Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in 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). The SkyBridge - which offers iconic views of Downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more - isn't entirely made of glass. The Appy Lodge is located at the entrance of Gatlinburg and includes free parking, free breakfast, a laundry facility, an indoor and outdoor pool and much more! Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Post zipping, feel free to enjoy the parks many outdoor amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, nature trails, and more. An hour and a half away, Cataloochee Valley is worth a visit if you have the time, especially at sunrise or sunset. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! 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. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. Or, visit the restaurant during lunch time and your stomach will stop complaining after you savor the ordered dishes. A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Sleeping six guests revel in peace and tranquility. The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. (865) 436-5423. All the fun of the classic bumper car ride is thrown into an ice rink! Adventurers will be able to climb three stories in the air to face thirty-eight challenges including rickety bridges, suspended ropes, and other balancing obstacles. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. 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. The Village Shops is a beautiful old world European themed shopping area with cobblestone streets, a fire fountain and little places to sit here and there.. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville locals enjoy the shows and attractions that visitors do, but they also have some favorite spots that are a little less crowded and involve fewer sightseers. 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. 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. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. Among the weird and wonderful endeavors to try attempt in the city, the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is really one-of-a-kind, and in fact, its the only museum quite like in the entire world! This watering hole is open seven days a week, offering free tastings throughout. 22 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, 5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips, 7 Spectacular Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night, 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Hidden Gems: 7 Secret Spots You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Ober Gatlinburg: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, 16 Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Anakeesta Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, Sip & Sample at Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Gatlinburg. The Rainbow Falls Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 5. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. 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! If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. 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? Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. Cammerer Fire Tower. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. 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. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. Transport yourself to the Tinseltown backlot in this unique museum, with 40 authentic vehicles from films like The Dukes of Hazzard and Fast and Furious lining the floor. 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. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. Here are the best places to stop off in Gatlinburg for a delicious bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. A second spot whose name helps paint a picture; The Place of a Thousand Drips is one of the waterfalls in the park accessible by car, with no hiking needed to reach it. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. 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. Choose from amphibious rides, ropes courses and a knee-buckling suspension bridge. If youre the type who cant go without your Sunday golf outing, you wont be deprived while in Gatlinburg. 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. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Gatlinburg is situated in east Nashville practically on the border of western North Carolina and is a fantastic base for exploring other places in the region on day trips from Gatlinburg. Tickets are affordable and fun; youll see fast-paced hockey with delightful fan interaction. If youre having an extended stay in the area and are interested in exploring your own artistic side, consider signing up for a workshop at the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which has classes exploring everything from ceramics to furniture making to cake sculpture. Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. The Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is open 365 days a year. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. It has reached the halfway point in Philadelphia, Tennessee. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. Townsend offers a different perspective of the area that a lot of people enjoy. If youve already tackled Cades Cove and the Gatlinburg Bypass, why not branch out and uncover a path less traveled: Hightail it to this out-of-the-way area of the national park for a day of hikes, camping, wildflower viewing, and more. Head to a Tennessee Smokies game! Expect to drop from a height of 70 feet that shoots you down through colorful tubes. It wouldnt be a trip to Tennessee without at least a taste of the regions infamous moonshine otherwise known as hooch or homebrew. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. 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. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Take the tram to the top of the overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. 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. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! You will have fun watching the game live. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Let's keep this between us, ok?! for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. . 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. 9. Choose from a 1 or 2-mile hike. For an extra sour souvenir, pick up a jar of their famous Ole Smoky Pickles to go. Ascend the relatively easy three-quarter-mile track to Mingo Falls, or hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte which takes up to six hours with gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. 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 crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. You wont want to miss out on locations like Alewine Pottery, a potter that creates pieces inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 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. While theres no shortage of things to do within the Gatlinburg city limits, the citys true selling point is its proximity to some of the nations most beautiful natural hiking trails. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Order up an assorted box, and chew away on flavors like black walnut, butterscotch, and cotton candy. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. If you drive non-stop, there is a two-hour 34 minute drive between Gatlinburg and Hamilton. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. From happy hour to a nightcap, no day in Gatlinburg is complete without a stop to our very own Gatlinburg Wine Trail. 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. You have a choice of between four and 10 sample-sized beers to test. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN 37764, USA, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:33am PDT. The b&b was absolutely lovely and about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, in the mountains. 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. 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! 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.