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. Please note that the road is closed in winter. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. 4. For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. As the route features declines, there are parts of the track that provide a serious adrenaline rush. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a picturesque drive with a backdrop of the mountain peaks. All Rights Reserved. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. 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. It was OK. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. You can visit Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. Your email address will not be published. The Appy Lodge is located at the entrance of Gatlinburg and includes free parking, free breakfast, a laundry facility, an indoor and outdoor pool and much more! Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. Adventurers will be able to climb three stories in the air to face thirty-eight challenges including rickety bridges, suspended ropes, and other balancing obstacles. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Cammerer Fire Tower. Other things you can also buy include homemade jelly preserves, honey pickles and hot sauce. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. 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! We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. 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. 811 East Parkway, P.O. 8. 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. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. (865) 436-5423. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. 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. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Get cozy in their wood and chandelier accented dining room as you peruse their well-balanced menu. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. 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 This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. 2. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. Seeking to challenge your quads? Situated at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, The Captured fuses the challenging detective work of an escape room. 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. 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. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. With the perfect amount of horror-themed suspense keeping escapees on the edge of their toes, this activity is regularly reviewed as one of the best escape rooms going around. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 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. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. 8. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. 6. Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. 1. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. 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. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Find Lodging Attractions If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. 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! Look out for all the barnyard characters as you move between holes at one of the three 18-hole courses at the Ripleys Old MacDonalds Farm Mini-Golf area. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. As well as the many Pigeon Forge things to do, guests will find an array of natural wonders like Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain National Park, scenic overlook, Anakeesta Mountain, Crockett Mountain, tourist attraction draws of the Gatlinburg area, the Pigeon River, Wears Valley, and other parks. You can also spend time in the park exploring hidden gems, like the House of Fairies or Elkmont Ghost Town! Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. 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. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Top Free Things To In London. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. 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. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Some of the roads in Gatlinburg (for example, the Tail of the Dragon) dont allow UTVs, but not to fear, this adventure rental company also has Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhall and Rykers which you can rent to drive these parts instead. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. 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. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Free Fun at the Library. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Visiting Roaring Fork is done by a paved one-way, 5.5 mile drivable loop, located near Gatlinburg and one hour away from Cades Cove. 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. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. Ripley's Believe It or Not! 1. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. 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. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). 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. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. Keep an eye out for the schedules of the next Amazing Gatlinburg Race! 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. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. See all Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour 93 Adventure Tours from C$20.86 per adult Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hours Activity 126 from C$153.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg 775 Walking Tours from C$41.75 per adult 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? 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. Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! 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. 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. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Dollywood features over 50 enthralling rides spread across 150 acres, a number of award-winning eateries and regular live entertainment. Buddys bar-b-q in Sevierville is the perfect stop in or out of the Smokies, offering hometown bar-b-q thats cooked low and slow. A free 20-minute movie provides an overview of everything you'll need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you embark on your own adventure! Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Try their classic BBQ or massive Reuban sandwich piled high with braised corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing on toasted marble rye. Drive down the 8-mile-loop road to discover weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters and so many more unique vendors making for the perfect selection of handcrafted, Appalachian souvenirs. 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. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? 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 family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. 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?