Gatlinburg, Tennessee

I visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee a few weeks ago to present research at the Mid-Southeast ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) conference. The trip was the first time I had been to Gatlinburg since I was much younger. To get there from Atlanta, all one has to do is drive north on I-85 out of Atlanta and continue going straight for three or four hours. The stretch of road will change into a few differently named interstates and highways along the way, but one will eventually enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive through the park is scenic to say the least. When one finally exits the park, he will be in Gatlinburg. Because the town is in such close proximity to the park, it is mostly a resort town and major tourist attraction for its old fashioned and charming feel. It is mostly filled with tourists around Christmas time, which is when it occasionally snows in the area. Unfortunately, this mass of tourists causes almost unbearable traffic on the small roads and influence the rise of "tacky" tourist attractions in the town. It is known for its sometimes dangerous encounters with bears in the middle of town. But overall, the visit was an enjoyable one and I would go again—if only to drive through the Smokies.

-Oliver