Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are renowned paradises for outdoor enthusiasts, with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers. Hikers can conquer challenging trails, kayakers can navigate sparkling rivers, and photographers can capture the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
But what if you’re looking for an experience beyond natural beauty? Well, we say you’re still in the right place. Both cities have a surprising amount of quirky charm waiting to be discovered. From unique museums to thrilling rides, this more eccentric side of the Smokies offers unforgettable adventures that stray from the usual tourist path.
Intrigued? Buckle up, because this blog is about to unveil the 7 Offbeat Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that will transform your Smoky Mountain getaway from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ready to embrace the wonderfully weird and wander into the unknown? Let’s dive in!
1. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Let’s start with a museum in Gatlinburg that’s one-of-a-kind: The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. It houses over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from all corners of the globe, making it the largest collection of its kind in the United States, and perhaps the world.
Stepping inside the museum is like entering a whimsical world where ordinary objects are transformed into works of art. The collection is a fascinating glimpse into global cultures and artistic expression.
You’ll find shakers in every imaginable shape and size, from classic ceramic designs to whimsical figures representing everything from animals and landmarks to cartoon characters and historical figures.
And this is an experience for the whole family. Kids will be captivated by the sheer variety of shakers, while adults will appreciate the historical and cultural significance of some pieces.
Here’s a tip: pass by the gift shop on your way out and pick a souvenir to take home. What to get? What about a quirky and delightful pair of salt and pepper shakers?
2. Titanic Museum
Here’s another extraordinary museum. The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge will take you on a captivating journey back to 1912, allowing you to experience the grandeur and ultimate tragedy of the RMS Titanic.
Through interactive exhibits and over 400 authentic artifacts, the museum meticulously recreates the ship’s interior, including the iconic wooden staircase, and tells the stories of its passengers and crew. It serves as a poignant reminder of the disaster and a tribute to those who lost their lives.
As an interesting touch that makes everything more real, you’ll receive a boarding pass with the name of a real passenger or crew member — talk about getting into character!
Overall, the Titanic Museum is a great experience for adventurers of all ages, offering a unique and unforgettable perspective on a legendary event that still captures our imagination today.
3. Gatlinburg Ghost Walks
Gatlinburg boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1800s, filled with tales of settlers, outlaws, and tragedies. Curious about them? Then you’re in for a bone-chilling adventure with a Gatlinburg Ghost Walk.
Led by knowledgeable storytellers, these guided walking tours delve into the town’s reputedly haunted past. They take you on a lantern-lit journey through the shadowy streets and historical sites, uncovering local legends and chilling ghost stories.
Ghost Walks offer a completely different perspective on the town, often allowing you to explore hidden alleyways and historic buildings that most tourists miss. And you guessed it: many of which are rumored to be haunted. But more than just spooky stories, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the town’s folklore and history.
Most Ghost Walk tours take place in the evenings. While the guides usually don’t go too graphic, their stories are certainly spooky, so it’s better to ask in advance if the tour you’re interested in is suitable for kids.
4. Escape Rooms
While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are known for their natural beauty and outdoor adventures, escape rooms offer a completely different kind of excitement. These immersive experiences throw you and your team into a themed scenario, where you must work together to solve puzzles, decipher clues, and ultimately “escape” the room within a set time limit.
In other words, they are like real-life video games where you and your squad become the heroes in a thrilling adventure, solving puzzles and cracking codes to unlock your way out!
Many escape rooms offer age recommendations, with some catering specifically to families with younger kids. These rooms typically have less complex puzzles and may even incorporate child-friendly themes.
Overall, escape rooms are a fantastic way to bond with family and friends. They’re perfect for rainy days, and evenings, or simply adding a unique twist to your Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge itinerary.
5. Hollywood Wax Museum
Want to dust off your imaginary tux and rub elbows (well, almost) with your favorite celebrities? Then head to The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge. This isn’t your typical museum either. The museum boasts a vast collection of wax figures meticulously crafted to resemble iconic celebrities.
You can expect to see presidents, movie stars, musicians, athletes, and even fictional characters, all frozen in a realistic pose. The museum updates its collection regularly, ensuring you find the latest pop culture heroes alongside timeless Hollywood legends.
Also, to make it more fun, many exhibits encourage interaction, with themed props and backdrops that make for fantastic photo opportunities. Imagine yourself accepting an award alongside your favorite actor or rocking out with a legendary musician!
For kids, the museum offers a fun and educational experience, introducing them to famous figures throughout history and pop culture. This indeed adds a bit of Hollywood glitz to the mix of nature in the Smokies!
6. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
We’ve seen a lot of unusual activities so far, so how about an unusual dinner? The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Theater combines a delicious Southern-style meal with a lively, comedic show based on the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud.
The show playfully depicts the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a real-life historical conflict between two families that spanned generations. However, the dinner theater focuses on lighthearted humor and family rivalry, rather than the historical complexities of the feud.
This injects a bit of local history (albeit a dramatized version) with a heaping helping of laughter and audience participation. Expect singing, dancing, stunts, and audience participation that keep the whole family engaged.
Wondering about the food? It’s a delicious all-you-can-eat Southern-style family feast, including Feudin’ Fried Chicken and Open Pit Pulled-to-Pieces Pork Barbecue for mains and No Tellin’ What’s In It Coleslaw for sides, among other amazing options.
The show is suitable for all ages. The humor is lighthearted and avoids offensive content, making it a great choice for families with children. Be warned, if you sit in the front row, you might just get splashed during some of the skits!
7. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Here’s a unique opportunity to taste a piece of Appalachian history – moonshine! Moonshine is an unaged, high-proof whiskey that was traditionally produced illegally in the mountains.
However, production is now legal and regulated, and Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery is the perfect place to try it out.
With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Ole Smoky keeps the spirit of tradition alive by offering tours that delve into the history and production process of moonshine. You’ll learn about the region’s moonshine-making legacy and see the modern methods used today. The highlight, of course, is the tasting, where you can sample a variety of their moonshine flavors in a safe and controlled setting.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious foodie, or simply looking for a fun and different activity, this is an experience like no other.
Heads up! Since moonshine is a high-proof alcoholic beverage, it’s definitely not suitable for children. Still, Ole Smoky does offer non-alcoholic options for younger visitors, and some locations have kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained, especially if you visit during the day.
Quirky Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Against the gorgeous backdrop of the Smokies, both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer endless activities, from city fun to the most pristine and inspiring nature. Sprinkle your time in the region with a dose of quickness by picking one or two of the attractions above, and you will have the perfect recipe for a memorable vacation.
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head to our destination blog. We cover a wide range of topics, including the best places to eat in town, what to do if it rains, and even an optimized vacation reading list for when you visit the Smokies. It’s all there, and we’re constantly updating with even more content!
Where to stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Look no further!
Our rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.