Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been voted the #1 Aquarium in the United States by TripAdvisor.  The recognition comes on the heels of Ripley’s Aquarium opening a an all-new Shark Attack exhibit, an innovative, educational exhibit that explores the oceans’ top predators with a variety of live sharks and over 30 hands-on interactive displays.

The Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg may be located far from the sea, but its natural setting and vast waterways make it the perfect place to explore life under the sea.  The Gatlinburg attraction is teeming with life with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures comprising more than 350 individual species available to explore.

Exhibits at Ripley's Aquarium Include:

• Tropical RainForest
• Ocean Realm
• Systems Control
• Coral Reef
• Shark Lagoon
• Discovery Center
• Gallery of the Seas
• Stingray Bay
• Touch a Ray Bay

The largest and most popular exhibit at the aquarium is the Shark Tank, which includes a 340-foot underwater tunnel. There is a glidepath through the tunnel, allowing for a leisurely trip where you’ll see stingrays, sawfish, tarpons, sharks, eels and more.

Purchase discount Ripley's Aquarium tickets to dive into life under the sea! 

Hit the Slopes of Ober Gatlinburg to enjoy a variety of winter sports now through March 15.  The weather is perfect for skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding and snowmaking is in full force at Ober Gatlinburg.

Ober Gatlinburg features nine trails serviced by two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift. The Resort offers terrain for all abilities, from a beginner experiencing the joy of snow sports for the first time, to a seasoned expert hitting the moguls and terrain park. Ober Gatlinburg also has a popular snow tubing park, skiing and snowboarding equipment rental, an ice skating rink, aerial tramway, alpine slide, restaurants, shops and more.

The Ober Gatlinburg location is a real plus, too, as you can take the aerial tram to the downtown area where you can dine on some delicious calzone at Smoky Mountain Brewery or warm up with a sip of moonshine at the OleSmoky Moonshine Distillery.  When you think of skiing, thoughts of staying in a cozy lodge come to mind as well.  Places like Old Creek Lodge fit the bill perfectly as they provide lodge-style ambiance at a price that won’t break the bank.  If you’re looking for a place with a fireplace you can cozy up next to check out Heartland Cabin Rentals.  They feature a variety of cabin types, many of which include amenities like a hot tub, pool table, and yes, a fireplace. 

It may be cold out now, but Gatlinburg is already prepping for the annual Smoky Mountain SpringFest.  The three-month long festival takes place March 9-June 3 and features a variety of events that entertain and educate.  Plus, the beauty of the area is in full bloom during spring, with flowers, foliage and beautiful waterfalls creating amazing sights to see.

Here are some of the events scheduled during Smoky Mountain SpringFest:

Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
April 4-7
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show.

Ober Gatlinburg’s 14th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
April 8
Ober Gatlinburg
Join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg’s 14th annual Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 5:45 a.m. and continue at 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 6:30 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort is provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet is available and waiting at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

62nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 25-April 29
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This event is perfect for nature lovers and hikers, especially as an abundance of wildflowers will be in bloom.  Hosted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the University of Tennessee Botany Department and the Gatlinburg Garden Club, this five-day public program offers more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies.

Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings
April 26
Downtown Gatlinburg
This festive downtown street party features lots of fun, delicious barbeque ribs and wings, and plenty of secret sauces to taste. Free entertainment is also on the menu.

 

Ready for some great comedy? Make plans to attend the Gatlinburg Improv Fest, from February 23-26, for some hilarious improvisational comedy.

The Gatlinburg Improv Fest is geared towards both performers and spectators. It will feature a variety of improve groups and instructors participating in a series of shows and classes over the four day event. The Improv Fest is presented by and headquartered at The Sweet Fanny Adams Theater in downtown Gatlinburg.

The headline act of the comedy festival will be Chase Padgett. He will present his award-winning “6 Guitars” show. This show will take place at 8pm on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25.
 
Reserve your place to stay in Gatlinburg early for this laugh-out-loud event.

There’s still time to enjoy Gatlinburg Winter Magic, a festive event showcasing the best of the holiday season.

One of the most popular ways to see the beauty of Gatlinburg during Winter Magic is to hop aboard the Trolley Tour of Lights.  For only $5, guests can enjoy a guided tour, in a heated trolley, of the area’s dazzling light displays.  It’s an affordable way to enjoy the holiday season, before the New Year arrives and the magic of the holidays become memories.   

While you visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee take in some other Gatlinburg attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and WonderWorks.  These two attractions are fun for families as they appeal to all ages and provide several hours of educational fun, perfect for cold days best spent inside.  Of course, the best attraction in Gatlinburg is the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains, which should certainly be a part of your visit.  Even if it’s too chilly outside to hike, be sure to take an auto tour of the area.  Bring a camera as there are many great photo opportunities.

Choosing a place to stay in Gatlinburg is easy too, as there are a variety of choices available.  Mountain Vista Condos, Fairfield Inn Gatlinburg North and Old Creek Lodge are three Gatlinburg lodging options that are highly recommended.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, located in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is presenting Gatlinburg’s Largest Musical Christmas Tree this holiday season.

The Musical Christmas Tree stands 5-stories tall and entertains guests with a musical light show through January 1, 2012.  Guests can also experience the 12 Days of Christmas every Friday and Saturday, now through December 25, 2011.  Purchase discount Ripley’s Aquarium tickets to enjoy these festive special events.

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, look no further than Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg.  They are hosting the 11^th Annual Dance with the Sharks New Year’s Eve Party.  Guests are invited to dance, eat and party throughout the aquarium from 9pm to 1am.  The New Year’s Eve Party is not included with Ripley’s Aquarium tickets.  Prices are $79.99 per person and $149.99 per couple for the event.

Gatlinburg will ring in the New Year with a massive New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks event. The 24th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks show will take place at the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg.

Leading up to midnight, live entertainment and a DJ will entertain the crowd.  Party favors will be available at the base of the Space Needle.

Highlighting the event is the ball drop from the Space Needle, followed by a fireworks display and music. The entire city of Gatlinburg gets in on the fun, with restaurants and attractions staying open late and offering special celebrations.

Reserve a downtown Gatlinburg hotel today to be in the middle of the action.

Gatlinburg hotels offer great views of the fireworks from their respective balconies. Just be sure you’re able to see the top of the Space Needle, and you’ll be guaranteed a great view of the celebration. Visitors can all get a good vantage point from Park River Road, if the party atmosphere isn’t for you.

Voted one of the “Best New Year’s Eve Shows in the South,” Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks is a fantastic way to welcome the New Year of 2012.

There are various Gatlinburg shows available on New Year’s Eve, including Dixie Stampede, The Comedy Barn, Cirque De Chine, and Country Tonite, among others. Visitors might also want to take a tour on the Trolley Ride of Lights, which is a fun way to experience the beauty of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a beautiful place to spend the holidays.  On your next Gatlinburg vacation, be sure to check out these upcoming seasonal events.

Festival of Trees: November 22-26

Dozens of Christmas trees, adorned with gorgeous ornaments, await visitors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  The event is a festive treat for all. Open daily and free to the public.

Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Holiday Show: November 22 – December 4

This holiday craft show is the perfect place to find a unique holiday gifts for your loved ones.  Handcrafted arts and crafts will be available at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  Admission is free.

Christmas on Ice: December 3-4

Local skaters take to the ice at Ober Gatlinburg to display their skills, all of which is set to holiday music.   Admission is free.

Walk on the North Side: November 25-26

Take a walk on the North Side in downtown Gatlinburg.  Shopping, demonstrations, live entertainments and fun children’s activities will be available.  The event is located outside, on the Parkway, between Traffic Lights 1 and 3.  Hours are from 4pm-10pm on Friday and 10am-10pm on Saturday.  The next Walk on the North Side is schedule for December 23-24.

The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade marches into Gatlinburg, Tennessee December 2, 2011.

The 36^th annual parade is showcasing Ripley’s Aquariumof the Smokies, as well as other Ripley’s attractions in the area.  Sharky and Sharkette, of Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg, are serving as the Grand Marshalls of the parade.  Other Ripley’s attractions included in the parade are the Ripley’s Museum, Guinness World Records Museum, Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, and Ripley’s Moving Theater. 

Earlier this year, Ripley’s Entertainment won an International Festival and Events Association Pinnacle award for Best Sponsor for Gatlinburg Special Events. Ripley’s Entertainment has been in Gatlinburg for almost 40 years and boasts the largest concentration of Ripley’s attractions in the world.

The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will travel through downtown Gatlinburg starting at 7:30pm.  Last year, around 80,000 spectators came out for the parade.  Participants in the parade include the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, over a dozen marching bands, and giant helium balloons.  Santa is also having an autograph party before the parade, at 6pm, located at the Riverbend Mall. 

The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is part of Gatlinburg Winterfest.

A vacation in Gatlinburg during the holidays is a wonderful way to make memories that will last a lifetime.  Gatlinburg gets into the spirit of the season with a variety of events, including Gatlinburg Winter Magic, highlighted by Winter Magic Tunes and Tales.

Winter Magic Tunes and Tales take place November 25-Decemer 17, 2011.  Every weekend on Friday and Saturday nights the Parkway comes alive with holiday entertainment with characters and actors from the summer Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales program.  During the winter program, carolers, a barber shop quartet and Victorian-era characters stroll the Parkway, spreading seasonal cheer to everyone.

The debut performance is scheduled during the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees on November 25.  This also coincides with the opening performance of the Nutcracker Sweet at the W.L. Mills Conference Center.

Dickens-style carolers from the Winter Magic Tunes and Tales programs will be in downtown Gatlinburg from 5pm-9pm on the evenings of November 25-26, December 3,9,10 and December 16-17.