Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. They have amazing vegan options. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. . Dollywoods Splash Country water park ranked fourth on USA Todays assessment of the countrys best outdoor water parks. 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. It sounds fun, doesnt it? 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. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! . Your email address will not be published. There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. 8. Boasting remarkable and unbeaten views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an essential spot for any visitor. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. including a lazy river and heated pools. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. 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. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. 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. You are going to love this place. 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 closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. 5. 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. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? 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. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Hi! Local winery featuring a convivial tasting bar, free tours & a store for regional souvenirs. 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. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. 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. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. Please note that the road is closed in winter. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. 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. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. Tennessee Shine Co. - home to Moonshine Brandy, this famed distillery offers free taste testing and even creates their own shine wine! Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Address: 2440 North . Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. 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. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. Calling all craft heads! Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. 1. All this artistry got you feeling famished? 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. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. Order a cold one from the selection of the brewerys own branded beers on tap, or if youre here for serious business, try their Brew Samplers. Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park tickets, Dolly Partons Stampede dinner show tickets, The Park Vista A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg, Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River, Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts. Bring the whole crew (yes, the children too) to this incredible show, and be sure to make reservations, as seats run out fast. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. 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* The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! 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. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! Take the tram to the top of the overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. There are other mountain-themed outdoor pursuits to try at Rowdy Bear Mountain, including axe-throwing activities, and the riveting Ski Lift Shootout Coaster a suspended Alpine coaster with two-seater swing chairs attached. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. But if you want the quick and easy list of the most bizarre things to do in Gatlinburg, welcome! Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. Looking for excitement? Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. 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. 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. 10. In addition to your in-room amenities, youll have easy access to hiking trails, three heated outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and a year-round water park. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. 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. Find Lodging Attractions 6. 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. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. 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). Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. Whether you are hitting the Smoky Mountain trails or just strolling around downtown, a day full of unique things to do in Gatlinburg is not complete without an incredible meal. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. 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 Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate at the Sugar Bears Caf And Creamery. There are lots of hotels in Gatlinburg TN with indoor pool to choose from so if getting in some pool time is important to you, youre definitely in luck! Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. Top Free Things To In London. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. And So Should You. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. Or, why not try them all? 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! Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. 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!