Looking for the best unique things to do in Gatlinburg, TN? This mountain town is full of surprises beyond the usual tourist stops — from hidden hiking spots and quirky museums to off-the-beaten-path restaurants locals love. In this guide, we’ve rounded up our favorite hidden gems in Gatlinburg that will give you a fresh perspective on the Smokies — whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been here a dozen times before.
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Family-Friendly Hidden Gems
Traveling with kids can be hectic, but in the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of things to keep young minds entertained. Here are just a few of the wonderful hands-on, interactive family activities Gatlinburg has to offer.
1. Ride Anakeesta’s Mountain Coasters
For families with thrill-seeking kids, Anakeesta’s mountain coasters offer an unforgettable ride through the Smoky Mountain landscape. The single-rail RailRunner and Hellbender let you control your speed as you zip, dip, and twist through the trees.
On the Rail Runner, you can reach speeds up to 25 mph as you fly down 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns. If you want to see even more of the Smoky Mountains, the Hellbender offers 3,350 feet of track and 240 feet of drops! Either option offers fast-paced fun that’s safe for older children and exciting enough to make parents want a second go.
2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If your children’s idea of a good time is feeding stingrays and watching 12-foot sharks swim by, then you’ve got to stop by the aquarium. Ripley’s offers special hands-on programs and interactive exhibits for kids, and it’s awesome when you avoid the crowds by going in January or February.
When you visit, plan on heading to the Touch-A-Ray Bay for gentle hands-on stingray encounters and look into the Penguin Playhouse for a small-group session with African penguins. The aquarium also regularly hosts sleepover events, where your family can sleep beside sharks while they watch over you!
3. Visit Fannie Farkle’s Arcade
This is a spot that might be as much for the grandparents as it is for the kids. Fannie Farkle’s has an unbeatable nostalgic atmosphere featuring classic arcade games, unique prize options, and famous, foot-long corn dogs.
Alongside their giant corn dogs, they have cheesesteaks, half-pound hot dogs, smoked sausage subs, and a variety of thirst-quenching drinks, making it a great spot for a meal. Some of the most popular games they offer include Skee Ball, Pac-Man, Robot Storm, and Sink It!
4. Mine for Gemstones at Anakeesta
Do your kids fantasize about striking it rich with buried treasure? The next best thing is at Anakeesta’s interactive waterfall, where you can watch them feverishly sift through sluice to find real gemstones and fossils that double as a souvenir.
You can expect the gem mine to be open during regular park hours, and it’s located by many other exhibits your kids will love! For example, it’s right beside the Treehouse Village Playground, which your kids can enjoy before they take a moment to catch their breath while searching for hidden gems!
Unique Romantic Activities for Couples
On a honeymoon? You won’t regret choosing to celebrate in the Smokies! The following hidden gems in Gatlinburg provide the ideal backdrop for a romantic afternoon or evening.
1. Visit Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
You’ll think you’ve really traveled down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland when you step out into this enchanting, immersive nighttime light show. Anakeesta Astra Lumina is widely regarded as one of the most unique couple activities in Gatlinburg.
When you visit Astra Lumina, stars will descend from the night sky as you and your partner follow a celestial pathway of radiant light and cosmic visions. While you enjoy the lights, astral songs will play in the background, setting an intimate mood as you both marvel at a visit from the stars.
2. Sip Smoky Cocktails at The Greenbrier Restaurant
If you’re on the hunt for an unusual cocktail experience and unique dining in Gatlinburg, Greenbrier’s where it’s at. Master mixologist Brooklyn Steinway devised “The Dylan,” a distinctive cocktail concocted from Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Whiskey, vanilla syrup, smoked pecans, and black cherries.
Want more than a cocktail? The Greenbrier’s food options are perfect for an elevated date night, with a selection of fish, duck, lamb, pasta, and steak. They even have a cigar menu, where you can purchase a cigar and then enjoy it by a fire!
3. Enjoy a Private Wine Tasting at Tennessee Homemade Wines
Tucked into the heart of Gatlinburg, this cozy tasting room offers a more intimate vibe than the busier distilleries. Couples can sample small-batch, Southern-style wines—like peach, blackberry, or apple pie—in a relaxed setting that encourages lingering conversation.
As a sweet (and slightly boozy) way to slow down and savor the evening together, Tennessee Homemade Wines is ideal for couples who want to enjoy one another’s company over a glass of wine (or hard cider!). Voted the best local winery in the Smoky Mountains, this tasting room won’t disappoint.
4. Stroll the Nighttime Skywalk at Anakeesta
Considered one of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg, this treetop skyway is made up of illuminated bridges that offer gorgeous photo ops. Pair your walk with a dinner date at one of Anakeesta’s restaurants for the ultimate date night.
At night, the Skywalk is particularly romantic, with warm light guiding couples through the treetops. Pair your walk with a dinner date at one of Anakeesta’s restaurants for the ultimate date night.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Gatlinburg is a popular town for people seeking adventure and solace. And for good reason—it’s the gateway to one of the largest U.S. national parks. Here are some great off-the-beaten-path Gatlinburg hideaway experiences.
1. Watch the Synchronous Firefly Show
You’ll have to see it to believe it, but fireflies in Tennessee really do sync up their flares in a big cloud of twinkling lights for two weeks of the year. One of the more unusual attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this natural event is actually the bugs’ mating ritual. (If you’re there with your date, keep this in mind as the sparks fly between you two.)
The Synchronous Firefly Show take place every year in late May or early June near Elkmont. Keep in mind, visitors have to enter a lottery to reserve a parking spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Elmont Campground.
2. Picnic at the Secret Avent Studio Cabin
This historic cabin, nestled alongside hidden hiking trails in Gatlinburg, was once the Mayna Treanor Avent studio. Pack a lunch for a private, scenic picnic and imagine what it would have been like to live and create art in such a secluded spot.
When you want to visit the cabin, you’ll need to start at the Jake’s Creek trailhead near Elkmont Campground. Next, you’ll follow the path until it forks left, taking the Cucumber Gap Trail junction until you reach the Meigs Creek trailhead. From there, it’s a short quarter-mile walk to the cabin! The 2-mile round trip isn’t difficult, with only 505 feet of elevation gain, meaning you won’t have to climb any steep hills..
3. Drive Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way road that spans 5.5 miles and loops back to the start. As you cruise along one of the most scenic drives in Gatlinburg, look for sparkling waterfalls, old log cabins, and the roaring stream the road gets its name from.
If you want to stretch your legs or stop for pictures, the nature trail offers plenty of places where you can pull off to explore the forest or historic sites. Want to check out a local waterfall? Stop by the Trillium Gap trailhead, which is two miles into the drive, for a short hike to Grotto Falls.
Quirky Museums and Shops
No matter how much Gatlinburg grows, it still manages to retain its quaint and quirky charm. Here are a few Gatlinburg attractions to pique your curiosity (and maybe inspire you to buy some curios to take home).
1. Explore the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Yeah, this one’s absolutely bonkers. It’s not just one of the most unusual museums in Gatlinburg—it’s one of the craziest in the country! What’s even better, your entry fee gives you a discount on souvenirs.
What you might not expect from the museum is how fascinating it can be to see how society changed over the years through the lens of salt and pepper shakers. From ancient times all the way to the present, salt and pepper shakers reflect the time period. By the time you’re done, you’ll be surprised by how interesting and artistic salt and pepper shakers can be!
2. Shop at Gatlinburg’s Magic and Mysticism Stores
Do you love witchy wares like candles, stained glass, and tarot? You’ll feel right at home at the Mystic Moon Celtic Faire and Doc’s Magic Shop. It’s no surprise that some of the most unique shops in Gatlinburg are witchcraft and magic shops.
After you visit the shops, sign up for one of the local ghost tours to really get into the local lore and legends!
3. Do the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community Loop
This town is THE town for great handmade items, from ceramics to dulcimers. If you’re looking for world-class local crafts in Gatlinburg, definitely check out this 8-mile stretch with shops, eateries, and more.
While you walk the loop, you can learn more about Gatlinburg’s rich cultural heritage, marvel at the craftsmanship of local artisans, and take home a handcrafted treasure. Multiple shops also have kids-friendly hands-on workshops for those who want to make their own crafts and develop their skills!
Unique Food and Drink Experiences
Want to feel like one of the locals—someone who knows where all the best dining spots are at? These great restaurants will make you feel like you’ve hit upon something truly special.
1. Dine Inside a Refurbished School Bus at Doc’s 321 Café
Technically in Cosby, this BBQ joint (or “BBQ bus,” rather) is one of the quirky restaurants Gatlinburg and its environs is known for. Feast your eyes on unique Woodstock memorabilia while you chat with the owner.
In addition to their award-winning barbecue, they offer wraps, sample platters, and mouth-watering pie. The restaurant prides itself on farm-to-table dining for peak freshness, and the eclectic ambience makes it a must-visit destination.
2. Taste Unique Gatlinburg Spirits at King’s Family Distillery
Why add chocolate syrup to your whiskey when you can just buy a bottle of chocolate-infused whiskey? This is one of the many tantalizing types of booze you’ll find at one of the very best distilleries in Gatlinburg.
If flavored whiskeys are your thing, they also have apple and blackberry whiskies that are perfect for sipping or for blending into a cocktail. Alongside their flavored whiskey, their King’s Ryceonic, King’s Wheated Bourbon, and King’s American Blend offer incredible flavor profiles and make great gifts for the whiskey lovers in your life.
3. Enjoy Mouthwatering Views at Anakeesta’s Cliff Top Restaurant and Smokehouse
There’s something about being on top of a mountain at sunset that makes the barbecue even better. Anakeesta mountain dining is Gatlinburg’s best-kept … well, not exactly a secret, but it feels like one when you’re up there.
As you watch the sunset at Cliff Top Restaurant, you can enjoy American cuisine, including gourmet burgers, savory appetizers, signature salads, mouth-watering steaks, and house-made desserts. The restaurant also has a selection of signature cocktails and craft beer. Combined with the view, you’ll never feel more relaxed during dinner!
Spooky Haunted Attractions
Ghost towns in the mountains … there’s so much fodder for a mystery adventure story here. Take a chance on these thrill attractions in Gatlinburg and feel those heebies start jeebie-ing.
1. Take a Nighttime Ghost Tour Through Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg’s past is filled with whispered legends, unsolved mysteries, and chilling tales of early settlers. Local ghost tours guide you through the darker side of town after sunset, stopping at historic buildings, old cemeteries, and places rumored to be haunted.
It’s a spine-tingling way to learn real history—made all the more vivid under the cover of night. Some of the local ghost tour companies include Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Ghost Walks, and Haunted Historic Gatlinburg.
2. Brave the Mysterious Mansion in Gatlinburg
For a classic haunted house experience with a Smoky Mountain twist, the Mysterious Mansion delivers just the right amount of eerie fun. This self-guided, three-story Victorian-style attraction features winding hallways, antique décor, and jump scares that are more thrilling than terrifying.
It’s a longtime favorite for couples and older kids who enjoy a good (safe) scare in a delightfully creepy setting.
3. Explore the Ghost Town of Elkmont
Just outside Gatlinburg lies Elkmont, an abandoned resort town tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once a thriving vacation community for wealthy Appalachians, it now feels frozen in time—quiet, overgrown, and undeniably eerie.
Wander among decaying cabins and moss-covered chimneys, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life ghost story.
Gatlinburg isn’t a tourist trap. It’s a cozy town filled with diverse, memorable attractions for discerning visitors to explore and enjoy. While it’s impossible to include all the great things to do in Gatlinburg in one concise list, we guarantee you’ll love anything mentioned here.
Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park is helping turn this small town into one that offers endless thrills, exquisite dining experiences, and great things to do with the whole family. We look forward to seeing you at one of our mountaintop restaurants, on the Nighttime Skywalk, or on the mountain coasters!
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