You will have fun watching the game live. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. 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. When traveling the scenic loop road, plan to get out and visit the restored buildings that include three churches, log homes, cantilevered barns, and a working mill. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. Atlanta is four hours from Gatlinburg and playing a pivotal role in local American history and culture, its well worth visiting. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. For synchronous fireflies, the beginning of June. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! 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. Its an experience that manages to be exhilarating and relaxing simultaneously. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. 1. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. 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. 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! Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Want to really feel like a local? Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. 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. 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. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. 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. Calling all craft heads! From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. So long as you dont get too motion sick, tumbling down that 1,000-foot tall hill in a giant bubble is undeniably one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Affordable for families. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. It is a popular iconic spot and is home to many hidden gems including historical museums, street murals, art and architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and top-class restaurants. Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! Those yearning for a more intense athletic endeavor can opt for the strenuous, 10.6-mile journey to the Mt. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. 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. wants to go to 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. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. 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. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. 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. 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. While we would never describe the nations most visited National Park as a unique thing to do in Gatlinburg,' within the parks lush 522,427 acres lies plenty of under-the-radar hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. Mountain Mall Mountain Mall With its wooden architecture and kitschy, country-style shops, the Mountain Mall isn't your average shopping mall. 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. Ripleys Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. Answer 1 of 14: Hey there, My husband and I recently moved to Knoxville and we have of course been to Smoky Mountain Ntl Park a couple of times. 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. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. This can tell you all you need to know about the array of amazing rides and attractions at this Southern-themed splash zone. 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. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. Smoky Mountain Brewery is a local establishment that is supposed to have some vegan options and, of course, their own brews. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. Hi! Located next to the entrance of the charming European-inspired The Village, the restaurant can be a great stop before or after exploring the artisanal shops. Open since 1991 and boasting 11 local locations, they sure know a thing or two about food. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. 22 December 2022. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. 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. Zip a dee doo all day long when you strap in for an hour of high-flying adventure with Zipline Tours with Rafting in the Smokies. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. 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. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. Leu Gardens. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. 7. The Smoky Mountain Music Festival [April] continues its dedication to excellence by offering school musicians an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before prestigious adjudicators in a beautiful setting. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. 8. 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). 10. Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. Its time to travel like a local! If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. 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. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. 9. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. . Plowing through a mix of classic games and newer ones sporting interactive features, from pinball to Halo to claw games, racing cars and hundreds more, build up your gold collection and cash it in afterward for mega rewards. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop, The Park Grill is a great spot for couples and has a refined dining feel. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Tackle 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the Rainbow Falls Trail with a stunning waterfall reward at the finish line. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. Bringing joy to millions of visitors since its inception in 2001, the zoo located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is about a 40-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Please note that the road is closed in winter. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! 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. 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. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Paddle through frothing white water rapids, tuck into a hearty platter of smoked meats or soak in the spellbinding scenery from a Mountain Coaster. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau . The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Cascading through valleys and mountains, the waterfall scene in Gatlinburg is next level, and you could dedicate an entire day just to go chasing waterfalls. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. Definitely for art and handicraft lovers, this is a complete destination for shopping and dining experiences with specialty foods and candies you couldnt resist. Owned by an enthusiast and professional player who has joined famous global competitions, this fun place guarantees success in sticking the axe on the board in no time. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. While technically located in Pigeon Forge, Wonderworks is just 15-20 minutes from Gatlinburg, making for an easy afternoon activity that the kids (and adults) will love. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. Head over to nearby Kodak from the spring to the fall to watch the Smokies play ball! Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. Did someone say snow tubing?! Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. 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. For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. Some of the most beautiful roads to cruise along include Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Little River Road, Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop. 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? No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). You would not want to miss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for you to take a leisurely stroll or even hike. Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! Some of the roads in Gatlinburg (for example, the Tail of the Dragon) dont allow UTVs, but not to fear, this adventure rental company also has Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhall and Rykers which you can rent to drive these parts instead. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. 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. 6. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. Walk the path of Little Brier Gap Trail for a relaxing stroll. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. 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 is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. 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. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. This mountaintop wonderland also provides a fun and refreshing atmosphere for eating, shopping and relaxing with the lush forest and botanical gardens home to more than 3,000 plants. Superb day trips (or overnight stays) from Gatlinburg include Asheville approximately a 1.5 hours drive or lively Chattanooga. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! 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. Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. 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?