Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. 1. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. 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. The bridge is illuminated at night . Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. Let's keep this between us, ok?! See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Things to Do in Nashville That Are Actually Cool - Thrillist Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. National Museum of African American Music. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. 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. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. 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 Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum To save you time and help you find great local restaurants, we've made this list of the top 7 favorite places where locals eat in Gatlinburg, TN! This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. As someone who regularly visits the Smoky Mountains, I still havent explored all the vastness that there is here. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. 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. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Downtown 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. 11. 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. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. You will have fun watching the game live. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. Prepare for a ride of a lifetime as youre strapped into a hand-controlled coaster cart (seating up to two passengers) and then begin the descent from the top of the mountains, whizzing through the native terrain at speeds up to nearly 50 kilometers per hour. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. 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. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. In Summer 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. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. 1.8. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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. Give them something from Gatlinburg. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. The three-floor building is hard to miss its the absolutely oddest thing you can find at Parkway. 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.. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. 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. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. 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. Gatlinburg TN - too touristy? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 4. Address: 2440 North . This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. 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. 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. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Transport yourself to the Tinseltown backlot in this unique museum, with 40 authentic vehicles from films like The Dukes of Hazzard and Fast and Furious lining the floor. Come visit us at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and speak to our friendly staff; theyll be able to tell you even more about the non-touristy gems of the area. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. 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? I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. 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. The Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Let's Roam 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. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. 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 buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. Sleeping six guests revel in peace and tranquility. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! We know we want to do some hiking in the. The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. 25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. Things to do in Gatlinburg - Places to Visit in Gatlinburg - TripHobo Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. 12 Top Gatlinburg Attractions (2023) Best Tourist Spots! If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. Asheville is the coolest little mountain town that is equal parts progressive, outdoorsy, and hip. (865) 436-5423. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. Find Lodging Attractions Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. 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. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A beloved local eatery for residents and tourists alike, Pancake Pantry has been dishing up piping hot plates for over half a century and is yet to put a foot wrong. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. Look out for all the barnyard characters as you move between holes at one of the three 18-hole courses at the Ripleys Old MacDonalds Farm Mini-Golf area. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Combining a roller coaster with shoot-em-ups, 3D visuals, sensory triggers and epic special effects, this ride simply needs to be experienced to be truly understood. This interactive game tests your ability to solve puzzles and discover clues, so you can escape death like avoiding the cannibals who are ready to devour you if you cant escape the cellar in 60 minutes. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. . The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. 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. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. 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 Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. 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. We know we want to do some hiking in the. 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. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. 24 Amazing (and Fun!) Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Virginia Travel Tips You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Or, why not try them all? A quick, entertaining activity during any day of exploring the main Gatlinburg strip, the 7D Dark Ride Adventure is an immersive, exciting activity for kids and adults alike. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Whether you seek stunning vistas or solitary hikes, Gatlinburg delivers a cornucopia of creative attractions. 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. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. 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. Do you have what it takes? For one of the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg, soar over the city and the endless greenery of Tennessees Smoky Mountains on board a hot air balloon. 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 There are few places in Gatlinburg that so perfectly display the spirit of mountain life like the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. 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. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. So long as you dont get too motion sick, tumbling down that 1,000-foot tall hill in a giant bubble is undeniably one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. 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. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. While the Porters Creek Trail makes for an excellent walk. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. Looking for excitement? Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. For some of the best ice cream you'll ever have, you have to visit Cruze Farm. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. Games take place from the fall until the spring. Things To Do in Gatlinburg - Explore Gatlinburg, TN | Things to Do Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. 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. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. Affordable for families. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will get the chance to taste some delectable wine and moonshine in at least six distilleries and wineries, and gain insights into the local breweries and distilleries. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. Situated at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, The Captured fuses the challenging detective work of an escape room. The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. 22 Must See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. You can also take a picnic or pitch a tent to camp for the night, so bring all the gear you need for your choice of adventure. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. This may be one of the most unique 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! Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Mount Le Conte is a mountain in Tennessee located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. 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! You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. 14 Interesting Things to do in Tucson - usamocha.com 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. Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Hi! 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. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! There are single and double coasters to choose from. All this artistry got you feeling famished? 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. 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! Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. Free Fun at the Library. 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. Hit up three amazing music museums. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. 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. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. It sounds fun, doesnt it? Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. 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. 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. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! While many visitors may flock to the Jewel of the Smokies for theme park excitement or rousing dinner theater, this lush Tennessee oasis is overflowing with off-the-beaten-path activities. 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. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. 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). There are other mountain-themed outdoor pursuits to try at Rowdy Bear Mountain, including axe-throwing activities, and the riveting Ski Lift Shootout Coaster a suspended Alpine coaster with two-seater swing chairs attached. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Take the tram to the top of the overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Things to do in Gatlinburg: 14 best attractions ranked [2022] - TheSmokies Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but kids aged 10 years and older can ride solo if theyre over 1.3 meters tall. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg.
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