Itching to leave your Smoky Mountain cabin for a little while? Explore the many entertaining Gatlinburg attractions and paint the town red while you’re at it! Whether you’re looking for a bit of excitement or a hefty serving of relaxation, downtown Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Sure, you could visit typical area attractions like the aquarium, miniature golf, or ziplining (and we’d fully support you). But…wouldn’t it be great to experience something extra special on your getaway and return home with spellbinding stories? Family and friends will line up to hear about your trip to the Smokies when you toss a few unique Gatlinburg attractions into the mix — and we’ve got a great list to get you started!
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud
Whoa! Did that ax just hit the bullseye? How in the world is he balancing on a rolling log? Did that guy just race to the top of that tree…with a rope?! Easily find yourself asking the same mind-blowing questions and more when you attend Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud, an outdoor show where world-class lumberjacks duke it out mountain style in a friendly competition. Sit back in the temperature-controlled, covered grandstand and cheer on the Dawson and McGraw families as they compete in 11 rounds of lumberjack games.
Anakeesta
Head to the top of Anakeesta Mountain aboard the chondola, venture through Firefly Village for tasty treats and souvenir shopping, play with the little ones at the Treehouse Village Playground, stroll 60 feet above the forest floor, soak in unbelievable views of the Mt. LeConte range, duel zipline with your bestie, soar down the mountain on a coaster you control, and more! Wait, what exactly is this magical place? Oh, you know, an amazing aerial adventure park atop a mountain…no biggie.
Sweet Fanny Adams Theater
Step into a comedic past at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater, where the musical cast showcase hilarity at its best — Victorian style. As the oldest live-performance theater in Gatlinburg, there are plenty of side-splitting shows to choose from, so you’re sure to get a real treat and even better memories. After watching these rib-tickling characters parade on stage, from a silly silent movie director to a boisterous pirate, you’ll be left with nothing but smiles for miles!
Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
Discover 20,000+ sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world in one place — the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. There is literally only one other place like it, which is their sister museum in Spain, making this a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore art and culture from around the globe in a new way. Animals, cartoons, historical figures, plant life, machinery, games, jewelry, food…the list of inspiration for these functional and fun trinkets goes on and on!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
“What in the world is that? That can’t be real…but it is!” is what you’ll be thinking all throughout this 3-story, 12,500-square-foot museum of interesting (to say the least) finds. Featuring 16 themed galleries with 500+ exhibits and artifacts, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium never fails to expel oohs and ahhs and leave jaws dropped from all who visit. From shrunken heads and visual illusions to iron maidens and porcupine fish, this museum has scoured the world to collect and display the most mind-boggling oddities…you have to see to believe (or not).
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Located around an 8-mile loop road, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community boasts 100+ artists and craftsmen, the largest group of independent artisans in the nation! Step into shop after shop filled to the brim with local crafts imbuing breathtaking craftsmanship. And with many shopkeepers hard at work in the shops themselves, you may even get the chance to meet and greet with top-notch crafters. Bring home handwoven baskets, glass-blown ornaments, oil-painted canvases, handmade quilts, homemade soaps, hand-carved bears, and more!
From ax-throwing lumbermen and Victorian-era comedians to unbelievable oddities and impressive crafts, this is only a taste of the unique Gatlinburg attractions you’ll find when you leave your cozy cabin for a few hours. Book a memorable cabin stay today and see how many Gatlinburg attractions you can conquer while in town!