4 Great Activities in Downtown Gatlinburg You’re Sure To Love

One of the perks of staying at our condos in Gatlinburg TN is the location. This is because they are walking distance from downtown Gatlinburg, a lively area with lots of things to do. Take a moment to learn more about it! Here is a list of some great activities in downtown Gatlinburg we think you’ll love:

1. Learn New Things at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

There is no surprise as to why Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies was voted “Best Aquarium in North America” by USA Today. The immersive activities expose visitors to 350 individual species. One of them is the Penguin Playhouse. It is regarded as one of the best penguin exhibits in the world. Kids can crawl through tunnels to get a better look at the penguins as they waddle and play. Visitors can also attend special events where they can get a picture with a live penguin and more! Other activities to enjoy include the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure and Touch a Ray Bay! No matter what activity you choose, the aquarium’s knowledgeable staff will be there to tell you more about the animals you see. Some of them even participate in live dive shows where they teach visitors from behind the glass.

2. Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is another fun activity in downtown Gatlinburg! Ride the glass elevator up 400 feet to the main attraction. This is an observation deck that gives visitors breathtaking 360° views of the Smokies. You can use the view finders for a closer look! The observation deck also has various plaques that display interesting facts about the area. Read them and learn something new! When you come back down, you should check out Arcadia, a great attraction at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. It is the largest arcade in Gatlinburg, coming in at 25,000 square feet. Play all your favorite games, such as Pac-Man and SkeeBall, to win great prizes.

3. Shopping at The Village in Gatlinburg

The Village in Gatlinburg is a unique shopping experience nestled in downtown Gatlinburg. You can find some great items in the many shops. For example, get some deliciously scented candles and wax melts at Candle Cottage. Choose the scent of your favorite dessert, such as apple pie or banana pudding. Need something to remind you of your vacation? Pick up their fresh mountain air scented candle. Another shop to check out is The Spice and Tea Exchange. As the name implies they are known for their extensive collection of hot and iced teas, spices, and salts. You’ll also find kitchen accessories, including mugs and cutting boards! In addition to shopping, The Village in Gatlinburg is home to Gatlin’s Escape Games. You and your travel group will work together to complete challenges and become Masters of Magic. When you’re finished with all your activities, pick up a sweet treat! Get delicious donuts and other pastries from The Donut Friar or a “legen-dairy” dessert from Maddi Mae’s Cafe and Creamery!

4. Explore Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Learn new things and see interesting sights at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The unique attraction is widely known for their collection of shrunken heads. It was started in the 1920’s when Ripley acquired the first one from a trader in Panama. Since then, the collection has grown significantly, as it now features more than 100 authentic shrunken heads. There are also great pop culture exhibits. For example, the attraction houses a model of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts made entirely of matchsticks! Additionally, visitors can see how they “measure up” to the world’s tallest man! His name was Robert Wadlow and he was 8 feet 11 inches tall. Ripley’s Believe It or Not also teaches visitors more about the area. It has a Hike in the Smokies exhibit with interactive maps and more! There is also a 10,518-pound granite Floating Kugel Ball that displays fun facts about the Smokies!

We hope you enjoy these great activities in downtown Gatlinburg during your stay with us! Need even more ideas? Here is some helpful information about the area!