As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! It was OK. everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies, Tips For Working Remotely When Traveling To Big Cities In The US, 15 Fun Things To Do In Nashville TN For Couples, Dont Go to the Kentucky Derby Why Horse Racing is a Cruel Tradition, Destination Russia: Extra-Ordinary Encounters from a Land Full of Stories, Four Beach Holiday Destinations for Vegans. 4. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. We perform checks on reviews 31. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Try a few of the local creations in Gatlinburgs first Hard Cider tasting room, before grabbing a take-home growler or two of your favorite flavor. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. All Rights Reserved. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. 1. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. Close by to Pigeon Forge and plenty of other mountain towns that are great for day tripping, take advantage of the unique scenery and wildlife during buggy excursions or walks to waterfalls. 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. 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. 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. Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. Fine gifts imported from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Celtic Heritage Company is the perfect spot for Celtic music, foods, jewelry, accessories, kilts, and more. Address: 561 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Website: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily) Price: 3 USD You might be interested in these Airbnbs! No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. 22 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, 5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips, 7 Spectacular Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night, 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Hidden Gems: 7 Secret Spots You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Ober Gatlinburg: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, 16 Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Anakeesta Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, Sip & Sample at Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Gatlinburg. 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. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. 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. 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. Where Do the Locals Go in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN - TheSmokies 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. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. 95 Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN | A Gatlinburg Bucket List - Wild Hearted 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. . Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. While there are plenty of questionable brews out there, by far some of the highest-quality samples can be found at Americas most visited distillery Ole Smoky and the rustic award-winning Sugarlands Distilling Company. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. 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 Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. See peaks as far away as Kentucky and enjoy a bird's eye view of the park and lush botanical Vista Gardens 60 feet below! This mountaintop wonderland also provides a fun and refreshing atmosphere for eating, shopping and relaxing with the lush forest and botanical gardens home to more than 3,000 plants. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Make sure to stop into Coffee & Company, Gatlinburgs oldest roasting coffee shop, and grab a personalized souvenir for your jealous friends at U Name It. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? 5. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Family Destinations Guide 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. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. Order a cold one from the selection of the brewerys own branded beers on tap, or if youre here for serious business, try their Brew Samplers. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. 22 Must See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. 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). 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* We cant wait to see you there. One of the nations few theme parks built with a dedication to replicating that classic Southern charm is the amusement park co-owned by famous entertainer Dolly Parton. Located next to the entrance of the charming European-inspired The Village, the restaurant can be a great stop before or after exploring the artisanal shops. 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. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. 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? Its forests provide perfect shade for a day on the upper Pigeon River as you zoom down the class 3 and class 4 with rapids with the water splashing in all directions. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. Proudly selling As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. 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. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. Not only do you get to shop, but you can chat and meet the local artisans to learn more about them and their craft. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! Top Things To Do In Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN - Vacations Made Easy Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains, distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg, attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, 5 Things You Can Only Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Your Ultimate Guide to the Updates at Ober Mountain, All the Info You Need to Know Before Going Gatlinburg Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain, 6 Playground Attractions in the Smoky Mountains for Kids to Enjoy, Fly Through the Skies With These 6 Rides in Pigeon Forge, Reel Good Spots: 4 Great Places to Go Fishing in the Smoky Mountains, How Sweet: Where to Find the Best Smoky Mountain Fudge. Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. 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 want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . Within walking distance from the Mysterious Mansion (making for the perfect back-to-back itinerary), Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies fuses with the amazing interactive experiences of Ripleys museum. Did someone say snow tubing?! Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau . Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. 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. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Wine Trail Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. Cammerer Fire Tower. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. 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. 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. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. 1. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. 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. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. Listen up die-hard gamers! Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Begin at the bottom of the mountain, and first be pulled up to the top of the hill at an altitude of 76 meters, and then zoom along the one-kilometer track. As the name suggests, Off-Road Gatlinburg is all about the off-road experience and tours with this company favor different areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! Townsend, Tennessee: The "Quiet" Side of the Smokies Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. Why not stop in to watch it at the Smoky Mountain Brewery? While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! 14 Fun Things to Do in Astoria this Vacation - USA Mocha 9. Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. 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? Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). Luxurious, comfortable and done up in classy rich woods, expect everything from this hotel name, and then some at The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Smoky Mountain Brewery is a local establishment that is supposed to have some vegan options and, of course, their own brews. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! All Rights Reserved. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? 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. Things to Do in Nashville That Are Actually Cool - Thrillist Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. 5. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. Some of the roads in Gatlinburg (for example, the Tail of the Dragon) dont allow UTVs, but not to fear, this adventure rental company also has Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhall and Rykers which you can rent to drive these parts instead. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. But I'm wondering if. Its time to travel like a local! As most are located inside the Great Smoky Mountains range, there is a bit of hiking required to reach the waterfalls, so decide on the one that best suits you in terms of time, distance and strenuosity. 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. 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. And So Should You. Calling all craft heads! We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! 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!
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