Fine gifts imported from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Celtic Heritage Company is the perfect spot for Celtic music, foods, jewelry, accessories, kilts, and more. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. Unusual Attractions in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing. It would be an excellent idea to head to Gatlinburg and spend a few days in the mountain resort city, especially for a nature lover. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. 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? Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. It was OK. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! 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. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. 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. 2. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. 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. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? 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. The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. On the 8-mile long Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, you can explore over 100 artisanal workshops and galleries. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. The folks over at Smoky Mountain Brewery know what theyre doing when it comes to manufacturing excellent craft beer they are the oldest brewery in East Tennessee after all! One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. LeConte water is a necessity! Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? 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. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. 6. Exploring Sicily's Unique Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Track Via The Godfather Hidden Gems in London: Non Touristy Things to Do Top 5 Hidden Gem Italian Islands I Want To Visit. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! 1. It is a popular iconic spot and is home to many hidden gems including historical museums, street murals, art and architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and top-class restaurants. Downtown This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. 32. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. 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. 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. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Listen up die-hard gamers! If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. You can find these amazing escape rooms in two locations: Reagan Terrace Mall and The Village with Masters of Magic where you can also choose from various classic and contemporary board games to take home. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! Epic Free Viewpoints. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Look out for all the barnyard characters as you move between holes at one of the three 18-hole courses at the Ripleys Old MacDonalds Farm Mini-Golf area. 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. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). Glide and slide down the 150-meter-long slope, with its highest elevation reaching a 21-meter incline to ride down. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. All Rights Reserved. 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. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. 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. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. 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. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. The bridge is illuminated at night . Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. 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. While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. 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. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. 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! Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. We know we want to do some hiking in the. 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. Unsubscribe in one click. 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. The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. 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). 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. As someone who regularly visits the Smoky Mountains, I still havent explored all the vastness that there is here. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. We know we want to do some hiking in the. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. 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. 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. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. 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. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is situated in east Nashville practically on the border of western North Carolina and is a fantastic base for exploring other places in the region on day trips from Gatlinburg. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. 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. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. As most are located inside the Great Smoky Mountains range, there is a bit of hiking required to reach the waterfalls, so decide on the one that best suits you in terms of time, distance and strenuosity. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. 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. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! 9. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. 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. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. 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. As the route features declines, there are parts of the track that provide a serious adrenaline rush. Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. 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. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. These are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you want to explore the Smokies like a local. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. 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. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. 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. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. With a strong hold on traditions, indulge in prime custom-cut steaks and premium wines at The Peddler Steakhouse. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes Rainbow Falls before absorbing the Alum Cave Trail and terminating near the LeConte Lodge. Free Fun at the Library. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Their downtown Gatlinburg facility features two working copper stills. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to 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. Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. What if you prefer something non-touristy? The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! I highly suggest visiting at sunrise for the best chance of seeing wildlife as well as the best place to see black bears in the smoky mountains. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. 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. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! 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. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. 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. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. 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! 811 East Parkway, P.O. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains, distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg, attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, 5 Things You Can Only Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Your Ultimate Guide to the Updates at Ober Mountain, All the Info You Need to Know Before Going Gatlinburg Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain, 6 Playground Attractions in the Smoky Mountains for Kids to Enjoy, Fly Through the Skies With These 6 Rides in Pigeon Forge, Reel Good Spots: 4 Great Places to Go Fishing in the Smoky Mountains, How Sweet: Where to Find the Best Smoky Mountain Fudge. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. While theres no shortage of things to do within the Gatlinburg city limits, the citys true selling point is its proximity to some of the nations most beautiful natural hiking trails. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). wants to go to The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.