. For those keen to go behind the scenes and learn about the drinks distillery process and historical significance, sign up for a walking tour. The ride down the mountain is five minutes in total. Unsubscribe in one click. Did someone say snow tubing?! 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. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pro, the extra-large ice skating rink at the center of Ober Gatlinburgs enclosed mall is an ideal activity for anyone to spend an hour or two. Gatlin's Fun Center. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. Open since 1991 and boasting 11 local locations, they sure know a thing or two about food. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. 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. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! You can enjoy either a one or two-bedroom suite that comes with full kitchens, dining space, living rooms with sleeper sofas, and a balcony. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. 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. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! Pingback: Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Park Ranger John . This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. 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. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). 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. Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. Among the weird and wonderful endeavors to try attempt in the city, the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is really one-of-a-kind, and in fact, its the only museum quite like in the entire world! The bridge is illuminated at night . Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. 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. Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. 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? For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. In Summer Ripley's Believe It or Not! Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. They have amazing vegan options. Combining a roller coaster with shoot-em-ups, 3D visuals, sensory triggers and epic special effects, this ride simply needs to be experienced to be truly understood. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. 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! From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. 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. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Address: 2440 North . Wild Bear Falls Water Park. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. 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. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. Hi! Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! 5. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? Its time to travel like a local! If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. You wont want to miss out on locations like Alewine Pottery, a potter that creates pieces inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. wants to go to Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . To save you time and help you find great local restaurants, we've made this list of the top 7 favorite places where locals eat in Gatlinburg, TN! ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. National Museum of African American Music. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville locals enjoy the shows and attractions that visitors do, but they also have some favorite spots that are a little less crowded and involve fewer sightseers. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! Cammerer Fire Tower. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. 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! 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. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. 2. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. 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. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. Winning over hearts thanks to its location, guests love the running river alongside the Greystone Lodge on the River, the mountain backdrop, and the short distance to restaurants and shops. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. On the 8-mile long Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, you can explore over 100 artisanal workshops and galleries. . See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. 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. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! Tear up the tracks, throwback mud, cross rivers and try a wheelspin or two through the backcountry. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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). The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. 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. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . This indoor water park has a mountain theme and features a lazy river, heated pools, and two giant water slides, as well as an interactive tree house. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. 3. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. 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. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Please note that the road is closed in winter. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. The crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! Astoria Riverfront Trolley. 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? Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. 9. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Race against the clock and outwit your competition by exploring this Southern city in a fast-paced competition, one of the best things to do in 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. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. 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. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | catch a magic show, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | enjoy wine tasting, 15 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Tiny Houses In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 14 Amazing Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Updated 2023, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg), 5. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. 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. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. East Tennessee is known for its stunning mountain ranges, natural beauty, and amusement parks abound, but did you know that it is also one of the biggest art communities in the United States? Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. But I'm wondering if. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). 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. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). 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. 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. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. Your email address will not be published. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. 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. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. 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. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . 1. See peaks as far away as Kentucky and enjoy a bird's eye view of the park and lush botanical Vista Gardens 60 feet below! The mountain views are beyond compare. Explore nearly 30 intriguing boutiques, restaurants and galleries, all brought together with an old-timey European flare. Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. 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. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. 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. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Leu Gardens. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. 5 Must Visit U.S. Cities For A Weekend Trip 2 Must-Visit Places, 7 Adventures on Yas Island Abu Dhabi 7 Most Thrilling Tourist Attractions in California A Tourist Guide To The Sin City (Ultimate . Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. If youre having an extended stay in the area and are interested in exploring your own artistic side, consider signing up for a workshop at the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which has classes exploring everything from ceramics to furniture making to cake sculpture. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. While the popular restaurants throughout the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area are popular for a reason, its worth making a stop and restaurants the locals love. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. There is a fair held in July and October. 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. Your email address will not be published. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. 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. 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. This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy.