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. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains Did someone say snow tubing?! If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. 18 Amazing Things To Do in Gatlinburg With Kids - Virtual Smokies Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Looking for excitement? 5. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Dollywood features over 50 enthralling rides spread across 150 acres, a number of award-winning eateries and regular live entertainment. Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738-4102 (865) 436-1200 Welcoming over 10 million visitors annually, this 522,427-acre national park is truly a must-see when exploring Gatlinburg. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. 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. Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Rent out a UTV from Rocky Top Adventure for two hours, or more, and zoom around their recommended routes like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome. 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. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! The Great Smoky Mountain National Parks highest point, Clingmans Dome has a peak of almost 7,000 feet above sea level and is the third tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The best time to visit the valley is during sunrise or sunset as you will get to marvel at the most perfect vistas of the valley. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. 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. Try a few of the local creations in Gatlinburgs first Hard Cider tasting room, before grabbing a take-home growler or two of your favorite flavor. 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. What if you prefer something non-touristy? Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! While technically located in Pigeon Forge, Wonderworks is just 15-20 minutes from Gatlinburg, making for an easy afternoon activity that the kids (and adults) will love. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. While there are plenty of questionable brews out there, by far some of the highest-quality samples can be found at Americas most visited distillery Ole Smoky and the rustic award-winning Sugarlands Distilling Company. Proudly selling Games take place from the fall until the spring. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. 14 Fun Things to Do in Astoria this Vacation - USA Mocha If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! Give them something from Gatlinburg. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. All this artistry got you feeling famished? Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. 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. View the citys glamor and natural beauty from above while being surrounded by a protective mountain range. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. including a lazy river and heated pools. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. THE PLAYGROUND. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Chimney Tops Trail is a 3.6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. Ziplines and whitewater rafting, world-class golf and fishing, and 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of America's premier outdoor destinations. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. 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! Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! The name speaks for itself and this is held the first week of December. All Rights Reserved. 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. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. 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. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. 3. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! 16 Non Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg Tripster 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. 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. 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.. 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Get in touch with your creative side when you witness the ancient art of basket weaving, oil painting, and more at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Entering what seems like endless hallways and rooms creating hundreds of reflections, maze-runners, try to make your way through the flashing LED lights and an infinity of mirrors. 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. 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. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. for 20 years. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. Distance Yourself From Pontiac And Explore The Great Smoky Mountains In If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. No matter how strong youre appetite for adventure, its a great day out for the whole family and one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. The 18,000-square-foot Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the largest and closest outfitter to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the south end of the Gatlinburg Strip. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. Take the classic cinematic spectacle to the next level by strapping yourself into one of the motion seats and letting the state-of-the-art digital effects work their magic. 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. The Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Let's Roam Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! Required fields are marked *. The bridge is illuminated at night . Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! This indoor water park has a mountain theme and features a lazy river, heated pools, and two giant water slides, as well as an interactive tree house. From an overload of exciting outdoor adventures to the weirdest and most wonderful activities, the things to do in Gatlinburg are endless, and youll need at least two days to fully enjoy and experience all that this southern town has to offer. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. Hit up three amazing music museums. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. 20 + Free Things to Do in Sevierville - East TN Family Fun Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. Gatlin's Fun Center. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Gatlinburg is situated in east Nashville practically on the border of western North Carolina and is a fantastic base for exploring other places in the region on day trips from Gatlinburg. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! 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! You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. As the one-stop shop for fun immersive activities, this treasured locale offers a delightfully disorientating mirror maze and a blacklight mini-golf course to go with it. For the younger crowd, head on over to Rowdy Ridge Playground with interactive features from slides to climbing nets for children (the minimum age requirement is two years old and kids must be chaperoned at all times). This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. 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. Whet the appetite with an order of pimento cheese and bacon jam crostini before tearing into a Smoked BBQ platter or plate of Cajun chicken pasta. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. 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. 63 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee - TourScanner She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Forum Updated: The Top 10 Must-Visit Gatlinburg Attractions - Smoky Mountains A post shared by Kelly Lopez (@kellylopezfl). Unsubscribe in one click. Calling all craft heads! Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. 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. Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. 16 Absolutely Free Things To Do in Pigeon Forge Tennessee THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . At 475 feet above the earth and with a scintillating top speed of 55 miles per hour, the Goliath zipline proudly wields the title of highest, longest and fastest zipline across the Great Smoky Mountains. Race against the clock and outwit your competition by exploring this Southern city in a fast-paced competition, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a collective of artisans who offer many different pieces of arts and bespoke goods for you to collect and explore. See peaks as far away as Kentucky and enjoy a bird's eye view of the park and lush botanical Vista Gardens 60 feet below! Specialties: The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg is conveniently located on River Road, at the base of the Smoky Mountains, only 30 minutes from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. 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. 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. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. 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. In addition to your in-room amenities, youll have easy access to hiking trails, three heated outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and a year-round water park. There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. In Summer Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. . There are single and double coasters to choose from. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. Cammerer Fire Tower. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . 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. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Get cozy in their wood and chandelier accented dining room as you peruse their well-balanced menu. The Smoky Mountain Music Festival [April] continues its dedication to excellence by offering school musicians an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before prestigious adjudicators in a beautiful setting. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. With not one, but five putt-putt courses, playtime at Ripleys Davy Crockett Mini-Golf ensures exciting corners to tee off from, as well as hours of laughter. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. 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!). Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. All Rights Reserved. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds.