Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. An extraordinary spectacle combining a delectable dinner with a 32-horse live show (plus the riders, of course), Dolly Partons Stampede is Tennessee entertainment like youve never seen before. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. 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. Pingback: Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Park Ranger John . 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. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Just 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the states most celebrated golf courses offer lush manicured greens of the fairways combined with the fairytale-like atmosphere created by the forest landscapes. lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. 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. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. 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. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Free Fun at the Library. 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. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Activities on offer include mini golf, escape games, laser tag, a ropes course, bumper cars, and a laser maze, making Gatlin's one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. Its 680 feet across and you can look 140 feet down through the glass floor halfway through. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. 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. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. 5. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Situated at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, The Captured fuses the challenging detective work of an escape room. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. 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. 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. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. 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. 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. If youd prefer for one of the locals to show you the ropes, wine tours take guests through to two wineries, as well as a traditional moonshine distillery even if youre not a fan, its an interesting endeavor, youre in the South after all. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. While perhaps not the most unknown drive, the views afforded by the Gatlinburg Bypass and the Gatlinburg Overlook make it worth a stop on any Smoky Mountain journey. Cruze Farm. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. Address: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA 7. 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. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. Exploring Sicily's Unique Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Track Via The Godfather Hidden Gems in London: Non Touristy Things to Do Top 5 Hidden Gem Italian Islands I Want To Visit. . East Tennessee is known for its stunning mountain ranges, natural beauty, and amusement parks abound, but did you know that it is also one of the biggest art communities in the United States? Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. It was OK. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. 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. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. 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. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. We know we want to do some hiking in the. 6. 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. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! 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. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg location boasts two unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you and your family: the Mountain Glider and the Alpine Coaster! Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. 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. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. 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. Try their classic BBQ or massive Reuban sandwich piled high with braised corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing on toasted marble rye. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. 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. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. for 20 years. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Epic Free Viewpoints. The ride down the mountain is five minutes in total. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. 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. Get cozy in their wood and chandelier accented dining room as you peruse their well-balanced menu. We perform checks on reviews 31. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Race against the clock and outwit your competition by exploring this Southern city in a fast-paced competition, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. It wouldnt be a trip to Tennessee without at least a taste of the regions infamous moonshine otherwise known as hooch or homebrew. 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. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What if you prefer something non-touristy? The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. Visiting Roaring Fork is done by a paved one-way, 5.5 mile drivable loop, located near Gatlinburg and one hour away from Cades Cove. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! While the popular restaurants throughout the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area are popular for a reason, its worth making a stop and restaurants the locals love. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. What do you think of water rafting? Chimney Tops Trail is a 3.6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. including a lazy river and heated pools. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. From an overload of exciting outdoor adventures to the weirdest and most wonderful activities, the things to do in Gatlinburg are endless, and youll need at least two days to fully enjoy and experience all that this southern town has to offer. It is a popular iconic spot and is home to many hidden gems including historical museums, street murals, art and architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and top-class restaurants. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. 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. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. 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. The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. 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. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. It sounds fun, doesn't it? As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. 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* So long as you dont get too motion sick, tumbling down that 1,000-foot tall hill in a giant bubble is undeniably one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. You are going to love this place. 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. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. Top Free Things To In London. The interactive puzzle-solving adventure game is jam-packed with exciting challenges that test your teamwork and creative thinking while taking you all over the city in search of your next clue. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. 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. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. Cammerer Fire Tower. Your email address will not be published. Little Bear Winery features favorites such as two berries wine which is the perfect blend of blueberry and blackberries as well as their rhubarb wine. Drive down the 8-mile-loop road to discover weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters and so many more unique vendors making for the perfect selection of handcrafted, Appalachian souvenirs. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. The vegan scene is one of the best in the country, there are an immeasurable amount of amazing hiking opportunities and the whole town practically lives by a support local practice. You can visit Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville locals enjoy the shows and attractions that visitors do, but they also have some favorite spots that are a little less crowded and involve fewer sightseers. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. 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. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. 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. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. 2023 Visit My Smokies, The ONLY site you need to plan your Smoky Mountain vacation, is a website owned and operated by Sevier County, Tennessee. The Appy Lodge is located at the entrance of Gatlinburg and includes free parking, free breakfast, a laundry facility, an indoor and outdoor pool and much more! The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. Our hotel offers the natural attraction of the mountains and sounds of the nearby creeks. Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. 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. 1. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. Do you have what it takes? Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Listen up die-hard gamers! Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. 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. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. 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. Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. 1.8. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Sporting modern finishes and less than 100 meters away from the start of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, enjoy excellent service, views and facilities at the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River.
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