The exterior of the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg.

5 Gatlinburg Museums for Your Next Vacation

October 18, 2018

Going to a museum is a classic family vacation activity, especially on a rainy day! Gatlinburg, TN is home to a number of unique museums where you can spend hours learning and having fun. To help you make the most of your next getaway, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to five of the very best Gatlinburg museums.

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The sign for Doc Collier Moonshine in Gatlinburg.

4 Awesome Distilleries in Gatlinburg TN

October 17, 2018

When it comes to world-class whiskey, few states can rival Tennessee! The Volunteer State has a long history of distilling spirits, and whiskey is actually one of Tennessee’s top 10 exports. In 2017, the Tennessee Distillers Guild launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a collection of roughly thirty distilleries that stretch from Memphis to the Smoky Mountains.

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The outside of The Appy Lodge in Gatlinburg.

Come See the Appalachian Trail Museum at The Appy Lodge in Gatlinburg

October 16, 2018

As you may know, The Appy Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN takes its name from the Appalachian Trail, the longest marked footpath in the United States. Since the Appalachian Trail runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 71 miles, our charming hotel is the perfect place for hikers to stay when they’re in town to conquer the A.T.

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Scenic views of the Smoky Mountains from Newfound Gap Road.

4 Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss

September 30, 2018

Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains are world renowned for their stunning natural beauty. One of our favorite ways to take in the area’s majestic scenery is with a relaxing drive through the mountains. What could be better than admiring the grandeur of the Smokies with the windows down and a refreshing breeze blowing through your hair? To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to four of the most scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains.

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The entrance to The Village in Gatlinburg.

Top 5 Shops at The Village in Gatlinburg

September 15, 2018

If you’re looking to do some shopping in downtown Gatlinburg, a trip to The Village should definitely be on your vacation itinerary! This charming area set apart from the Parkway is reminiscent of a quaint European village, complete with a brick walking path and a lovely fountain. The Village is home to 27 unique businesses, and there is truly something for everyone among the collection of boutiques and eateries. To help you make the most of your next getaway, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to five of the very best shops at The Village in Gatlinburg.

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aerial tramway at ober gatlinburg

3 Convenient Ticket Options for a Fun Day at Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park

September 10, 2018

As one of the most popular destinations in the south, Ober Gatlinburg offers all types of fantastic activities for a day of family fun! The best part is that admission to the amusement park is completely free, with all activities on a pay-as-you-go basis. However, you can also purchase wristbands that include unlimited access to the attractions! Here are 3 convenient ticket options for a fun day at the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park:

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The sign for Doc Collier Moonshine in Gatlinburg.

6 Fun Facts About the History of Moonshine in Gatlinburg and the Smokies

August 28, 2018

As regular visitors to Gatlinburg, TN are probably aware, our Smoky Mountain city is home to a number of wonderful distilleries where you can try real moonshine! While legal moonshine distilleries are a relatively new development in town, making “white lightnin’” has long been a tradition in East Tennessee, although it hasn’t always been above board. To help spark your interest for your next distillery tour, The Appy Lodge has put together six fun facts about the history of moonshine in Gatlinburg and the Smokies.

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The redesigned Ripley's Odditorium Gatlinburg.

Ripley’s Odditorium Gatlinburg Gets an Extreme Makeover

August 22, 2018

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriumhas officially reopened! After 9 months of renovations, the quirkiest attraction in Gatlinburg, TN is welcoming visitors to see all of the exciting new additions made to the museum. Featuring a fresh design and lots of new exhibits and artifacts, the revamped Odditorium is definitely a can’t-miss vacation destination, even if you’ve visited in the past. To help you make the most of your next getaway, The Appy Lodge has put together a handy guide to what’s new at Ripley’s Odditorium Gatlinburg.

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Chocolate and vanilla ice cream in a tasty waffle cone.

The Top 4 Gatlinburg Ice Cream Shops

July 31, 2018

Nothing hits the spot on a hot day in Gatlinburg, TN quite like ice cream! Our Smoky Mountain city is home to a number of wonderful creameries where you can enjoy a delicious cone or sundae. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to four of the best Gatlinburg ice cream shops.

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Gatlinburg Space Needle

The 3 Best Shows in Gatlinburg TN

July 28, 2018

Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains are famous for their family-friendly entertainment! Gatlinburg and the surrounding cities have become a magnet for talented magicians, musicians, and actors. Whether you’re in the mood for mind-blowing spectacles or laugh out loud comedy, you’re guaranteed to find a show with your name on it in the Smokies. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to the three best shows in Gatlinburg TN.

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The Chondola Station for Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN.

Top 6 Things to Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN

July 22, 2018

Located on top of a mountain overlooking downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Anakeesta is one of the most-buzzed-about attractions in the Smokies! Opened in 2017, this unique theme park offers thrills, breathtaking scenery, and lots of family-friendly fun. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to six of the best things to do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN.

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The John Cable gristmill in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains.

4 Fascinating Historic Places in Gatlinburg TN and the Smokies

June 22, 2018

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a place that remembers its history. In fact, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are home to a number of well-preserved historic buildings that provide a window into what life was like in the 1800s and early 1900s. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to four fascinating historic places in Gatlinburg TN and the Smokies.

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Stunning photo of the city of Gatlinburg TN at night.

How to Plan the Ultimate Date Night in Gatlinburg TN

June 16, 2018

Tucked away in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is the perfect place for a romantic getaway with your sweetheart! Our charming city boasts beautiful scenery and a walkable downtown where you can visit a variety of excellent restaurants and bars. To help you make the most of your next couple’s escape, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to planning the ultimate date night in Gatlinburg TN.

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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg.

6 of the Best Indoor Attractions in Gatlinburg TN

June 7, 2018

Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures. If a rainy forecast puts the brakes on your plans to explore the great outdoors, however, you definitely won’t be bored! Our charming city is absolutely loaded with awesome indoor activities that are fun for guests of all ages. To help you make the most of your next vacation, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to six of the best indoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN.

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The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Why There is No Great Smoky Mountains Entrance Fee

May 30, 2018

Over 11 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. In fact, the Smokies are the most visited national park in the United States! Blessed with 900 miles of gorgeous hiking trails, numerous scenic roads, lovely picnic areas, and spectacular wildlife viewing, it’s no wonder that the Great Smoky Mountains are so popular. Of course, another reason so many people come to the Smokies each year is that the national park is completely free to enter.

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