Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. It has the largest collection of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and souvenirs. 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. 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. 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. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Locals love the portion sizes, the quaint atmosphere, and the prices; Trishs provides great value if youre traveling on a budget. 30 Best Things to do in Gatlinburg (TN) - Oceans Beyond Piracy This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Here are some of the favorite things for locals to do in the Smokies: Tanger Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in the Smokies with over 100 brand name stores. 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. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN 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. It sounds fun, doesnt it? Biking, bird watching, and horseback riding are also recommended activities to try while you're outside in Gatlinburg. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). With a menu offering both sweet and savory covering everything from Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes to Sweet Potato Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes, and Georgia Peach Crepes (perfect for the sweet tooth) theres a stack for every palate. 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. Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. 10 Best Hotels With Indoor Pool In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. In Summer Test your puzzle-solving abilities and prove once and for all who the smartest family member is with a 60-minute detective challenge in one of Gatlinburgs immersive, always-entertaining escape rooms. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. 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. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. The soaring 36-meter-high Mingo Falls can be found just outside the National Parks perimeters, and its one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. Craft beers have soared in popularity over the years. 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. 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. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. If youve ever found yourself laying on the couch binge-watching The Amazing Race, heres your chance to step up and play, but without the cameras in your face. 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. For a terrific day trip itinerary, head to the outskirts of Sevierville, Tennessee. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Whether you seek stunning vistas or solitary hikes, Gatlinburg delivers a cornucopia of creative attractions. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel Listen up die-hard gamers! 5. 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. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. But I'm wondering if. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. 24 Amazing (and Fun!) Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Virginia Travel Tips 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. One of the Ripleys-branded attractions throughout the city, Ripleys Haunted Adventure is ready to scare the socks off anyone brave enough to enter its doors. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) For the younger crowd, head on over to Rowdy Ridge Playground with interactive features from slides to climbing nets for children (the minimum age requirement is two years old and kids must be chaperoned at all times). Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. 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. The mountain views are beyond compare. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. 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. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? 6. 2. 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! Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. 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. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. Now in its tenth season [mid-May to mid-October], the market provides Tennessee grown produce, local products, and foods in a friendly social environment. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. Automobile archive featuring famous film & TV cars including the General Lee & 1966 Batmobile. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. 9 Non-Touristy Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains - Home - Mobile Brochure Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. It would be an excellent idea to head to Gatlinburg and spend a few days in the mountain resort city, especially for a nature lover. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail as another poster mentioned. 811 East Parkway, P.O. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Sleeping six guests revel in peace and tranquility. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. This Civil War-themed attraction allows viewers to sit with either the North or the South group, as the battle plays out and, occasionally, the South wins. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. 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. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. Sure, moonshine tastings and tours are a big hit with tourists, but have you ever stopped to enjoy some specialty moonshine cocktails at the distilleries? This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Things to do in Gatlinburg | Places to Visit in Gatlinburg 2023 - TripHobo Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. 8. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. 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. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. An old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. Guide to Orlando's Top Non-Touristy Treasures - Diary of a Debutante Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. What do you think of water rafting? You wont want to miss out on locations like Alewine Pottery, a potter that creates pieces inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. 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!). Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. The bridge is illuminated at night . 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. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Situated at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, The Captured fuses the challenging detective work of an escape room. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. 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. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. Where Do the Locals Go in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN - TheSmokies The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! 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The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor 1. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! While the Porters Creek Trail makes for an excellent walk. Immersed within the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountains, CLIMB Works provides adventurous visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural landscape in two equally exciting ways the breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline and the top-rated Treetop Zipline. On the 8-mile long Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, you can explore over 100 artisanal workshops and galleries. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. Depending on when you plan your Smoky Mountain visit to Cosby, you could be greeted by dwarf irises, bleeding hearts, and phacelia or vibrant autumn leaves. 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. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. 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. Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. 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. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. 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. 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. 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. And So Should You. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 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. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. 18 Amazing Things To Do in Gatlinburg With Kids - Virtual Smokies Calling all craft heads! The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. Let's keep this between us, ok?! The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. 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. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Address: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA 7. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. Or, why not try them all? After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Unusual Attractions in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing.