Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
5 Smoky Mountain Attractions You May Not Have Heard Of
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on January 10, 2017
If you've ever spent any time in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, chances are that in addition to the mountains themselves you visited at least one attraction in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. This area is known for fun destinations that attract millions of visitors from all over the world; Dollywood, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Titanic Museum Attraction are probably familiar names even to those who haven't spent much time in this area.
But let's say you've done all the biggies and you're looking for something a little different to try next time you're in the Smokies. The good news is that there's no shortage of attractions around here, and this week, we're going to go one step further and introduce you to some roadside stops that you may never have heard of or even realize existed. And just because these attractions have a lower profile than some of the bigger players doesn't mean they're not worth dropping by for a look-see.
Here are a few of Smoky Mountain Ziplines' recommendations for off-the-beaten-path places to try next time you're in town:
The Salt And Pepper Shaker Museum
That's right; there's a museum devoted exclusively to the humble salt and pepper shaker, and it's here in the Smokies. You'll find this little gem at Winery Square in Gatlinburg, just off U.S. 321 (East Parkway).
With more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers on display as well as a huge pepper mill collection, this little attraction has actually gotten quite a bit of attention from around the world. The museum has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.com and has been ranked by visitors as one of the top 24 things to do in Gatlinburg, based on nearly 350 reviews. Also, you can't beat the admission price of $3 per adult and free admission for children 12 and younger.
If you're a fan of the '70s/'80s TV hit The Dukes of Hazzard, chances are the name Cooter might ring a bell. He was a beloved character from that show, and the actor who portrayed him, Ben Jones, has opened a series of Hazzard-themed attractions throughout the South, one of which is located in downtown Gatlinburg.
Inside, you'll find all sorts of Dukes-related memorabilia, including photos, props, costumes and other relics from the hit show. Of course, there's a gift shop where they'll gladly sell you your own piece of the Hazzard franchise, and you'll even find an indoor go-cart track and 18-hole mini golf course.
You'll find this neat attraction in Pigeon Forge, just a couple of miles or so past Dollywood. This four-acre mountaintop destination is home to hundreds of beautiful tropical birds from around the world, including parrots, lories, toucans, magpies and more, all housed in English-style cottages. In some habitats, you can even walk in and feed the birds by hand.
The multiple apiaries are connected by pathways that are gorgeously landscaped with tens of thousands of flowers and plants, while a picturesque waterfall helps set the mood with its soothing sounds. Also look for a gift shop stocked full of garden- and bird-related merchandise.
Elvis & Hollywood Legends Museum
For more than 35 years, this attraction has been the place to go to get a unique inside glimpse into the life and times of the legendary Elvis Presley. For years, it was located in a standalone facility on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, but in recent years, the museum has made its home at the Walden's Landing development just down the street.
Inside, you'll see an impressive private collection of Elvis memorabilia and items that personally belonged to The King, including cars, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods and props from some of his movies. Overall, there are hundreds of artifacts on display, making this attraction a must-see for anyone who considers him or herself a hard-core Elvis Presley fan.
You'll find this fascinating attraction adjacent to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport, which is actually located in Sevierville, just off Dolly Parton Parkway. On this self-guided museum tour, you'll see exhibits that tell the story of aviation history in the state of Tennessee and pay tribute to the men and women who contributed to the advancement of aviation in this part of the country.
In addition to the hundreds of historical exhibits, the museum features a 35,000-square-foot hangar displaying more than a dozen vintage aircraft, including a North American T-28B Trojan, a Douglas A-1H Skyraider and a Sikorsky UH-34G. Many of the craft are actually airworthy and are taken a loft from time to time in live flight demonstrations.
And Don't Forget About Our Ziplines!
We know you've already heard of us, but don't forget that our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg canopy tours will be another attraction you don't want to miss when we open for the 2017 season this spring.
