To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! 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! Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. Mount Le Conte is a mountain in Tennessee located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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! The Appy Lodge is located at the entrance of Gatlinburg and includes free parking, free breakfast, a laundry facility, an indoor and outdoor pool and much more! Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. 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. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. What do you think of water rafting? This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Why not stop in to watch it at the Smoky Mountain Brewery? Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. 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. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Games take place from the fall until the spring. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. All this artistry got you feeling famished? Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. 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. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! Bringing joy to millions of visitors since its inception in 2001, the zoo located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is about a 40-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. Did someone say snow tubing?! The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is no place better than Pigeon River if you want to do this adrenaline-fueled activity. 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. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Give them something from Gatlinburg. But I'm wondering if. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. We don't want to do Ripleys or any of the kitchy dinner shows.anyone know of any off-the-beaten-path things to do? This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. The mountain views are beyond compare. for 20 years. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. 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. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. 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? If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. 2023 Atlas Obscura. 1.8. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. 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. 2022 33. Hollywood Star Cars Museum. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. 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. We perform checks on reviews 31. Their downtown Gatlinburg facility features two working copper stills. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! 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. Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. 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. Owned by an enthusiast and professional player who has joined famous global competitions, this fun place guarantees success in sticking the axe on the board in no time. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. These special coaster carts let riders operate the wheel, and you get to control how fast or slow youd like to go as you navigate down the mountain. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Gatlin's Fun Center. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. Specialties: The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg is conveniently located on River Road, at the base of the Smoky Mountains, only 30 minutes from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). 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. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! Let's keep this between us, ok?! For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. 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. 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. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop, The Park Grill is a great spot for couples and has a refined dining feel. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. 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. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. 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? Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. There is a fair held in July and October. Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. Ole Red Gatlinburg is a restaurant, live music venue, and retail space in Gatlinburg, Tennessee inspired by Blake Sheltons chart-topping hit, Ol Red.. It's easy to see why visiting the Smoky Mountain Cat House is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge off the beaten path. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. Locals love the portion sizes, the quaint atmosphere, and the prices; Trishs provides great value if youre traveling on a budget. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. 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. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. 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. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? What if you prefer something non-touristy? Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. 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. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! With not one, but five putt-putt courses, playtime at Ripleys Davy Crockett Mini-Golf ensures exciting corners to tee off from, as well as hours of laughter. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. Craft beers have soared in popularity over the years. Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] 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. 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. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Drive down the 8-mile-loop road to discover weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters and so many more unique vendors making for the perfect selection of handcrafted, Appalachian souvenirs. 5. including a lazy river and heated pools. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! Cute Instagrammable Places in London. 1. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. 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. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. Find Lodging Attractions Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Visiting Roaring Fork is done by a paved one-way, 5.5 mile drivable loop, located near Gatlinburg and one hour away from Cades Cove. 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. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! 2. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Do you have what it takes? Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! 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 An old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. 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. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. Hi! 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! After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Probably one of the healthiest stores and restaurants in Gatlinburg, this is a natural foods store with a cafe focusing on vegetarian & vegan fare such as salads & sandwiches. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. 11. Keep an eye out for the schedules of the next Amazing Gatlinburg Race! 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. 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. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Ascend the relatively easy three-quarter-mile track to Mingo Falls, or hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte which takes up to six hours with gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way. Sleeping six guests revel in peace and tranquility. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. 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. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. 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. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. Are you a huge fan of baseball? After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. 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. 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. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark!