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State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker is flanked by mermaids and sea life at a luncheon at Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg

   When the Best family of Murfreesboro walked through the gates of Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg on a recent vacation, they were stopped by staffers who informed them they were the 15 millionth visitors of the popular attraction.

   The milestone occasion was celebrated Tuesday with a reception and luncheon hosted by the aquarium with the Bests as guests of honor.  The commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Susan Whitaker was on hand, as guest speaker, to commemorate the occasion. Also on hand were local dignitaries including the mayors and city aldermen of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as well as County Mayor Larry Waters.  

   “I have taken my grandson on a tour of the aquarium and he was amazed as we went through the tunnel where sharks were swimming just above us,” Whitaker said. “Trip advisor voted the Ripley’s Aquarium the number one aquarium in the nation.”

   The aquarium is the second most visited attraction in Tennessee with Graceland being the first.

   The Bests were presented with a plaque honoring the milestone and a vacation to return to the Smoky Mountains courtesy of Ripley’s. In addition, the four family members, Craig, Jennifer, Conner and Kaylee will get free admission to all Ripley’s attractions worldwide for 15 years.

   Built in 2000, the aquarium is home to more than 100,000 exotic sea creatures and offers educational programs as well as entertaining attractions. The 1.4 million gallon aquarium is home to an amazing shark exhibit that features 11- foot sharks and one of the longest salt water tunnels in the world.

   Guests of the attraction were entertained by another popular attraction at the aquarium, the Mermaids. Ripley’s Live Mermaids perform family friendly and interactive shows daily. The Mermaids are two young female divers dressed in mermaid suits that swim in the aquarium among the rays and other non-predatory aquatic life for three shows daily.

   “It’s a great celebration,”  stated Ryan DeSear, general manager. “We opened our doors in 2000 and hit the 15 million mark in just 12 years. It is truly a testament to our success and popularity.”