Gatlinburg Tennessee is full of so much history. There are a ton of things you may not know about this popular town near the Smoky Mountains. We want to share some of those facts with you! Here are the top 5 things you may not know about Gatlinburg Tennessee:
1. The town was named after the most hated man in town.
Usually towns are named after beloved members of the town but not Gatlinburg! This town was actually named after one of the most hated men in town. Radford Gatlin came to the area and apparently started a feud with one of the most prominent families in the area, the Ogles. He was eventually ran out of town because of the feud and many vindictive lawsuits against his neighbors. Gatlin opened a general store in 1854 and had the only post office in the town, which was eventually nicknamed Gatlinburg, and it stuck!
2. There are about 4,000 permanent residents in Gatlinburg Tennessee.
With a town that’s so popular, you would think there would be a ton of residents living there! That’s not the case with Gatlinburg. There are about 4,000 permanent residents in Gatlinburg Tennessee, and about 11 million visitors come to the city every year. Want a bonus fun fact? There are more fish living in Gatlinburg than there are people! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to more than 10,000 sea creatures, plus we can’t forget the fish that live in the creeks!
3. Gatlinburg is the 2nd most popular wedding destination in the US.
The fact that Gatlinburg is the 2nd most popular wedding destination in the United States is surprising. It is right behind Las Vegas. The big appeal is the romantic mountain scenery, which also makes for amazing wedding photos. Plus, there are hundreds of little chapels and other areas where you can get married!
4. The first pancake house in Tennessee is in Gatlinburg.
If you have ever visited Gatlinburg before, you know how many pancake houses there are in town. But did you know Tennessee’s first pancake house calls this city home? Pancake Pantry is Tennessee’s first pancake house! They started serving food in 1960 and haven’t stopped since. You don’t want to miss their old fashioned buttermilk pancakes or their silver dollar pancakes. Not only does Pancake Pantry have pancakes, you’ll find all your other breakfast favorites there too!
5. Gatlinburg is home to the only ski resort in Tennessee.
When you think of a ski resort, you probably think of the northwest or northeast United States, not the south! Gatlinburg is home to the only ski resort in Tennessee. Ober Gatlinburg opened in 1962 and has been a popular attraction in the area ever since. In the winter, you can ski, snowboard, snow tube, and enjoy many other activities. There are ice machines that help keep snow on the ground. Even when it’s not winter, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do at Ober, such as summer tubing, rock climbing, and more.
Now you know a little more about Gatlinburg Tennessee! Want even more information about the area? Read about the Gatlinburg area here so you know exactly what you want to do when you stay with us!