Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. 22 December 2022. We perform checks on reviews 31. We cant wait to see you there. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. Free Fun at the Library. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. With the funkiest beer names on tap, sample IPAs, golden ales, Szechuan Peppercorn Witbier, Coffee Porter and plenty of other unique craft drafts. In addition to tastings, you will also get a free gift from the local wineries. Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. Gatlinburg, TN 37738. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Many tourists come to the Great Smoky Mountains to hike the beautiful trails. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. The bridge is illuminated at night . Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but kids aged 10 years and older can ride solo if theyre over 1.3 meters tall. 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. In addition to your in-room amenities, youll have easy access to hiking trails, three heated outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and a year-round water park. 3. Sugarlands Distilling Company - crafted in an artisanal stone burr mill using homegrown Tennessee white corn, Sugarlands moonshine is severed straight up in mason jars. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. Patrons will find a variety of in-season goods that may include fruits, nuts, berries, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? With an amusement park and ski resort at its center, plus some of the nations premier hiking and adventure opportunities, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip through the charming South. Ole Red Gatlinburg is a restaurant, live music venue, and retail space in Gatlinburg, Tennessee inspired by Blake Sheltons chart-topping hit, Ol Red.. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Or, embrace your inner animal lover with an aw inspiring llama trek. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! If youre traveling with the kids, Cataract Falls is a great option. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. We know we want to do some hiking in the. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). 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. Make sure to check out the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge right next door. Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Prepare for a ride of a lifetime as youre strapped into a hand-controlled coaster cart (seating up to two passengers) and then begin the descent from the top of the mountains, whizzing through the native terrain at speeds up to nearly 50 kilometers per hour. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! Whats more Tennessee than Moonshine? Try a few of the local creations in Gatlinburgs first Hard Cider tasting room, before grabbing a take-home growler or two of your favorite flavor. As the one-stop shop for fun immersive activities, this treasured locale offers a delightfully disorientating mirror maze and a blacklight mini-golf course to go with it. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. 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. 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! As you hike along the trail, you will see some historical buildings including outbuildings and two churches from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visiting Roaring Fork is done by a paved one-way, 5.5 mile drivable loop, located near Gatlinburg and one hour away from Cades Cove. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. Naturally, everything is cooked over flames, and the restaurant has been serving patrons for over 29 years! Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Here are some of the best activities, indulgences and adventures that locals cant get enough of. Changing with the seasons; the scenery presents something new to marvel over as the months move from one to the next. 2. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Rather hit the road than travel on foot? Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. From the outdoor adventures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the unique attractions in downtown Gatlinburg the number of things to do in Gatlinburg TN is astounding and incredibly diverse. The name speaks for itself and this is held the first week of December. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a collective of artisans who offer many different pieces of arts and bespoke goods for you to collect and explore. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . If you happen to be visiting around Christmas time, the holiday show receives nothing but glowing reviews. . This is a can't-miss on your list of unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. Knoxville is one of the bigger cities in Tennessee but still has a very small-town feel. Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? 7. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. You can walk up and down the strip and take all the free tastings and have plenty of alcohol, I promise. The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. 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. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. Your email address will not be published. Its safe and friendly, even your pets are welcome to join you. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. To help you plan, weve created a guide to some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Would you love to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but want to avoid the crowded, more popular trails? But I'm wondering if. 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. As you arrive at Laurel Falls, spot mountain laurel blossoming along the trail and around the waterfall in shades of soft pinks (in May). It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. Renting a vehicle is recommended, as the public transport options are limited. Combining a roller coaster with shoot-em-ups, 3D visuals, sensory triggers and epic special effects, this ride simply needs to be experienced to be truly understood. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. There are many local sports teams that are fun to support during your visit to the Smokies. Whatever you do, dont leave Gatlinburg without this essential souvenir. 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? All Rights Reserved. Sip on the original, or splash out with flavors like peanut butter and jelly or Appalachian apple pie. Rates: Minimum stay is two nights; rates vary by cabin but start at $225 . If youve seen videos of people tumbling down the hills in giant bubbles (AKA zorb balls) and always wanted to try it for yourself, head to the Outdoor Gravity Park the only dedicated zorbing park in the country. There is a fair held in July and October. They help you prepare for many adventures, and outfits you for day hikes and overnight camps. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Florida certainly isn't devoid of lush tropical landscaping, but you wouldn't think you'd find a botanical oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Whet the appetite with an order of pimento cheese and bacon jam crostini before tearing into a Smoked BBQ platter or plate of Cajun chicken pasta. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Mount Le Conte is a mountain in Tennessee located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot. After tackling Goliath, theres still plenty more to do throughout the Firefox Mountain Adventure Park. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. Gatlinburg Space Needle. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail as another poster mentioned. In Summer Leu Gardens. 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. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels to get an up-close view of the penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Play for keeps and win BIG brands from the likes of Sony, Playstation, Lego, Xbox, Apple, Cuisinart, Coach, Nerf and plenty of others. 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. This interactive game tests your ability to solve puzzles and discover clues, so you can escape death like avoiding the cannibals who are ready to devour you if you cant escape the cellar in 60 minutes. Superb day trips (or overnight stays) from Gatlinburg include Asheville approximately a 1.5 hours drive or lively Chattanooga. Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. 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. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Founded in 1962, this year-round amusement park offers a ton of exciting activities for everyone. Dating back to 1972, NOC is a pioneer in white water rafting tours and wilderness skills training. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 There are few places in Gatlinburg that so perfectly display the spirit of mountain life like the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery. 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. Wine homemade from a variety of fruits offered in a rustic, country-style space with tastings. Immersed within the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountains, CLIMB Works provides adventurous visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural landscape in two equally exciting ways the breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline and the top-rated Treetop Zipline. Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Before heading out for a hike, check trail conditions at the front door. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! 5. Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Its time to travel like a local! After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. For one of the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg, soar over the city and the endless greenery of Tennessees Smoky Mountains on board a hot air balloon. 8. The sprawling landscape includes incredible lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. 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. You can find everything from basket-weaving, to painting, to pottery! Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. We are proud to be the very first hotel in the state of . Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Some of the most beautiful roads to cruise along include Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Little River Road, Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop. You can explore the observation deck to take in views or walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Whether strolling down a flat hike or trekking up to Mt. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Its forests provide perfect shade for a day on the upper Pigeon River as you zoom down the class 3 and class 4 with rapids with the water splashing in all directions. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. 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. 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. 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. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. Clocking in at four miles round-trip, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of the simpler routes to trek, starting from the borders of the park, and with no climbing required. Super fun for all ages, the attraction is family-friendly. 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. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. 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.