Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most popular family destinations in all of Tennessee – and with good reason. There are so many attractions located back-to-back in this tourist town that taking them all in can be a real challenge – especially if you get stuck in an out-of-the-way Gatlinburg hotel. Ideally, your family wants to be as close to the “action” that is Gatlinburg as they can be. Some sites of interest that you should consider while in Gatlinburg include:

– The Great Smokey Mountains. Gatlinburg has a backdrop of this majestic mountain range that is visible from nearly anywhere that you might be in the city. Smokey Mountain National Park is a must-see.

– Ripley’s Aquarium and Believe it or Not Museum. View the strange, odd and unexpected in exhibits from around the globe and from the vault of the hit television series.

– Guinness World of Record Museum. Fun for the whole family is to be had at this adventurous hands-on attraction that everyone will be awed by.

– Golfing

– Fishing

– Skiing

– White water rafting

– Horseback riding and trail rides

And don’t forget that Gatlinburg is a great shopping destination. From the hundreds of boutiques and craft shops to outlet malls, this city knows how to roll out the red carpet for those who love to shop until they drop.

When and if your family tires of the fun to be had in Gatlinburg, then head on over to Gatlinburg’s neighboring city, Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, one of the best theme amusement parks in the country. You’ll find thrill rides, great food and a splash park for those hot Tennessee days in one of the most hospitable environments ever created. Dollywood pays homage to country music legend Dolly Parton.

A good place to search for the best Gatlinburg hotels that are nearest to local Gatlinburg attractions is by searching on travel company websites. You can find chain hotels, budget hotels, family run establishments, rustic country cabins, timeshares, condos, and resort style hotels – and easily compare the rates that are offered by each. Most of these travel companies will also provide a virtual maps that will have directions to the local attractions so that you can see which fits in more easily with your travel plans and then book your accommodations after perusing all of the options that are available.

Brick and mortar travel agents are also a good source of information when it comes to the best hotels to choose for your trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Go with a travel agent who is experienced in booking Gatlinburg trips and (ideally) that has been to Gatlinburg in person to get the most unbiased opinion when it comes to where you should stay.

And last of all, you likely know more than a few people who have traveled to Gatlinburg on vacation. Friends, relatives, and coworkers can often give you hands-on accounts of the best hotels that are available within close proximity to Gatlinburg’s major draws.

No matter where you stay in Gatlinburg, be sure to hit the ground running by planning your trip and booking your Gatlinburg hotel room or suite as soon as possible. Booking early is important because there are millions of people coming to this quaint and fun-filled city every year – and all of them are vying for the best rooms, too. As an added bonus, if you book your trip at least two months in advance, you can count on being the recipient of early bird specials that can make your entire trip to Gatlinburg, including your Gatlinburg hotel, cost less.