What to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?

[RugerMKII]

How much has re opened after the fires? I was hoping to visit later in Jan.

The fire was in 2016 and they have rebounded from it. Supply issues and trying to to get people to work is an issue now. I live on the north side of Knoxville. Some restaurants shutdown early because folks won't work. I thought the Covid money was being cutoff??
My Dad was born and raised in Gatlinburg, TN. I rarely go there anymore because of crowds. We camp over in Townsend, TN. Have reservations for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
Your first time just try to see as much as possible then decide what you want to focus on next time. They have something for almost everyone.
My problem is I'm getting old and I remember when Gatlinburg would shut down in early November and reopen in the spring. Good times back then for a kid that just wanted to be in the woods.

[Straight Shooter]

I remember going to Gatlinburg in the very early 70's...man there wasnt anything there!
The one thing I know was there back then, that I hope is still there..haavent been since early 2000's...is the Taffy machine in the window.
One of only a few left, this thing has been twisting taffy about as long as Ive been alive.
But outside of that...I remember a guy had a little black bear on the side of the road at a pull-off, you could get your picture made for a dollar or so.
It was very remote, as I said few modern conveniences outside shady motels, and I dont recall many eatin joints either.
My last trip, was my last trip. Cant take the crowds in that small a place, and its just too touristy for me.
Im fortunate enough tho to live in a part on TN where I can drive 15 minutes and have scenery that to me & others rivals that of that whole area.
I too, remember when that area shut down for winter.

[RugerMKII]

They are still making taffy. Probably got some newer machines. It's a wonder I didn't pull a tooth out when I was little.

My Grandmother lived on what's called Ski Mtn Road. Yea the road went up to the ski lodge. I could walk out her door, cross the road heading east and in 100 yards I was in the G.S.M.N.P. A couple of times I got turned around for a few hours until I found my way out. Folks would have a fit today if a young kid wandered off like that.

[chuckman]

Only there once, about 8 years ago maybe, family and I had a condo nearby for a week. I liked Gatlinburg. Kitchy, like Myrtle Beach and Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida, used to be. I loved the NOC store right before the entrance into the national park. I could spend hours and thousands of bucks in there. Gatlinburg is also the place to be if you plie pancakes for some reason.

[jsbhike]

I remember going to Gatlinburg in the very early 70's...man there wasnt anything there!
The one thing I know was there back then, that I hope is still there..haavent been since early 2000's...is the Taffy machine in the window.
One of only a few left, this thing has been twisting taffy about as long as Ive been alive.
But outside of that...I remember a guy had a little black bear on the side of the road at a pull-off, you could get your picture made for a dollar or so.
It was very remote, as I said few modern conveniences outside shady motels, and I dont recall many eatin joints either.
My last trip, was my last trip. Cant take the crowds in that small a place, and its just too touristy for me.
Im fortunate enough tho to live in a part on TN where I can drive 15 minutes and have scenery that to me & others rivals that of that whole area.
I too, remember when that area shut down for winter.

Townsend, TN is the last city on the right heading towards Cades Cove. Still fairly small and not crowded and I want to stay there some day for that reason.

Also, it is maybe an hour south of Maryville so if S&W has tours or a bargain hut that could be a future cool thing

[Straight Shooter]

They are still making taffy. Probably got some newer machines. It's a wonder I didn't pull a tooth out when I was little.

My Grandmother lived on what's called Ski Mtn Road. Yea the road went up to the ski lodge. I could walk out her door, cross the road heading east and in 100 yards I was in the G.S.M.N.P. A couple of times I got turned around for a few hours until I found my way out. Folks would have a fit today if a young kid wandered off like that.

Townsend, TN is the last city on the right heading towards Cades Cove. Still fairly small and not crowded and I want to stay there some day for that reason.

Also, it is maybe an hour south of Maryville so if S&W has tours or a bargain hut that could be a future cool thing

Thanks for the info on the taffy machine..I saw a show about that specific one a long time ago...if it were to break they said they couldnt fix it or something like that.

Yes, Townsend is a cool place. Just get on out a little from the tourist stuff and to me its more enjoyable.
Thats so awesome about S&W moving there, too.
When I was trucking I used to know a lot of little backroads around there.