THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. Want to really feel like a local? At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Its 680 feet across and you can look 140 feet down through the glass floor halfway through. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. 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.. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. The South is renowned for dishes enhanced by flavors created by smoking techniques; Bennetts Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the top places in town to experience all the smoky goodness. 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. 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. 1. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. 10 Things Not to Do While on Vacation in Gatlinburg 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. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. 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 traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. 9. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! Or, why not try them all? The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. 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. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. Hi! Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. 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. LeConte water is a necessity! This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. After trekking the easy half-mile paved trail to the viewing platform, you can see the expansive wilderness of Tennessee and North Carolina all the way out to the horizon. 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. 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. 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. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. If youve seen videos of people tumbling down the hills in giant bubbles (AKA zorb balls) and always wanted to try it for yourself, head to the Outdoor Gravity Park the only dedicated zorbing park in the country. 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! The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. 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? Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. National Museum of African American Music. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. A second spot whose name helps paint a picture; The Place of a Thousand Drips is one of the waterfalls in the park accessible by car, with no hiking needed to reach it. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. 8. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg 775 Walking Tours from 25.57 per adult Impossibilities Magic Show at the Iris Theater Ticket 256 Theatre Shows from 23.82 per adult Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour 365 Wine Tours from 40.91 per adult Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride 48 Attractions & Museums from 14.49 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! While technically located in Pigeon Forge, Wonderworks is just 15-20 minutes from Gatlinburg, making for an easy afternoon activity that the kids (and adults) will love. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. 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. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. 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. Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. Get cozy in their wood and chandelier accented dining room as you peruse their well-balanced menu. There are single and double coasters to choose from. Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! 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. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. 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! Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. 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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. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. Calling all craft heads! These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. 32. 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! Free Fun at the Library. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. 16 Non Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg Tripster Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. 9 Non-Touristy Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains - Home - Mobile Brochure I highly suggest visiting at sunrise for the best chance of seeing wildlife as well as the best place to see black bears in the smoky mountains. They have amazing vegan options. 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. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. 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. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. Townsend, Tennessee: The "Quiet" Side of the Smokies Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Tennessee Shine Co. - home to Moonshine Brandy, this famed distillery offers free taste testing and even creates their own shine wine! As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. 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This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. 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! Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Games take place from the fall until the spring. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. We know we want to do some hiking in the. 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. Be amazed at Gatlinburgs No. And So Should You. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. . A post shared by Kelly Lopez (@kellylopezfl). We can help. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Take the tram to the top of the overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. 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. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. After decades of being overlooked by most travelers outside of its neighboring states, Gatlinburg has finally started to get the international attention it deserves, ascending the popularity ranks exponentially over the last decade. Visit the Dolly Statue. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! 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. 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. Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! 33+ Essential Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn for Family Fun If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel Gatlinburg Space Needle. 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. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Things to do in Gatlinburg - Places to Visit in Gatlinburg - TripHobo Many tourists come to the Great Smoky Mountains to hike the beautiful trails. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. 20+ Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg in 2023 - Smoky Mountain Opry 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. 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. 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. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle.

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