Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. An extraordinary spectacle combining a delectable dinner with a 32-horse live show (plus the riders, of course), Dolly Partons Stampede is Tennessee entertainment like youve never seen before. The entire journey takes about 10 minutes, dropping visitors off at Ober Gatlinburg, home to must-do activities like ice skating and the Alpine Slide. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Did someone say snow tubing?! We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. 22 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, 5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips, 7 Spectacular Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night, 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Hidden Gems: 7 Secret Spots You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Ober Gatlinburg: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, 16 Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Anakeesta Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, Sip & Sample at Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Gatlinburg. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. Its time to travel like a local! 32. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. With a menu offering both sweet and savory covering everything from Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes to Sweet Potato Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes, and Georgia Peach Crepes (perfect for the sweet tooth) theres a stack for every palate. 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. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. 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? Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. We know we want to do some hiking in the. 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? 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. 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. 8. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. 8. Gatlinburg Space Needle. Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains, distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg, attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, 5 Things You Can Only Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Your Ultimate Guide to the Updates at Ober Mountain, All the Info You Need to Know Before Going Gatlinburg Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain, 6 Playground Attractions in the Smoky Mountains for Kids to Enjoy, Fly Through the Skies With These 6 Rides in Pigeon Forge, Reel Good Spots: 4 Great Places to Go Fishing in the Smoky Mountains, How Sweet: Where to Find the Best Smoky Mountain Fudge. There is a fair held in July and October. For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. 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? Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. 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! Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! 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. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. 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. Locals love the portion sizes, the quaint atmosphere, and the prices; Trishs provides great value if youre traveling on a budget. 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. 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. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. Many tourists come to the Great Smoky Mountains to hike the beautiful trails. 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. 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. Those yearning for a more intense athletic endeavor can opt for the strenuous, 10.6-mile journey to the Mt. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. 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. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. Strap into a gravity-propelled cart, designed to gleam and slide along a single track, and cruise through the mountains, with nature in abundance all around you. Order a cold one from the selection of the brewerys own branded beers on tap, or if youre here for serious business, try their Brew Samplers. Games take place from the fall until the spring. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. 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. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. Situated at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, The Captured fuses the challenging detective work of an escape room. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Free Fun at the Library. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. The Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster allows you to experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a fun, fast, and unique way, reaching speeds up to 35 mph. 2. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Following the trailhead with the same name as its 24-meter-high waterfall, Rainbow Falls gains its nickname because when the sun is shining, a rainbow glimmers in the air around it. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. On the 8-mile long Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, you can explore over 100 artisanal workshops and galleries. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) 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. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. All Rights Reserved. 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. Downtown Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. Ascend the relatively easy three-quarter-mile track to Mingo Falls, or hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte which takes up to six hours with gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. Please note that the road is closed in winter. 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. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. 5 Must Visit U.S. Cities For A Weekend Trip 2 Must-Visit Places, 7 Adventures on Yas Island Abu Dhabi 7 Most Thrilling Tourist Attractions in California A Tourist Guide To The Sin City (Ultimate . Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. Craft beers have soared in popularity over the years. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. 11. A beloved local eatery for residents and tourists alike, Pancake Pantry has been dishing up piping hot plates for over half a century and is yet to put a foot wrong. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. It sounds fun, doesnt it? Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. Address: 2440 North . Lantern-led walking tours in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee operate daily and/or nightly throughout Southern Appalachia from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Southwest Virginia Highlands. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. 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. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. 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. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. 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. Epic Free Viewpoints. Seeking to challenge your quads? Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. 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. Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. 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. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. Leu Gardens. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. 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. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town.