Plowing through a mix of classic games and newer ones sporting interactive features, from pinball to Halo to claw games, racing cars and hundreds more, build up your gold collection and cash it in afterward for mega rewards. 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. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. Refuel with a latte and pastry from Gatlinburgs Grind Coffee & Bakery. As the route features declines, there are parts of the track that provide a serious adrenaline rush. Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor The first 1,000 participants will get discounted vouchers that can be spent at the counter to obtain child tickets. ), HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT. 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. 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. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Craft beers have soared in popularity over the years. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Attractions In Gatlinburg | Aquariums, Museums & Mini-Golf 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. Cute Instagrammable Places in London. Infuse your Gatlinburg getaway with plenty of fresh air, adrenaline, and homespun culture when you step outside of the tourist zone. Proudly selling Hi! Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. 24 Amazing (and Fun!) Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Virginia Travel Tips Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. wants to go to Suit up for a 3-hour scenic tour of the Smokies as you splash your way through Class III and IV rapids. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. This stunning riverside location is all you need and really completes a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Besides the film cars, the museum also showcases the former rides of celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley! Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. As you stroll through the aisles, expect rows of just-picked fruits and vegetables, scrumptious cookies (Josies Cookies), dehydrated chili flakes (Olde Virdens Red Hot Sprinkle), lovely handmade soaps (Kulturology Soap Co), and plenty more. 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. 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. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. 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? The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee In this article, we have rounded up some of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg that you must include on your trip itinerary! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg Forum Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Go white water rafting on the Little Pigeon River (from USD 43.0) Show all photos What do you think of water rafting? Automobile archive featuring famous film & TV cars including the General Lee & 1966 Batmobile. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. NON-touristy gimmicky things in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor For the younger crowd, head on over to Rowdy Ridge Playground with interactive features from slides to climbing nets for children (the minimum age requirement is two years old and kids must be chaperoned at all times). Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. If youre on the hunt for exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, look no further. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? 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! Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. There is a fair held in July and October. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The rooms have comfortable finishes and are well-equipped. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. THE PLAYGROUND. 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. everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies, Tips For Working Remotely When Traveling To Big Cities In The US, 15 Fun Things To Do In Nashville TN For Couples, Dont Go to the Kentucky Derby Why Horse Racing is a Cruel Tradition, Destination Russia: Extra-Ordinary Encounters from a Land Full of Stories, Four Beach Holiday Destinations for Vegans. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. End the night with a lively outing to Luco Burro, a TexMex restaurant known for its margaritas and tacos. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! Give them something from Gatlinburg. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. 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. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. 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. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. 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. Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. There are lots of hotels in Gatlinburg TN with indoor pool to choose from so if getting in some pool time is important to you, youre definitely in luck! The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. 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. Tennessee Jeds may be nothing fancy, but this locally owned and sourced sandwich shop is a go-to stop for hungry hikers in the know. The 18,000-square-foot Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the largest and closest outfitter to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the south end of the Gatlinburg Strip. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. All Rights Reserved. Learn from friendly expert guides who can explain the significance of the areas geology and its unique history. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. HILTON GARDEN INN GATLINBURG - 120 Photos & 92 Reviews - Yelp 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). Its not hard to get thrilled in this family-friendly attraction that offers plenty of realistic simulated rides and experiences. Marvel at the stunning foliage in red, orange, and yellow hues when you complete either the Laurel Falls or Metcalf Bottoms hiking trails. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? As the name suggests, Off-Road Gatlinburg is all about the off-road experience and tours with this company favor different areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. Elevate your next Gatlinburg evening when you reserve a table at the Burg Steakhouse. Research using this guide or read my other Gatlinburg posts.See my packing list. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss