Forbes Prettiest Cities--Gatlinburg

[chavisut]

Originally Posted by PoochPunt3rdDown

Most know I grew up there and some know of my family's involvement in Gatlinburg. When I was younger, I used to peer down my nose at those who flocked there, and considered the vast majority of the "tourons' to be dumb hicks. That may or may not be the case, but Gatlinburg does have a lot to offer, and is completely different than anywhere else I've ever been.

What was it like growing up in a town that strives off tourism? Seems like it would get very old. I'm unaware of your family involvement too.

[PoochPunt3rdDown]

Originally Posted by chavisut

What was it like growing up in a town that strives off tourism? Seems like it would get very old. I'm unaware of your family involvement too.

The summers were a blast. Every day you could meet new people. Spent a ton of time in the woods/mountains. Used to love to fish in the creek with a cane pole by my grandparents motel. I'm really biased, tho. That town means a lot to my family.

[DynamiteMcGhee]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

you're crazy

mirror maze
Ripleys
8 course meals
worlds oldest ski lift
fudge
go karts
taffy
putt putt
go karts
meth
go karts
go karts
putt putt

It has been forever since I spent an afternoon spinning out 8 year olds.

[Spartacavolus]

Originally Posted by DynamiteMcGhee

It has been forever since I spent an afternoon spinning out 8 year olds.

There is a NASCAR themed track there with some fast as hell karts.

[9296potsguy]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

There is a NASCAR themed track there with some fast as hell karts.

I'd like to try it out, hope it is as awesome as this was:

Fastimes - The Most Exciting Corporate Karting Events in Indianapolis! Great Team Building Exercises!

[DynamiteMcGhee]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

There is a NASCAR themed track there with some fast as hell karts.

NASCAR Speedpark? I loved that place. I actually ended up having one of the big fast ones lock up a wheel and throw sparks all over me. No fun while wearing shorts.

[volinbham]

I've been to 4 of the 10 (G-burg, St. Augustine, Key West, San Luis Obispo).

When I lived in K-ville I used to mock G-burg (though it was fun as a kid). Now that I don't live near the Smokies G-burg is a pretty good long weekend trip with friends. Plenty to do, great access to the Smokies and people to make fun of.

[Behr]

Key West Blows.

[Spartacavolus]

Originally Posted by Behr1213

Key West Blows.

we were there in '90 for spring break and stayed till @ 1 AM watching that drunk Houdini try to get out of his straight jacket. He started at the sunset party they have everyday. We'd got him food and got him more hammered, smoked weed, watched him, and laughed till we about pissed ourselves.

[SpecialKVolfan20]

Gatlinburg is looking beautiful with the underground utilities and the stricter building codes on aesthetics.

Gatlinburg snow.jpg


And even the bears are smart enough to use the crosswalks...

[rockytophigh]

Looks like the family and I will be moving up that way from Nashville shortly. I've accepted a job there & I am pretty excited about it. I'm not exactly sure where we will live, school, hang out, etc. so any suggestions would be appreciated. I've looked at the Kings Academy which is about the only private school around. My son will be going into 6th grade.

[GmanTN]

Originally Posted by rockytophigh

Looks like the family and I will be moving up that way from Nashville shortly. I've accepted a job there & I am pretty excited about it. I'm not exactly sure where we will live, school, hang out, etc. so any suggestions would be appreciated. I've looked at the Kings Academy which is about the only private school around. My son will be going into 6th grade.

For shopping and dining I would suggest West Knoxville, if you want a small town feel live in Blount County (Maryville). The easiest way to get to the Smokies is through Townsend or come down from Newport.

[EvanStalcup1990]

Originally Posted by PoochPunt3rdDown

Most know I grew up there and some know of my family's involvement in Gatlinburg. When I was younger, I used to peer down my nose at those who flocked there, and considered the vast majority of the "tourons' to be dumb hicks. That may or may not be the case, but Gatlinburg does have a lot to offer, and is completely different than anywhere else I've ever been.

Speaking of the mountains, did y'all know that some geologists have theorized that the mountains in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina are among the oldest on Earth? Did you also know that some of the same geologists say that the Smokies were once the highest mountains, peaking at over 30,000 feet before time eroded them? The forests and climate at the summits of the highest mountains are actually closer to the Canadian boreal forests than any other forests in the Southeast. There are more species of flora and fauna in the Smokies than anywhere else in America with the exception of the rain forests of Washington state.

Whats your family name?

[rockytophigh]

Originally Posted by GmanTN

For shopping and dining I would suggest West Knoxville, if you want a small town feel live in Blount County (Maryville). The easiest way to get to the Smokies is through Townsend or come down from Newport.

Thanks for the heads up. Looks like I start on Tuesday so I'll have a better feel once I get there & check it out live & in person. We usually camp in Townsend once or twice a year while going to football games. It would be nice if I could find a cabin to rent for the summer or so if the prices aren't too high. We shall see. It's going to be nice to be back living in East TN again.

[9296potsguy]

Originally Posted by EvanStalcup1990

Whats your family name?

I'm not PP3D, but my wife was a McCarter, one of the earliest settlers there.