The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. Required fields are marked *. THE PLAYGROUND. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. 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. 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. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. 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. 20 + Free Things to Do in Sevierville - East TN Family Fun This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! The mountain views are beyond compare. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. Keep an eye out for the schedules of the next Amazing Gatlinburg Race! If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. It sounds fun, doesnt it? Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Just 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the states most celebrated golf courses offer lush manicured greens of the fairways combined with the fairytale-like atmosphere created by the forest landscapes. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. Gatlinburg TN - too touristy? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Calling all craft heads! Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. Test your puzzle-solving abilities and prove once and for all who the smartest family member is with a 60-minute detective challenge in one of Gatlinburgs immersive, always-entertaining escape rooms. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Family Destinations Guide Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. Held the month of October at Ober Gatlinburg. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. 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. While there are plenty of questionable brews out there, by far some of the highest-quality samples can be found at Americas most visited distillery Ole Smoky and the rustic award-winning Sugarlands Distilling Company. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect. - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. 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. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a collective of artisans who offer many different pieces of arts and bespoke goods for you to collect and explore. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. 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. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. 22 Must See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. Downtown Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. 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. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. 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. 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? See all Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour 93 Adventure Tours from C$20.86 per adult Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hours Activity 126 from C$153.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg 775 Walking Tours from C$41.75 per adult Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. 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. Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. Please note that the road is closed in winter. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. 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. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. 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. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. The interactive puzzle-solving adventure game is jam-packed with exciting challenges that test your teamwork and creative thinking while taking you all over the city in search of your next clue. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. 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. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. 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. 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. They have amazing vegan options. 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. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. . Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. 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. Guide to Orlando's Top Non-Touristy Treasures - Diary of a Debutante Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Or pick up a bottle of Pigeon Forge blush to go. 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. 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 watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. 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. 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. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. 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. Offering locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Rowdy Bear Mountain is a must-do for those who love the outdoors and have an inclination towards adrenaline, as well. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. 8. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. Boasting attractions like the lazy river, a pair of water slides and kid-friendly pools and splash zones, its the perfect place to let the youngsters loose for an afternoon. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Open since 1991 and boasting 11 local locations, they sure know a thing or two about food. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. 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. 22 December 2022. Adventurers will be able to climb three stories in the air to face thirty-eight challenges including rickety bridges, suspended ropes, and other balancing obstacles. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. 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. 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. Sunrises are favored for witnessing a blanket of mist rise above the city, the afternoon has the clearest visuals, or stand under the stars at night and enjoy the crisp-clear air and views of sparkling lights. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Address: 2440 North . Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. Townsend, Tennessee: The "Quiet" Side of the Smokies Things to Do in Nashville That Are Actually Cool - Thrillist 6. 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. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. The Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster allows you to experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a fun, fast, and unique way, reaching speeds up to 35 mph. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. We can help. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. 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. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Cruze Farm. It sounds fun, doesn't it? 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! Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. 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. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. The name speaks for itself and this is held the first week of December. wants to go to Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. The best time to visit the valley is during sunrise or sunset as you will get to marvel at the most perfect vistas of the valley. 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. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. photo credit: Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community via Facebook. 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. Home to the largest outdoor snow tubing hill in Tennessee, during the wintery months, grab an inflatable tube and hit the slopes laden with real snow thanks to the parks special snow-making machines. We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. Hi! You can enjoy either a one or two-bedroom suite that comes with full kitchens, dining space, living rooms with sleeper sofas, and a balcony. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Epic Free Viewpoints. For days when the sun just refuses to shine, the indoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park is the answer with waters kept warm year-round. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. 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. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. Contact: (888) 991-9040 Monday through Sunday 9AM-11PM. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. 2023 Atlas Obscura. For synchronous fireflies, the beginning of June. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. . 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. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. 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. Take the classic cinematic spectacle to the next level by strapping yourself into one of the motion seats and letting the state-of-the-art digital effects work their magic. You can find these amazing escape rooms in two locations: Reagan Terrace Mall and The Village with Masters of Magic where you can also choose from various classic and contemporary board games to take home. Take the tram to the top of the overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. All Rights Reserved. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. 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. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. 2022 33. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences.