Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. A post shared by Kelly Lopez (@kellylopezfl). The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Family Destinations Guide Gatlinburg TN - too touristy? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Epic Free Viewpoints. Listen up die-hard gamers! THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. 8. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. 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. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. Proudly selling There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. 18 Amazing Things To Do in Gatlinburg With Kids - Virtual Smokies To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. Though the winery sells original blends, its known for its soft and delicious fruit-infused wines, such as the Blueberry Bammer, Proper Peach, Fine Blackberry and White Knuckle Grape. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. 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. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. Give them something from Gatlinburg. 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. Or, why not try them all? Pingback: Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Park Ranger John . 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). 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. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. 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. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. 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. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. 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. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Required fields are marked *. 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. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. 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. 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? Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. The vegan scene is one of the best in the country, there are an immeasurable amount of amazing hiking opportunities and the whole town practically lives by a support local practice. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. 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. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? 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. Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. 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. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. You will have fun watching the game live. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. You can choose from a selection of jams to bring home. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. Enjoy Gatlinburg! 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. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! We know we want to do some hiking in the. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. Please note that the road is closed in winter. Not only do you get to shop, but you can chat and meet the local artisans to learn more about them and their craft. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the route features declines, there are parts of the track that provide a serious adrenaline rush. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. So if you're planning a visit and are looking to stay far off Orlando's tourist-beaten path, here are 18 of Central Florida's non-touristy treasures: 1. Home to the largest outdoor snow tubing hill in Tennessee, during the wintery months, grab an inflatable tube and hit the slopes laden with real snow thanks to the parks special snow-making machines. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. 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. 6. Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. Other things you can also buy include homemade jelly preserves, honey pickles and hot sauce. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. Regardless of the time of the year you visit, picnicking at Parc Monceau is one of the fun non-touristy things to do in Paris! Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. 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. Unsubscribe in one click. With joystick in hand, riders can spin in circles around the rink or smash (safely) into their friends before finishing off and making a beeline for Obers Alpine Slide or Mountain Coaster. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. One of the nations few theme parks built with a dedication to replicating that classic Southern charm is the amusement park co-owned by famous entertainer Dolly Parton. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. 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. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. 24 Amazing (and Fun!) Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Virginia Travel Tips document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. 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. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . 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! One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. Top 7 Non Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and - Visit My Smokies Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . What if you prefer something non-touristy? Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. 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. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. . 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. Buddys bar-b-q in Sevierville is the perfect stop in or out of the Smokies, offering hometown bar-b-q thats cooked low and slow. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. If youre looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. It also features Glow in the Dark mini golf where you can play in an underwater theme with brightly colored creatures, including a mermaid, giant octopus and dolphins. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. 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. The mountain views are beyond compare. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! You can also spend time in the park exploring hidden gems, like the House of Fairies or Elkmont Ghost Town! Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. 3. Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. 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. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. 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. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. 32. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! 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. Top Free Things To In London. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. You can visit Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It sounds fun, doesnt it? But I'm wondering if. (865) 436-5423. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! With a menu offering both sweet and savory covering everything from Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes to Sweet Potato Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes, and Georgia Peach Crepes (perfect for the sweet tooth) theres a stack for every palate. Open since 1991 and boasting 11 local locations, they sure know a thing or two about food. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. 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. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. 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. Order a cold one from the selection of the brewerys own branded beers on tap, or if youre here for serious business, try their Brew Samplers. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. 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! HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. It sounds fun, doesn't it? Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. The Appy Lodge is located at the entrance of Gatlinburg and includes free parking, free breakfast, a laundry facility, an indoor and outdoor pool and much more! 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. The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. 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. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. 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. Try their classic BBQ or massive Reuban sandwich piled high with braised corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing on toasted marble rye. They have amazing vegan options. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck.