Buddys bar-b-q in Sevierville is the perfect stop in or out of the Smokies, offering hometown bar-b-q thats cooked low and slow. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, wants to go to 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. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. 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. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. This one-of-a-kind observation tower provides guests with 360-degree views of the smoky mountains. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. 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. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Sample all the best fresh food Gatlinburg has to offer, while chatting to the friendly locals and the fan-favorite Farmers Market a city staple that operates most Saturday mornings. Homemade wines from their Grandfathers recipes are made from the finest local ingredients in the town of Gatlinburg. Specialties: The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg is conveniently located on River Road, at the base of the Smoky Mountains, only 30 minutes from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a great location for a romantic getaway, a group of friends, and families with small kids. The best thing about this restaurant is that you can indulge in those dishes without having to spend more than 10 USD. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. You can enjoy either a one or two-bedroom suite that comes with full kitchens, dining space, living rooms with sleeper sofas, and a balcony. Your email address will not be published. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. 17 Fun Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris For an Amazing Trip Dollywood features over 50 enthralling rides spread across 150 acres, a number of award-winning eateries and regular live entertainment. The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. 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. An extraordinary spectacle combining a delectable dinner with a 32-horse live show (plus the riders, of course), Dolly Partons Stampede is Tennessee entertainment like youve never seen before. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? There are plenty of things to do that are not touristy but if thats your thing, Gatlinburgs got it. 7 Unusual Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. 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. Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! Things to Do in Nashville That Are Actually Cool - Thrillist You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. Continue venturing further south to either destination close by, or a little further away. 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. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Gatlin's Fun Center. The sidewalk entrance to the Hollywood Star Cars exhibit and museum attraction on the parkway downtown, with many popular rides from movies | Shutterstock. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Outside of the rooms, youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, grills, fire pits, a fitness center, and a kids club. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. 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! At 475 feet above the earth and with a scintillating top speed of 55 miles per hour, the Goliath zipline proudly wields the title of highest, longest and fastest zipline across the Great Smoky Mountains. Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! 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. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! Theres a lot of handmade candy taffy especially so taking some time to find some vegan candy may be worthwhile. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! Diverging into plentiful small cascades, its a spectacular sight to behold. If youre looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. Unsubscribe in one click. 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. . Without the roar of car engines scaring off wildlife, nature sightings are common. This award-winning company offers options to raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Those who prefer winter sports can head to Knoxville to catch their minor league hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Located next to the entrance of the charming European-inspired The Village, the restaurant can be a great stop before or after exploring the artisanal shops. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. Swing by this monument to see the sweetheart of the Smokies and take a picture with her in downtown Sevierville! The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. With tour companies like Smoky Mountain Angler, expert guides take guests along the fresh rivers and teach them how to reel in wild mountain trout or whatever other critter floats along. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738-4102 (865) 436-1200 Welcoming over 10 million visitors annually, this 522,427-acre national park is truly a must-see when exploring 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. Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. Non Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg: 16 Ways to Travel Like a Local After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. 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! Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. What if you prefer something non-touristy? 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. A Wheelchair Accessible Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel 10 Amazing Bachelor Party Ideas In Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. Address: 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876, USA.