Gatlinburg, Tennessee

• by George Bailey • Published: July 22, 2007

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, though much smaller than Branson, has many similar values and traditions. Wildlife is a big part of life in both towns. Instead of the tri-lakes that offer visitors to Branson ample swimming, boating and fishing fun, in Gatlinburg you can enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is a world renowned nature preserve. The diversity of species is exceptional by any standards. The park contains a greater number of tree species (approximately 100) than exists in northern Europe. And it is the Salamander capital of the world. Bears and flowers flourish in the park.

Fans of the mid-western cuisine to be found in Branson will delight in the comparable offerings of Gatlinburg, albeit with a slightly more southern bent. If you’re in the mood for a steak grilled Smoky Mountains style, try Peddlers—theirs are the best in Sevier County! The Park Grill and The Pancake house both offer good old fashioned family food cooked according to the old southern recipes.

As far as attractions go, it is probably Gatlinburg’s wealth of live American music that most notably calls Branson to mind. While Branson is considered the live country music capital of the world, Gatlinburg has its fair share to offer as well. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Country Tonite Theatre and the Smoky Mountain Jubilee are just a few of the wonderful, family-friendly musical productions in Gatlinburg that have been delighting fans of American music for years.