Here we go on another adventure and this time we ventured to Gatlinburg to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. We knew that Aurelia would have a great time as she loves animals and seeing new things. It didn’t take long before she was in amazement and looking all around. We stopped at the first fish tank as soon as you come into the aquarium, and she immediately had a smile on her face. We stood her up next to it, and she followed the fish as they swam around.
We took our time and went from display to display, allowing her to take it all in and snap some pictures too. The place was pretty busy but we were in no rush. Honestly I am not sure who was more amazed, Aurelia or daddy and mommy. Seriously, this place is amazing! If you ever find yourself in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area, this is a must do!
As you make your way through the aquarium you will see fish and other sea creatures that you may know and some you have never seen before. With it being the largest aquarium in Tennessee it holds over 10,000 exotic creatures, and has multiple exhibit areas, including the Tropical Rainforest, Shark Lagoon, Touch-A-Ray Bay, and the Penguin Playhouse. If that wasn’t enough, it also offers several interactive experiences, such as the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure and the Penguin Encounter, where visitors can crawl through tunnels and get up close with the animals.
There is so much to see and take in, but my favorite part is the Shark Lagoon. You get to go “into” the water and be surrounded by the ocean. The pathway has the options of walking or standing on the conveyor belt which transports you along this football field length tunnel. Along the way you will see so much ocean life swimming around you, even above you! Sharks, turtles, schools of fish, and eels are just a few you will see. Shew, I am getting excited just typing this!
After we finished exploring the aquarium, it was time for some food, so we headed across the street to No Way Jose’s Cantina. It is a normal stop for us as we love mexican food. One more stop before we headed home, The Apple Barn for apple turnovers, ice cream and apple butter (another must stop!!). I am going to end this post with this amazing photo that Andrea took of Aurelia and me. Till next time, captain out…
Awesome adventure and the pictures were great! Ty for sharing!
You are most welcome! We look forward to taking her back again.
Amazing pictures! I can only imagine her excitement! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, I wish we could have gotten more video and some other pictures but the place was a little too busy to be hogging up the space.
Love the pictures! Wonderful memories to look back at as Ari gets older.🦋
Thank you and yes, there are many awesome memories to cherish!
Lovely family adventure!! Love your pictures, as always.
Thank you! We are having fun building memories together 😊
Amazing photos!! 💜
Thank you! If you can’t tell I love taking them!
Very Nice Photos. Do you also print them , and make a photo album?
Seems like no one does that anymore.
You definitely made we want to visit this place . Looks Amazing . Now I want apple turnovers, and I love Apple Butter!!
Thanks and in a way yes I do, I love having photos on the walls of the house. In fact the one picture of me holding Aurelia with the turtle above us, I turned into a canvas print. You come here cuz, we will make sure you enjoy your time!
I could stay there all day even without the kids. Really awesome place. Excellent stuff! Appreciate you sharing.