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. Locals love the portion sizes, the quaint atmosphere, and the prices; Trishs provides great value if youre traveling on a budget. We recommend stopping by Shine Girl in Sevierville for a selection of moonshine unlike any other place in town and delicious cocktails. 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. We love their hearty half-pound burgers and their rotating selection of seasonal and craft beers. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. Gatlinburg definitely does not have a shortage of distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Some of the roads in Gatlinburg (for example, the Tail of the Dragon) dont allow UTVs, but not to fear, this adventure rental company also has Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhall and Rykers which you can rent to drive these parts instead. Things to do in Gatlinburg | Places to Visit in Gatlinburg 2023 - TripHobo Another beloved hiking area is the Cataloochee Valley, which is just under 2 hours away from Gatlinburg, but entirely worth the trip. 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. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. A Wheelchair Accessible Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. Claiming the local award for the best steakhouse in the area, Alamo Steakhouses selection of aged steaks is hard to beat. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. A quick, entertaining activity during any day of exploring the main Gatlinburg strip, the 7D Dark Ride Adventure is an immersive, exciting activity for kids and adults alike. 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. Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. Thats not a typo, the theater at Ripleys Gatlinburg really ismoving! Outside the shop, the air is filled with live music, jovial laughter, and the distinct smell of cooked and processed grains. One of the nations few theme parks built with a dedication to replicating that classic Southern charm is the amusement park co-owned by famous entertainer Dolly Parton. All Rights Reserved. Games take place from the fall until the spring. . Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. Watch in awe as these vintage 1940 machines slice, wrap, and twist the taffy closed. Children from the ages of three and upwards, and over 96 centimeters tall are allowed to ride the coaster with a parent. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. You can also discuss the artworks with the artists. For the most truly authentic mountain-living feels, book out the entire home of The Fish House at Norton Creek, boasting a beautiful location next to a stream. When the summer months roll in, the snow tubing is converted into an outdoor tubing hill so the fun never stops 365 days a year. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Enjoy Gatlinburg! Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. You are going to love this place. This golf course features hilly greens, a clubhouse & a picturesque mountain setting. With a strong hold on traditions, indulge in prime custom-cut steaks and premium wines at The Peddler Steakhouse. The bridge is illuminated at night . 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! Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Make sure to stop into Coffee & Company, Gatlinburgs oldest roasting coffee shop, and grab a personalized souvenir for your jealous friends at U Name It. Take the classic cinematic spectacle to the next level by strapping yourself into one of the motion seats and letting the state-of-the-art digital effects work their magic. - disconnect and immerse yourself in the middle of breathtaking Smoky Mountains scenery when you book a SMO rafting tour. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. Make sure to grab some dessert from Ben & Jerrys they have several vegan flavors! But I'm wondering if. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. Race against the clock and outwit your competition by exploring this Southern city in a fast-paced competition, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). In addition to a huge 196-acre park, there's a whole host of non-touristy things to do at Ally Pally. It sounds fun, doesn't it? We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. On the Ski Mountain Coaster, you twist down 3,750 feet of the mountain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (or at their own pace, of course). 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. 10. Family-run pottery studio & store selling handcrafted mugs, plates, pitchers, vases & bakeware. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! Experience some powerful magic while facing challenges at the escape room Masters of Magic located at Gatlins Escape Games. Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. 17 Fun Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris For an Amazing Trip Its not your typical tourist activity, but its an unforgettable one nonetheless. From the end of November to the end of January, the specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! 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. 3. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Test Your Rock Climbing Abilities at Climb Up Testing your rock climbing abilities at Climb Up is one of the non-touristy things to do in Paris Witness snowflakes falling in winter, or snap pictures of the trees in a sea of autumn colors from October to November. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Live music, lots of Nashville flavor, and a mountain of mouthwatering eats. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains, distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg, attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, 5 Things You Can Only Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Your Ultimate Guide to the Updates at Ober Mountain, All the Info You Need to Know Before Going Gatlinburg Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain, 6 Playground Attractions in the Smoky Mountains for Kids to Enjoy, Fly Through the Skies With These 6 Rides in Pigeon Forge, Reel Good Spots: 4 Great Places to Go Fishing in the Smoky Mountains, How Sweet: Where to Find the Best Smoky Mountain Fudge. With numerous attractions to visit and enjoy, Gatlinburg will certainly be your favorite city in Tennessee. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route!