Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to 27 Best Non Touristy Things To Do in London & Places to Visit Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Let's Roam Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Pingback: Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Park Ranger John . 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! Within walking distance from the Mysterious Mansion (making for the perfect back-to-back itinerary), Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies fuses with the amazing interactive experiences of Ripleys museum. 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 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. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. 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. To save you time and help you find great local restaurants, we've made this list of the top 7 favorite places where locals eat in Gatlinburg, TN! With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. 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. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. Unsubscribe in one click. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? During the snowy wintery months (typically early December to mid-March), it transforms into a magical skiing and snowboarding resort complete with indoor ice skating and wildlife encounters. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. 32. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. You would not want to miss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for you to take a leisurely stroll or even hike. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. 15 Unique Things to Do in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. 25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Atlas Obscura Luxurious, comfortable and done up in classy rich woods, expect everything from this hotel name, and then some at The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. While many visitors may flock to the Jewel of the Smokies for theme park excitement or rousing dinner theater, this lush Tennessee oasis is overflowing with off-the-beaten-path activities. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, as the Cataloochee Valley is one of the only places that you can spot wild elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 9. Epic Free Viewpoints. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. 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. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! Give them something from 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! Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. One of the nations few theme parks built with a dedication to replicating that classic Southern charm is the amusement park co-owned by famous entertainer Dolly Parton. Things to do in Gatlinburg | Places to Visit in Gatlinburg 2023 - TripHobo The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. We know we want to do some hiking in the. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. We know we want to do some hiking in the. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] 1. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 22 December 2022. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. 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. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. It is a popular iconic spot and is home to many hidden gems including historical museums, street murals, art and architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and top-class restaurants. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. 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. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Gatlin's Fun Center. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. 17 Fun Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris For an Amazing Trip 30 Best Things to do in Gatlinburg (TN) - Oceans Beyond Piracy Please note that the road is closed in winter. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. Updated: The Top 10 Must-Visit Gatlinburg Attractions - Smoky Mountains An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. 20+ Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg in 2023 - Smoky Mountain Opry Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. 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. 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! For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. 22 Must See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee 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! image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. 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. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. THE PLAYGROUND. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. 9 Unusual Things To Do In Gatlinburg That Are Totally Worth It It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Did someone say snow tubing?! The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. You can also take a picnic or pitch a tent to camp for the night, so bring all the gear you need for your choice of adventure. 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. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. 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. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! 33+ Essential Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn for Family Fun Bringing joy to millions of visitors since its inception in 2001, the zoo located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is about a 40-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg. Answer 1 of 14: Hey there, My husband and I recently moved to Knoxville and we have of course been to Smoky Mountain Ntl Park a couple of times. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. 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. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? This Civil War-themed attraction allows viewers to sit with either the North or the South group, as the battle plays out and, occasionally, the South wins. But I'm wondering if. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. What started out as a quest to find the best salt shakers turned into an insatiable hobby for the founders of this museum, and when no space was left in their home to keep their collections, the unique Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum was established. Affordable for families. 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. 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. The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. 95 Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN | A Gatlinburg Bucket List - Wild Hearted Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. You will get the chance to taste some delectable wine and moonshine in at least six distilleries and wineries, and gain insights into the local breweries and distilleries. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Wine Trail Want to really feel like a local? All this artistry got you feeling famished? It sounds fun, doesnt it? Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. 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. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites From the end of November to the end of January, the specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . 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. There are single and double coasters to choose from. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. Cammerer Fire Tower. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. 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. After trekking the easy half-mile paved trail to the viewing platform, you can see the expansive wilderness of Tennessee and North Carolina all the way out to the horizon. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. 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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). Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. Winning over hearts thanks to its location, guests love the running river alongside the Greystone Lodge on the River, the mountain backdrop, and the short distance to restaurants and shops. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. We perform checks on reviews 31. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one!