The Space Needle in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you want to see the Smoky Mountains, and the majestic scenery around Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you might want to consider visiting the Space Needle. Not only can you ride the elevator to the 400 foot observation tower and see a 360 degree panoramic view of the area, but there are many other things to do and see: a laser runner, hurricane simulator, a Hypnotized Comedy Show--to name just a few. The Space Needle is open 365 days a year.

At the top of the Needle, you will have a breathtaking view of the Great Smoky Mountains, which border Tennessee and North Carolina. You will see Mount LeConte, which rises to 6,593 feet above sea level. The view of the forestry, which changes from season to season, will be highly visible. You will also be able to see Gatlinburg, from one end to the other.

John Dee, an expert hypnotist and accomplished comedian, entertains people who visit the Space Needle at Gatlinburg. Audience members will learn a lot more than they did before about the unknown parts of the mind. You may stay in your chair. You may become a part of the action, but you will be on the edge of your seat if you do not participate in the show itself.

The Higher Learning program also provides a new way to learn about the Smoky Mountains. Participants will receive a history lesson, a trip to the top of the Space Needle at Gatlinburg, and a geography lesson all in one!

As you visit the Needle, your family will also enjoy the Arcadia, an amusement or Family Fun World that spreads over more than 2,500 feet. You and your children can enjoy extreme laser runner (extreme laser tag), the hurricane simulator, Zeke's Shack, and Old Tyme Photos. You can redeem tickets you win for an iPod to an Nintendo Wii.

Other games include basketball, Skee-ball, arcade NASCAR racing, billiards, pinball machines, and air hockey.

On New Year's Eve you can watch the ball drop at the Space Needle. The Pyrotechnics Show is always popular, which includes fireworks right after the ball drops at midnight. There is also a live band, and admission is free.

Reportedly, the Flying Saucer Italian Bistro has the best New York style pasta, pizza, desserts, and calzones--all in a cozy atmosphere.

Tickets for the glass elevator rider are $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for those 60 and older and AARP members, $3.50 for those 5-12, and no charge for those younger. Group rates are available.

Comments from those who have been to the Space Needle have been positive.

"The ride up to the observation deck and the view are amazing in themselves, but then you come back down into this awesome arcade with lots of games that are fun to play and are well maintained," Carl said on Tripadvisor.com. "All in all I don't believe there is a better value anywhere for you vacation dollar."

Citations: Space Needle, no author listed, Gatlinburgspaceneedle.com
Space Needle, no author listed, Travel.yahoo.com