 4 Amenities Your Kids Will Love at Our Downtown Gatlinburg Hotel

Finding a place to stay when you’re planning a family vacation can be fun. Black Bear Inn & Suites has a lot of different amenities that are not only suitable for the adults, but are great for what we offer the kids as well. That should give you an idea of exactly what you can find at our downtown Gatlinburg hotel. Here are 4 of our many amenities that the kids will get excited about! 
gatlinburg overlook

Top 4 Things to Do in Gatlinburg That Make it Feel Like Home

Gatlinburg is a lovely place to visit, and it won’t take much once you arrive for it to feel like home. You may have initially decided to visit based on the amount of fun touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, but there are also amazing things to do that will make you feel like a local. Let us explain by showing you 4 things you can accomplish here that will only grow your love for this area. 
A scenic road in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

5 Tips For Having an Amazing Trip to Cades Cove

One of the most popular places to visit in all of the Smoky Mountains is the beautiful valley called ​Cades Cove​. It’s about an hour drive from our hotel, but that never seems to bother visitors when they know what to expect from this natural wonder. We’d like to give you some helpful tips that’ll ensure you have the best possible experience! 
aerial tramway to ober gatlinburg

4 Fun Gatlinburg Rides That Offer a Stunning Aerial View of the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their beauty, and there is no better way to view the majestic natural scenery than from above the trees! Gatlinburg is home to several scenic rides where you can glide above the forest floor to see the Smoky Mountains from a completely different perspective! Here are 4 fun Gatlinburg rides where you can experience a stunning aerial view of the Smokies: