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. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau . The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. Transport yourself to the Tinseltown backlot in this unique museum, with 40 authentic vehicles from films like The Dukes of Hazzard and Fast and Furious lining the floor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. Do you have what it takes? The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. 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! It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. With an amusement park and ski resort at its center, plus some of the nations premier hiking and adventure opportunities, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip through the charming South. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! 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. With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. 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. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). 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. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. 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. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. including a lazy river and heated pools. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. 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. The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. 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. For days when the sun just refuses to shine, the indoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park is the answer with waters kept warm year-round. An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. 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. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. Dollywood features over 50 enthralling rides spread across 150 acres, a number of award-winning eateries and regular live entertainment. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. wants to go to It sounds fun, doesn't it? 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. Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. 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. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! 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. Required fields are marked *. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. 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. The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. Please see my disclosure. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. Specialties: The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg is conveniently located on River Road, at the base of the Smoky Mountains, only 30 minutes from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). 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. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. 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. Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. All this artistry got you feeling famished? All Rights Reserved. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The soaring 36-meter-high Mingo Falls can be found just outside the National Parks perimeters, and its one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! 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! Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. You wont want to miss out on locations like Alewine Pottery, a potter that creates pieces inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. At 475 feet above the earth and with a scintillating top speed of 55 miles per hour, the Goliath zipline proudly wields the title of highest, longest and fastest zipline across the Great Smoky Mountains. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. Asheville is the coolest little mountain town that is equal parts progressive, outdoorsy, and hip. As the one-stop shop for fun immersive activities, this treasured locale offers a delightfully disorientating mirror maze and a blacklight mini-golf course to go with it. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. 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. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. Unusual Attractions in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Today, walk through shelves of all sorts of shakers and grinders from across the globe, dating throughout the centuries, in varying shapes, colors and designs. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Now in its tenth season [mid-May to mid-October], the market provides Tennessee grown produce, local products, and foods in a friendly social environment. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. 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. There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. 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. 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. Seeking to challenge your quads? Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! 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. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. 32. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Our hotel offers the natural attraction of the mountains and sounds of the nearby creeks. 2. 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. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. 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? 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. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. In Summer For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. 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. 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. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. 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! The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. 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. 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! Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. Its time to travel like a local! 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. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. Address: 561 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Website: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily) Price: 3 USD You might be interested in these Airbnbs!