Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
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Exactly why you need an aquarium at the doorstep of one of the country’s most biologically diverse mountain parks is hard to understand, but too much thought will ruin any trip to Gatlinburg. So if you’ve grown tired of the environment of the Smoky Mountains, trade it in for exotic ocean seascapes at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (888/240-1358, www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com, adults $23, children 6–11 $12.25, children 2–5 $6).
Here you will see sharks, sting rays, crabs, and lots of colorful tropical fish. There are touch tanks, and daily feeding demonstrations. A highlight is walking through an underwater tunnel, where you are surrounded on three sides by aquarium tanks. In 2007, the aquarium unveiled its newest exhibit, “Mars: The Search for Life,” which invites you to follow the water in the search for alien life.
© Susanna Henighan Potter from Moon Tennessee, 5th Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.