Popular Attractions in Gatlinburg
Spending vacation in Gatlinburg, TN is a popular choice for many families because there are so many opportunities to have fun. Gatlinburg is full of great attractions that can entertain the whole family. There’s a whole list of fun things to do while in this beautiful mountain town, and often times it takes several trips to Gatlinburg before families feel like they’ve even scratched the surface.
Gatlinburg has several types of entertaining attractions for the family. There is one very popular name that has several hotspots in Gatlinburg and that is none other than Mr. Ripley himself. Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is the most visited aquarium in the United States, but that isn’t the only Gatlinburg attraction that holds the infamous name in its title. Ripley’s Amazing Mirror Maze will turn you around so many times you’ll feel baffled on how to get out. Ripley’s Believe it or Not features many crazy record holding facts and artifacts that will entertain. And yet another Ripley’s attraction is the Ripley’s Haunted House, which will spook your group and leave them needing a nice refreshing break from scary faces and scary places.
Ripley’s isn’t the only haunted house in Gatlinburg. If guests are interested in a little more fright then they can check out Gatlinburg, TN’s Mysterious Mansion. Guests go into the mansion and are not guided through the haunted house. We have read reviews that this one is a little too scary for very young children so take caution when deciding who in the group will be going.
Not all guests prefer a scary Gatlinburg attraction experience. Some like to take a more lively approach. Cooter’s Place features memorabilia from the popular show Dukes of Hazard and also has bumper cars. Guests can also visit Fannie Farkles where they'll experience a fun competitive video-game style atmosphere. If Gatlinburg guests are in the mood for a laugh they can go to the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. Shows feature fun family comedy and so much more.
If visitors are looking for something a little more unique they can visit the Hollywood Wax Museum in Gatlinburg. Visitors can take pictures with Forest Gump, Jack from the Titanic, Celine Dion, Angelina Jolie, and so many other movie stars. Guests can also visit the Motion Ride Theatre or the Salt and Pepper Museum in Gatlinburg. Both are entertaining options for the family.
Guests that visit Gatlinburg may want to take a more “adult” approach to visiting the small town. Some visitors enjoy taking a stroll in the Smoky Mountain Winery or the Guinness Museum near Gatlinburg. There are other options for adult fun in Gatlinburg including visiting the legal Moonshine Distillery in the middle of downtown and participating in live karaoke at one of the local sports bars.
Whether you’re 10, 40, or 90, there’s plenty to do in Gatlinburg. The attractions offer special opportunities to have fun in unique ways. Attraction fun combined with outdoor adventures, yummy food, and relaxing cabin time is the perfect way to spend a holiday in Gatlinburg so hurry on over, the fun awaits.
Outdoor Activities in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee has all you need for your next outdoor adventure trip. Gatlinburg is nestled in the Smoky Mountains which serve as the perfect backdrop for some of the most adventurous outdoor activities in East Tennessee. From skiing and horseback riding, to ghost tours to ziplining, to Hummer off-roading, Gatlinburg, Tennessee has outdoor activities that will give you a taste of the wild outdoors of the Smoky Mountains that are home to bears, elk, bobcats, snakes, and many other wild animals.
Exploring the great outdoors in the Smoky Mountains means facing the untamed wild of East Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains are plush with beautiful greenery, wild flowers, and animals that roam free throughout the mountains. Many outdoor adventures will bring you face to face with the beautiful views seen in the Smoky Mountains. Take a trip through Cades Cove and you may even cross paths with a momma bear and two baby bears, a couple of wild turkeys, or even a poisonous snake. We have!
Need an outdoor adventure that’s a little more subdued? Gatlinburg, Tennessee has some of those too. Not everyone longs for an adrenaline rush. Some adventurers just want a pleasant stroll with some great exploring. In that case visitors to Gatlinburg can enjoy bird watching, enjoy a nice scenic hay ride, or fishing the Little Pigeon River. Would you like to see some funny animals? You would probably enjoy taking a hike or enjoying a llama trek. Beautiful trails, funny animals, and interesting encounters can be found on these outdoor adventures in Gatlinburg, and you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. You can exert as much or as little energy as you would like.
Many Gatlinburg, Tennessee visitors enjoy some of the more traditional sporting adventures. Golfing and shooting are popular outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains and can provide visitors with a great sense of accomplishment. Hitting a bulls eye or shooting a hole-in-one are great goals that few have achieved in a lifetime and what great feats to accomplish while on vacation in Gatlinburg.
Some visitors enjoy outdoor activities that are all in the same location. Toting children around, or bringing a large group to Gatlinburg can make it more difficult to plan unique adventures for your group. However, there are outdoor adventure opportunities for all ages and types of people in the Smoky Mountains. Ober Gatlinburg is the perfect adventure location for you if you prefer everything to be in one place. Ober Gatlinburg ski park features snow tubing lanes, snowboarding and ski slopes during the winter months and alpine slides, water rides, and a fun maze during the summer. And for those who don’t want to ride, Ober Gatlinburg has a restaurant, arcade, shops, live bear zoo display, year-round ice skating, and sitting areas.
Whatever outdoor activity you participate in, spending time in the great outdoors in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a real treat. Breathing in the fresh air and taking in the amazing sights of the Smoky Mountains are great ways to connect with nature, God, and family. Taking a scenic chairlift ride or a trip up the space needle in Gatlinburg may be just what you need to take in the gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains and achieve the rest and relaxation that come when you spend time reconnecting with what matters most.
Pigeon Forge TN Restaurant Directory
Steak and BBQ
Alamo Steakhouse
3050 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-9998
Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2014, offers lunch, dinner, and kids’ menus with soups and salads, sandwiches, steakburgers, fish, filets, hot dogs, and much more. Dessert options run the gamut, from apple crisp, chocolate cake, and a twist on the traditional bread pudding to blueberry cheesecake, key lime pie, and a chocolate burrito.
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-2200
Real hickory-smoked Bar-B-Que sets this locally-owned and –operated restaurant apart. It was voted Best Ribs and Best BBQ in the County in 2013, and features unique dishes such as brisket-stuffed mushrooms, hot pepper cheese squares, and BBQ nachos.
Bullfish Grill
2441 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-1000
A top-rated restaurant on Google and TripAdvisor, Bullfish Grill is a local favorite. This fine dining establishment features juicy steaks, delicious seafood, Southern sides, and a dessert menu that will make your mouth water. Even kids get five-star choices, with fish ‘n chips, top sirloin, fried shrimp, penne pasta, and specialty drinks like the Shirley Temple and Roy Rogers!
Calhoun’s
2532 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37115
(865) 868-1500
A local favorite, Calhoun’s features classic Bar-B-Que plates, steaks, chops, prime rib, burgers, sandwiches, and fresh-squeezed lemonades. Pair your meat with a selection of Southern sides and top it all off with a homemade dessert – macadamia nut banana pudding, key lime pie, cheesecake, or triple fudge cake! They also offer family packs for groups of five or 10 and banquet accommodations.
JT Hannah’s Kitchen
3214 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 428-4200
Begin your meal with J.T.'s “Made Fresh Daily” onion rings or fried pickle chips, then choose from soups and salads, burgers, pasta, deluxe sandwiches, chicken, and specialties like ribs, fajitas, chopped steak, and open faced roast beef.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
2530 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-1400
Offering something for all, Smoky Mountain Brewery features craft beers and pub food, more than 20 TVs for games and shows, nightly entertainment, and a gluten-free menu. Check their website for weekly food and drink specials.
Italian
Gondolier
964 Dolly Parton Pkwy
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 428-8050
Choose from a variety of homemade Italian dinners, along with sandwiches and burgers, at the Gondolier near Pigeon Forge. They offer classic Italian favorites (lasagna, cannelloni, manicotti, ravioli, spaghetti, and chicken Marsala), all served with a house or Caesar salad and homemade breadsticks. Desserts include baklava, cheesecake, and assorted cakes.
Johnny Carino’s
2425 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-0790
This authentic Italian restaurant offers some of the best Italian food around. Along with daily specials and a gluten-free menu, Johnny Carino’s serves fresh-off-the-grill plates, signature pasta dishes, Italian classics, pizzas, and family platters. There’s a dessert for everyone, and the signature Italian drinks will please the 21-and-over crowd.
Olive Garden
1570 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 908-9940
Sit down for a delicious family-style meal or grab Olive Garden to-go if you want to head back to the cabin. They have soup and salad lunch combos, sandwiches and flatbreads, light options for those watching calories, and traditional favorites such as chicken parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs, cheese ravioli, and lasagna. Desserts also impress, with pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, tiramisu, black tie mousse cake, and more.
Asian
Kinkaku Japanese Steakhouse
3152 Parkway #1
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 774-7598
Sit back and enjoy fresh Japanese cuisine and live hibachi cooking at Kinkaku on the Parkway in downtown Pigeon Forge. They offer a nice beer and sake selection, made-to-order sushi, and dinners for kids.
Little Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
2430 Teaster Ln
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-0555
Classic hibachi dinners and made-to-order sushi is served up at this hibachi grill and sushi bar in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Enjoy the show and a delicious dinner!
Mexican
No Way Jose’s Cantina
104 Walden’s Main St
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-7779
Fresh made daily, the sauces and salsas at No Way Jose’s are the perfect complement to the slowly marinated meats and fresh veggies. Order one of especialidades (specials) or choose your favorites a la carte. They also have a gluten-free menu, an impressive selection of cervezas (beer) and specialty cocktails, and tasty postres (desserts) such as the chocolate burrito, fried ice cream, churro sundaes, and flan.
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
2250 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-0991
This locally-owned fast casual Mexican restaurant serves lunch and dinner with daily specials. Start off with chips and queso, salsa, or guacamole. Then make custom salads, tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, and quesadillas with grilled chicken, beef, steak, shrimp, or pork, veggies, and sautéed onions and peppers. Catering is also available, so you can serve up fresh Mexican cuisine at your party or game-day celebration in the cabin!
Seafood
Bullfish Grill
2441 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-1000
Huck Finn’s Catfish
3330 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-3353
Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Huck Finn's Catfish is a family-owned and -operated business with more than 50 years' experience. Along with USA farm-raised, grain-fed catfish, Huck Finn's serves gator tail, fried green tomatoes, all-you-can-eat dinners, made-from-scratch hushpuppies, and “Mark Twain Meals” that feature everything from steak, fried chicken, and grilled shrimp to chicken livers, clam strips, and frog legs.
Joe’s Crab Shack
1605 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 774-3023
Feast on crab claws, shrimp, lobster, fish, and clams by the bucket full! Try The Orleans, the Samuel Adams Steampot, or The Ragin’ Cajun for some spice and kick. Or you can stick with Joe’s Classic Steampot, skip the surf and try the turf, or keep it a bit healthier with a salad. Top it all off with the Sea Turtle Sundae, Crabby Apple Crumble, Campfire S’mores, or other delicious desserts!
Red Lobster
1600 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 774-7077
Known for their endless shrimp and mouthwatering Cheddar Bay biscuits, Red Lobster is a favorite in many cities. They offer seafood bakes, wood-grilled fish and shrimp, $7.99 lunch specials (Monday-Friday), salads, burgers, and tasty starters such as sweet chili shrimp and lobster pizza.
Burgers and Pizza
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
3053 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-7171
Serving wood-fired, brick oven pizzas, Big Daddy’s offers fresh ingredients and handcrafted dough. On top of delicious pizzas, Big Daddy’s boasts a huge arcade with all your favorites – air hockey, ski ball, basketball, racing games, and more!
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
2430 Teaster Ln
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 286-0364
Get your fill of award-winning wings and 100% USDA burgers at Pigeon Forge’s only family sports grill! A range of appetizers offers something for everyone, and the quarter-pound Angus beef hot dogs come topped with unique ingredients. Made-from-scratch desserts will round it all off, but be sure to share – there will be plenty of the Mile High Peanut Butter Fudge Pie, the Brownie Bottom Overload, and the Too Tall Strawberry Shortcake.
Geno’s Pizza
2656 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 428-2496
Featuring specials on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Geno’s offers a dinner that won’t break the bank. If you’re not feeling pizza, try the subs, salads, pastas, and sides. You can even build your own pizza (pan, hand-tossed, or thin) with either marinara or white sauce.
Mel’s Classic Diner
119 Wears Valley Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-2184
You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the time of sock hops and poodle skirts when you visit Mel’s Classic Diner. This 50s diner experience features the classic foods of yesteryear, nostalgic décor, and jukeboxes. Try Mel’s Famous Burgers, Betty Jo’s Home Cookin’, milkshakes, root beer floats, and ol’ fashion malts.
Breakfast and Southern Favorites
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
240 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 429-1222
Known for their apple fritters, homemade apple butter, and Applewood Julep ®, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant offers one of the tastiest and most filling breakfasts around. Start your day the right way with home fried potatoes, sausage gravy, grits, eggs, country ham or pork chops, buttermilk pancakes, French toast, and waffles. Applewood also offers lunch and dinner.
Flapjacks Pancake Cabin
2734 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-6115
Start your morning with a tall stack of pancakes at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. If you’re not in the mood for pancakes, try the waffles and French toast, omelettes, campfire skillets, or breakfast and sandwich platters. They also have healthy options, free refills on iced tea, and specialty drinks such as raspberry lemonade and iced lattes.
Log Cabin Pancake House
4235 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-5748
The all-you-can-eat buffet lunch is open year-round, and the country ham and biscuits and gravy will fill you up for a good start to the day. Stick with the classics or try the Special Treat Pancakes – peach, apple, Caribbean, cherry, chocolate chip, butterscotch, raisin, pecan, blueberry, and more!
Mama’s Farmhouse
208 Pickel St
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-4646
Southern, family-style cooking, Mama’s Farmhouse promises a hearty and classic Southern meal. This 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Winner offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are served all-you-can-eat family style, so you’re sure to get your fill. Mama’s serves up fried chicken, turkey n stuffing, meatloaf, biscuits, banana pudding, strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and much, much more!