10 Great Attractions in the Smoky Mountains - have a better vacation

By Jack Washington

The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee are a great place to vacation. Here are our top recommended things to see and do. Make the most of your stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Camp Thunder Fun Center

It's rain-or-shine fun for families and groups at Camp Thunder in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, across from the Aquarium and Hard Rock Cafe. Race at speeds up to 25 miles-per-hour in Nascar-style Go-Karts on an indoor oval slick track. Enjoy 18 challenging holes of Indoor Miniature Golf, themed around the National Park which is great for groups, and “Ride the Rock” on two action-packed Motion Simulator movies. 

A Powerful Story...A Memorable Experience. Realistic Life-size figures in dramatic scenes depicting the Life of Christ. Home of the famous Carrara face of Christ Sculpture. New for 2003 - Christ At Prayer In The Garden, a stunning new diorama; American's finest Biblical Era Coins; Heirloom Bibles, plus much, much more. Open Rain or Shine, Free Coach parking. Awarded Attraction of the year.

Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center

High-Tech family and group fun in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg featuring Laser Tag in an awesome 2,700 square foot arena with cool lights and pumping music - perfect for group competitions! Watch movies so realistic you can almost reach out and touch them in the Smokies' only 3-D Movie Theater, with sharks, aliens, dinosaurs, and more in five special-effect selections. Plus, everyone loves to bounce and bump in every direction on the futuristic circular Bumper Cars! All at one low group rate!

Dont stay in a hotel get a cabin! Whether its a family get away, a honeymoon, or a couple on vacation, getting a cabin is lots of fun and give you the freedom of having your own home from home

Guinness World of Records Museum

Features the most astounding feats from the Guinness Book of World Records. See memorabilia of the stars including Michael Jackson, Elvis and Beatles. 1000’s of exhibits, twelve fantastic shows.

Ober Gatlinburg

Breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains year-round from the 120 passenger Aerial Tramway. The trip from downtown up to Ober Gatlinburg takes 11 minutes. Visit our craft and gift shops, scenic chairlift, Black Bear Habitat, indoor ice skating plus many activities for school groups. Free coach parking.

Old Gatlinburg Golf & Games

Rafting in the Smokies

No experience necessary! From the beginners to experienced paddlers, the Nantahala, Big Pigeon River and Ocoee River whitewater guarantees a thrilling adventure for everyone. We'll supply you with the best equipment and the best instruction. Our experienced guides accompany each trip. Call for reservations. 1-800-PRO-RAFT

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

We welcome your group to the World’s Best Entertainment Aquarium, 115,000 sq. ft. and 1.4 million gallon world-class aquarium, featuring huge, deadly 11 ft. sharks and over 9,000 exotic sea creatures from around the world. Travel through the world’s longest underwater aquarium tunnel on a 345 foot glide path, watch thrilling dive shows, see fascinating educational presentations and experience new major exhibits each year. Groups can eat in the Feeding Frenzy fast food restaurant or dine in the Veranda Restaurant and enjoy an old time country buffet inside or outside on the river. For groups of 50 or less, the Jules Verne Room, a private function room where your group can watch stingrays, sharks and a dive show while dining. All groups receive a personal welcome from our staff plus free coach parking. Open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located in the center of downtown Gatlinburg.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum

You won't want to miss the amazing Ripley's collection at the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Scouring the earth to build this famous collection, at the cost of millions of dollars, Ripley's agents have assembled the most astonishing exhibits in all the world! There is exhibit after exhibit of the most unusual and bizarre items ever found. Take an hour or two and come see our museum. By the end, will you Believe It or Not?

Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini-Golf

Described as the World's Most Interactive Mini-Golf Courses, your groups can now play 2 brand new, beautifully landscaped courses. The themed courses replicate the days when a Tennessee hero named Davy Crockett roamed “them there hills” and are loaded with some of the world's most original golf holes, complete with interactive talking animated animals and lots of water. Located at traffic light #1 with free coach parking or ride the trolley.

Jack Washington has been a Realtor in Tennessee for over 15 years. He has vast knowledge of the area and is often asked for advice for vacationing in the area. Visit his site Gatlinburg Cabin Rental for information and advice on getting the right cabin for you.