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The Gatlinburg location boasts two unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you and your family: the Mountain Glider and the Alpine Coaster! Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. There is a fair held in July and October. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. Its 680 feet across and you can look 140 feet down through the glass floor halfway through. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. 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. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. The crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). Drive down the 8-mile-loop road to discover weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters and so many more unique vendors making for the perfect selection of handcrafted, Appalachian souvenirs. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. 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. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. While theres no shortage of things to do within the Gatlinburg city limits, the citys true selling point is its proximity to some of the nations most beautiful natural hiking trails. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. 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. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. From the end of November to the end of January, the specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! 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. On the Ski Mountain Coaster, you twist down 3,750 feet of the mountain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (or at their own pace, of course). The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. 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. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. 5 Must Visit U.S. Cities For A Weekend Trip 2 Must-Visit Places, 7 Adventures on Yas Island Abu Dhabi 7 Most Thrilling Tourist Attractions in California A Tourist Guide To The Sin City (Ultimate . For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. 811 East Parkway, P.O. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. A Walk in the Woods has been around since 1998 and is known for their expertise in leave no trace ethics, botany, wildlife, geology, culture, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. 11. Test Your Rock Climbing Abilities at Climb Up Testing your rock climbing abilities at Climb Up is one of the non-touristy things to do in Paris 9. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. An old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. 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. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. These special coaster carts let riders operate the wheel, and you get to control how fast or slow youd like to go as you navigate down the mountain. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. 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. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. 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. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Clocking in at four miles round-trip, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of the simpler routes to trek, starting from the borders of the park, and with no climbing required. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail as another poster mentioned. 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. 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. 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. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! 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. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. 9. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. For days when the sun just refuses to shine, the indoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park is the answer with waters kept warm year-round. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. 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 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. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! 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. Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. You need to assemble in the activity zone near the park entrance and have your get-up approved by the staff. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes Rainbow Falls before absorbing the Alum Cave Trail and terminating near the LeConte Lodge. 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. LeConte water is a necessity! From the outdoor adventures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the unique attractions in downtown Gatlinburg the number of things to do in Gatlinburg TN is astounding and incredibly diverse. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. Did someone say snow tubing?! So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. It's easy to see why visiting the Smoky Mountain Cat House is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge off the beaten path. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. For some of the best views of both the town and mountains, Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is smack bang between Gatlinburg Spur (connecting the city with the nearby Pigeon Forge) and the Great Smoky Mountains (along the Gatlinburg Bypass). If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. We perform checks on reviews 31. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. The bridge is illuminated at night . It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit 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. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! 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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!). Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. . After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. With tour companies like Smoky Mountain Angler, expert guides take guests along the fresh rivers and teach them how to reel in wild mountain trout or whatever other critter floats along. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] 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. They have amazing vegan options. 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. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. 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. 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? For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! 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. 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.. They are the only species in America that can synchronize their flashing light patterns and this only happens one time a year usually a two-week window so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, as the Cataloochee Valley is one of the only places that you can spot wild elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park tickets, Dolly Partons Stampede dinner show tickets, The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg, Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River, Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts. 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. Gatlinburg Space Needle. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. 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! While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. 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. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. For synchronous fireflies, the beginning of June. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. 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. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! 2001 - 2023 Tripster. Just 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the states most celebrated golf courses offer lush manicured greens of the fairways combined with the fairytale-like atmosphere created by the forest landscapes. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride!