Today Gatlinburg, TN is a world-class vacation destination resort city visited by millions of people from all around the world. This roots of this major resort city date back to 1930- when the The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was designated a national park by the federal government. Prior to that time the Smoky Mountain region was not known very far beyond its own borders. Original settlers came here not to gaze on the everlasting hills, but for forestry and fishing. But once the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, tourism began to grow as a major industry in the area. Before long, the Smoky Mountains became not only regionally recognized, but also nationally and internationally.

As tourist recognition of the Smokies grew, so too did the development of local Tennessee cities like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Gatlinburg in particular, with its unique European legacy and flare, emerged as true vacation destination resort town. Original Germanic settlers came here hoping to maintain a sense of the old country. This was reflected in architecture, street names, and the like. Over time, this Euro-village theme became the signature style of the Gatlinburg that was to become a major East Tennessee destination.

The surrounding mountainous beauty and local European style of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg could easily fool you into believing you'd actually taken a trip to the Swiss Alps. Local residents and vendors in Gatlinburg have gone out of their way to maintain and further develop that theme. That's why any new structure built in Gatlinburg has to be built in the classic European style that is found throughout the city. This guarantees that Gatlinburg, TN will maintain its rustic and unique style for generations to come.

As would be fitting for the development of a Euro-village of this sort, a major accommodation attraction in Gatlinburg has become its thriving cabin rental industry. Throughout Europe, mountain log cabins (or chalets or villas- as they often called) have a long and celebrated history as the lodging experience of choice. This old-country lodging legacy has been passed on to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains- where log cabins are the most popular of lodging options in the area.

Each Gatlinburg cabin is luxury- equipped with exquisite furnishings, state of the art audio-visual equipment and exciting entertainment and games rooms. And the mountain vistas that are provided from these mountain cabins are truly breathtaking. There truly is no better way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The great thing about a Gatlinburg vacation is that you can experience lodging luxury in one of these Tennessee mountain cabins that are nestled in the very heart of the Smoky Mountains; and yet still be only minutes away from all the exciting entertainment, attractions, and seasonal festivals available in downtown Gatlinburg.

For those who are looking for a kind of entertainment that is a little more "easy-going" Gatlinburg has plenty to offer. Many Tennessee vacationers like to meander through downtown Gatlinburg- taking in the many artisan and gift shops that feature the work of local Smoky Mountain artists. A visit to one of these shops lets you take home a piece of the Smoky Mountains with you. And the locals are renowned for their charm and Smoky Mountain hospitality.

The city also boasts an impressive selection of dining establishments offering unique and world-class cuisine. Some of the most popular Smoky Mountain restaurants in Gatlinburg include: the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and Cheese Cupboard, the Grenbriar Restaurant, the Log Cabin Pancake House, the Smokey Mountain Brewery and Restaurant, and the Cherokee Grill. Whether you're looking for a four course meal fitting of a European king, or you're hoping to experience some "down home" Smoky Mountain BBQ, Gatlinburg TN will not disappoint.

When you consider all that Gatlinburg, Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains have to offer, it's no surprise that each and every year millions of people visit this area to take in its beauty, charm and unique character.