There’s a little area on the Parkway called Marketplace—you’ve probably passed by it a hundred times without even thinking about it. It’s a tucked-away shopping center with an old village vibe, just steps from the bustle of downtown Gatlinburg.
But in this photo? It looks like a ghost town.
I took this shot in the middle of the day, which is the weird part. Normally, this alley is buzzing with people—popping in and out of shops, checking out souvenirs, maybe grabbing a snack. But for a few strange, perfect moments… it was just me and the camera.
No people. No noise. Just the brick path, the storefronts, and the quiet.
There’s something I love about moments like this—when a usually crowded place suddenly pauses and feels almost timeless. It’s like the town takes a deep breath.