Making the trek to Gatlinburg is always exciting no matter what time of year you visit. Gatlinburg is a top destination here in the Great Smoky Mountains. You will easily find popular activities in the area that many visitors love to experience during their stay. However, if you are looking for more unique activities to make your visit stand out among others, you are in luck. The vast area is full of unexpected things to do in Gatlinburg, TN to include in your itinerary. Here are five unexpected things you didn’t know you can do here in Gatlinburg.
See a New Height at the SkyBridge
Gatlinburg is best known for its visitor centric destination nestled right by the Great Smoky Mountains. No matter where you look, you will see the mountains towering high overhead. Some of the best views can be found up high over at SkyPark. This local attraction is accessed through a gondola ride found in Downtown Gatlinburg that will take you high up into the mountains. The views up here are simply stunning and will put a new perspective on how you see the valley. The best way to see Gatlinburg, though, is on their SkyBridge. This is the longest pedestrian cable bridge found in North America and is mesmerizing. The high cables will keep you safely up on the bridge as you navigate across high up in the air. Continue on to the middle, where you will find a glass bottom section where you can peer directly down below you. This activity is highly encouraged even for those who are afraid of heights.
Shop the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Brand new visitors to Gatlinburg may not be familiar with the giant arts and crafts community that call the area home. During your stay you can browse through the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This is an 8-mile loop that features over 90 different arts and crafts shops for you to shop from. You will find arts and crafts of all kinds including glasswork, pottery, ceramics, woodworking and woodcarving, jewelry, apparel, paintings, and so much more. The stores along the loop are all individually owned allowing you to find something different each time you shop there. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is open year round with most shops open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You will not find another arts and craft community out there just like it.
Explore Elkmont, the Haunted Community
Gatlinburg is the biggest city in the area but you will also find smaller communities scattered about. Elkmont is one such community that originates back to the 1840s. What once was a thriving community for the rich eventually turned into a state of despair. Elkmont is known as a haunted community for how things eventually turned for the worse. Today, you can explore 16 structures of historic homes that are open to the public. You can see how families lived back in the earlier days. Visiting Elkmont is an exciting activity especially in the fall around Halloween. Sites that are popular to see include Elkmont Troll Bridge, the foundations of fallen homes, and the Elkmont Cemetery. The ruins of the Wonderland Hotel are also available to explore after having previously burned down in 2016. Who said things can’t be spooky out here around Gatlinburg?
Grab a Cider from Tennessee Stud Cider Co.
The South is known for our abundance of brewers and distilleries in the area where you can find all kinds of adult beverages. One adult beverage that is often overlooked is cider. The folks over at Yee Haw Brewing noticed the opportunity and opened up Tennessee Stud Cider here in town. This casual bar features a variety of their handmade ciders that using real fruit purees. A sip of cider is a great way to beat the heat during the warm months of summer and enjoy conversations with loved ones. Their taproom is located inside Reagan Terrace Mall and is a hidden gem. Their popular offerings include their apple pie, blueberry, blackberry, and cranberry hard ciders that you can enjoy on tap or purchase a bottle to go.
Dessert from Maddog’s Creamery & Donuts
Take the family out to post dinner dessert with a visit to Maddog’s Creamery & Donuts. They offer a selection of premium handmade ice cream and much more. Enjoy desserts such as sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, donuts, and more. They even have doggie treats so your canine friend can enjoy a sweet treat as well. They are known to have the best funnel cakes here in Gatlinburg!
Find More Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
These unique and hidden activities here in Gatlinburg are ready for you to find them. Book today and have a memorable stay that will be remembered for years to come.