Three of Our Favorite Things To Do in the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

Three of Our Favorite Things To Do in the Smokies

Fun Things To Do In The Smokies, Easy As ...1,2,3

One of the great advantages to visiting or living Sevier County in the Tennessee Smokies is the sheer variety of activities you can find and enjoy here. If you were to do one activity or visit one place each day for a full year, you still wouldn't experience the full spectrum of what our little area can offer you. The area offers a very wide dynamic of activities as well - whether you want something packed with action or something quiet and atmospheric to enjoy, the Smokies has you covered.

In recognition for the encroaching Autumn season, in this article, we've chosen a few places that are a little less advertised than other attractions and also perfectly mesh well with the vernal bliss. Let us take a look:

1. The Village in Gatlinburg

Part of what makes the Gatlinburg so irresistible an area is that you can find reverent hints and traces of our European roots throughout the city. Our Appalachian ancestors had ancestors that came from England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and the surrounding countries and we put those roots prominently on display.

Nowhere is this more evident than The Village in downtown Gatlinburg. This exquisite little complex is located across the street from the Guinness World of Records where the Pancake Pantry is and it is a memorable experience unlike anything else in the area. Lined with red brick and built to look like a cozy little hamlet not far from Tolkein's Hobbit Shire, there are over a dozen boutiques, some iconic eateries, sitting tables, two fountains and even some seasonal decorations to perfect the atmosphere.

Recommended visits to the Village include:

* Alewine Pottery

* The Silver Tree

* Celtic Cottage

* The Donut Friar

* Lamplight Gallery

* The Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & The Cheese Cupboard

* The Hayloft

* Thomas Kinkade

* Verbena's Body

* The Pancake Pantry

2. The Arts and Crafts Community

Tourism in the Smokies began well, WELL before we ever had Dollywood, the Aquarium or even Ober Gatlinburg. Back many generations ago, our tourism was the Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg where people would come from miles and miles around to get handcrafted chairs, rugs, pottery, glasswork, tools, clothing and more. This is still true today and many of those who operate the wonderful stores out in today's Arts and Crafts community are descendents of those from generations ago.

The Arts and Crafts Community is located in a particularly mystical section of Gatlinburg off of Highway 321 called "The Glades". It is an 8-mile loop where you can find dozens and dozens of stores along with some unique places to eat. The experience completely captures the spirit of the Smoky Mountains and you could plan the spend the whole day out there before you get fully satisfied.
Recommended visits to the Arts and Crafts Community include:

* Cliff Dwellers Gallery

* Blackwolff Knives

* Covered Bridge in the Glades

* Gatlin County Leather and Gallery

* Jim Gray Gallery

* Ogle's Broom Shop

* Ownby's Woodcrafts

* The Ship Pub

* Paul Murray Gallery

* Santa's Claus-et

3. Governor's Crossing

On the other side of the our focus today is out a fun spot out in Sevierville that you could spend anywhere from an hour to an afternoon or longer at - Governor's Crossing in Sevierville is a worthy location to bring your family or group to during your stay in the Smokies.

Governor's Crossing is located off the main parkway that connects Pigeon Forge to Sevierville and is across the street from the Wal-Mart Super Center. Governor's Crossing offers multiple restaurants, an outlet mall with several huge stores, the Sevierville movie theater, the TopJump Trampoline Park, the Rainforest Adventures Zoo and is close to the NASCAR Speedpark and, subsequently, the huge Tanger Outlet Mall.

The Governor's Crossing stores include:

* Books-a-million

* Hibbett Sports

* GNC

* CATO

* Bon Worth Factory Outlet

* Jo-Anne

* Your Scrapbook Superstore

* Hillside Winery

The Governor's Crossing restaurants include:

* TGIFriday's

* The Roaming Gnome Pub and Eatery

* Texas Roadhouse

* Fuddruckers

* Applebees

* Buffalo Wild Wings

* Quaker Steak and Lube

These areas and many more are very easy to get to from our cabins here at Bear Camp Cabins and are guaranteed to make your Smoky Mountain getaway memorable! Reserve one of our cabins today at 1-800-705-6346.