New, Unique & Unusual Places
In Gatlinburg
Wondering what is new and fun in Gatlinburg?
Are you searching for unique, unusual or off the beaten path ideas for your vacation or trip? Maybe it's a quick weekend getaway. Well here is a great list with pictures and descriptions to get you started!
What Is New Unique & Unusual in Pigeon Forge
My Cabin Suggestions
My Hotel Suggestions
Attractions
Car Shows
Food & Restaurants
1.) Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek
475 Norton Creek Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 865-988-1864
I could not be more excited about this one.
Designed by Pete Nelson from Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters", this resort features a collection of unique treehouses will be located in a secluded backwoods area of Gatlinburg, but also convenient to Pigeon Forge. The location is perfect for those who want to get away from it all but also those who want to hop back and forth between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
All treehouses will have unique floor plans, including lofts, decks, and screened porches, and a nearby creek. If you would like to rent one of these beauties, you can see availability here:
See All Treehouses
2.) Birdventure & Hellbender at Anakeesta
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 865-325-2400
Anakeesta is, in itself, unique!
It's hard to pick a favorite, but one of the most exciting new things at Anakeesta is a one-of-a-kind, life sized, Birdhouse playground, where you can see things from the size of a bird. Also several serpentine slides will wind down the mountainside, for even more fun!
The new and 2nd mountain coaster ride at Anakeesta is Hellbender. This double rail coaster is different from the original Rail Runner, which is a single rail. Hellbender will also let 2 people ride, so adults can ride with the kids.
See Cabins Near Downtown and Anakeesta
3.) Smoky Mountain School of Cooking
1004 Parkway, Suite 301, Gatlinburg, TN
Try something new, fun and different on vacation!
Smoky Mountain School of Appalachian Cooking can help. Great for bachelorette parties, girl's or boy's nights, family or kid's fun, team building, and more. Doesn't matter if your new to cooking or a seasoned (pun intended) chef, you can always learn something different from different folks.
Also check out their Appalachian gift store for gifts and treasures to take home. Now located downtown Gatlinburg.
4.) Tennessee Cider Company
611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 865-412-500
Opened in 2019, Tennessee Cider Company is the first Cidery established in Gatlinburg. Apples are pressed daily and you can try samples of their cider in a relaxed atmosphere, right off the Parkway, not far from Ripley's Aquarium.
If you 've not familiar with hard cider, it is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. Some of the flavors you will find here are Spiced Apple, Caramel, Golden Apple, Blueberry, Pineapple, and Watermelon.
5.) Smoky Mountain Creperie
812 Parkway, Suite 111, Gatlinburg
Sweet or savory homemade crepes!
Whether you're in the mood for bananas, chocolate, whipped cream and Nutella, or maybe chicken, bbq, avocado, cream cheese, bacon and feta, and more, you will not be disappointed here. They also have flan and fresas con crema.
6.) A Walk in the Woods
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN 865-436-8283
Want to go exploring in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Or do you want to go hiking, but not sure where to start? You can reserve a spot on this award winning, guided hiking tour, ahead of time.
They offer guided nature walks, day hikes, overnight trips, camping and backpacking trips, shuttle service, driving tours and a wealth of information from experienced guides. They even offer classes on things like edible plants, medicinal, primitive skills, navigation and scout badges.
Check Availability of:
7.) Rocky Top Adventure Rentals
544 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 865-412-1125
Whether you want a 2, 4, or 6 seater to ride in, you can take your pick of fun and exotic vehicles here. Rent a Slingshot, a Jeep or a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) and take a ride out to Roaring Forks, Cades Cove, or maybe even The Dragon.
Rent by the hour or by the day. Most are equipped with high end stereo systems and GPS, and this company makes the list for its high marks in for customer satisfaction.
See my Guide to Recreational Vehicle Rentals in the Smokies here.
8.) The Rhythm Section
611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 865-436-4342
This is one of those unassuming little gems you find walking around Gatlinburg. You will find it packed with an amazing collection of T-shirts, stickers, concert posters, hard to find vinyl records and albums, cds, and movies, all from many genres.
This store has been here since 1978 and is a treasured old school landmark in Gatlinburg!
9.) Guy Fieri's, "The Chicken Guy!" Restaurant
727 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
"The Chicken Guy!" Guy Fieri's restaurant is now in Gatlinburg.
Guy Fieri is known for his many TV series on the Food Network and he is, what you might call a "Celebrity Chef". Known as "The Boss of Sauce", his restaurants feature 22 specialty sauces, and hand breaded chicken tenders like none other.
You can also now visit his new restaurant in Pigeon Forge, too called "Downtown Flavortown", where you can play games, go bowling, have a beer and enjoy the treats Guy Fieri's is famous for.
10.) Gatlin's Fun Center
716 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 865-436-2326
Lazer Maze, Atomic Rush, Gatlin's Bumper Cars, Escape Rooms, Mini Golf, Ropes Course, and Blacklight Golf are all here in one spot, right on the Parkway. The kids will never be bored, and it's just as much fun for the adults!
The "Fun Pass" gives you all the options and the flexibility to do what you like best. Great variety of activities for everyone.
11.) Ripley's Believe It or Not! $5 Million Renovation
800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 865-436-5096
The iconic landmark downtown has been completely renovated over a 9-month span, and as you will see, the exterior has been totally redone in a new Smokies theme. The inside has been expanded with all new exhibits, along with 3,000 more square feet of exhibit space.
With the new layout, you will ride an elevator to the top and make your way down through the many interactive experiences of the odditorium. Fun for all ages, and things you won't see anywhere but Ripley's!
Get Ripley's Combo Attraction Discount Tickets
12.) Cookie Dough Bliss
651 Parkway, Suite 104, Gatlinburg, TN 865-253-1604
Remember when Mom said not to eat the cookie dough because you might get sick? Well, our dreams have now come true...It's FINALLY safe to eat the cookie dough!
This unique sweet shop has flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, cake batter, snickerdoodle, Nutella, red velvet cream cheese swirl, peanut butter paradise, and more. You can also try sweet treats like the Signature Bliss Ice Cream Bar, Bliss Sundaes, Cookie Dough Shakes, and more!