Luxurious, comfortable and done up in classy rich woods, expect everything from this hotel name, and then some at The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. The entire journey takes about 10 minutes, dropping visitors off at Ober Gatlinburg, home to must-do activities like ice skating and the Alpine Slide. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | catch a magic show, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | enjoy wine tasting, 15 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Tiny Houses In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 14 Amazing Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Updated 2023, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg), 5. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Sporting modern finishes and less than 100 meters away from the start of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, enjoy excellent service, views and facilities at the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. For more information on places the locals love to eat, check out our blog, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.. 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. As you stroll through the aisles, expect rows of just-picked fruits and vegetables, scrumptious cookies (Josies Cookies), dehydrated chili flakes (Olde Virdens Red Hot Sprinkle), lovely handmade soaps (Kulturology Soap Co), and plenty more. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. The three-floor building is hard to miss its the absolutely oddest thing you can find at Parkway. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Many tourists come to the Great Smoky Mountains to hike the beautiful trails. Explore nearly 30 intriguing boutiques, restaurants and galleries, all brought together with an old-timey European flare. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. Enjoy Gatlinburg! 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! Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! Mount Le Conte is a mountain in Tennessee located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. 2023 Atlas Obscura. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. 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. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. 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. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. Address: 458 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. 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!). If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! If youve already tackled Cades Cove and the Gatlinburg Bypass, why not branch out and uncover a path less traveled: Hightail it to this out-of-the-way area of the national park for a day of hikes, camping, wildflower viewing, and more. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. Top Free Things To In London. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. 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. Hit up three amazing music museums. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. There are single and double coasters to choose from. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will have fun watching the game live. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. 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. 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. including a lazy river and heated pools. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. 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. Lantern-led walking tours in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee operate daily and/or nightly throughout Southern Appalachia from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Southwest Virginia Highlands. 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. 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. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. A free 20-minute movie provides an overview of everything you'll need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you embark on your own adventure! Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Arts and Crafts Community Calling all craft heads! Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. 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. In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. In Summer The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. 8. The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. 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. 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. 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! With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. 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. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. 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? However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. You need to assemble in the activity zone near the park entrance and have your get-up approved by the staff. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. 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. However, sometimes you want to get off the beaten path, especially if youre wanting to stay away from the tourist crowds or youve already seen all the sites in East Tennessee. It sounds fun, doesn't it? Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. 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. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. 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. 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! Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. 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. Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . Required fields are marked *. Gatlin's Fun Center. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Visit the Dolly Statue. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. On the 8-mile long Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, you can explore over 100 artisanal workshops and galleries. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! In addition to your in-room amenities, youll have easy access to hiking trails, three heated outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and a year-round water park. 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. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but kids aged 10 years and older can ride solo if theyre over 1.3 meters tall. Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). Or pick up a bottle of Pigeon Forge blush to go. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. 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. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. 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. 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! . Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. 5 Must Visit U.S. Cities For A Weekend Trip 2 Must-Visit Places, 7 Adventures on Yas Island Abu Dhabi 7 Most Thrilling Tourist Attractions in California A Tourist Guide To The Sin City (Ultimate . Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. 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. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal.

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