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. wants to go to Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. 9. There are trails that are more appealing to locals because of everything they have to offer, and the fact that theyre less popular for tourists. Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. LeConte water is a necessity! The crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Wine Trail 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Family Destinations Guide If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 There are few places in Gatlinburg that so perfectly display the spirit of mountain life like the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery. Your email address will not be published. Craft beers have soared in popularity over the years. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pro, the extra-large ice skating rink at the center of Ober Gatlinburgs enclosed mall is an ideal activity for anyone to spend an hour or two. 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. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. Sure, moonshine tastings and tours are a big hit with tourists, but have you ever stopped to enjoy some specialty moonshine cocktails at the distilleries? Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . 5. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. For a terrific day trip itinerary, head to the outskirts of Sevierville, Tennessee. 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! While the Porters Creek Trail makes for an excellent walk. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. 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. 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. Take the classic cinematic spectacle to the next level by strapping yourself into one of the motion seats and letting the state-of-the-art digital effects work their magic. Best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee In this article, we have rounded up some of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg that you must include on your trip itinerary! I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. Hire a car for the duration of your vacation, order a taxi, or hail a cab from the airport to your stay. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Visit the Dolly Statue. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Things to do in Gatlinburg - Places to Visit in Gatlinburg - TripHobo Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum Probably one of the healthiest stores and restaurants in Gatlinburg, this is a natural foods store with a cafe focusing on vegetarian & vegan fare such as salads & sandwiches. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. 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. The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect. Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. 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. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. 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. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. 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. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! 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. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? Cabin Rentals Are The Best (Non-Touristy) Way To See Gatlinburg Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! 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. 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. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. 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. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. 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. There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Forum THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! 5. This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes Rainbow Falls before absorbing the Alum Cave Trail and terminating near the LeConte Lodge. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. 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. It has the largest collection of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and souvenirs. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. Seeking to challenge your quads? Or, why not try them all? Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. 2022 33. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. 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. Updated: The Top 10 Must-Visit Gatlinburg Attractions - Smoky Mountains for 20 years. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. 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. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. 1. 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. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum You are going to love this place. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. 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! 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. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. It sounds fun, doesnt it? 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. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. 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! 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. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. This may be one of the most unique 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. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. Cruze Farm. 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. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! 4. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. Hit up three amazing music museums. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Calling all craft heads! Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! 10 Best Hotels With Indoor Pool In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Visiting Gatlinburg next weekwhat fun (but not touristy) things are For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the drive from the airport to the city is roughly one hour. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate at the Sugar Bears Caf And Creamery. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. But I'm wondering if. 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. 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. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. 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. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Games take place from the fall until the spring. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Entering what seems like endless hallways and rooms creating hundreds of reflections, maze-runners, try to make your way through the flashing LED lights and an infinity of mirrors. Did someone say snow tubing?! 9. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. 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. Enjoy Gatlinburg! 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. 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. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. Top Free Things To In London. 11. On the Ski Mountain Coaster, you twist down 3,750 feet of the mountain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (or at their own pace, of course). 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. 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! Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Address: 2440 North . While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. 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. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. We know we want to do some hiking in the. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. 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. 32. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. 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. What do you think of water rafting? For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. Family Travel Made Easy: Learn the Best Strategies for Stress-Free Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! 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. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. A little over two hours away, Bristol is best known for the legendary NASCAR short-track Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol has come into its own by embracing its rich vein of musical heritage [the actual birthplace of country music], beautiful natural elements, and a big revitalization scene. everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies, Tips For Working Remotely When Traveling To Big Cities In The US, 15 Fun Things To Do In Nashville TN For Couples, Dont Go to the Kentucky Derby Why Horse Racing is a Cruel Tradition, Destination Russia: Extra-Ordinary Encounters from a Land Full of Stories, Four Beach Holiday Destinations for Vegans. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. 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? No matter how strong youre appetite for adventure, its a great day out for the whole family and one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. 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.
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