There is nowhere else in the world quite like downtown Gatlinburg TN! Commonly known as The Strip, the heart of the city may only be a few blocks long, but it is absolutely jam-packed with incredible attractions, restaurants, and shops. Over 11 million people come to Gatlinburg each year to experience everything our Smoky Mountain city has to offer. To help you get started planning your next trip, check out these top 4 things to do on the Gatlinburg Strip:
1. Visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum
A trip to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a real blast from the past! This unique thing to do on the Gatlinburg Strip is home to some of the most beloved cars to ever grace the big and small screens. Some of the famous vehicles in the collection include Adam West’s Batmobile, Michael Keaton’s Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future , the Jalopy from The Beverly Hillbillies , and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters . All of the vehicles you see in the museum were actual props used for the TV shows or movies they’re famous in. For an additional charge, you can even have your photo taken in one of the iconic cars.
2. Experience Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is another one of the best things to do on the Gatlinburg Strip. Voted the #1 aquarium in the nation by the readers of USA Today several years in a row, Ripley’s Aquarium boasts over 10,000 spectacular sea creatures. Guests at the aquarium will have the chance to pet a stingray at Touch-A-Ray Bay, take a glass bottom boat tour of Shark Lagoon, and crawl through the Penguin Playhouse. People of all ages will have a blast touring the aquarium and it’s extensive exhibits!
3. Go Wine Tasting at Sugarland Cellars
A number of wineries in the Smoky Mountain area offer free wine tastings as part of the Rocky Top Wine Trail . The closest winery to our hotel is Sugarland Cellars, which is about a three-minute walk from our hotel. All of the wines at Sugarland Cellars celebrate Gatlinburg’s history with local stories printed on their labels. We highly recommend trying Sugarland’s signature Century Red (1802), a Pinot Noir with aromas of cedar and tobacco. Don’t miss out on any of the wineries in Gatlinburg with free tastings ! If you get hungry after your wine tasting, head to any of the awesome restaurants on the Gatlinburg strip ! From filling breakfast foods to thick, juicy burgers, there is something for everyone in downtown Gatlinburg.
4. Conquer Ripley’s Mirror Maze
Ripley’s Mirror Maze is the perfect group activity! Your family will have a blast navigating through this mirrored labyrinth that is full of twists and turns. Don’t worry about getting too lost, because Ripley’s sends search parties into the maze every half hour! Located right on River Road, our Gatlinburg hotel is just steps away from all of the best things to do on the Gatlinburg Strip. Offering garage parking, private balconies with beautiful views, an outdoor swimming pool, a lazy river, and the comfiest beds in town, our hotel has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms !
