non touristy things to do in gatlinburg

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! 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. Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Superb day trips (or overnight stays) from Gatlinburg include Asheville approximately a 1.5 hours drive or lively Chattanooga. 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. Youre literally on the front steps of one of the best national parks (and the most visited and its free!). Its time to travel like a local! 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. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Craft beers have soared in popularity over the years. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville locals enjoy the shows and attractions that visitors do, but they also have some favorite spots that are a little less crowded and involve fewer sightseers. The soaring 36-meter-high Mingo Falls can be found just outside the National Parks perimeters, and its one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). As the name suggests, Off-Road Gatlinburg is all about the off-road experience and tours with this company favor different areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It sounds fun, doesnt it? We know we want to do some hiking in the. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. You wont want to miss out on locations like Alewine Pottery, a potter that creates pieces inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The Old Creek Lodge is in walking distance to most of downtown Gatlinburg while also being situated on the river making it seem both remote and centrally located. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. You can reach the mountaintop resort by taking the aerial tramway at Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, which allows you to admire the marvelous scenery during the 2.1-mile transport. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. 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. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. 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 resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. 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. An old-world-style teahouse serving tea, sandwiches & muffins in a rustic mountain setting. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. 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. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. There are single and double coasters to choose from. From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? 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. 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. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. Some stops include Sugarland Cellars, Bootleggers Homemade Wine and Little Bear Winery. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. Head to the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and trot through the vast and rocky terrain of the Smoky Mountains. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. 10. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). All Rights Reserved. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. 2. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. 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. They have amazing vegan options. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Asheville is the coolest little mountain town that is equal parts progressive, outdoorsy, and hip. 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. What do you think of water rafting? A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. If you've never been to Ripley's Aquarium, it's well worth a visit to see some sealife. 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. 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. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! 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. 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. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! In the midst of a hemlock forest discover the seven-meter-high Grotto Falls, accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail. 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! . Astoria Riverfront Trolley. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. Looking for excitement? Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. 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. When the summer months roll in, the snow tubing is converted into an outdoor tubing hill so the fun never stops 365 days a year. Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. As the route features declines, there are parts of the track that provide a serious adrenaline rush. Hire a car for the duration of your vacation, order a taxi, or hail a cab from the airport to your stay. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. The three-floor building is hard to miss its the absolutely oddest thing you can find at Parkway. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. Drive down the 8-mile-loop road to discover weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters and so many more unique vendors making for the perfect selection of handcrafted, Appalachian souvenirs. 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. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley - The trolley is free up and down the parkway from June to August. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. 8. Downtown If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. 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. A second option is to ditch the walking shoes and instead, embark on a scenic drive around the National Park. The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. (865) 436-5423. Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. 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. Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! There is a fair held in July and October. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. 2022 33. Enjoy Gatlinburg! Look over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the 407-ft. observation tower of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. 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. The mountain views are beyond compare. 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. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. 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). Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! We can help. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. Listen up die-hard gamers! After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. It also features Glow in the Dark mini golf where you can play in an underwater theme with brightly colored creatures, including a mermaid, giant octopus and dolphins. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. Let's keep this between us, ok?! Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Be amazed at Gatlinburgs No. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Our hotel offers the natural attraction of the mountains and sounds of the nearby creeks. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. From the outdoor adventures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the unique attractions in downtown Gatlinburg the number of things to do in Gatlinburg TN is astounding and incredibly diverse. 3 Things to do today in Bengaluru. Seeking to challenge your quads? Clocking in at four miles round-trip, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of the simpler routes to trek, starting from the borders of the park, and with no climbing required. For one of the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg, soar over the city and the endless greenery of Tennessees Smoky Mountains on board a hot air balloon. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Florida certainly isn't devoid of lush tropical landscaping, but you wouldn't think you'd find a botanical oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. Celebrate the bounty of spring when you swing by Greenbrier for an explosion of floral festivities. Not only do you get to shop, but you can chat and meet the local artisans to learn more about them and their craft. 2023 Atlas Obscura. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. Fine gifts imported from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Celtic Heritage Company is the perfect spot for Celtic music, foods, jewelry, accessories, kilts, and more. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. 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. 811 East Parkway, P.O. 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. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. Today, walk through shelves of all sorts of shakers and grinders from across the globe, dating throughout the centuries, in varying shapes, colors and designs. This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. 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. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. The aquarium boasts a myriad of sea creatures. 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. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 110 things to do in London from a local, includes: . Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pro, the extra-large ice skating rink at the center of Ober Gatlinburgs enclosed mall is an ideal activity for anyone to spend an hour or two. Or pick up a bottle of Pigeon Forge blush to go. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg.

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non touristy things to do in gatlinburg