Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. National Museum of African American Music. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. 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. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. 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. 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. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. 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. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Townsend is often called the "quiet side of the Smokies" in contrast to the bustling and often crowded tourist areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. 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. Whether you seek stunning vistas or solitary hikes, Gatlinburg delivers a cornucopia of creative attractions. 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. Locals love the portion sizes, the quaint atmosphere, and the prices; Trishs provides great value if youre traveling on a budget. 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. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! 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. 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. 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. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. Hi! From the outdoor adventures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the unique attractions in downtown Gatlinburg the number of things to do in Gatlinburg TN is astounding and incredibly diverse. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate at the Sugar Bears Caf And Creamery. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Tennessee Jeds may be nothing fancy, but this locally owned and sourced sandwich shop is a go-to stop for hungry hikers in the know. This mountaintop wonderland also provides a fun and refreshing atmosphere for eating, shopping and relaxing with the lush forest and botanical gardens home to more than 3,000 plants. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! Get cozy in their wood and chandelier accented dining room as you peruse their well-balanced menu. The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! 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. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. 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. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Please see my disclosure. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. 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. 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. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. 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. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! 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. You will have fun watching the game live. Wrangle the whole family for a day of mighty river action in the Smokies. Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. The ride down the mountain is five minutes in total. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. 1. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. You can choose from a selection of jams to bring home. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? As someone who regularly visits the Smoky Mountains, I still havent explored all the vastness that there is here. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. 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 Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. 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. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail as another poster mentioned. Looking for excitement? We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. The mountain views are beyond compare. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. 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. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. 11. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. For a terrific day trip itinerary, head to the outskirts of Sevierville, Tennessee. Mount Le Conte is a mountain in Tennessee located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. 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. 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. Cascading through valleys and mountains, the waterfall scene in Gatlinburg is next level, and you could dedicate an entire day just to go chasing waterfalls. 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. 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. The Smoky Mountain Music Festival [April] continues its dedication to excellence by offering school musicians an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before prestigious adjudicators in a beautiful setting. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. With an amusement park and ski resort at its center, plus some of the nations premier hiking and adventure opportunities, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip through the charming South. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Today, walk through shelves of all sorts of shakers and grinders from across the globe, dating throughout the centuries, in varying shapes, colors and designs. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. 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 . Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. 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. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. including a lazy river and heated pools. 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. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Downtown Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. 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. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. It has the largest collection of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and souvenirs. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. 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. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. Please note that the road is closed in winter. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. 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. 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. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Epic Free Viewpoints. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. Find Lodging Attractions While we would never describe the nations most visited National Park as a unique thing to do in Gatlinburg,' within the parks lush 522,427 acres lies plenty of under-the-radar hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas. One of the nations few theme parks built with a dedication to replicating that classic Southern charm is the amusement park co-owned by famous entertainer Dolly Parton. 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. Whet the appetite with an order of pimento cheese and bacon jam crostini before tearing into a Smoked BBQ platter or plate of Cajun chicken pasta. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. The bridge is illuminated at night . Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. For one of the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg, soar over the city and the endless greenery of Tennessees Smoky Mountains on board a hot air balloon. While many visitors may flock to the Jewel of the Smokies for theme park excitement or rousing dinner theater, this lush Tennessee oasis is overflowing with off-the-beaten-path activities. 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. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. 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! ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in 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. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Required fields are marked *. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. 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.. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! 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. 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! A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. 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. 9. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. 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. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. A beloved local eatery for residents and tourists alike, Pancake Pantry has been dishing up piping hot plates for over half a century and is yet to put a foot wrong. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. If youve already tackled Cades Cove and the Gatlinburg Bypass, why not branch out and uncover a path less traveled: Hightail it to this out-of-the-way area of the national park for a day of hikes, camping, wildflower viewing, and more.