On March 8, 2022, Southern Living announced the winners of its sixth annual South's Best Awards! These awards recognize readers' favorite Southern experiences, from vacation destinations to local restaurants. This year, Gatlinburg made the list!
Southern Living's readers have named Gatlinburg the South's Best Mountain Town for 2022, putting it at the top of 15 magnificent mountain towns. Hailed for their hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities as well as their small town charm and great restaurants, these mountain towns are shining examples of Southern culture- and Gatlinburg is the best of the best!
Southern Living wrote: "This eastern Tennessee town is a family favorite. Gatlinburg is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has all the overlooks and panoramic vistas you'd hope to see during a visit to the area. To experience these dramatic sights, book into the Space Needle observation tower or the Sky Lift, an aerial cable car, where you can glimpse the mountains and their telltale haze."
Gatlinburg is home to a little bit of everything. Right outside of the Smokies, it is home to some of the best hiking and scenic views in the country. It is also packed full of family fun, with awesome attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Ober Gatlinburg. Candy kitchens, moonshine distilleries, and pancake restaurants pepper the town. It is charming and exciting, making it an easy choice for the South's Best Mountain Town.
The South's top 5 mountain towns are as follows:
1. Gatlinburg, TN
2. Blowing Rock, NC
3. Blue Ridge, GA
4. Boone, NC
5. Eureka Springs, AR
What's your favorite thing about Gatlinburg? Tell us in the comments!
