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. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. Following the trailhead with the same name as its 24-meter-high waterfall, Rainbow Falls gains its nickname because when the sun is shining, a rainbow glimmers in the air around it. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. 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. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Are you a huge fan of baseball? Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. There is a fair held in July and October. Calling all craft heads! During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. Begin at the bottom of the mountain, and first be pulled up to the top of the hill at an altitude of 76 meters, and then zoom along the one-kilometer track. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. National Museum of African American Music. 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. Give them something from Gatlinburg. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. 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. 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. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. 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. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. Fill your days with race car events, state mountain park explorations and city sightseeing from museums to interesting architecture. 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. 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. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. 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. 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. 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. 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? They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. With joystick in hand, riders can spin in circles around the rink or smash (safely) into their friends before finishing off and making a beeline for Obers Alpine Slide or Mountain Coaster. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. 2. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. This Civil War-themed attraction allows viewers to sit with either the North or the South group, as the battle plays out and, occasionally, the South wins. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. 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. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? 3. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! 5. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. Or, why not try them all? Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Downtown Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. There are trails that are more appealing to locals because of everything they have to offer, and the fact that theyre less popular for tourists. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee In this article, we have rounded up some of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg that you must include on your trip itinerary! Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. 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. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. 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! 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! View the citys glamor and natural beauty from above while being surrounded by a protective mountain range. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. 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. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. 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. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. 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. 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. You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the drive from the airport to the city is roughly one hour. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. 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. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com 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. 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. All this artistry got you feeling famished? For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. Proudly selling Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. These are just some of the many ways that you can experience Gatlinburg as the locals do. 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. 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 up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. Go white water rafting on the Little Pigeon River (from USD 43.0) Show all photos What do you think of water rafting? Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. With a menu offering both sweet and savory covering everything from Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes to Sweet Potato Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes, and Georgia Peach Crepes (perfect for the sweet tooth) theres a stack for every palate. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. 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. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. 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. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! Take the tram to the top of the overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. The Gatlinburg location boasts two unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you and your family: the Mountain Glider and the Alpine Coaster! Seeking to challenge your quads? With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. Looking for excitement? Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. Cammerer Fire Tower. All Rights Reserved. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. 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. Choose to tackle everything from Class I to Class IV rapids, and ratchet up the excitement with thrilling zipline add-ons: photo credit: Smoky Mountain Outdoors via Facebook. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Ole Red Gatlinburg is a restaurant, live music venue, and retail space in Gatlinburg, Tennessee inspired by Blake Sheltons chart-topping hit, Ol Red.. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Let's keep this between us, ok?! 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation.