Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. When traveling the scenic loop road, plan to get out and visit the restored buildings that include three churches, log homes, cantilevered barns, and a working mill. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. Proudly selling Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. Or, why not try them all? Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. Why not stop in to watch it at the Smoky Mountain Brewery? HILTON GARDEN INN GATLINBURG - 120 Photos & 92 Reviews - Yelp Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. 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. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. Unsubscribe in one click. Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. 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. Free Fun at the Library. 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. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. With tour companies like Smoky Mountain Angler, expert guides take guests along the fresh rivers and teach them how to reel in wild mountain trout or whatever other critter floats along. 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. Fine gifts imported from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Celtic Heritage Company is the perfect spot for Celtic music, foods, jewelry, accessories, kilts, and more. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau . Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Prepare for a ride of a lifetime as youre strapped into a hand-controlled coaster cart (seating up to two passengers) and then begin the descent from the top of the mountains, whizzing through the native terrain at speeds up to nearly 50 kilometers per hour. 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. If youre looking to do your swimming workout or play a basketball game in the water with friends, this water park has the Swimming Hole for you. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. There is a fair held in July and October. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. 9. 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. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. 1. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. 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. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. 6. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. As the name suggests, Off-Road Gatlinburg is all about the off-road experience and tours with this company favor different areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. 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. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. 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. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. So if you're planning a visit and are looking to stay far off Orlando's tourist-beaten path, here are 18 of Central Florida's non-touristy treasures: 1. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. They have amazing vegan options. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. 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. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor 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? 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. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. The Village Shops is a beautiful old world European themed shopping area with cobblestone streets, a fire fountain and little places to sit here and there.. 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. It sounds fun, doesnt it? 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. Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. 33+ Essential Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn for Family Fun 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. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! 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. 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. Locals love the portion sizes, the quaint atmosphere, and the prices; Trishs provides great value if youre traveling on a budget. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. The bridge is illuminated at night . Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. Be amazed at Gatlinburgs No. Things to Do in Nashville That Are Actually Cool - Thrillist Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? Little Bear Winery features favorites such as two berries wine which is the perfect blend of blueberry and blackberries as well as their rhubarb wine. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Florida certainly isn't devoid of lush tropical landscaping, but you wouldn't think you'd find a botanical oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando. 8. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. National Museum of African American Music. 5. Address: 2440 North . Cascading through valleys and mountains, the waterfall scene in Gatlinburg is next level, and you could dedicate an entire day just to go chasing waterfalls. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Distance Yourself From Pontiac And Explore The Great Smoky Mountains In Listen up die-hard gamers! 2023 Visit My Smokies, The ONLY site you need to plan your Smoky Mountain vacation, is a website owned and operated by Sevier County, Tennessee. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. 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. Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. Prepare to get wet, so bring swimwear or a towel, and dont forget to book online to reserve a spot to make sure you can start the fun as soon as you get there. If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. Located off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. 30 Best Things to do in Gatlinburg (TN) - Oceans Beyond Piracy Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. You can find these amazing escape rooms in two locations: Reagan Terrace Mall and The Village with Masters of Magic where you can also choose from various classic and contemporary board games to take home. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. Your email address will not be published. The best time to visit the valley is during sunrise or sunset as you will get to marvel at the most perfect vistas of the valley. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. 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. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. 2022 33. 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. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. You need to assemble in the activity zone near the park entrance and have your get-up approved by the staff. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. . The soaring 36-meter-high Mingo Falls can be found just outside the National Parks perimeters, and its one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. 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. 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. 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. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. 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? We perform checks on reviews 31. All Rights Reserved. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). While there are plenty of questionable brews out there, by far some of the highest-quality samples can be found at Americas most visited distillery Ole Smoky and the rustic award-winning Sugarlands Distilling Company. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. Sunrises are favored for witnessing a blanket of mist rise above the city, the afternoon has the clearest visuals, or stand under the stars at night and enjoy the crisp-clear air and views of sparkling lights. 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. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. 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. 10 Things Not to Do While on Vacation in Gatlinburg 8. 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. Asheville is the coolest little mountain town that is equal parts progressive, outdoorsy, and hip. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Superb day trips (or overnight stays) from Gatlinburg include Asheville approximately a 1.5 hours drive or lively Chattanooga. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! Top Things To Do In Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN - Vacations Made Easy Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . 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. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. 15 Unique Things to Do in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains Downtown 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. 3. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. 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! 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. There are single and double coasters to choose from. There are some interesting boutiques and a really good donut place there, The Donut Friar. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . 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. Cabin Rentals Are The Best (Non-Touristy) Way To See Gatlinburg Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. 45 Non Touristy Things to Do in London in 2023 (+ Local Secrets) 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. 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. 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. Gatlinburg Space Needle. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. Other things you can also buy include homemade jelly preserves, honey pickles and hot sauce. The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges.