This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. 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. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop, The Park Grill is a great spot for couples and has a refined dining feel. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. We perform checks on reviews 31. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Their downtown Gatlinburg facility features two working copper stills. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Address: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA 7. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. 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. Sample all the best fresh food Gatlinburg has to offer, while chatting to the friendly locals and the fan-favorite Farmers Market a city staple that operates most Saturday mornings. 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. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! 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. 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. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. Top Free Things To In London. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. 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. Visiting Roaring Fork is done by a paved one-way, 5.5 mile drivable loop, located near Gatlinburg and one hour away from Cades Cove. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. 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. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Please see my disclosure. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Looking for excitement? The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. 10. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. Downtown The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. 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! Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. During the snowy wintery months (typically early December to mid-March), it transforms into a magical skiing and snowboarding resort complete with indoor ice skating and wildlife encounters. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. 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. 5. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. 1. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. It sounds fun, doesn't it? Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical 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. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. Why not stop in to watch it at the Smoky Mountain Brewery? photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. . Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. 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. everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies, Tips For Working Remotely When Traveling To Big Cities In The US, 15 Fun Things To Do In Nashville TN For Couples, Dont Go to the Kentucky Derby Why Horse Racing is a Cruel Tradition, Destination Russia: Extra-Ordinary Encounters from a Land Full of Stories, Four Beach Holiday Destinations for Vegans. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. photo credit: Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community via Facebook. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. for 20 years. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. 9. including a lazy river and heated pools. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. 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. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. 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. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! Unsubscribe in one click. The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. We can help. 11. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. 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. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? 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. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. Visit the Dolly Statue. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. 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. 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. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. 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! Mynatt Park 117 Parks By PrimeSteak86 The park itself has a huge pavilion, that you must reserve; as well as several wide open picnic tables. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. With a strong hold on traditions, indulge in prime custom-cut steaks and premium wines at The Peddler Steakhouse. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. 1. Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. 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. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. 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. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. 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? If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Winning over hearts thanks to its location, guests love the running river alongside the Greystone Lodge on the River, the mountain backdrop, and the short distance to restaurants and shops. 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. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. 9. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. To help you plan, weve created a guide to some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Would you love to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but want to avoid the crowded, more popular trails? Situated at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, The Captured fuses the challenging detective work of an escape room. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. While all nine of Heartland's rentals are unique, they are all equally as cozy, inviting, and scenicand the perfect spot to set up camp for an unforgettable vacation in Gatlinburg. Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. 5. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? 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. 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. 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. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. 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. Offering locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Rowdy Bear Mountain is a must-do for those who love the outdoors and have an inclination towards adrenaline, as well. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. 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. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! 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. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Proudly selling Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. 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. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. While the popular restaurants throughout the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area are popular for a reason, its worth making a stop and restaurants the locals love. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Those yearning for a more intense athletic endeavor can opt for the strenuous, 10.6-mile journey to the Mt. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. 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 reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky.