Everyone knows Gatlinburg is full of popular attractions, from Ober Gatlinburg to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, but it’s the places not everyone knows about that create some of the best memories. Next time you’re in the Smoky Mountains, try something off the beaten path! We’ve come up with 4 unique things to do in Gatlinburg TN that you won’t want to miss on your next vacation.
1. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Gatlinburg is home to the world’s only Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum . When you visit, you’ll have the chance to see more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world, along with a huge pepper mill collection! There are shakers that look like United States presidents, cars, animals and more. One of the best parts about the museum is that admission is only $3, which goes toward the purchase of any set of salt and pepper shakers from the gift shop! It’s a great deal on a priceless experience.
2. Play a Round of Mini Golf at Hillbilly Golf
Mini golf itself is a popular thing to do in the Smoky Mountains, but have you ever played Hillbilly Golf? When you go to Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg , you’ll get to play mini golf on top of a mountain! Your experience will start off with an incline ride of 300 feet to the mountaintop. There, you’ll find two 18-hole mini-golf courses, each with its own fun challenges. You’ll have to golf through obstacles like outhouses, rocky walls, plants and more for the most unusual mini golf adventure you’ll ever have the chance to play.
3. Visit the SkyBridge at the SkyLift
Visit the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America at the SkyLift in Gatlinburg, known as the SkyBridge . This bridge stretches across a 680-foot valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors will feel like they’re suspended in the sky while getting an amazing view of the mountains. At the center of the SkyBridge, you will find what makes this attraction unique: glass panels that look down into the forest below. Test your bravery by walking across the glass panels, which sit 150 feet above the forest floor. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll be able to visit the SkyDeck, an observation deck where you can take pictures in front of sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along with these incredible scenic views, you’ll find a gift shop, cafe, and bar to grab a meal and a drink before you head back over the bridge!
4. Explore Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a historic 8-mile loop full of dozens of craft shops, art galleries and more! Step away from all the activity in town and into the traditional setting of rural Appalachia when you visit the community. Along the historic loop, you will find handmade collectibles and art, such as candles, baskets, quilts, pottery, jewelry and more. You can browse all the beautiful art and even purchase some to take back home! You’ll be able to find the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time in the Smoky Mountains when you explore Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community.
Next time you vacation in Gatlinburg, take a day off from visiting the popular attractions in the area and try these unique things to do. Browse more things to do in Gatlinburg and start planning your trip!
