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One of the best shops you should visit is the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. You need to assemble in the activity zone near the park entrance and have your get-up approved by the staff. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. 1. It sounds fun, doesnt it? Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). 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. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. 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. There are single and double coasters to choose from. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is 1 hour 10 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? 9 Non-Touristy Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains - Home - Mobile Brochure 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. image by If you're looking for indoor fun in Gatlinburg, check out Wild Bear Falls Water Park. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Here are some of the favorite things for locals to do in the Smokies: Tanger Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in the Smokies with over 100 brand name stores. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Come visit us at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and speak to our friendly staff; theyll be able to tell you even more about the non-touristy gems of the area. 5. 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. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. It was OK. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. Your email address will not be published. including a lazy river and heated pools. Prepare to get wet, so bring swimwear or a towel, and dont forget to book online to reserve a spot to make sure you can start the fun as soon as you get there. Many options of outdoor activities can be found here, including fishing, swimming and bird watching. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. Do you have what it takes? Come visit higher ground at our Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. 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. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! 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? The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. 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. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. 45 Non Touristy Things to Do in London in 2023 (+ Local Secrets) Seems escape rooms are all the rage everywhere you go these days, Gatlinburg included! Theyre impressive historical towns that emit a vibrant atmosphere of eras gone by. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. For something more relaxing, opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting tour. 16 Non Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg Tripster We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 8. Its time to travel like a local! Head to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Non-Touristy Things to Do in Washington, DC Besides Museums and Monuments Check Out Some Local Art at Blind Whino Hidden away from all the tourists in the streets of Southwest DC is a formerly abandoned church that fell into a vat of neon pixie dust, and opened its doors to the art community. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. A fantastic family option is Bent Creek Golf Village, equipped with gaming rooms, large fire pits for making smores, a swimming pool and so much more to keep all family members smiling. 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. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. 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. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. What started out as a quest to find the best salt shakers turned into an insatiable hobby for the founders of this museum, and when no space was left in their home to keep their collections, the unique Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum was established. We perform checks on reviews 31. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee 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. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. But I'm wondering if. 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 library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . 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. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA. The drive from Gatlinburg to Hamilton takes about 153 mi (246 km), and it should take you about 2 hours 37 minutes in normal traffic. The South is renowned for dishes enhanced by flavors created by smoking techniques; Bennetts Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the top places in town to experience all the smoky goodness. 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. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! Did someone say snow tubing?! 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. If you must go to a non-child-friendly attraction, . Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Family Destinations Guide Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. 7 Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Off the Beaten Path 8. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. 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. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. 5. Just 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the states most celebrated golf courses offer lush manicured greens of the fairways combined with the fairytale-like atmosphere created by the forest landscapes. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. Want to really feel like a local? A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! Things To Do in Gatlinburg - Explore Gatlinburg, TN | Things to Do Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). 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. 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. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. 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. The most visited tourist destination in America draws 75 million people a year. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. 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. 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. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor photo credit: Burg Steakhouse via Facebook. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. An abandoned town is hidden in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Greystone Lodge on the River. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. 6. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. 4. No matter how strong youre appetite for adventure, its a great day out for the whole family and one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . In addition to famous destinations like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the nearby Dollywood theme park, there is a number of unique things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that are worth visiting. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. 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. 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spacious campground and picnic facilities and the Hen Wallow Falls Day Hike. What do you think of water rafting? Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor 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. A locally-owned brewery, in the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee, and the breathtaking Smoky mountains. Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Atlas Obscura 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. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. If staying in a historic 1930s Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast is your type of thing than Laurel Springs Lodge is perfect for you. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. 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. What if you prefer something non-touristy? Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. See peaks as far away as Kentucky and enjoy a bird's eye view of the park and lush botanical Vista Gardens 60 feet below! However, there are so many other things to experience in the Great Smoky Mountain Range. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. 8. 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. Test your puzzle-solving abilities and prove once and for all who the smartest family member is with a 60-minute detective challenge in one of Gatlinburgs immersive, always-entertaining escape rooms. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 811 East Parkway, P.O. 14 Fun Things to Do in Astoria this Vacation - USA Mocha Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. The buildings are also open for taking tours, this a fantastic open-air museum. 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. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! 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. It features over 500 unique exhibits encompassing interactive installations, wacky tidbits, optical illusions and a space shuttle made from jelly beans. 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. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. 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. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. 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. LeConte water is a necessity! At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. 20 + Free Things to Do in Sevierville - East TN Family Fun Cammerer Fire Tower. Visiting Tennessee for a short escape? Located off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer.