Top Things To Do In Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN - Vacations Made Easy We perform checks on reviews 31. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. 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. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. 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. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. Cammerer Fire Tower. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. 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. 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? Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Begin at the bottom of the mountain, and first be pulled up to the top of the hill at an altitude of 76 meters, and then zoom along the one-kilometer track. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. 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? If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. 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. 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. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 33+ Essential Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn for Family Fun THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. 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). NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Proudly selling Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! Come visit us at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and speak to our friendly staff; theyll be able to tell you even more about the non-touristy gems of the area. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. The mountain views are beyond compare. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. 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. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! The three-floor building is hard to miss its the absolutely oddest thing you can find at Parkway. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. 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. 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! Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. 1. 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. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? 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. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. 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. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. wants to go to Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. 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. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 30 Best Things to do in Gatlinburg (TN) - Oceans Beyond Piracy Some of the roads in Gatlinburg (for example, the Tail of the Dragon) dont allow UTVs, but not to fear, this adventure rental company also has Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhall and Rykers which you can rent to drive these parts instead. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. Whether you are an adult or a child, this show will blow your mind away as master magicians perform their magic in front of the audience. including a lazy river and heated pools. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. 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. Other things you can also buy include homemade jelly preserves, honey pickles and hot sauce. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! Address: 2440 North . Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor 37 Non-Touristy Things to do in Washington Besides Museums! From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. HILTON GARDEN INN GATLINBURG - 120 Photos & 92 Reviews - Yelp An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. 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. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. As most are located inside the Great Smoky Mountains range, there is a bit of hiking required to reach the waterfalls, so decide on the one that best suits you in terms of time, distance and strenuosity. Or, why not try them all? Cute Instagrammable Places in London. Guide to Orlando's Top Non-Touristy Treasures - Diary of a Debutante They have amazing vegan options. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. (865) 436-5423. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. 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. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. 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. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. 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. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! 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. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. The bridge is illuminated at night . Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. Epic Free Viewpoints. Free Fun at the Library. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. What if you prefer something non-touristy? Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. 27 Best Non Touristy Things To Do in London & Places to Visit - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. 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. 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. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. for 20 years. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. 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. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . 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. Required fields are marked *. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. While technically located in Pigeon Forge, Wonderworks is just 15-20 minutes from Gatlinburg, making for an easy afternoon activity that the kids (and adults) will love. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. 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. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. 22 Must See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. All Rights Reserved. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances.