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

Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. Ole Red Gatlinburg is a restaurant, live music venue, and retail space in Gatlinburg, Tennessee inspired by Blake Sheltons chart-topping hit, Ol Red.. Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). The name speaks for itself and this is held the first week of December. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. 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. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. 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. Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. 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. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. 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. You can also spend time in the park exploring hidden gems, like the House of Fairies or Elkmont Ghost Town! There are trails that are more appealing to locals because of everything they have to offer, and the fact that theyre less popular for tourists. 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? 11. 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. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 There are few places in Gatlinburg that so perfectly display the spirit of mountain life like the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? 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. The mountain views are beyond compare. 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. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. 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. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. Top Free Things To In London. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . On the Ski Mountain Coaster, you twist down 3,750 feet of the mountain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (or at their own pace, of course). For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. 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. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. Probably one of the healthiest stores and restaurants in Gatlinburg, this is a natural foods store with a cafe focusing on vegetarian & vegan fare such as salads & sandwiches. 9. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. 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. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. 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! 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. wants to go to If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . The drive from Gatlinburg to Hamilton takes about 153 mi (246 km), and it should take you about 2 hours 37 minutes in normal traffic. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. And So Should You. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. Tennessee Jeds may be nothing fancy, but this locally owned and sourced sandwich shop is a go-to stop for hungry hikers in the know. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. 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. If youve ever found yourself laying on the couch binge-watching The Amazing Race, heres your chance to step up and play, but without the cameras in your face. Race against the clock and outwit your competition by exploring this Southern city in a fast-paced competition, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Discover classic American and Southern dishes on its menu, and they also do a mean BBQ. Fill your days with race car events, state mountain park explorations and city sightseeing from museums to interesting architecture. Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. Feel all the romance when checking into your room at the Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts with its own fireplace and private jacuzzi, and from the balcony, you might even get lucky and spot a bear or two! Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. 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. 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! For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. 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. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. Immersed within the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountains, CLIMB Works provides adventurous visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural landscape in two equally exciting ways the breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline and the top-rated Treetop Zipline. 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. 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. 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. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Downtown The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. 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. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Do you have what it takes? Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! While the Porters Creek Trail makes for an excellent walk. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! 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. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! Sure, moonshine tastings and tours are a big hit with tourists, but have you ever stopped to enjoy some specialty moonshine cocktails at the distilleries? - this nationally ranked outfitter is the ideal stop for rafters looking for a challenge. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. 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. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! 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). Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. 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! Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. 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. 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. 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. 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. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. An extraordinary spectacle combining a delectable dinner with a 32-horse live show (plus the riders, of course), Dolly Partons Stampede is Tennessee entertainment like youve never seen before. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. Their downtown Gatlinburg facility features two working copper stills. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. With joystick in hand, riders can spin in circles around the rink or smash (safely) into their friends before finishing off and making a beeline for Obers Alpine Slide or Mountain Coaster. 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. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! 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. Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. What if you prefer something non-touristy? Not only fun but as you putt-putt your way through 45 holes (if playing both courses), learn about the history of Gatlinburg dating to its first settlers. Make sure to stop into Coffee & Company, Gatlinburgs oldest roasting coffee shop, and grab a personalized souvenir for your jealous friends at U Name It. Have you ever ridden a mountain coaster before? This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. Here are some of the favorite things for locals to do in the Smokies: Tanger Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in the Smokies with over 100 brand name stores. It wouldnt be a trip to Tennessee without at least a taste of the regions infamous moonshine otherwise known as hooch or homebrew. 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. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Let's keep this between us, ok?! If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. The University of Tennessee campus is also impressive and beautiful. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. Riding the glass elevator, take time to admire the surrounding greenery and dynamic colorful villages below. The three-floor building is hard to miss its the absolutely oddest thing you can find at Parkway. For synchronous fireflies, the beginning of June. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. 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. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. Townsend is often called the "quiet side of the Smokies" in contrast to the bustling and often crowded tourist areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Hire a car for the duration of your vacation, order a taxi, or hail a cab from the airport to your stay. To help you plan, weve created a guide to some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Would you love to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but want to avoid the crowded, more popular trails? Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. 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. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. What started out as a quest to find the best salt shakers turned into an insatiable hobby for the founders of this museum, and when no space was left in their home to keep their collections, the unique Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum was established. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. It sounds fun, doesn't it? Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Highly admired for its beautiful scenery and great shape, as well as useful GPS screens on the golf carts, this place makes a wonderful day out where you can also bring your family and friends to hang out. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. 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. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! The Great Smoky Mountain National Parks highest point, Clingmans Dome has a peak of almost 7,000 feet above sea level and is the third tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! Leu Gardens. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. Or, why not try them all? A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! 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.