Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. 6. The family-friendly Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is worth a visit no matter the season. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Look out for all the barnyard characters as you move between holes at one of the three 18-hole courses at the Ripleys Old MacDonalds Farm Mini-Golf area. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. 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 . Considered as the areas only Dine-In theater, The Grand Majestic hosts an array of brilliant entertainment perfect for guests of all ages. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. I highly suggest visiting at sunrise for the best chance of seeing wildlife as well as the best place to see black bears in the smoky mountains. 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. From secret abodes hidden deep in the hills to the infamous Bell witch. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Theres everything from an aerial tramway to a see-through bridge, there are plenty of activities for kids and kid-like adults. 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? The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! 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. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. 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. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. Though the winery sells original blends, its known for its soft and delicious fruit-infused wines, such as the Blueberry Bammer, Proper Peach, Fine Blackberry and White Knuckle Grape. All Rights Reserved. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. 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. Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. The Soul of Motown and Terry Evanswood Magic Show are each high-energy favorites, while the Hazzard Hoedown is a regular comical delight. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg location boasts two unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you and your family: the Mountain Glider and the Alpine Coaster! Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. including a lazy river and heated pools. Gatlinburg Space Needle. 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. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. Meanwhile, the Sky Lift soars 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering even more incredible vistas. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Permit the worlds fluffiest llamas to carry your gear while you meander through the scenic Smoky Mountain foothills, flowered fields, and babbling brooks. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. 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! All Rights Reserved. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. 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. Meet and interact with a penguin you can also create art together. You are going to love this place. The fourth option, Hit Parade transports guests into the 50s and 60s with chart-topping hits from the likes of Elvis and Neil Diamond! Its time to travel like a local! The ride down the mountain is five minutes in total. Their Pigeon Forge outpost focuses on quality tunes merged with local food and drink. Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. 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. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. 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. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. However, sometimes you want to get off the beaten path, especially if youre wanting to stay away from the tourist crowds or youve already seen all the sites in East Tennessee. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. Related: Best Things to Do in 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. 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. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. Free Fun at the Library. 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. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. With a menu offering both sweet and savory covering everything from Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes to Sweet Potato Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes, and Georgia Peach Crepes (perfect for the sweet tooth) theres a stack for every palate. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. 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. Let's keep this between us, ok?! - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. 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. Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! 10. For more information on places the locals love to eat, check out our blog, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. 32. 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!). The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. 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. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Automobile archive featuring famous film & TV cars including the General Lee & 1966 Batmobile. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. For a pre (or post) hike breakfast, Trishs Mountain Diner offers classic eats with amazing service. Seeking to challenge your quads? Seeing is believing and its all possible at the epic Rowdy Bears Smoky Mountain Snowpark. Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. Stock up on sandwiches, biscuits, Frito pies, and more when you hit up either of their two Gatlinburg locations. photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? A quick, entertaining activity during any day of exploring the main Gatlinburg strip, the 7D Dark Ride Adventure is an immersive, exciting activity for kids and adults alike. For an even more enchanting experience, visit the Rocky Top after dark. If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, as the Cataloochee Valley is one of the only places that you can spot wild elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With not one, but five putt-putt courses, playtime at Ripleys Davy Crockett Mini-Golf ensures exciting corners to tee off from, as well as hours of laughter. As the route features declines, there are parts of the track that provide a serious adrenaline rush. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. 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. 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. There are plenty of things to do that are not touristy but if thats your thing, Gatlinburgs got it. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! 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. 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. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Proudly self-labeled as the weirdest place in Gatlinburg, Ripleys Believe It or Not! 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. But I'm wondering if. 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. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. 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. 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. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. Proudly selling Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Activities on offer include mini golf, escape games, laser tag, a ropes course, bumper cars, and a laser maze, making Gatlin's one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! 7. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Want to really feel like a local? You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. Explore nearly 30 intriguing boutiques, restaurants and galleries, all brought together with an old-timey European flare. Townsend is often called the "quiet side of the Smokies" in contrast to the bustling and often crowded tourist areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Or, why not try them all? Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. 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. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. 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.