2009 Review: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Tennessee

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a must see attraction while vacationing in Gatlinburg. Located at traffic light #5, Ripley's Aquarium is in the center of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is open 365 days a year. Memorial Day through Labor Day, the aquarium is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm every weekday. During the rest of the year, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm Friday and Saturday. Recently it has been recognized as the #1 aquarium in the United States by Trip Advisor travelers.

When you first walk up to the aquarium, the ticket area provides access to the aquarium. Depending on the time of the season, there may or may not be a huge line. This author recommends visiting the aquarium during off-peak season, or on a Sunday afternoon. After sales tax is applied, ticket prices range from $22.29 for adult, $12.25 for children 6 through 11, and $5.56 for children 2 through 5. Although the ticket prices are somewhat high is cost, the entertainment value is worth it.

Skipping a few exhibits to not give away all that the aquarium has to offer, the best exhibit by far in this author's opinion is the Shark Lagoon Exhibit. The underwater tunnel brings you face to face with many species of fish. When in the tunnel one of the most surreal things about the aquarium are the scratches on the acrylic tunnel. A small sign indicates that a shark attack accord within the past. This is something that you do not see everyday and is a reminder of the shark's extreme power as they glide overhead. This author suggests having your camera ready because you never know what you are going to see, maybe a sawfish laying on the tunnel or a majestic sea turtle swimming gracefully.

New for 2009 season is the Lethal Weapons exhibit. Within this exhibit are several different types of fish that are categorized as deadly aquatic animals. This author has been through the aquarium several times and suggests that this is one of the better special exhibits the aquarium displayed. The knowledge and entertainment factors of this exhibit clearly justify the cost of admission. The interactivity of the exhibit is great for all ages.

In conclusion, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is an attraction that everyone must see when visiting Gatlinburg. This aquarium has something for all ages from the underwater tunnel of Shark Lagoon to the Lethal Weapons exhibit For more information regarding the aquarium visit their website at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.