You can often find locals at Holstons Kitchen, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Junction 35 Spirits, and Seasons 101. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! 5 Must Visit U.S. Cities For A Weekend Trip 2 Must-Visit Places, 7 Adventures on Yas Island Abu Dhabi 7 Most Thrilling Tourist Attractions in California A Tourist Guide To The Sin City (Ultimate . Roller coaster curves and winds through the woods and mountains forest terrain where you can control your own speed. Many tourists come to the Great Smoky Mountains to hike the beautiful trails. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. All this artistry got you feeling famished? 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 the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. You can visit Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. With over 100 artists and craftsmen lining its corridors, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is officially the countrys largest independent artisan organization. Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. 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! This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Inspired by the fun childhood moments of the entertainer Dolly Parton, this water park sits beside the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. 11. 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. 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* This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! 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. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. 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. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. Things to do in Gatlinburg | Places to Visit in Gatlinburg 2023 - TripHobo Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. 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. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. A free 20-minute movie provides an overview of everything you'll need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you embark on your own adventure! Free Fun at the Library. Try the 13-mile Low Gap Trail - Appalachian Trail - Snake Den Trail loop. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. 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. 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. However, there are some areas that locals prefer for hiking to get away from the crowds. For Christmas lights and festivities, November and December. Please note that the road is closed in winter. Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. 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. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. 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. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Wine Trail The Village Shops is a beautiful old world European themed shopping area with cobblestone streets, a fire fountain and little places to sit here and there.. 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. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. 9. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. 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 you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. 5. Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If youre looking to do your swimming workout or play a basketball game in the water with friends, this water park has the Swimming Hole for you. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations Sunrises are favored for witnessing a blanket of mist rise above the city, the afternoon has the clearest visuals, or stand under the stars at night and enjoy the crisp-clear air and views of sparkling lights. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. 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. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . 5. 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. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? 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. From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. 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. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Stock up on local and naturally made skincare, observe a blacksmith at work or pick out a leather creation by Gary McCoy. Gatlinburg is situated in east Nashville practically on the border of western North Carolina and is a fantastic base for exploring other places in the region on day trips from Gatlinburg. 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. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Popular breakfast restaurants for locals are Lil Black Bear Cafe and Elviras Cafe, and popular lunch spots for locals are Chubbys Deli, Frank Allens Market, and Blue Moose. Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but kids aged 10 years and older can ride solo if theyre over 1.3 meters tall. The balloon rides launch just before the sun comes up, providing stunning sunrise views and a thrilling start to any day. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. Family Travel Made Easy: Learn the Best Strategies for Stress-Free Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! 2001 - 2023 Tripster. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. There is a bar and plenty of seating for you to kick back, relax, and sip on your shine. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! A trip to the mountains isnt complete without ziplining. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. 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? For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. For some of the best ice cream you'll ever have, you have to visit Cruze Farm. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. 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. Let's keep this between us, ok?! Capture that essence with a timeless photo by dressing up as a cowboy or cowgirl at Old Town Photos or Miss Sadies in Gatlinburg. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. These buggies can tackle the harsh off-road terrain with ease, allowing you to witness areas untouched by the majority of locals and tourists. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. 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. Listen up die-hard gamers! 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. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Sevier County Forum