One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. 8 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This indoor water park has a mountain theme and features a lazy river, heated pools, and two giant water slides, as well as an interactive tree house. The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. Museum of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show with indoor go-kart & mini-golf, run by actor Ben Jones. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. Required fields are marked *. 8. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Appreciate the unchanged mountain tradition of taffy-making when you watch candy makers at work. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). If you carry a binocular, you have more chances to see a black bear, white-tailed deer or other wild animals. Look above to see a ceiling of sparkling stars, or follow the red zigzagging lit-up pathways for an escape out of the labyrinth. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. 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. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. You will get the chance to taste some delectable wine and moonshine in at least six distilleries and wineries, and gain insights into the local breweries and distilleries. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? Dive into the histories of these well-loved crafts as you pick up some unique souvenirs. Begin at the bottom of the mountain, and first be pulled up to the top of the hill at an altitude of 76 meters, and then zoom along the one-kilometer track. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. Ripley's Believe It or Not! 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. 9. If wine, moonshine, or beer arent your thing, dont worry theres cider too! 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. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. There are other mountain-themed outdoor pursuits to try at Rowdy Bear Mountain, including axe-throwing activities, and the riveting Ski Lift Shootout Coaster a suspended Alpine coaster with two-seater swing chairs attached. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Throughout the year kids can enjoy various themed storytimes complete with songs, dancing, and read alouds. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. Let us know by sharing in the comments, we love hearing about your experiences. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. 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! Jonesing for a sweet aperitif? Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! Outdoors store providing quality and affordable outdoor supplies to the 11 million annual visitors of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! And So Should You. Its also a shop offering a wide selection of puzzles and board games that you can take home. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. The beloved Impossibilities Magic Show combines hilarious mayhem with optical illusions. After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. Highly admired for its beautiful scenery and great shape, as well as useful GPS screens on the golf carts, this place makes a wonderful day out where you can also bring your family and friends to hang out. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. 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. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. While all nine of Heartland's rentals are unique, they are all equally as cozy, inviting, and scenicand the perfect spot to set up camp for an unforgettable vacation in Gatlinburg. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. 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? Walker Sisters Springhouse is perfect for outdoor recreation. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. What if you prefer something non-touristy? Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. 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 biggest flea market in Tennessee, you can explore local goods, thrift shopping, and farm-fresh produce from over 1000 vendors. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. Leu Gardens. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. Then relax your body in a 42-inch hot tub at the Grotto Falls. Cammerer Fire Tower. The Smoky Mountain Art Gallery supports local artists practicing and living in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. 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. The company takes pride in making traditional fresh tastes made from hand-picked apples from local farms. All Rights Reserved. It wouldnt be a trip to Tennessee without at least a taste of the regions infamous moonshine otherwise known as hooch or homebrew. 2001 - 2023 Tripster. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. 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. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. There are single and double coasters to choose from. If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. 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. Please see my disclosure. Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. 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. It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. 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? The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. 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 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. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. 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. 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. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. 1. Many of the distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg offer unique cocktails made with their spirits. A little over two hours away, Bristol is best known for the legendary NASCAR short-track Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol has come into its own by embracing its rich vein of musical heritage [the actual birthplace of country music], beautiful natural elements, and a big revitalization scene. 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. 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).