non touristy things to do in gatlinburg
Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. Close by to Pigeon Forge and plenty of other mountain towns that are great for day tripping, take advantage of the unique scenery and wildlife during buggy excursions or walks to waterfalls. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is situated in east Nashville practically on the border of western North Carolina and is a fantastic base for exploring other places in the region on day trips from Gatlinburg. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Cammerer Fire Tower. 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. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Hit up three amazing music museums. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. 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. In addition to your in-room amenities, youll have easy access to hiking trails, three heated outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and a year-round water park. As you set foot in Pittman Center, you will immediately understand when we say that the town is a charm in itself as it offers an excellent combination of natural beauty, culture and history. 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. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. 32. Try a few of the local creations in Gatlinburgs first Hard Cider tasting room, before grabbing a take-home growler or two of your favorite flavor. So sit back and revel in the sounds of acoustic guitar, country, and rock as you sip a draft beer or glass of Dollys sangria. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. 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. View the citys glamor and natural beauty from above while being surrounded by a protective mountain range. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. For more information on places the locals love to eat, check out our blog, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. 8. 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. But I'm wondering if. 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. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. Gatlinburg TN - too touristy? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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 If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. A post shared by Kelly Lopez (@kellylopezfl). The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a collective of artisans who offer many different pieces of arts and bespoke goods for you to collect and explore. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. 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. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Visiting Gatlinburg next weekwhat fun (but not touristy) things are Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. 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. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. Looking for excitement? Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. including a lazy river and heated pools. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. 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. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! 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. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. 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. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. Tennessee Shine Co. - home to Moonshine Brandy, this famed distillery offers free taste testing and even creates their own shine wine! 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. For the most truly authentic mountain-living feels, book out the entire home of The Fish House at Norton Creek, boasting a beautiful location next to a stream. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! You can choose from a selection of jams to bring home. In Summer Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum Open since 1991 and boasting 11 local locations, they sure know a thing or two about food. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. 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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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738-4102 (865) 436-1200 Welcoming over 10 million visitors annually, this 522,427-acre national park is truly a must-see when exploring Gatlinburg. An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. When the summer months roll in, the snow tubing is converted into an outdoor tubing hill so the fun never stops 365 days a year. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Not only do you get to shop, but you can chat and meet the local artisans to learn more about them and their craft. 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! While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. 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. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. Updated: The Top 10 Must-Visit Gatlinburg Attractions - Smoky Mountains Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 10 Best Hotels With Indoor Pool In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor For a terrific day trip itinerary, head to the outskirts of Sevierville, Tennessee. 15 Unique Things to Do in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. 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 Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. 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. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. 1. 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. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. You would not want to miss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for you to take a leisurely stroll or even hike. 6. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you are hitting the Smoky Mountain trails or just strolling around downtown, a day full of unique things to do in Gatlinburg is not complete without an incredible meal. All this artistry got you feeling famished? 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. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. 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. 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. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . 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. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! wants to go to Please note that the road is closed in winter. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. Give them something from Gatlinburg. 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. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. 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. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. 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. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. 10. The Great Smoky Mountain National Parks highest point, Clingmans Dome has a peak of almost 7,000 feet above sea level and is the third tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Enjoy Gatlinburg! Make sure to stop into Coffee & Company, Gatlinburgs oldest roasting coffee shop, and grab a personalized souvenir for your jealous friends at U Name It. 2. Leu Gardens. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. These special coaster carts let riders operate the wheel, and you get to control how fast or slow youd like to go as you navigate down the mountain. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Things to do in Gatlinburg | Places to Visit in Gatlinburg 2023 - TripHobo Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. 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. Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. 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. 20+ Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg in 2023 - Smoky Mountain Opry 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. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. 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. 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. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. Gatlinburg Space Needle. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. 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.. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. If youre looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt.