The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. Mynatt Park 117 Parks By PrimeSteak86 The park itself has a huge pavilion, that you must reserve; as well as several wide open picnic tables. 25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. 2023 Atlas Obscura. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! As someone who regularly visits the Smoky Mountains, I still havent explored all the vastness that there is here. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Choose to tackle everything from Class I to Class IV rapids, and ratchet up the excitement with thrilling zipline add-ons: photo credit: Smoky Mountain Outdoors via Facebook. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. With not one, but five putt-putt courses, playtime at Ripleys Davy Crockett Mini-Golf ensures exciting corners to tee off from, as well as hours of laughter. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. 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.. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. 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. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. 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. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. 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. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. 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. Affordable for families. The folks over at Smoky Mountain Brewery know what theyre doing when it comes to manufacturing excellent craft beer they are the oldest brewery in East Tennessee after all! Epic Free Viewpoints. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! Listen up die-hard gamers! Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Guide to Orlando's Top Non-Touristy Treasures - Diary of a Debutante Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but 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. 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. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. 37 Non-Touristy Things to do in Washington Besides Museums! Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. In addition to your in-room amenities, youll have easy access to hiking trails, three heated outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and a year-round water park. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. Proudly selling Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. 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. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. 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. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Things to Do in Nashville That Are Actually Cool - Thrillist 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. Leu Gardens. 2. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. 27 Best Non Touristy Things To Do in London & Places to Visit Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. 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? Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. 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. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. 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. Highly admired for its beautiful scenery and great shape, as well as useful GPS screens on the golf carts, this place makes a wonderful day out where you can also bring your family and friends to hang out. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. You will get the chance to taste some delectable wine and moonshine in at least six distilleries and wineries, and gain insights into the local breweries and distilleries. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. Following the trailhead with the same name as its 24-meter-high waterfall, Rainbow Falls gains its nickname because when the sun is shining, a rainbow glimmers in the air around it. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. Gatlinburg Space Needle. Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. The best time to visit the valley is during sunrise or sunset as you will get to marvel at the most perfect vistas of the valley. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Why not stop in to watch it at the Smoky Mountain Brewery? Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. 6. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Do you have what it takes? Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. 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! has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. 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. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! 9. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. 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. 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. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . 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? Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. In Summer Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is situated in east Nashville practically on the border of western North Carolina and is a fantastic base for exploring other places in the region on day trips from Gatlinburg. 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. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. Hire a car for the duration of your vacation, order a taxi, or hail a cab from the airport to your stay. 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. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. 5. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Gatlinburg TN - too touristy? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 7 Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Off the Beaten Path Florida certainly isn't devoid of lush tropical landscaping, but you wouldn't think you'd find a botanical oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando. While theres no shortage of things to do within the Gatlinburg city limits, the citys true selling point is its proximity to some of the nations most beautiful natural hiking trails. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. If youre looking to do your swimming workout or play a basketball game in the water with friends, this water park has the Swimming Hole for you. 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. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! 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. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. 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. Whether you seek stunning vistas or solitary hikes, Gatlinburg delivers a cornucopia of creative attractions. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. 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. 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. At the family-fun center, catch a fantabulous Magic Show performed by a top mentalist and magician, or ride a glass elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle tower for panoramic city views. 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. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Cascading through valleys and mountains, the waterfall scene in Gatlinburg is next level, and you could dedicate an entire day just to go chasing waterfalls. During the winter, visitors can strap their skis or snowboards on and head out onto the 10 ski trails, snow tube down a 400-foot snow lane, or try the one-of-a-kind ice bumper cars. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. And So Should You. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. 14 Interesting Things to do in Tucson - usamocha.com Family Travel Made Easy: Learn the Best Strategies for Stress-Free You can enjoy either a one or two-bedroom suite that comes with full kitchens, dining space, living rooms with sleeper sofas, and a balcony. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. Find Lodging Attractions Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! 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. Or pick up a bottle of Pigeon Forge blush to go.