The Smoky Mountains are one of America’s premier tourist destinations, with thousands of visitors each day enjoying what the Smokies have to offer. From stunning natural vistas to amusement parks and shopping and dining experiences, the Smoky Mountains have a little something for everyone. If you’re a Texas resident considering vacation plans, here are five reasons why the Smoky Mountains might be an ideal destination.
1. Plenty of Lodging at Affordable Prices
The Smoky Mountains hit the sweet spot between accessibility and affordability. As one of the most established tourist destinations in the country, the Smokies have an extensive lodging infrastructure. From individual cabins and houses to amenity-filled resorts to hotels and motels, you’ll be spoiled for choice in picking out where you stay.
And unlike certain other mountainous areas like Colorado or New England, the Smokies offer reasonable rental prices for lodging. If you’re looking for a vacation that doesn’t break your budget, the Smoky Mountains may be the right call.
2. The Natural Beauty of the Mountains
Texas is a massive state with a great deal of geographical diversity, but nearly all of it is relatively flat. Outside of far west Texas, the topography doesn’t offer a lot of ups and downs. Coming to the Smoky Mountains means experiencing a new terrain and environment, and it’s always nice to have a change of pace on vacation.
The Smokies are renowned for their beauty, with lush, forested mountains offering ample opportunity to hike and sightsee. Some vacation-goers do nothing but sample the natural splendor of the mountains.
3. Dollywood
Dolly Parton is one of America’s most beloved entertainers, and as a country music sensation, she has a special place in many Texans’ hearts. Visiting her theme park is a destination vacation.
Dollywood offers just about any entertainment option you can imagine, from theme park rides to musical performances to a water park to traditional crafts and food. With over 3 million visitors annually, Dollywood is one of the most popular vacation destinations around, and for good reason.
4. Hunting and Fishing Opportunities
Many Texans love the outdoors, and hunting and fishing are popular pastimes. If you’re looking to plan a vacation around hunting or fishing, the Smoky Mountains offer ample opportunity.
One of the centerpieces of the Smoky Mountains hunting experience is the black bears, but deer, boar, turkey, and even elk are available too. And if you’re more interested in fishing, the Smokies offer outstanding trout fishing, as well as other freshwater fish like largemouth and smallmouth bass.
5. One-Day Drive or Convenient Flight
Many vacation-goers prefer to drive rather than fly, and oftentimes, they limit their vacation destinations to places that can be reached in a day’s drive. Fortunately, most Texans can make it to the Smokies in a day.
While West Texans may need two days, the largest population centers like the Dallas and Houston areas can reach the Smokies in a day. And if you’d prefer to fly, you’re looking at no more than a two to three-hour flight.
These are just a few of the many reasons why Texans should prioritize visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.
