non touristy things to do in gatlinburg

The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. A Walk in the Woods has been around since 1998 and is known for their expertise in leave no trace ethics, botany, wildlife, geology, culture, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Trip101 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. In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. 1. 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. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. As the biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. 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. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from . With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. 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. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. 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. Things to do in Gatlinburg: 14 best attractions ranked [2022] - TheSmokies We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Hire a car for the duration of your vacation, order a taxi, or hail a cab from the airport to your stay. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Distance Yourself From Pontiac And Explore The Great Smoky Mountains In Mynatt Park 117 Parks By PrimeSteak86 The park itself has a huge pavilion, that you must reserve; as well as several wide open picnic tables. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. including a lazy river and heated pools. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. 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! 25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. Gatlin's Fun Center. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Wine Trail Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. 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. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. 33+ Essential Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn for Family Fun Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. 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. 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. We know we want to do some hiking in the. While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Easy to reach by car, its considered one of the greatest free viewing locales in Gatlinburg. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. It was OK. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! 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. Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. We perform checks on reviews 31. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). There are single and double coasters to choose from. Gatlinburg Space Needle. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. To save you time and help you find great local restaurants, we've made this list of the top 7 favorite places where locals eat in Gatlinburg, TN! From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. Address: 561 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Website: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily) Price: 3 USD You might be interested in these Airbnbs! It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. If youd prefer for one of the locals to show you the ropes, wine tours take guests through to two wineries, as well as a traditional moonshine distillery even if youre not a fan, its an interesting endeavor, youre in the South after all. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. East Tennessee is known for its stunning mountain ranges, natural beauty, and amusement parks abound, but did you know that it is also one of the biggest art communities in the United States? It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. 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. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. 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. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. 9 Unusual Things To Do In Gatlinburg That Are Totally Worth It Things to do in Gatlinburg - Places to Visit in Gatlinburg - TripHobo Updated: The Top 10 Must-Visit Gatlinburg Attractions - Smoky Mountains Old-fashioned country store featuring housemade liquor varieties & a tasting room. 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. If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Washington, DC Besides Museums and Monuments Check Out Some Local Art at Blind Whino Hidden away from all the tourists in the streets of Southwest DC is a formerly abandoned church that fell into a vat of neon pixie dust, and opened its doors to the art community. Want to really feel like a local? Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg 775 Walking Tours from 25.57 per adult Impossibilities Magic Show at the Iris Theater Ticket 256 Theatre Shows from 23.82 per adult Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour 365 Wine Tours from 40.91 per adult Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride 48 Attractions & Museums from 14.49 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations You can also take a picnic or pitch a tent to camp for the night, so bring all the gear you need for your choice of adventure. 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. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. 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. wants to go to 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. lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. One of the nations few theme parks built with a dedication to replicating that classic Southern charm is the amusement park co-owned by famous entertainer Dolly Parton. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! Attractions In Gatlinburg | Aquariums, Museums & Mini-Golf The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. 9. Family-friendly that it is and little travelers are kept well-amused. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. 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. Chimney Tops Trail is a 3.6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. 37 Non-Touristy Things to do in Washington Besides Museums! A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to welcome you to their home. Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? The 18,000-square-foot Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the largest and closest outfitter to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the south end of the Gatlinburg Strip. 10 Things Not to Do While on Vacation in Gatlinburg This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Biking, bird watching, and horseback riding are also recommended activities to try while you're outside in Gatlinburg. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Let's keep this between us, ok?! If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. 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. 4. No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. All Rights Reserved. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. 95 Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN | A Gatlinburg Bucket List - Wild Hearted 30 Best Things to do in Gatlinburg (TN) - Oceans Beyond Piracy Within walking distance from the Mysterious Mansion (making for the perfect back-to-back itinerary), Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies fuses with the amazing interactive experiences of Ripleys museum. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. 22 December 2022. 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. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Please note that the road is closed in winter. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. Keep an eye out for the schedules of the next Amazing Gatlinburg Race! Relaxation and rejuvenation are whats on the menu in Wears Valley. For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! 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. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. You can enjoy a display of artworks, including ceramics, potteries and paintings. During the snowy wintery months (typically early December to mid-March), it transforms into a magical skiing and snowboarding resort complete with indoor ice skating and wildlife encounters. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Atlas Obscura For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. With tour companies like Smoky Mountain Angler, expert guides take guests along the fresh rivers and teach them how to reel in wild mountain trout or whatever other critter floats along. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. 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. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. 2022 33. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. While perhaps not the most unknown drive, the views afforded by the Gatlinburg Bypass and the Gatlinburg Overlook make it worth a stop on any Smoky Mountain journey. Things To Do in Gatlinburg - Explore Gatlinburg, TN | Things to Do Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. They have several vegan options and theres also one in Nashville. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Or, why not try them all? 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. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. Calling all craft heads! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. Unusual Attractions in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing. 27 Best Non Touristy Things To Do in London & Places to Visit Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. These special coaster carts let riders operate the wheel, and you get to control how fast or slow youd like to go as you navigate down the mountain. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. From an overload of exciting outdoor adventures to the weirdest and most wonderful activities, the things to do in Gatlinburg are endless, and youll need at least two days to fully enjoy and experience all that this southern town has to offer. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. 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. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. 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. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. 16 Non Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg Tripster 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. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. Free Fun at the Library. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. 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.

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