Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. Pingback: Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Park Ranger John . The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. 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. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. (865) 436-5423. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. 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. In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. If youre having an extended stay in the area and are interested in exploring your own artistic side, consider signing up for a workshop at the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which has classes exploring everything from ceramics to furniture making to cake sculpture. One of the Ripleys-branded attractions throughout the city, Ripleys Haunted Adventure is ready to scare the socks off anyone brave enough to enter its doors. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. 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. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. 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. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. Its 680 feet across and you can look 140 feet down through the glass floor halfway through. There are single and double coasters to choose from. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. 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. We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. Superb day trips (or overnight stays) from Gatlinburg include Asheville approximately a 1.5 hours drive or lively Chattanooga. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. 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. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. 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. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. 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. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! 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. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Those yearning for a more intense athletic endeavor can opt for the strenuous, 10.6-mile journey to the Mt. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. 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. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. Sunrises are favored for witnessing a blanket of mist rise above the city, the afternoon has the clearest visuals, or stand under the stars at night and enjoy the crisp-clear air and views of sparkling lights. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. 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. 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. 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. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. Hit up three amazing music museums. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. It also features Glow in the Dark mini golf where you can play in an underwater theme with brightly colored creatures, including a mermaid, giant octopus and dolphins. 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. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! We can help. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. 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. A free 20-minute movie provides an overview of everything you'll need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you embark on your own adventure! You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. Though the winery sells original blends, its known for its soft and delicious fruit-infused wines, such as the Blueberry Bammer, Proper Peach, Fine Blackberry and White Knuckle Grape. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! For some of the best views of both the town and mountains, Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is smack bang between Gatlinburg Spur (connecting the city with the nearby Pigeon Forge) and the Great Smoky Mountains (along the Gatlinburg Bypass). Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. 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. 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. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. 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. 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. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. 1. Leu Gardens. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. While we would never describe the nations most visited National Park as a unique thing to do in Gatlinburg,' within the parks lush 522,427 acres lies plenty of under-the-radar hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas. The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. The Smoky Mountain Music Festival [April] continues its dedication to excellence by offering school musicians an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before prestigious adjudicators in a beautiful setting. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. 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. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. 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. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. We cant wait to see you there. 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. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. 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! 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. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. All Rights Reserved. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. Some of the most beautiful roads to cruise along include Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Little River Road, Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop. 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! Whether you seek stunning vistas or solitary hikes, Gatlinburg delivers a cornucopia of creative attractions. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. And So Should You. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. 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. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Washington, DC Besides Museums and Monuments Check Out Some Local Art at Blind Whino Hidden away from all the tourists in the streets of Southwest DC is a formerly abandoned church that fell into a vat of neon pixie dust, and opened its doors to the art community. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! Here are some of the favorite things for locals to do in the Smokies: Tanger Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in the Smokies with over 100 brand name stores. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. 5. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. National Museum of African American Music. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. To help you plan, weve created a guide to some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Would you love to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but want to avoid the crowded, more popular trails? Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. Gatlin's Fun Center. 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? The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. 6. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? 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. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! 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 Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. 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. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. Or, why not try them all? Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. 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. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. 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. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. It sounds fun, doesn't it? Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. 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. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Tennessee Shine Co. - home to Moonshine Brandy, this famed distillery offers free taste testing and even creates their own shine wine! You can choose from a selection of jams to bring home. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. 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. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. Feel all the romance when checking into your room at the Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts with its own fireplace and private jacuzzi, and from the balcony, you might even get lucky and spot a bear or two! Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. Are you a huge fan of baseball? 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. 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. 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. 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. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. However, sometimes you want to get off the beaten path, especially if youre wanting to stay away from the tourist crowds or youve already seen all the sites in East Tennessee. You can find these amazing escape rooms in two locations: Reagan Terrace Mall and The Village with Masters of Magic where you can also choose from various classic and contemporary board games to take home. 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. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. 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. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! 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 Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop.
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