Mountains of Scenic Views on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway!
This all-around fabulous attraction gets a lot of press in the winter time, with skiing at the forefront of its spate of fun activities. However, this reviewer went in the heart of summer and was truly wowed at the family memories to be made at the top of the mountain! Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway in downtown Gatlinburg. You’ll be transported high above the treetops, into a world of scenic views that’ll have your cameras in play right away!
After a nine-minute ride (2.1 miles) on the Ober Gatlinburg Aeriel Tramway, you’ll step out onto a mountain of fun at the main center of attractions. There is a huge indoor ice-skating rink, for heaven’s sake! The amusement complex also offers an arcade, mini-golf, seasonal water raft rides, a fun and fast Alpine Slide, and the new and very popular Ski Mountain Coaster!
Ober Gatlinburg was planned with the entire family in mind, and also offers hours of fun for the smallest people in your group! There is an indoor carousel, an outdoor playground known as “Kiddie Land” and a very special space known as the “Wildlife Encounter,” where you’ll find birds of prey, bobcats, river otters, bears and other animals.
My favorite part of the Ober Gatlinburg experience was the Scenic Chairlift. This attraction will take you even higher to a point that provides a breathtaking view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smokies. You’ll be sorely tempted to buy the ride photo! What a beautiful memory! This was a true “Gatlinburg” experience. You know you’re in a very special place as you breathe the clean mountain air and enjoy the peaceful, expansive view. I’ll be bringing all of my guests back and insisting on this attraction!
Back down at the center of things, your family can fill up at The Market, Sidewalk Cafe, The Fudge Shop, LeConte Deli, or head into the Seasons of Ober restaurant, where you can order a steak and other homemade entrees, and enjoy the view over a leisurely meal. There’s also the Loft Lounge that offers signature drink specials and a huge dance floor.
In short, Ober Gatlinburg is a mini-vacation in and of itself. You can play and eat all day long and you’ll never hear the kids complain of boredom. I give this venue five stars out of five!
And don’t forget to celebrate Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg from September 23 to October 30, 2016! Tickets for the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway are $12 roundtrip for adults, $9.50 for children ages 5-11, and free for ages 4 and under.
Laurie Crater Battles is a professional journalist, writer, mom, wife, hiker, biker, coffee and animal lover who makes her home in Farragut, TN.
