non touristy things to do in gatlinburg

Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. A Walk in the Woods has been around since 1998 and is known for their expertise in leave no trace ethics, botany, wildlife, geology, culture, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. 20+ Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg in 2023 - Smoky Mountain Opry The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. 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. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. The interactive puzzle-solving adventure game is jam-packed with exciting challenges that test your teamwork and creative thinking while taking you all over the city in search of your next clue. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. 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. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Downtown Mynatt Park 117 Parks By PrimeSteak86 The park itself has a huge pavilion, that you must reserve; as well as several wide open picnic tables. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. 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. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. 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. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Calling all craft heads! The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect. Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. 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. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Your email address will not be published. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. Sure, moonshine tastings and tours are a big hit with tourists, but have you ever stopped to enjoy some specialty moonshine cocktails at the distilleries? Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. 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. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. Not only fun but as you putt-putt your way through 45 holes (if playing both courses), learn about the history of Gatlinburg dating to its first settlers. 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. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Sporting modern finishes and less than 100 meters away from the start of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, enjoy excellent service, views and facilities at the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. 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. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! Go white water rafting on the Little Pigeon River (from USD 43.0), 12 Best Campgrounds In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Top 6 Indian Restaurants In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 7 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Roatan, Honduras - Updated 2023, 12 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Tampa, Florida - Updated 2023, Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge (and vicinity), US (47), Hotels & Vacation Rentals Near Voodoo Fest New Orleans, Hotels & Vacation Rentals Near Amway Center, USA, Hotels & Vacation Rentals Near Aquarium of the Pacific, USA, Hotels & Vacation Rentals Near New Orleans Jazz Festival 2018, Hotels & Vacation Rentals Near New Orleans Arena Las Vegas. Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. It would be an excellent idea to head to Gatlinburg and spend a few days in the mountain resort city, especially for a nature lover. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. 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! The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. . Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. With a strong hold on traditions, indulge in prime custom-cut steaks and premium wines at The Peddler Steakhouse. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. You are going to love this place. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. On the Ski Mountain Coaster, you twist down 3,750 feet of the mountain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (or at their own pace, of course). Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. With an area designed to replicate the landscapes and mountain ranges of Tennessee, offering two 18-hole courses with a touch of humor into the mix. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. photo credit: Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community via Facebook. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. Cammerer Fire Tower. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. In Summer An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. You will have fun watching the game live. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. 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. 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? Looking for excitement? Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! For some of the best ice cream you'll ever have, you have to visit Cruze Farm. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 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. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. Visit the Dolly Statue. Games take place from the fall until the spring. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. 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. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. 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). 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. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. 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. 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. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlin's Fun Center.