This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 2023 Visit My Smokies, The ONLY site you need to plan your Smoky Mountain vacation, is a website owned and operated by Sevier County, Tennessee. We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! 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. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, as the Cataloochee Valley is one of the only places that you can spot wild elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. As you stroll through the aisles, expect rows of just-picked fruits and vegetables, scrumptious cookies (Josies Cookies), dehydrated chili flakes (Olde Virdens Red Hot Sprinkle), lovely handmade soaps (Kulturology Soap Co), and plenty more. Its forests provide perfect shade for a day on the upper Pigeon River as you zoom down the class 3 and class 4 with rapids with the water splashing in all directions. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? An extraordinary spectacle combining a delectable dinner with a 32-horse live show (plus the riders, of course), Dolly Partons Stampede is Tennessee entertainment like youve never seen before. Activities on offer include mini golf, escape games, laser tag, a ropes course, bumper cars, and a laser maze, making Gatlin's one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. A free 20-minute movie provides an overview of everything you'll need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you embark on your own adventure! An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! In Summer It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. However, sometimes you want to get off the beaten path, especially if youre wanting to stay away from the tourist crowds or youve already seen all the sites in East Tennessee. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Choose to tackle everything from Class I to Class IV rapids, and ratchet up the excitement with thrilling zipline add-ons: photo credit: Smoky Mountain Outdoors via Facebook. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. The drive from Gatlinburg to Hamilton takes about 153 mi (246 km), and it should take you about 2 hours 37 minutes in normal traffic. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Cute Instagrammable Places in London. Lantern-led walking tours in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee operate daily and/or nightly throughout Southern Appalachia from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Southwest Virginia Highlands. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! 17 Fun Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris For an Amazing Trip Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville locals enjoy the shows and attractions that visitors do, but they also have some favorite spots that are a little less crowded and involve fewer sightseers. Non Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: 16 Ways to Travel Like a Local Whether you seek stunning vistas or solitary hikes, Gatlinburg delivers a cornucopia of creative attractions. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. It is a popular iconic spot and is home to many hidden gems including historical museums, street murals, art and architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and top-class restaurants. The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. A second spot whose name helps paint a picture; The Place of a Thousand Drips is one of the waterfalls in the park accessible by car, with no hiking needed to reach it. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Plowing through a mix of classic games and newer ones sporting interactive features, from pinball to Halo to claw games, racing cars and hundreds more, build up your gold collection and cash it in afterward for mega rewards. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. A little over two hours away, Bristol is best known for the legendary NASCAR short-track Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol has come into its own by embracing its rich vein of musical heritage [the actual birthplace of country music], beautiful natural elements, and a big revitalization scene. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. Strap into a gravity-propelled cart, designed to gleam and slide along a single track, and cruise through the mountains, with nature in abundance all around you. All this artistry got you feeling famished? Cascading through valleys and mountains, the waterfall scene in Gatlinburg is next level, and you could dedicate an entire day just to go chasing waterfalls. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Unusual Attractions in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. Immersed within the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountains, CLIMB Works provides adventurous visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural landscape in two equally exciting ways the breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline and the top-rated Treetop Zipline. LeConte water is a necessity! Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Popular breakfast restaurants for locals are Lil Black Bear Cafe and Elviras Cafe, and popular lunch spots for locals are Chubbys Deli, Frank Allens Market, and Blue Moose. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. You can enjoy either a one or two-bedroom suite that comes with full kitchens, dining space, living rooms with sleeper sofas, and a balcony. This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. Among the weird and wonderful endeavors to try attempt in the city, the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is really one-of-a-kind, and in fact, its the only museum quite like in the entire world! What if you prefer something non-touristy? Calling all craft heads! Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. 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! You can also spend time in the park exploring hidden gems, like the House of Fairies or Elkmont Ghost Town! The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! The Old Creek Lodge is in walking distance to most of downtown Gatlinburg while also being situated on the river making it seem both remote and centrally located. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. But I'm wondering if. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. From the end of November to the end of January, the specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. For more information on places the locals love to eat, check out our blog, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. The crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. During the winter, visitors can strap their skis or snowboards on and head out onto the 10 ski trails, snow tube down a 400-foot snow lane, or try the one-of-a-kind ice bumper cars. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. If youre having an extended stay in the area and are interested in exploring your own artistic side, consider signing up for a workshop at the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which has classes exploring everything from ceramics to furniture making to cake sculpture. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. If youve seen videos of people tumbling down the hills in giant bubbles (AKA zorb balls) and always wanted to try it for yourself, head to the Outdoor Gravity Park the only dedicated zorbing park in the country. While many visitors may flock to the Jewel of the Smokies for theme park excitement or rousing dinner theater, this lush Tennessee oasis is overflowing with off-the-beaten-path activities. Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. This Civil War-themed attraction allows viewers to sit with either the North or the South group, as the battle plays out and, occasionally, the South wins. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 There are few places in Gatlinburg that so perfectly display the spirit of mountain life like the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. Did someone say snow tubing?! Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Probably one of the healthiest stores and restaurants in Gatlinburg, this is a natural foods store with a cafe focusing on vegetarian & vegan fare such as salads & sandwiches. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. The Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster allows you to experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a fun, fast, and unique way, reaching speeds up to 35 mph. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail as another poster mentioned. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. Your email address will not be published. For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. 11. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. 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. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor There are trails that are more appealing to locals because of everything they have to offer, and the fact that theyre less popular for tourists. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. Some of the most beautiful roads to cruise along include Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Little River Road, Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop. 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. 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. Cammerer Fire Tower. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone.