What To Do In Gatlinburg For Adults: A Fun and Helpful Guide

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is best known for being the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. Surrounded by nature, this city is one for our outdoorsy people as there is plenty to both see and do here. Observe this corner of the world from up high on the Space Needle or take a timelapse of your journey on the famed Sky Lift cable car; Gatlinburg is a paradise for any and all adventurers. We’ve highlighted the city before, taking a look at Gatlinburg Gifts, Ideas & Giftcards, so it’s only right that we plan a whole day out for you and figure out what to do in Gatlinburg, for adults. 

But before we venture out into the town, we should talk about GiftYa. GiftYa is an online distributor for thousands of eGift cards to restaurants, famous retailers, department stores, local businesses, online subscription services and shops, spas, hotels, airlines, and more. You can surprise a friend or loved one with a gift card whenever you feel like instantly thanks to GiftYa’s fast delivery system. All you have to do is go onto the website, pick a card they might like, choose an amount up to $500, customize it by adding a picture, video, and message, then decide whether you want to send it via text or email.

Head Out for Some Grub & Drinks at Ole Smoky Distillery "The Holler"

The OG home of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine® is here to welcome you in!

📍 903 Parkway #128 | Gatlinburg | olesmoky.com

Did you know “The Holler” is America’s most visited distillery? Yup that’s right, you are heading to a premier destination in the name of brewing. They are the originators of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine® which is a hugely famous drink that many distillery aficionados fawn over. And now you can visit its very first home in Gatlinburg! 

Come on to visit or book one of their Tastings and Guided Tours while you’re here. The Tastings include sips of their moonshine and whiskey, while the Guided Tour will give you an intimate look behind the scenes of how it's all made along with tasting 13 samples of what they’ve made. On regular days they’ve got live bluegrass music going and many events scheduled throughout the year. It’s all 21+ so make sure you bring your ID with you so you can join in on the fun.

“Me and my boyfriend went for a moonshine tasting and it was so fun! The moonshine was so good and we ended up buying 6 jars lol

Definitely recommend, also everyone was super nice and great atmosphere!” -Yelp Review

Take a Ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster

Ride down the mountain and take control of your coaster for ultimate fun!

📍 306 Parkway | Gatlinburg | moonshinemountaincoaster.com

You’re never too old for rides and in the city of Gatlinburg you’ll soon understand that they take that sentiment very seriously. 

First up we’re staying on the moonshine theme because we’re taking you up (and then back down) the mountain with the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. If you’ve seen those videos of steel rails down scenic routes while you're in your own coaster car that you can control the speed of, then you know exactly what this coaster is. 

You’re able to control your speed and brake exactly how you like as you cruise down the mountain. Add something fun for your Instagram story by going on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. Tickets are only $18 per person so for less than twenty bucks you can see the Smoky Mountains in style.

“I am a very large woman, and at the time I rode this I was 335 lb, size 24 pants (have lost since). I was nervous as heck about it tearing up or flipping backwards but it was smooth sailing!!!!!! I wish I would've let myself go faster!!” -Yelp Review

Drink, Ride, and Vibe at Anakeesta

Let go and have some fun in the mountains where joy shines and thrills are had!

📍 576 Parkway | Gatlinburg | anakeesta.com

Anakeesta in the Cherokee language means “the place of high ground” and that's exactly where this mountaintop adventure park is located. You’ll get to the park by a Chondola and then you’ll quickly see why it is visited by millions of people a year as there’s treetop skywalk rope bridges you can walk across to see the gorgeous lush forests and mountains, the AnaVista tower which gives you a 360 degree view of the city, ziplines, another mountain coaster called Rail Runner, full service bars and restaurants, shopping opportunities, play areas, and more. Anakeesta is more than worth the visit, especially when you’re there with friends and family.

“We zip lined there and had Chad, Sam and Skyler as guides. Our guides were so much fun, hilarious and shared some fun facts about the area. The scenery was breathtaking! We will be back to zip again!!! Thank you, The Champions -Chuck, Kelly, Olivia and Dalton - Michigan” -Yelp Review

Go Up High and See Through the Gatlinburg Space Needle

No it’s not Seattle, we’re still finding out what to do in Gatlinburg for adults and this time it’s all about the views!

📍 115 Airport Rd | Gatlinburg | gatlinburgspaceneedle.com

We mentioned it in the intro and we just talked about getting high (metaphorically) at Anakeesta, but now it's time to talk about one of Gatlinburg’s most famed attractions perfect for a date night or a quick venture with friends: the Space Needle! It’s not just Seattle that has one, no, the city has their very own on Airport Road overlooking everything. 

Ride up in the glass elevator over 400ft up in the air for 360 degree unobstructed views of what makes this city something special. And when you’re done looking out and using their free viewfinders you can visit Arcadia, their recreational center filled with arcade and escape games, the Iris Theater, and more. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is more than just their views.

“We went up to get a nice view of the city. Your ticket is good for 24hrs from when you go up first. So if you go up during the day, I highly recommend coming back and going up at night!” -Google Review

Go on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail

Love wine and love wine tours? You’ll find the best in Gatlinburg!

📍 1133 Parkway | Gatlinburg | gatlinburgwinetrail.com

Wine trails or wine tours are something many adults love to do when they’re in a new town, especially when it's a town like Gatlinburg which is known for their drinks. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail is highly favored amongst wine connoisseurs as it includes the “number one winery in Tennessee.” It’s only $10 and you can start at any location but they recommend:

• First starting out at Tennessee Cider Co. & Tennessee Home Made Wines which is the first two joint locations where you can try over 40 offerings.
• Then make your way to Smokin’ Banjo for sparkling wines and ciders.
• And then you can go to Old Mountain Wine Company which is at the entrance of the Smoky Mountains! If you visit all of the locations and indulge you’ll be able to get a free gift which will be redeemable at your final stop. How fun does that sound? A perfect answer for what to do in Gatlinburg for adults over 21!

“Missy was fantastic at giving us a tour of all they have to offer. They had delicious meads, crisp ciders, and that perfect sweet Tennessee Wine. A great tasting if you want to try a little bit of everything!” -Google Review

Shop at the Village Shops

For those who love to spend time in the cutest boutiques and shops- you’ll love it here!

📍 634 Parkway | Gatlinburg | thevillageshops.com

It’ll look like you’re stepping across the ocean to Europe but you’re really just walking through Gatlinburg at the Village Shops. The Village Shops is a collection of stores and boutiques that all reside in a Eruope/medieval style villa. It’s so picturesque you won’t know where to begin. 

There are over 25 shops to visit, each with their own special something to explore. This pet-friendly place is the perfect stopping point for your ventures in Gatlinburg as it offers a little bit of everything. It's definite ?”must-see” before you head out of town. And if you’re in town when there’s a holiday then you’ll love to see all the lovely decor they’ve put up around the villa. The Village Shops truly have something for everyone.

“The Village is a unique and charming place that features architecture reminiscent of a small European village and beautiful gardens. With its brick pathways and fountains, it creates a romantic and cozy atmosphere.” -Google Review

Go to the Fan-Favorite: Sugarlands Distilling Company

Guided tours, live music, tastings, and more can be found all right here!

📍 805 Parkway | Gatlinburg | sugarlands.com

There are not many businesses that have the pleasure of having 5 out of 5 stars on Google, but then again there aren’t that many businesses like Sugarlands Distilling Company. This family-owned, award-winning establishment has made quite the waves over the years by being a staple for both Gatlinburg residents and out of towners alike. 

They are best known for their drinks that literally taste like dessert in a cup; they’ve got Sugarlands Sippin’ Cream which has the winning flavors of butter pecan, and their award-winning moonshine: Sugarlands Shine. You can come and visit the distillery in person, sign up for a tasting and tour, or stick around when there's an event so you can meet some of the locals and see why the Sugarlands Distilling Company is as popular as it is.

“Stop by, and you won't be disappointed! The sample testing had about 8-12 (I lost count) unique and favorable drinks! I'm not a Bloody Mary fan, but this place made me think twice. Shout out to Peyton for being a knowledgeable, fun, and friendly bartender!” -Google Review

Take a Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

Immerse yourself with nature and go see the sights everyone raves about!

📍 Southeast of Knoxville on US 441 | Gatlinburg | nps.gov

And of course we couldn't forget to include the Great Smoky Mountains on our list today because that is arguably the biggest draw of Gatlinburg proper. Gatlinburg is the tourist spot for all those looking to cross into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it sees the most foot traffic out of every other entrance and neighboring town. Just a little less than an hour Southeast of Knoxville on US 441 is where you’ll be able to hike through well-worn trails, see forests beyond your imagination, hear rivers, waterfalls, and of course take in the rich surrounding mountains that make up the landscape. You can’t very well visit Gatlinburg without going to the National Park. 

“The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. With a wide variety of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, there's something for everyone. The park is teeming with wildlife, offering opportunities to spot deer, bears, and an array of bird species.” -Google Review

Gatlinburg is a place for all nature lovers to come and take in the sights. You can go see what makes this place special and enjoy a drink or two as they have been the originators of some of the best brews in the country.