Looking for a great view of the Tennessee landscapes and the beautiful Smoky Mountains? Be sure to visit the Space Needle in Gatlinburg.
I have to finish posting about the rest of our Tennessee trip so I can finally get all the photos off my phone and into a photo album. I think after today, there are three more posts and then we can finally close the book on Spring Break 2014.
When we visited the Ripley’s Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg on our first night, I spied the Space Needle and asked one of the employees about it. I am all for visiting a place that would give us stunning views and photo opps.
I am not so much in for the height aspect, but sometimes you just have to suck it up.
So I did.
It was opened to visitors in 1969, and rises 407 feet in the air. After paying your admission, you take a short elevator ride to the top observation deck. Once there, you’re free to stay there as along as you want, and the views of downtown Gatlinburg, and, of course, the Smoky Mountains are amazing. When it was built, it was the second tallest tower in the state; it is now the fifth tallest.
There are many free view finders located around the 360 degree deck, and there is also quite a bit of history to read up on while you are there as well. The tower took over a year to make and weighs over four million pounds.
I will be the first to admit that I don’t especially love heights, and my stomach definitely did somersaults if I looked down, but I really try to not let that fear get in the way of me missing out on something. Something like this view.
Except roller coasters.
I’m ok with missing those.
If you are planning on visiting, you can buy your tickets online to save a bit.
You can easily spend the whole day in Gatlinburg, and then some. When you visit, be sure to also ride the Aerial Tramway, and visit the Ripley’s Museum right down the street, and the aquarium.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg TNÂ 37738
Telephone: 865-436-4629
Hungry for more Tennessee?
Our visit to RainForest Adventures was fun, with questionable vending machine prizes.
The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is right down the street from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum and was a great kick-off to our vacation on our first night.
The kids loved riding The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, and it gave us awesome views from the top (gulp).
The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum was a favorite of Nick’s, of course.
The Chocolate Monkey was a sweet spot we enjoyed near one of our hotels.
Jack’s Bar-B-Que in Nashville was a highlight and not-to-be-missed.
Our favorite Tennessee eats can be found here.
And lastly, some highlights from our week-long adventure.
And you can also check out this Tennessee-themed board on Pinterest.
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