Gatlinburg, TN

Welcome to Gatlinburg Tennessee, the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is just over a mile from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and offers all of the creature comforts sought after by area travelers.

Gatlinburg offers accommodations of every kind from simple motel rooms, suites, condos and cabins to deluxe upscale mountainside homes with spectacular views and every conceivable amenity.

Gatlinburg also offers a smorgasbord of food options, from fine dining on locally raised trout to fast food. There is truly something for every taste and preference, and choosing can be one of you toughest decisions of the day!

Gatlinburg offers shops and boutiques galore, and you can spend days here without visiting the same store twice. No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without an evening spent shopping in downtown Gatlinburg.

Here are some helpful links:

Gatlinburg - Official site of Gatlinburg and the Chamber of Commerce, Start you online research here!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - NPS Site.

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community - Local crafts and regional art.

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Bureau.

SmokyPhotos - Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding area!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

The Gatlinburg real estate market has seen many styles over the past 5 decades. None of which was more pronounced than the a-frames of the 1960's and '70's that dot the mountainsides. Today, a new grand style of luxury has made its way into the mountain scenery. The Big Log Lodges have arrived in Gatlinburg.

This style has been around for many years in the $10 to $30 million dollar estate homes out west in Colorado and Utah. The appearance of these super luxury cabins in the Gatlinburg mountains is still relatively unknown except to the savvy overnight renter. In fact, these homes are bringing in such incredible rental numbers (some over $200,000 per year in gross income) that many of the purchasers have been neighbors and friends passing the word to one another about the investment opportunity.

The most prominent mountainside community of Big Log Logdes right now is Pinnacle Vista. Mind-blowing views, big log construction, very large private lots, and exceptional rental income have combined to make this particular development feel like an overnight success. However, it's success has been several years in the making.

It's not often that you get to see your hometown transform with new high-end communities, underground downtown utilities, and a flurry of new investment (a new Hilton, several restaurants and a downtown waterpark are slated to be completed within the next 2 years). I am happy to say that I have been and will continue to be here to witness it all.

The Gatlinburg real estate market is seeing the absorption rate increasing for existing homes. In the past 4 or 5 years the building of new homes was fast and furious. Now, the building of new homes in Gatlinburg has slowed tremendousely and subsequently has allowed the existing homes for sale to be absorbed at a faster pace.

Good news for the sellers who need to move their money elsewhere. Also, good news for buyers who are ready to take advantage of the market and deals that exist now.

Increasing sales and decreasing inventory mean that our market is stabilizing and returning to a more normal sales environment. Not to be mistaken with the exuberant period we saw in the past few years but more like the steady appreciation from the early 90's to the very early 2000's. A welcome change.

Since the establishment of the National Park in 1936, Gatlinburg has become the destination of choice for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. The park is a favorite choice for both through hiking and day trips.

One of the most popular day hikes in the park is the Chimney Tops Trail. This popular 4.2 mile roundtrip trail will take you to some of the best views in the Smokies.

The popularity of this trail may require parking some distance from the trailhead, so arrive early or plan on an extra long walk. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots and carry enough water for the climb to the top of the mountain.

Begin your outing just a few miles south of town on U.S. 441 at The Sugarlands Visitor Center. The Sugarlands is aptly named due to the sugar maples that dominate the landscape. At the visitor center, you can get books, maps, and updates on weather and wildlife issues.

Continuing south on the Newfound Gap Road about 4 miles, and just after going through the tunnel, you will come to the Chimney Tops Trailhead.

The trail starts through a pleasant wooded stream valley, and all crossings have bridges so you can avoid rock hopping. You will pass through heavy rhododendron thickets as you begin the ascent to the summit.

The trail is moderately steep in some areas, so rest as needed. As you continue the climb, wonderful vistas will open up to you! At the crest, you will continue along the ridge until you come to the Chimneys.

The Chimneys are actually rock formations at the peak of the mountain that are hollow in the middle and resemble a large stone chimney. From the top of the big chimney the view is spectacular, and a fitting reward for the exertion required ti get there!

Return via the same route, and then it's back to Gatlinburg for food, shopping and entertainment!

Photos: Top right: The Chimneys from The Newfound Gap Road, Bottom left: The big Chimney. Courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.

Late spring/early summer I had the fun experience of taking a girls weekend away with my best friend, Sue. We decided to visit Gatlinburg, TN as we've heard so much about it (and my mother happened to have a condo for the week that we could stay at for free.... lol!) My business partner, Bevin, and another team member, Susan, were both supposed to join us but could not go at the last minute. Still, Sue and I had a great time.... Here are some of my favorite things we did....

On the way up the windy turns we stopped at an overlook to enjoy the breathtaking views.....

When we got out of the car we noticed an eerie humm.... It didn't take long for Sue to realize it was the Cicadas that were EVERYWHERE! The hills were definately alive with the sound of music - the cicada song!

We also went to visit a pottery shop where they sat out front actually making the pottery.....

One of my favorite things of the week, however was a visit on a motor trail. At one point you can get out and walk around to view this very old cabins and learn about what life would have been like for early Tennesseeans.

On the walk between sites we had something REALLY EXCITING happen. Out of no where a deer came walking up the path. It stopped only feet in front of us!

This was amazing. Of course what my favorite things weren't necessarily Sue's favorite things. She's a bit more adventurous (and less afraid of heights). Maybe it's because I'm only 5 ft tall, but heights really make me a bit panicky.... Sue LOVED this ride though... (view going up and then view going down)

My favorite thing that happened to us, unforunately I don't have a photo of..... On our way back up the mountain to our room we saw eyes on the side of the road. I cautioned her to be careful of the kitty in the neighbor's garbage cans. Then suddenly realized that the kitty was actually a black bear cub!!!! It was very late and dark. Needless to say we couldn't get out of the car (ummm, where was mama bear?). The flash from inside the car didn't work very well.....

All in all it was a fabulous time & I've never seen so many mini golf and pancake houses in my life (strangely we neither played or ate at one!). If you love nature though, this is a great vacation destination!