While the Porters Creek Trail makes for an excellent walk. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. 22 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, 5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips, 7 Spectacular Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night, 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Hidden Gems: 7 Secret Spots You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Ober Gatlinburg: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, 16 Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Anakeesta Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, Sip & Sample at Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Gatlinburg. 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. . One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. 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. Unsubscribe in one click. Or, why not try them all? Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. 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. Sporting modern finishes and less than 100 meters away from the start of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, enjoy excellent service, views and facilities at the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. 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. Not only fun but as you putt-putt your way through 45 holes (if playing both courses), learn about the history of Gatlinburg dating to its first settlers. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. 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. 2. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. Hi! From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. 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. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. 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! Ole Red Gatlinburg is a restaurant, live music venue, and retail space in Gatlinburg, Tennessee inspired by Blake Sheltons chart-topping hit, Ol Red.. Epic Free Viewpoints. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. (865) 436-5423. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. As the name suggests, Off-Road Gatlinburg is all about the off-road experience and tours with this company favor different areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. 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. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. 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? Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. When traveling the scenic loop road, plan to get out and visit the restored buildings that include three churches, log homes, cantilevered barns, and a working mill. Please note that the road is closed in winter. 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. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. 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. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | catch a magic show, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | enjoy wine tasting, 15 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Tiny Houses In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 14 Amazing Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Updated 2023, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg), 5. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. 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. Seeking to challenge your quads? For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. If youre looking to do your swimming workout or play a basketball game in the water with friends, this water park has the Swimming Hole for you. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Hit up three amazing music museums. Keep an eye out for the schedules of the next Amazing Gatlinburg Race! Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) 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! If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. 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. Best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee In this article, we have rounded up some of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg that you must include on your trip itinerary! 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. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. 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. Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. The mountain views are beyond compare. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 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. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! We know we want to do some hiking in the. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. 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. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. You can also spend time in the park exploring hidden gems, like the House of Fairies or Elkmont Ghost Town! Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). 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. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Enjoy Gatlinburg! As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. There are plenty of things to do that are not touristy but if thats your thing, Gatlinburgs got it. Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. 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. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. 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. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. 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. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. 2. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail as another poster mentioned. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. Its time to travel like a local! We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. You can reach the mountaintop resort by taking the aerial tramway at Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, which allows you to admire the marvelous scenery during the 2.1-mile transport. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. 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. 4. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. 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 the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. So sit back and revel in the sounds of acoustic guitar, country, and rock as you sip a draft beer or glass of Dollys sangria. 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. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. We cant wait to see you there. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! Prepare to get wet, so bring swimwear or a towel, and dont forget to book online to reserve a spot to make sure you can start the fun as soon as you get there. 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. 1. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. With an amusement park and ski resort at its center, plus some of the nations premier hiking and adventure opportunities, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip through the charming South. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Gatlinburg Space Needle. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Washington, DC Besides Museums and Monuments Check Out Some Local Art at Blind Whino Hidden away from all the tourists in the streets of Southwest DC is a formerly abandoned church that fell into a vat of neon pixie dust, and opened its doors to the art community. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. wants to go to It has the largest collection of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and souvenirs. 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. If youve already tackled Cades Cove and the Gatlinburg Bypass, why not branch out and uncover a path less traveled: Hightail it to this out-of-the-way area of the national park for a day of hikes, camping, wildflower viewing, and more. For the most truly authentic mountain-living feels, book out the entire home of The Fish House at Norton Creek, boasting a beautiful location next to a stream. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate at the Sugar Bears Caf And Creamery. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. 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. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. Gatlin's Fun Center. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. 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. Bringing joy to millions of visitors since its inception in 2001, the zoo located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is about a 40-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg. 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. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! 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. Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. If youd prefer for one of the locals to show you the ropes, wine tours take guests through to two wineries, as well as a traditional moonshine distillery even if youre not a fan, its an interesting endeavor, youre in the South after all. 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! For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. What started out as a quest to find the best salt shakers turned into an insatiable hobby for the founders of this museum, and when no space was left in their home to keep their collections, the unique Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum was established. But I'm wondering if. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. Cruze Farm. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pro, the extra-large ice skating rink at the center of Ober Gatlinburgs enclosed mall is an ideal activity for anyone to spend an hour or two.