non touristy things to do in gatlinburg non touristy things to do in gatlinburg

Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. Free Fun at the Library. Its forests provide perfect shade for a day on the upper Pigeon River as you zoom down the class 3 and class 4 with rapids with the water splashing in all directions. Go white water rafting on the Little Pigeon River (from USD 43.0) Show all photos What do you think of water rafting? They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. After decades of being overlooked by most travelers outside of its neighboring states, Gatlinburg has finally started to get the international attention it deserves, ascending the popularity ranks exponentially over the last decade. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. Whether you are an adult or a child, this show will blow your mind away as master magicians perform their magic in front of the audience. Your email address will not be published. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. View the citys glamor and natural beauty from above while being surrounded by a protective mountain range. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. For synchronous fireflies, the beginning of June. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. Calling all craft heads! Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. 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. It was OK. Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. They have amazing vegan options. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. 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. While all nine of Heartland's rentals are unique, they are all equally as cozy, inviting, and scenicand the perfect spot to set up camp for an unforgettable vacation in Gatlinburg. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Keep reading to learn more about the top ones. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. 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. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. 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. All Rights Reserved. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. 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. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. 2. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Depending on when you plan your Smoky Mountain visit to Cosby, you could be greeted by dwarf irises, bleeding hearts, and phacelia or vibrant autumn leaves. 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 Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. With an area designed to replicate the landscapes and mountain ranges of Tennessee, offering two 18-hole courses with a touch of humor into the mix. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? 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!). Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Rent out a UTV from Rocky Top Adventure for two hours, or more, and zoom around their recommended routes like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. 4. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. 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. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! 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). Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). 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. While the popular restaurants throughout the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area are popular for a reason, its worth making a stop and restaurants the locals love. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. 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. An indoor and outdoor water park with a mountain theme [of course!] Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. 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? 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! has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. Cammerer Fire Tower. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. In Summer For those keen to go behind the scenes and learn about the drinks distillery process and historical significance, sign up for a walking tour. The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. 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. With a strong hold on traditions, indulge in prime custom-cut steaks and premium wines at The Peddler Steakhouse. As well as the many Pigeon Forge things to do, guests will find an array of natural wonders like Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain National Park, scenic overlook, Anakeesta Mountain, Crockett Mountain, tourist attraction draws of the Gatlinburg area, the Pigeon River, Wears Valley, and other parks. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. This popular path features the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. You will have fun watching the game live. Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. 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. You would not want to miss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for you to take a leisurely stroll or even hike. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. Get in touch with your creative side when you witness the ancient art of basket weaving, oil painting, and more at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. As you set foot in Pittman Center, you will immediately understand when we say that the town is a charm in itself as it offers an excellent combination of natural beauty, culture and history. However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. Admission includes unlimited play and no quarters or tokens required. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. It would be an excellent idea to head to Gatlinburg and spend a few days in the mountain resort city, especially for a nature lover. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. Please note that the road is closed in winter. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Or, why not try them all? 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. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances. 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. The Village Shops is a beautiful old world European themed shopping area with cobblestone streets, a fire fountain and little places to sit here and there.. 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. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. 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. Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! 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). The Old Creek Lodge is in walking distance to most of downtown Gatlinburg while also being situated on the river making it seem both remote and centrally located. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. 11. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. 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. National Museum of African American Music. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! 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. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Want to really feel like a local? NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. 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. 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. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. (865) 436-5423. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. But I'm wondering if. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Top Free Things To In London. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. 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. 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. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. So if you're planning a visit and are looking to stay far off Orlando's tourist-beaten path, here are 18 of Central Florida's non-touristy treasures: 1. 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. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. 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. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. The soaring 36-meter-high Mingo Falls can be found just outside the National Parks perimeters, and its one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. If youve seen videos of people tumbling down the hills in giant bubbles (AKA zorb balls) and always wanted to try it for yourself, head to the Outdoor Gravity Park the only dedicated zorbing park in the country. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! 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. Ziplines and whitewater rafting, world-class golf and fishing, and 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of America's premier outdoor destinations. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! 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. Leu Gardens. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. 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. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours.