All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! As someone who regularly visits the Smoky Mountains, I still havent explored all the vastness that there is here. including a lazy river and heated pools. 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. 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. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . It was OK. 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. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. 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? 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. 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. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. Do you have what it takes? Explore nearly 30 intriguing boutiques, restaurants and galleries, all brought together with an old-timey European flare. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. 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 can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. 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. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. 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. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! 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. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. 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. Popular breakfast restaurants for locals are Lil Black Bear Cafe and Elviras Cafe, and popular lunch spots for locals are Chubbys Deli, Frank Allens Market, and Blue Moose. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Winning over hearts thanks to its location, guests love the running river alongside the Greystone Lodge on the River, the mountain backdrop, and the short distance to restaurants and shops. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. 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. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. 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? It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. Or, why not try them all? Hollywood Star Cars Museum. 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* The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | catch a magic show, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | enjoy wine tasting, 15 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Tiny Houses In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 14 Amazing Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Updated 2023, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg), 5. The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. Their downtown Gatlinburg facility features two working copper stills. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. Be amazed at Gatlinburgs No. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Keep an eye out for the schedules of the next Amazing Gatlinburg Race! This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. 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. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. Prepare to get wet, so bring swimwear or a towel, and dont forget to book online to reserve a spot to make sure you can start the fun as soon as you get there. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. As you stroll through the aisles, expect rows of just-picked fruits and vegetables, scrumptious cookies (Josies Cookies), dehydrated chili flakes (Olde Virdens Red Hot Sprinkle), lovely handmade soaps (Kulturology Soap Co), and plenty more. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. 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. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . 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. 8. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. They have amazing vegan options. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown 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. 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. As well as the many Pigeon Forge things to do, guests will find an array of natural wonders like Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain National Park, scenic overlook, Anakeesta Mountain, Crockett Mountain, tourist attraction draws of the Gatlinburg area, the Pigeon River, Wears Valley, and other parks. Go white water rafting on the Little Pigeon River (from USD 43.0) Show all photos What do you think of water rafting? Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. The drive from Gatlinburg to Hamilton takes about 153 mi (246 km), and it should take you about 2 hours 37 minutes in normal traffic. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. 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. Tennessee Jeds may be nothing fancy, but this locally owned and sourced sandwich shop is a go-to stop for hungry hikers in the know. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. Biking, bird watching, and horseback riding are also recommended activities to try while you're outside in Gatlinburg. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. We know we want to do some hiking in the. The three-floor building is hard to miss its the absolutely oddest thing you can find at Parkway. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. The Village Shops is a beautiful old world European themed shopping area with cobblestone streets, a fire fountain and little places to sit here and there.. Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? 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. 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 18,000-square-foot Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the largest and closest outfitter to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the south end of the Gatlinburg Strip. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. 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. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. 1.8. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! 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! Looking for excitement? Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Our hotel offers the natural attraction of the mountains and sounds of the nearby creeks. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. 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. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. 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! . Tennessee Shine Co. - home to Moonshine Brandy, this famed distillery offers free taste testing and even creates their own shine wine! The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. 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. 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. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. 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. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. 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. 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. 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. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. Listen up die-hard gamers! Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Townsend is often called the "quiet side of the Smokies" in contrast to the bustling and often crowded tourist areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We cant wait to see you there. Located off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? 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. 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. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Asheville is the coolest little mountain town that is equal parts progressive, outdoorsy, and hip. There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. 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. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a collective of artisans who offer many different pieces of arts and bespoke goods for you to collect and explore. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. In Summer 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. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. It wouldnt be a trip to Tennessee without at least a taste of the regions infamous moonshine otherwise known as hooch or homebrew. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. For the most truly authentic mountain-living feels, book out the entire home of The Fish House at Norton Creek, boasting a beautiful location next to a stream.