Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. 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. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. Listen up die-hard gamers! Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. 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. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. 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. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. 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. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. 4. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. 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. 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. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. Just 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the states most celebrated golf courses offer lush manicured greens of the fairways combined with the fairytale-like atmosphere created by the forest landscapes. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. Our hotel offers the natural attraction of the mountains and sounds of the nearby creeks. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. As the one-stop shop for fun immersive activities, this treasured locale offers a delightfully disorientating mirror maze and a blacklight mini-golf course to go with it. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. 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. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. There are other mountain-themed outdoor pursuits to try at Rowdy Bear Mountain, including axe-throwing activities, and the riveting Ski Lift Shootout Coaster a suspended Alpine coaster with two-seater swing chairs attached. Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. You can also take a picnic or pitch a tent to camp for the night, so bring all the gear you need for your choice of adventure. Boasting attractions like the lazy river, a pair of water slides and kid-friendly pools and splash zones, its the perfect place to let the youngsters loose for an afternoon. Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . View the citys glamor and natural beauty from above while being surrounded by a protective mountain range. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. 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.. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. 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. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Calling all craft heads! An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. A second spot whose name helps paint a picture; The Place of a Thousand Drips is one of the waterfalls in the park accessible by car, with no hiking needed to reach it. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! 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. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. 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. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. It was OK. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. A post shared by Kelly Lopez (@kellylopezfl). 5. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. This interactive game tests your ability to solve puzzles and discover clues, so you can escape death like avoiding the cannibals who are ready to devour you if you cant escape the cellar in 60 minutes. 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. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. 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. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. For some of the best views of both the town and mountains, Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is smack bang between Gatlinburg Spur (connecting the city with the nearby Pigeon Forge) and the Great Smoky Mountains (along the Gatlinburg Bypass). 2. THE PLAYGROUND. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. 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. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. 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. 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. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. 9. All Rights Reserved. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. It wouldnt be a trip to Tennessee without at least a taste of the regions infamous moonshine otherwise known as hooch or homebrew. Its 680 feet across and you can look 140 feet down through the glass floor halfway through. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. 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. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. Ziplines and whitewater rafting, world-class golf and fishing, and 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of America's premier outdoor destinations. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Downtown Clocking in at four miles round-trip, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of the simpler routes to trek, starting from the borders of the park, and with no climbing required. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. The bridge is illuminated at night . 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. . 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. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Strap into a gravity-propelled cart, designed to gleam and slide along a single track, and cruise through the mountains, with nature in abundance all around you. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. One of the Ripleys-branded attractions throughout the city, Ripleys Haunted Adventure is ready to scare the socks off anyone brave enough to enter its doors. 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? For synchronous fireflies, the beginning of June. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. 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 Convention & Visitors Bureau . Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Come visit us at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and speak to our friendly staff; theyll be able to tell you even more about the non-touristy gems of the area. 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.