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Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? 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. 9. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. After trekking the easy half-mile paved trail to the viewing platform, you can see the expansive wilderness of Tennessee and North Carolina all the way out to the horizon. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Top Free Things To In London. 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. Cruze Farm. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! 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 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. Though the winery sells original blends, its known for its soft and delicious fruit-infused wines, such as the Blueberry Bammer, Proper Peach, Fine Blackberry and White Knuckle Grape. They are the only species in America that can synchronize their flashing light patterns and this only happens one time a year usually a two-week window so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. 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. You can reach the mountaintop resort by taking the aerial tramway at Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, which allows you to admire the marvelous scenery during the 2.1-mile transport. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. 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. Today, walk through shelves of all sorts of shakers and grinders from across the globe, dating throughout the centuries, in varying shapes, colors and designs. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. 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 have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate at the Sugar Bears Caf And Creamery. Downtown Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. While many visitors may flock to the Jewel of the Smokies for theme park excitement or rousing dinner theater, this lush Tennessee oasis is overflowing with off-the-beaten-path activities. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! 4. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. Seeking to challenge your quads? Listen up die-hard gamers! 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. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! 1. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. 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. Affordable for families. 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. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. 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. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Automobile archive featuring famous film & TV cars including the General Lee & 1966 Batmobile. It was OK. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. 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. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. 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. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. 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! Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? 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. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. 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. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. 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. Please see my disclosure. 8. If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. 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! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. 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! 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. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. 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. 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. 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. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. You can also spend time in the park exploring hidden gems, like the House of Fairies or Elkmont Ghost Town! Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 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. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! 22 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, 5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips, 7 Spectacular Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night, 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Hidden Gems: 7 Secret Spots You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Ober Gatlinburg: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, 16 Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Anakeesta Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, Sip & Sample at Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Gatlinburg. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. 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. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. While the Porters Creek Trail makes for an excellent walk. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Entering what seems like endless hallways and rooms creating hundreds of reflections, maze-runners, try to make your way through the flashing LED lights and an infinity of mirrors. Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? All Rights Reserved. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? When traveling the scenic loop road, plan to get out and visit the restored buildings that include three churches, log homes, cantilevered barns, and a working mill. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. 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. The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. The name speaks for itself and this is held the first week of December. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. 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. 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! Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! 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. Do you have what it takes? You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! 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. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. 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. 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. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg .