8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. 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. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. At 475 feet above the earth and with a scintillating top speed of 55 miles per hour, the Goliath zipline proudly wields the title of highest, longest and fastest zipline across the Great Smoky Mountains. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. 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). Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. On the Ski Mountain Coaster, you twist down 3,750 feet of the mountain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (or at their own pace, of course). 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. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. 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. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Transport yourself to the Tinseltown backlot in this unique museum, with 40 authentic vehicles from films like The Dukes of Hazzard and Fast and Furious lining the floor. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. 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. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. Why not stop in to watch it at the Smoky Mountain Brewery? Unsubscribe in one click. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. During the winter, visitors can strap their skis or snowboards on and head out onto the 10 ski trails, snow tube down a 400-foot snow lane, or try the one-of-a-kind ice bumper cars. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. 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. 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. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. 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. 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. Top Free Things To In London. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. The South is renowned for dishes enhanced by flavors created by smoking techniques; Bennetts Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the top places in town to experience all the smoky goodness. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Or, why not try them all? If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. 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 If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. 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. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). 2. 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. Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! wants to go to 5. Downtown Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. So long as you dont get too motion sick, tumbling down that 1,000-foot tall hill in a giant bubble is undeniably one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate at the Sugar Bears Caf And Creamery. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. While all nine of Heartland's rentals are unique, they are all equally as cozy, inviting, and scenicand the perfect spot to set up camp for an unforgettable vacation in Gatlinburg. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. 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. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. There are lots of hotels in Gatlinburg TN with indoor pool to choose from so if getting in some pool time is important to you, youre definitely in luck! 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. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, as the Cataloochee Valley is one of the only places that you can spot wild elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. In addition to famous destinations like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the nearby Dollywood theme park, there is a number of unique things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that are worth visiting. The name speaks for itself and this is held the first week of December. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. 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. And So Should You. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. Feel all the romance when checking into your room at the Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts with its own fireplace and private jacuzzi, and from the balcony, you might even get lucky and spot a bear or two! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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). 33+ Essential Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn for Family Fun See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Offering locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Rowdy Bear Mountain is a must-do for those who love the outdoors and have an inclination towards adrenaline, as well. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . 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. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Trip101 70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge - MommyPoppins Mount Le Conte is a mountain in Tennessee located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It sounds fun, doesn't it? Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Many tourists come to the Great Smoky Mountains to hike the beautiful trails. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. 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? Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. It also features Glow in the Dark mini golf where you can play in an underwater theme with brightly colored creatures, including a mermaid, giant octopus and dolphins. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Games take place from the fall until the spring. 37 Non-Touristy Things to do in Washington Besides Museums! Its forests provide perfect shade for a day on the upper Pigeon River as you zoom down the class 3 and class 4 with rapids with the water splashing in all directions. 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! Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. 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. 6. 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. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park tickets, Dolly Partons Stampede dinner show tickets, The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg, Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River, Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau . 8. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. Go white water rafting on the Little Pigeon River (from USD 43.0) Show all photos What do you think of water rafting? Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. Things to do in Gatlinburg | Places to Visit in Gatlinburg 2023 - TripHobo Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. 14 Fun Things to Do in Astoria this Vacation - USA Mocha Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. Required fields are marked *. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. Sample all the best fresh food Gatlinburg has to offer, while chatting to the friendly locals and the fan-favorite Farmers Market a city staple that operates most Saturday mornings. Updated: The Top 10 Must-Visit Gatlinburg Attractions - Smoky Mountains Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. There is a fair held in July and October. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. 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. 11. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. Popular breakfast restaurants for locals are Lil Black Bear Cafe and Elviras Cafe, and popular lunch spots for locals are Chubbys Deli, Frank Allens Market, and Blue Moose. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! 811 East Parkway, P.O. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. 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! Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. 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. There are single and double coasters to choose from. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. Cammerer Fire Tower. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. What do you think of water rafting? Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. Located next to the entrance of the charming European-inspired The Village, the restaurant can be a great stop before or after exploring the artisanal shops. A fantastic family option is Bent Creek Golf Village, equipped with gaming rooms, large fire pits for making smores, a swimming pool and so much more to keep all family members smiling. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. Please see my disclosure. 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. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. It has the largest collection of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and souvenirs. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. 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. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Find Lodging Attractions Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. 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. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. 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. From the end of November to the end of January, the specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. 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. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. 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.