Whether you have visited Gatlinburg before or this upcoming trip will be your first time in the area you will always find new things about. Gatlinburg is a top vacation destination for reason with the Great Smoky Mountains in the backdrop and local attractions readily available. Add a little surprise for your trip by trying out some of the more unexpected activities here in the area. Take a look at the top unexpected things to do in Gatlinburg:
Check Out the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
You read that headline right, there is a Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum right here in Gatlinburg and it is one of the more quirky aspects of the area. This local museum is not big in size but will capture your attention with its collection of thousands of salt and pepper shakers (over 20,000 to be exact!). The collection has grown over the years and is a favorite for those living in the area. Admission into the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is only $3 for adults and free for children ages 12 and under making it a cost friendly activity. Come check out this attraction found nowhere else!
Enjoy a Round of Hillbilly Golf
Everyone loves a good round of mini golf on vacation. They are usually family friendly and feature charming visuals that everyone will enjoy. Gatlinburg is home to Hillbilly Golf, a rather unusual mini golf course that takes its charm from the hillbilly woods lifestyle it makes fun of. The course features two 18-hole courses that will take most families up to 2 hours to complete together. The Appalachian challenges are unique to the attraction and will be remembered by your family all trip long. This is a great activity to take advantage of our warm summer temps!
The Great Smoky Mountain Arts & Crafts Community
One of the lesser known aspects of Gatlinburg that visitors may not know is that we are a huge arts and crats community. Specifically, Gatlinburg is where you can find the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community where 80 artists and craftsmen are located. You can find the community just a few minutes away from Downtown Gatlinburg that is an 8-mile loop. This is the ideal spot where you can purchase unique arts and crafts perfect for gifts to take back home with you. Many of the artists will be on hand hard at work for their next piece. You can sit on and watch as they demonstrate their craft. Many restaurants will also be readily available so you can grab a bite in between your purchases.
Book a Ghost Walk Tour
Like other cities in the area Gatlinburg has a rich history that also has a dark side. You can learn about the darker side of Gatlinburg by booking a ghost walking tour that will take you around Downtown Gatlinburg. Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg is the highest rated ghost tour here in the area. Their tours are led by exciting tour guides who know all about the area. You will be taken to haunted hotels and buildings that have reported ghost sightings over the year. You will even be taken to a cemetery built in 1830 where you may see paranormal activity. These ghost tours are family friendly so everyone can join but you will still hear about the gruesome murders and hauntings that taken place in the city. Children ages 12 and under are always free with a paying adult. Come learn more about the spooky side of Gatlinburg.
Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Whenever you travel somewhere with gorgeous outdoors the last thing you expect to do is spend time in the car. However, once you take a drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail you will see this time is well spent. This windy road is a 5.5-mile one-way loop that will have you driving past historical buildings and the gorgeous forest scenery Gatlinburg is known for. Take in the sights including cascading waterfalls and mountain streams. Many individuals enjoy taking a break on the drive by stopping at one of the many hiking trails you can access from the road. The most popular trail is Grotto Falls where you can get close the falls for some spectacular pics. A drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is always unexpected and a delight.
More Fun Right Here in Gatlinburg
There is no shortage of exciting ways to spend your time here in Gatlinburg. These unexpected activities are sure to add a little intrigue to your stay. Reserve one of our lavish cabins for your trip where you can find luxury amenities in spacious homes. You will not find other properties out there quite like the ones we have.
