non touristy things to do in gatlinburg

If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Hit up three amazing music museums. While technically located in Pigeon Forge, Wonderworks is just 15-20 minutes from Gatlinburg, making for an easy afternoon activity that the kids (and adults) will love. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! 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. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. 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. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. 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. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. From an overload of exciting outdoor adventures to the weirdest and most wonderful activities, the things to do in Gatlinburg are endless, and youll need at least two days to fully enjoy and experience all that this southern town has to offer. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Its time to travel like a local! Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. Within walking distance from the Mysterious Mansion (making for the perfect back-to-back itinerary), Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies fuses with the amazing interactive experiences of Ripleys museum. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. 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. 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. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a picturesque drive with a backdrop of the mountain peaks. But I'm wondering if. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. 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. In Summer Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. 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. 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. Some of the roads in Gatlinburg (for example, the Tail of the Dragon) dont allow UTVs, but not to fear, this adventure rental company also has Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhall and Rykers which you can rent to drive these parts instead. There are single and double coasters to choose from. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. 2. Immersed within the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountains, CLIMB Works provides adventurous visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural landscape in two equally exciting ways the breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline and the top-rated Treetop Zipline. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. 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. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. No matter how strong youre appetite for adventure, its a great day out for the whole family and one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. 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. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . 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. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! 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. Make sure to stop into Coffee & Company, Gatlinburgs oldest roasting coffee shop, and grab a personalized souvenir for your jealous friends at U Name It. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. 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. When the summer months roll in, the snow tubing is converted into an outdoor tubing hill so the fun never stops 365 days a year. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. 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. 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. Its 680 feet across and you can look 140 feet down through the glass floor halfway through. As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. 5. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. 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. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. 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). 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. 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. While perhaps not the most unknown drive, the views afforded by the Gatlinburg Bypass and the Gatlinburg Overlook make it worth a stop on any Smoky Mountain journey. for 20 years. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. 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. 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. Listen up die-hard gamers! The vegan scene is one of the best in the country, there are an immeasurable amount of amazing hiking opportunities and the whole town practically lives by a support local practice. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. Calling all craft heads! With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. Take the classic cinematic spectacle to the next level by strapping yourself into one of the motion seats and letting the state-of-the-art digital effects work their magic. 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. 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. If youd prefer for one of the locals to show you the ropes, wine tours take guests through to two wineries, as well as a traditional moonshine distillery even if youre not a fan, its an interesting endeavor, youre in the South after all. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. Try their classic BBQ or massive Reuban sandwich piled high with braised corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing on toasted marble rye. 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. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Fill your days with race car events, state mountain park explorations and city sightseeing from museums to interesting architecture. Sleeping six guests revel in peace and tranquility. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. 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. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. 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. All Rights Reserved. 811 East Parkway, P.O. For some of the best ice cream you'll ever have, you have to visit Cruze Farm. And So Should You. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. What if you prefer something non-touristy? Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. Address: 561 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Website: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily) Price: 3 USD You might be interested in these Airbnbs! This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances. For those keen to go behind the scenes and learn about the drinks distillery process and historical significance, sign up for a walking tour. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. You will have fun watching the game live. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. Visit the Dolly Statue. Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. Gatlinburg might be small in size but its the furthest thing from small in the entertainment department. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Or pick up a bottle of Pigeon Forge blush to go. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. We know we want to do some hiking in the. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. . If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures.

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