Activities

Gatlinburg Landing is located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many scenic drives and opportunities await to be explored in this park!

Cades Cove

One of the most synonymous names with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is Cades Cove. It is the area of the park that seems to get the most attention on visitor social media groups. Cades Cove is a one-way loop road, approximately 11 miles long, through a “cove” or valley area within the … Read more

Kuwohi Observation Tower

The Kuwohi Observation Tower is another fantastic attraction available in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Kuwohi Observation Tower used to be called Clingman’s Dome – but it was renamed on September 18, 2024. Kuwohi Observation Tower and visitors center is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower … Read more

Newfound Gap Scenic Drive

The Newfound Gap Road is one of the main roads into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSNMP). Newfound Gap Road is accessed by driving through downtown Gatlinburg or by taking the Gatlinburg bypass. It is also known as US Route 441 and heads through the protected mountains down through Cherokee, NC. This scenic drive … Read more

Sugarlands Visitors Center

The Sugarlands Visitors Center is one of the main welcome centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). The Sugarlands Visitors Center offers a good first stop when you enter the park just south of Gatlinburg on US Route 441 (Newfound Gap Rd). The center offers some exhibits showing the history of the area, free … Read more

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a must-do activity in the protected Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) if you are here during the regular season. This trail is easily accessible from Gatlinburg Landing – about a 30 minute drive. You will drive through downtown Gatlinburg or take the Baskins Creek Bypass to access … Read more

Great Smoky Mountains – Greenbrier Area

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is a large protected park around the Gatlinburg TN area. The national park boasts many outdoor activity options with trails, camping, scenic roads, and more. The Greenbrier Entrance to the park is the closest scenic drive-through area to Gatlinburg Landing – about six miles away. The Greenbrier area … Read more

Gatlinburg Landing is located close approximately 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg, TN. A short drive to Gatlinburg will get you to all of the major attractions the town has to offer.

Agnes’ Appalachian Gems

Agnes’ Appalachian Gems stands out as a premier destination for gem enthusiasts, families, and anyone captivated by the allure of nature’s treasures. Agnes’ Appalachian Gems offers a delightful gem mining experience where visitors can sift through sand to uncover beautiful finds—a fun activity for kids and adults alike. After you are finished mining, the Crystal … Read more

Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf

There are so many mini golf places around the Gatlinburg area. Well.. and in Pigeon Forge too. That means these attractions must be well-attended and liked by families. Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf is just off the Parkway at the first traffic light you come to in Gatlinburg. This is a very nicely themed mini … Read more

Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum

Wow.. is all I can say. Have you ever seen such a collection before? The owners of the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg are avid collectors to say the least. There are over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers in this museum! As you enter, you see countless rows and displays of … Read more

Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg

Looking for an “old school” haunted house? The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg is your stop! The Mysterious Mansion is not on the main strip – but it on River Rd. This is a road that splits off as you come into Gatlinburg and is west of the main strip. If you know where the SkyPark … Read more

Ripley’s Mirror Maze & Candy Factory

The Gatlinburg strip has a couple of mirror mazes – the other one is the Amazing Mirror Maze. Ripley’s doesn’t disappoint with their own mirror maze as well. The facility also has a candy factory to get your fill of sweets! No real description is needed for the mirror maze – it is a maze/course … Read more

Amazing Mirror Maze

Disorientation… like you wouldn’t believe! The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is home to a few different mirror mazes. The Amazing Mirror Maze is right on the Gatlinburg strip. We went to a mirror maze in Pigeon Forge when our daughter was younger.. she wasn’t much of a fan unfortunately. As an adult, it was … Read more

Circus Golf in 3D

There are so many attractions right on the main Gatlinburg strip… and there are plenty of options for mini golf too! Circus Golf in 3D has a very nicely circus themed exterior that invites you in. When they say 3D.. they mean with black lights! This mini golf attraction is completely inside and dark – … Read more

Ripley’s Motion Blaster

One thing Ripley’s has going for it – is the real estate that they own. They have a number of prime location attractions right on the Gatlinburg strip that are easy to get to. Ripley’s Motion Blaster is right along the strip as well. But.. what the heck is a motion blaster??! Well, it is … Read more

Hillbilly Golf

As you come into downtown Gatlinburg, you see a place on the left side of the road (if coming from the Pigeon Forge area). It looks like a very steep tram or train going up the hill. Right outside is a sign for Hillbilly Golf. This is a a one-of-kind experience in Gatlinburg with how … Read more

Ripley’s Super Fun Zone

The Ripley’s Super Fun Zone is another branded attraction in the downtown Gatlinburg area. A small brief history – there used to be a different establishment in the building that Ripley’s Super Fun Zone currently resides. Back prior to 2020, the building was occupied by Cooter’s Place – which was a tribute to the Dukes … Read more

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

In true Ripley’s form, they have a number of attractions spread between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is no exception with the location right on the main Gatlinburg strip. As the name implies, this is a haunted adventure! It is a walk-through experience and is like a year-round haunted house. In some of … Read more

Body’s Human

Body’s Human is a newer attraction that opened in Downtown Gatlinburg. It is on Airport Rd (Historic Nature Trail Rd) and is just up the street from the space needle. Body’s Human is.. well.. all about the human body. Through a method of preservation, real bodies are on display. This provides for an educational experience … Read more

Gatlin’s Fun Center

Gatlin’s Fun Center is in an area along the Gatlinburg strip in downtown called “Reagan Terrace Mall”. This area is south of the Parkway and has a number of shops, attractions, and places to get a quick bite to eat. Gatlin’s Fun Center offers a number of attractions – all in one easy location. Looking … Read more

Ripley’s Moonshine Coaster

The Smoky Mountains area in Tennessee is home to many different mountain coasters. One of those is right in Gatlinburg as you begin to enter downtown – the Ripley’s Moonshine Coaster. The mountain coaster allows guests to control the rate of speed while taking in the sights of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg all at … Read more

Hollywood Star Cars Museum

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is the place to go if you want to see iconic vehicles that have appeared in movies! At the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in downtown Gatlinburg, they have a few vehicles outside to give you an introduction to what is inside. Inside the museum, you will find themed rooms with … Read more

Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an iconic attraction is downtown. It is one of the oldest attractions in Gatlinburg and it opened in 1969. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is 407 feet tall. It offers 360-degree views of downtown Gatlinburg and the mountains. Be sure to check out Groupon for this attraction! This attraction is regularly … Read more

Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain is one of the original attractions in Gatlinburg. From the main Gatlinburg strip, an aerial tram ride will take you high up into the mountains to their indoor/outdoor theme park. If you prefer to not take the aerial tram, you can also drive up to the theme park. However, note that there is … Read more

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s has a number of attractions in the Gatlinburg area. The one most synonymous with Gatlinburg is the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The aquarium is a “must do” activity if you’ve never been. The detail and the interactive areas of the aquarium are a great attraction in the area. The aquarium offers an underground/glass … Read more

The Brown Farm (Bison Farm)

The Brown Farm is a Bison Farm near Gatlinburg, TN. It is “off the beaten path” on Tennessee Highway 454, which is a road that allows you to bypass “The Spur” if going to Pigeon Forge. The Brown Farm is a free activity (donations accepted) to take a quick stop and see the bison. It … Read more

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Ripley’s has a number of attractions in the Gatlinburg area. One of them is very themed along the main strip called Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. This Ripley’s attraction is like a museum filled with oddities and artifacts from around the world. When you arrive, you’ll enter the turnstile with your ticket and take the … Read more

Gatlinburg SkyPark

The Gatlinburg SkyPark has really evolved over time and continues to add new activities/attractions! The Gatlinburg SkyPark is another main attraction in downtown Gatlinburg that can be accessed directly from the main strip / Parkway. The SkyPark offers these activities: The main attraction is the SkyBridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in the United … Read more

Anakeesta

Anakeesta is a “theme park” that is on the main strip in downtown Gatlinburg. To get to Anakeesta, you will take the chair lift (the “Crystal Express”) or the “Ridge Rambler” which is a heavy-weight truck that will drive you up to the theme park. Anakeesta offers a great number of attractions, activities, shops, and … Read more

Gatlinburg Community Center

A great option for families visiting the area that is often overlooked is the Gatlinburg Community Center. The Gatlinburg Community Center is east of downtown. It is approximately eight miles from Gatlinburg Landing, or about a 15 minute drive. The center has plentiful parking and also operates as a “Park and Go” location where you … Read more

Gatlinburg offers a wide variety of wineries and distilleries right along the main strip. Below is a sampling of the different options available.

Sugarlands Moonshine Distillery

Sugarlands Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg is our go-to place. Every time we go to the downtown area, we always stop in here for moonshine tastings. That is why this is the first post you see under the Gatlinburg distilleries and wineries category on our website! Sugarlands has an atmosphere that can’t be beat. Every time … Read more

Ole Smoky Distillery

Ole Smoky Distillery has two locations on the Gatlinburg strip. Each location has different offerings. The Ole Smoky Distillery in “The Holler” area (903 Parkway) is one and “The Barrelhouse”, is right on the strip (650 Parkway) is the other option. Both locations offering different moonshine and whiskey options. The Holler is where you find … Read more

Tennessee Shine Company

One of the most overlooked moonshine places in Gatlinburg is Tennessee Shine Company. The main reason for this is the location. It isn’t in the main central area of the Gatlinburg strip – but it is more towards the front of the strip if you are coming from the Pigeon Forge area. But – that … Read more

Bootleggers Homemade Wine

Bootleggers Homemade Wine is located over in “The Holler” along the main Gatlinburg strip. You can’t miss it – just like the picture shows, it says “WINERY” in big, bold letters above their door. Another one of my wife’s favorite places, she usually will walk out with a three-pack in a box with each trip. … Read more

Tennessee Homemade Wines

Tennessee Homemade Wines is in downtown Gatlinburg along the main strip. They have 20+ different varieties of wine offerings. Their sign out front says “Tennessee’s #1 Winery”. We’ve been to this location a couple of times and I believe my wife has bought at least one bottle from them over the years. Blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, … Read more

Elkmont Winery

Elkmont Winery is right on the Gatlinburg strip – with that facade that welcomes you in. Usually when we visit (early March), they have their glass doors wide open waiting for guests to come in. They specialize in wine beverages – but also a few other distinct items. Peach Cobbler Moscato, Orange Pineapple Hard Cider, … Read more

Smokin’ Banjo Wine Company

Smokin’ Banjo Wine Company is located in the Baskins Square area of Gatlinburg along the main strip. Sparkling wines and hard ciders are the offerings that Smokin’ Banjo carries. Currently they offer 15 different flavors/options. Like all of the places along the Gatlinburg strip, they offer free tastings. A VIP experience is also available if … Read more

Gatlinburg Winery

Gatlinburg Winery – to us – is known for one thing: cotton candy wine! My wife loves the cotton candy wine. No other place sells this beverage that we found. They have a few different types of cotton candy wine including cotton candy peach and cotton candy blueberry wine. But it isn’t just about the … Read more

Tennessee Cider Company

Tennessee Cider Company is right on the main strip in Gatlinburg. Per their website, they were the first cider company to come into the Gatlinburg area. They have many varieties of hard cider. Much like many other places along the strip, Tennessee Cider Company offers free tastings of their products. Or, chip in a little … Read more

Pigeon Forge offers a variety of activities for any interest. Pigeon Forge is about 30 minutes away from Gatlinburg Landing.

Toy Box Mini Golf

Well – it is mini golf. There are a lot of mini golf offerings in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area. Question is – what kind of theming would you like? Toy Box Mini Golf is all about – toys. The theming around all of the 18 holes are showing some of the nostalgic fun. … Read more

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is on the way from Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley – to the west of Pigeon Forge. In full disclosure – as of 2026, this is the only alpine mountain coaster we’ve experienced – other than the one that is at Ober Mountain. Why? Well – Groupon! The Smoky Mountain … Read more

Cooter’s Place & Museum

Cooter’s Place – at one point – was on the main strip in Gatlinburg. Cooter’s place was actually one of the first places we ever visited when it was still in Gatlinburg – which now has been taken over by the Ripley’s Super Fun Zone. This is a great FREE activity to do while in … Read more

Historic Old Mill

The Historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is one of those “village” type environments that visitors enjoy. It is known for the mill wheel on the river – where many vacationers will go to get pictures. So – what is there to do? Well – there are a few restaurants including The Old Mill Restaurant, … Read more

Ripley’s Illusion Lab

When we visited the area in 2026 for our annual spring break, we visited the newest Ripley’s attraction in the area – the Ripley’s Illusion Lab. In other posts in the Gatlinburg section for the Ripley’s attractions, we mention getting the combo passes. On their website, you get a better deal by purchasing a combo … Read more

Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini Golf

One stop – two activities at Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini Golf! This location is right off Teaster Ln to the north of The Island. One thing that stands out about their mountain coaster – it is themed like a mine train. Just like at some of the theme parks, there are buildings and … Read more

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is a coaster that is close to Dollywood on Veterans Blvd. They note that they are the longest mountain coaster in the state of Tennessee. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster also offers some additional discounts on their website to check out. One of them is a second ride on the coaster … Read more

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine

The Pigeon Forge Gem Mine is right next to one of the most well-known souvenir shops in Pigeon Forge – Three Bears General Store. Whether you go to Pigeon Forge Gem Mine first – or Three Bears, both will give you some “retail therapy” in the same parking lot. There are several gem mine establishments … Read more

Skyland Ranch

Skyland Ranch opened in November of 2022 and it is on the northern end of Pigeon Forge – with a Sevierville address. Sometimes, there are Groupon options available to save some money on your visit to this locally owned attraction. Like many other attractions in the area, Skyland Ranch has a scenic chairlift that takes … Read more

While there is no “walkable strip” in Pigeon Forge like there is in downtown Gatlinburg, there are still plenty of places to try fermented beverages.

There is no shortage of restaurants and snack options in Gatlinburg. We have visited a few of these but generally prepare our own meals at the condo to save considerable cost on our trip. But you can’t pass up a good snack of Sugar Baby or The Crazy Mason while visiting the area!