Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies named No. 1 in the nation

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Updated: 6:34 PM Jan 26, 2009 Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies named No. 1 in the nation GATLINBURG -- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg has been named number one in the United States by visitor votes. Posted: 3:49 PM Jan 26, 2009

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GATLINBURG -- A local aquarium has now received some national recognition.

Tuesday, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies was named the number one aquarium in America by visitors who voted.

The eight-year-old aquarium has attracted visitors with its world-class exhibits, and its prime location at the foot of the Smokies.

Ripley Entertainment president Jim Pattison, Jr., says winning such a prestigious award will help not only the aquarium, but the Gatlinburg area as a whole.

"It was the fact that we built an aquarium as good as any other one in the world at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The other thing that makes it special is the people of Gatlinburg and Sevier County and our employees that make it a special event for everyone who comes here," he says.

This isn't the first time Ripley's has topped other aquariums nationwide.

In its first year open, it was named number one for attendance.

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