Top Things First Time Visitors Should Do While in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a beautiful place to visit regardless of the time of year. Below, one will be able to find a variety of attractions that are a must, especially if it is one’s first time visiting Gatlinburg.

#1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The best attraction that one can see when visiting Gatlinburg for the first time is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is by far one of the best places to visit for anyone that loves and enjoys the outdoors. There are a variety of different stops that one should see while driving over the mountain and the park rangers are always there to assist anyone and everyone that is visiting the park. There are hiking trails, camp grounds, and even abandoned home site villages that one can view.

#2 Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

For anyone that enjoys marine life, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must when visiting Gatlinburg. They have a variety of different marine life aquariums to enjoy. Some of the favorite attractions are the shark tank, the sea turtles, and many other animals of the sea. This is a wonderful attraction for older couples or families that have younger children. It offers a great experience for anyone who has a love for animals.

#3 Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a definite stopping place for anyone and everyone that enjoys shopping, arts, and crafts. The entire community consists of locale artisans and artists that have all of their wares on display for anyone to purchase. It’s a nice and leisurely visit. Some of the things that one can find at the community are paintings, metal smithing, and even basket weaving.

#4 Smoky Mountain Riding Stables

According to the people that have attended the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables, this is considered to be the best riding stables in Gatlinburg. The tours of this stables has trails that go up the side of the mountain and even into the National Park. It is considered to be a definite spot to visit if one’s family enjoys riding horses and likes the whole outdoor experience.

#5 Baskins Creek Falls

If one enjoys the outdoors, this is a wonderful attraction that has to be seen when visiting Gatlinburg for the first time. This is not a large waterfall, but it is still beautiful, and there are two different hiking paths that one can choose to take to reach the falls. Therefore, if hiking and beautiful waterfalls is one’s idea of a great time, this is definitely the place to visit.

#6 Wild Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark

Thanks to the fact that Wild Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark is indoors, this is a great Gatlinburg attraction that can be visited throughout the year. It offers a variety of different water attractions, and this is a wonderful place to go if there are children involved. Not only are their wonderful waterpark activities, there is also a small restaurant on the premises that will allow the family to enjoy pizza, hot dogs, and a variety of other similar selections. Although this is not a huge waterpark, it is a wonderful place to come and enjoy the cool and refreshing water.

#7 Ripley’s Moving Theater

If one enjoys going to the movies, then this is the perfect place to visit when coming to Gatlinburg. At Ripley’s Moving Theater, one can experience the thrill of their favorite movies on a ride that is powered by Real D 3D. Some of the movies that are offered for their customers’ enjoyment are Transformer, Harry Potter, and a lot of others. This is extremely recommended if one has small children.

#8 Old Town Gem Mine

If one has never been to a gem mine, the Old Town Gem Mine will be a wonderful attraction to visit. Upon entering it is practically guaranteed that one will be able to find a gem. This is basically for the children, but it’s a wonderful experience for anyone that enjoys doing things with their hands.

#9 Amazing Mirror Maze

The Amazing Mirror Maze is a must see if it is one’s first time visiting Gatlinburg. Upon entering into the maze, it is recommended to pay $1 extra in order to get a pair of 3D glasses. The glasses make this attraction absolutely amazing, and it is something that everyone in the family can enjoy.

#10 Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre is a small hometown theatre, and they put on skits throughout the year. Depending on the time of year, one can see a well done Christmas skit or a mid-summer comedy. Regardless of the time of year, this is a wonderful attraction, and one should definitely take the time to visit this theatre when visiting Gatlinburg for the first time.