8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for Adults
It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
A lot of people don’t realize that this area of the country is prime real estate for couples getaways or adults just looking for a good time. There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults, from fun nightlife to laid-back relaxation, the Smoky Mountains has a lot to offer.
Grab your friends, grab your partner, and grab a drink - In this guide, we’re taking a look at the top eight attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for adults.
1. Embrace Your Inner Daredevil on an Alpine Coaster
It's a must for any adult hitting up the Smokies. Picture this: you hop in a little cart, but instead of looping around some lame track, you're racing down a twisting mile-long path cutting right through the mountains. And get this - you control how fast you want to go.
Feeling wild? Crank that baby up to 25 mph and hang on tight! More of a scenic cruiser? No sweat, just take it slow and soak in those epic views. No problem. Ready to let loose and feel the wind whipping through your hair? Hold on tight, daredevil!
2. Get a Taste of the Good Stuff at a Moonshine Distillery
Moonshine is ingrained in Appalachian culture like biscuits and gravy, and if you want one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, it’s a distillery tour. Sip on some free samples as you learn about the rich, often clandestine history behind this once-illicit libation. Who knows, you might even discover a secret family recipe passed down through the generations!
3. Test Your Wits in an Escape Room
Riddle me this, my puzzle-solving friends: what's a guaranteed good time for a group of adults? An escape room adventure, of course! Gather your sharpest companions and put your heads together to crack codes, solve riddles, and escape before that dreaded clock runs out. Just don't let the friendly competition turn too heated – you'll need those brain cells!
4. Indulge in a Delicious Cooking Class
Ditch the boring dinner dates and spice things up with a cooking class instead! These hands-on culinary experiences let you discover the secrets of authentic Appalachian cuisine from real-deal instructors.
Rock your apron, get those knives chopping, and prepare to impress with mouth-watering creations you can recreate back home. Bonus points if you can make your friends think you attended a fancy schmancy cooking school!
5. Get Your Game on at a Sports Bar
Sometimes, you just need to kick back with an ice-cold brew and catch the big game. Luckily, the Smokies have plenty of lively sports bars where you can do just that. Cheer until you're hoarse, jeer at the ref's terrible calls, and dig into some seriously tasty pub grub – the perfect guys' or gals’ night out.
6. Channel Your Inner Lumberjack with Axe Throwing
Looking to unleash your primal side? An axe-throwing session is a uniquely exhilarating way to blow off some steam. Don't worry, there are trained pros on hand to ensure you don't accidentally recreate a scene from your favorite horror flick.
Once you've hurled your way to glory (or just worked up an appetite), refuel with some hot and fresh pizza paired with cold brews. Flannel optional, but highly encouraged.
7. Explore the Eerie Side at Alcatraz East
True crime fanatics, you’ve found one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Alcatraz East is a crime museum like no other, featuring spine-tingling exhibits that delve into some of the darkest, most notorious cases in American history. Get inside the minds of infamous serial killers, learn about cutting-edge forensics, and maybe – just maybe – you'll help solve a mystery or two.
8. Ride the Night Away at The Island
If you're looking for a playground that caters to grown-ups, you've found it at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
This hotspot recently added a bunch of new thrill rides in 2023, from spinning coasters to the towering Smoky Mountain Wheel that'll have you feeling like a kid again (minus that pesky bedtime curfew!). Fuel up with treats from the foot trucks, catch some live music, and get ready for a rollicking good time.
Make Bear Camp Cabins Your Destination
After all that adult-approved fun, you'll need someplace cozy to rest your head – and Bear Camp Cabin Rentals has you covered. Our luxurious cabins in the heart of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the perfect home base for your grown-up getaway. In fact, we didn’t even get into all the free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge because you don’t have to spend money everywhere you go.
Kick back in your private pool, challenge your friends to an epic game room battle, or simply soak in those glorious mountain views from the comfort of the porch. Plus, every stay comes with attraction tickets, because who says the fun has to stop?
So, what are you waiting for? Plan Your Adult Getaway - Explore Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Now! We'll keep the hot tub warm for you!
