Museums, aquariums, shopping, oh my! There are so many incredible things to do in the Smoky Mountains, that you’ll want to keep coming back to try them all. When you stay at The Appy Lodge, you’ll be near all the best attractions in the area. Here are the top 4 things to do in the Smoky Mountains on your next vacation:
1. Star Cars Museum
When you step into the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, you’ll feel like you’re walking right onto the set of one of your favorite Hollywood movies or TV shows! This Gatlinburg museum is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. If you find yourself admiring the cars in all the films you watch, you’ll definitely want to plan a visit to the Star Cars Museum. The museum features cars displayed in recreated settings with lights, sounds and action! You’ll be able to see classics like the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, two Batmobiles and Sir Paul McCartney’s Cadillac. There are also more recent favorites like several cars from the Fast & Furious franchise, and the Hummer H3T from The Avengers. Stop by the gift shop on your way out and purchase a photo of you in your favorite car for the perfect souvenir!
2. Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in the Smokies! The aquarium offers a number of unique experiences that the whole family will enjoy. In the Upper Level, head to Shark Lagoon and travel on a moving 340-foot long guidepath in an underwater tunnel, where you’ll come face-to-face with snappers, a green sea turtle, sawfish, large sharks and more! In the Lower Level, check out the Discovery Center, which is full of hands-on fun! You can touch live horseshoe crabs and jellyfish, and solve puzzles. Other incredible experiences include the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, where you’ll venture out into Shark Lagoon with only 3 inches of glass separating you from 12-foot sharks, and the Penguin Encounter, where you can interact with playful penguins! You’ll have so much fun at Ripley’s Aquarium.
3. Adventure Park at Five Oaks
Adventure Park at Five Oaks is the place to go in Sevierville. There are ziplines, a ropes course and even horseback riding! Your heart will race as you zip through the air at speeds up to 50 mph on the solid steel construction zip lines at Adventure Park Ziplines. If you’re up for a challenge, try the Tree Tops Ropes Course! The course is built high in the trees, so you’ll see unbeatable views of the mountains. If you love horseback riding, you have to visit Five Oaks Riding Stables, where you’ll get gorgeous views of a mountain lake and Mount LeConte. Adventure Park at Five Oaks is the perfect place to spend some time enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
4. Mountain Mall
Who doesn’t love shopping? Visit the Mountain Mall for a unique shopping experience you won’t get anywhere else. The Mountain Mall is Gatlinburg’s premier indoor shopping experience! You’ll be able to find everything from homemade candy, to books, to toys, to apparel. It’s a great place to go if you’re shopping for souvenirs for your family and friends! Bring home handmade jewelry or an outfit for your pet! The halls are sprinkled with historical displays, including now-and-then pictures of Gatlinburg. You’ll get the true feel of the Smokies when you shop at the Mountain Mall!
You’ll want to try all the amazing things to do in the Smoky Mountains on your vacation! Browse our beautiful rooms at The Appy Lodge and start planning your trip.
