Test Your Rock Climbing Abilities at Climb Up Testing your rock climbing abilities at Climb Up is one of the non-touristy things to do in Paris 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. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. There is a fair held in July and October. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. 5. 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. Your email address will not be published. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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. Visit the Dolly Statue. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. You can reach the mountaintop resort by taking the aerial tramway at Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, which allows you to admire the marvelous scenery during the 2.1-mile transport. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. 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. For the younger crowd, head on over to Rowdy Ridge Playground with interactive features from slides to climbing nets for children (the minimum age requirement is two years old and kids must be chaperoned at all times). This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. 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! The Old Creek Lodge is in walking distance to most of downtown Gatlinburg while also being situated on the river making it seem both remote and centrally located. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. 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. Distance Yourself From Pontiac And Explore The Great Smoky Mountains In The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. 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Top Things To Do In Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN - Vacations Made Easy If youve ever found yourself laying on the couch binge-watching The Amazing Race, heres your chance to step up and play, but without the cameras in your face. There are lots of hotels in Gatlinburg TN with indoor pool to choose from so if getting in some pool time is important to you, youre definitely in luck! Townsend, Tennessee: The "Quiet" Side of the Smokies The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Non Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: 16 Ways to Travel Like a Local Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. 4. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. 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. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. . If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. 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! Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! 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. 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. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. It's easy to see why visiting the Smoky Mountain Cat House is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge off the beaten path. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau . Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. Cabin Rentals Are The Best (Non-Touristy) Way To See Gatlinburg All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. Are you a huge fan of baseball? If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? 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. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. 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. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. 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! Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! 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? 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? 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. Your email address will not be published. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist 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. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. 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. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. wants to go to Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. 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. 1.8. 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. 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. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. 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. 11. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! 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. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. An old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. If youve seen videos of people tumbling down the hills in giant bubbles (AKA zorb balls) and always wanted to try it for yourself, head to the Outdoor Gravity Park the only dedicated zorbing park in the country. 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. 8. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains Downtown Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. 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. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. 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! 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. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Games take place from the fall until the spring. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. 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. What do you think of water rafting? After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Plowing through a mix of classic games and newer ones sporting interactive features, from pinball to Halo to claw games, racing cars and hundreds more, build up your gold collection and cash it in afterward for mega rewards. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. 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. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. 17 Fun Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris For an Amazing Trip The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. 3. 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. 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN 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. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor It sounds fun, doesnt it? 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. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. While all nine of Heartland's rentals are unique, they are all equally as cozy, inviting, and scenicand the perfect spot to set up camp for an unforgettable vacation in Gatlinburg. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. 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. 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. 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. The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! Where Do the Locals Go in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN - TheSmokies Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. The drive from Gatlinburg to Hamilton takes about 153 mi (246 km), and it should take you about 2 hours 37 minutes in normal traffic. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. 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. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Washington, DC Besides Museums and Monuments Check Out Some Local Art at Blind Whino Hidden away from all the tourists in the streets of Southwest DC is a formerly abandoned church that fell into a vat of neon pixie dust, and opened its doors to the art community. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. Its forests provide perfect shade for a day on the upper Pigeon River as you zoom down the class 3 and class 4 with rapids with the water splashing in all directions. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. 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. Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. 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.