There are lots of hotels in Gatlinburg TN with indoor pool to choose from so if getting in some pool time is important to you, youre definitely in luck! Now in its tenth season [mid-May to mid-October], the market provides Tennessee grown produce, local products, and foods in a friendly social environment. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Atlas Obscura Tennessee Shine Co. - home to Moonshine Brandy, this famed distillery offers free taste testing and even creates their own shine wine! Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. Did someone say snow tubing?! Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. It would be an excellent idea to head to Gatlinburg and spend a few days in the mountain resort city, especially for a nature lover. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee In this article, we have rounded up some of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg that you must include on your trip itinerary! THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. Are you a huge fan of baseball? Prepare for a ride of a lifetime as youre strapped into a hand-controlled coaster cart (seating up to two passengers) and then begin the descent from the top of the mountains, whizzing through the native terrain at speeds up to nearly 50 kilometers per hour. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. Luxurious, comfortable and done up in classy rich woods, expect everything from this hotel name, and then some at The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. Family Travel Made Easy: Learn the Best Strategies for Stress-Free 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] We don't want to do Ripleys or any of the kitchy dinner shows.anyone know of any off-the-beaten-path things to do? East Tennessee is known for its stunning mountain ranges, natural beauty, and amusement parks abound, but did you know that it is also one of the biggest art communities in the United States? It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. 6. 22 Must See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. 63 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee - TourScanner Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Your email address will not be published. Gatlinburg TN - too touristy? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums photo credit: Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community via Facebook. Looking for excitement? Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. At the family-fun center, catch a fantabulous Magic Show performed by a top mentalist and magician, or ride a glass elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle tower for panoramic city views. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. When the summer months roll in, the snow tubing is converted into an outdoor tubing hill so the fun never stops 365 days a year. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. 11. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. Whether you are an adult or a child, this show will blow your mind away as master magicians perform their magic in front of the audience. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. With the perfect amount of horror-themed suspense keeping escapees on the edge of their toes, this activity is regularly reviewed as one of the best escape rooms going around. I highly suggest visiting at sunrise for the best chance of seeing wildlife as well as the best place to see black bears in the smoky mountains. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. Depending on when you plan your Smoky Mountain visit to Cosby, you could be greeted by dwarf irises, bleeding hearts, and phacelia or vibrant autumn leaves. You can choose from a selection of jams to bring home. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. Ascend the relatively easy three-quarter-mile track to Mingo Falls, or hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte which takes up to six hours with gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Look out for all the barnyard characters as you move between holes at one of the three 18-hole courses at the Ripleys Old MacDonalds Farm Mini-Golf area. You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. You can find these amazing escape rooms in two locations: Reagan Terrace Mall and The Village with Masters of Magic where you can also choose from various classic and contemporary board games to take home. A fantastic family option is Bent Creek Golf Village, equipped with gaming rooms, large fire pits for making smores, a swimming pool and so much more to keep all family members smiling. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). In addition to famous destinations like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the nearby Dollywood theme park, there is a number of unique things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that are worth visiting. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. Open since 1991 and boasting 11 local locations, they sure know a thing or two about food. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. As you set foot in Pittman Center, you will immediately understand when we say that the town is a charm in itself as it offers an excellent combination of natural beauty, culture and history. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! Feel all the romance when checking into your room at the Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts with its own fireplace and private jacuzzi, and from the balcony, you might even get lucky and spot a bear or two! Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. If youve ever found yourself laying on the couch binge-watching The Amazing Race, heres your chance to step up and play, but without the cameras in your face. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. The South is renowned for dishes enhanced by flavors created by smoking techniques; Bennetts Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the top places in town to experience all the smoky goodness. The soaring 36-meter-high Mingo Falls can be found just outside the National Parks perimeters, and its one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. Owned by an enthusiast and professional player who has joined famous global competitions, this fun place guarantees success in sticking the axe on the board in no time. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. These special coaster carts let riders operate the wheel, and you get to control how fast or slow youd like to go as you navigate down the mountain. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. With an area designed to replicate the landscapes and mountain ranges of Tennessee, offering two 18-hole courses with a touch of humor into the mix. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Wild Bear Falls Water Park. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. It was OK. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. The interactive puzzle-solving adventure game is jam-packed with exciting challenges that test your teamwork and creative thinking while taking you all over the city in search of your next clue. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. Hit up three amazing music museums. All Rights Reserved. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Attractions In Gatlinburg | Aquariums, Museums & Mini-Golf Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. Sleeping six guests revel in peace and tranquility. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pro, the extra-large ice skating rink at the center of Ober Gatlinburgs enclosed mall is an ideal activity for anyone to spend an hour or two. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. Zip a dee doo all day long when you strap in for an hour of high-flying adventure with, Zipline Tours with Rafting in the Smokies. The ride down the mountain is five minutes in total. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Things to do in Gatlinburg: 14 best attractions ranked [2022] - TheSmokies If youd prefer for one of the locals to show you the ropes, wine tours take guests through to two wineries, as well as a traditional moonshine distillery even if youre not a fan, its an interesting endeavor, youre in the South after all. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. And So Should You. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. Here are some of the favorite things for locals to do in the Smokies: Tanger Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in the Smokies with over 100 brand name stores. Enjoy Gatlinburg! 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Or, why not try them all? Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! Combining a roller coaster with shoot-em-ups, 3D visuals, sensory triggers and epic special effects, this ride simply needs to be experienced to be truly understood. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to Address: 561 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Website: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily) Price: 3 USD You might be interested in these Airbnbs! 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . 16 Non Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg Tripster Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 14 Fun Things to Do in Astoria this Vacation - USA Mocha Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What started out as a quest to find the best salt shakers turned into an insatiable hobby for the founders of this museum, and when no space was left in their home to keep their collections, the unique Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum was established. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Adventurers will be able to climb three stories in the air to face thirty-eight challenges including rickety bridges, suspended ropes, and other balancing obstacles. After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. including a lazy river and heated pools. Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. These are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you want to explore the Smokies like a local. As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. Within walking distance from the Mysterious Mansion (making for the perfect back-to-back itinerary), Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies fuses with the amazing interactive experiences of Ripleys museum. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! 5. 5. Florida certainly isn't devoid of lush tropical landscaping, but you wouldn't think you'd find a botanical oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. You would not want to miss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for you to take a leisurely stroll or even hike. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a picturesque drive with a backdrop of the mountain peaks. There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Answer 1 of 14: Hey there, My husband and I recently moved to Knoxville and we have of course been to Smoky Mountain Ntl Park a couple of times. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. This mountaintop wonderland also provides a fun and refreshing atmosphere for eating, shopping and relaxing with the lush forest and botanical gardens home to more than 3,000 plants. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! After trekking the easy half-mile paved trail to the viewing platform, you can see the expansive wilderness of Tennessee and North Carolina all the way out to the horizon. Required fields are marked *. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Sure, moonshine tastings and tours are a big hit with tourists, but have you ever stopped to enjoy some specialty moonshine cocktails at the distilleries? Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. Your email address will not be published. Come visit us at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and speak to our friendly staff; theyll be able to tell you even more about the non-touristy gems of the area. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. Whether you are hitting the Smoky Mountain trails or just strolling around downtown, a day full of unique things to do in Gatlinburg is not complete without an incredible meal.