You may be familiar with the Las Vegas Strip, but the Gatlinburg Strip in the Smoky Mountains is quickly becoming just as well known! This is an area that has an amazing number of attractions within a very concentrated area. If you’re staying in Gatlinburg, you won’t have to drive far to find all kinds of excitement and entertainment. The following are five of the most interesting attractions that are right on the Gatlinburg Strip:
1. Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift provides one of the easiest ways to get incredible views of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area. You will ride to the top of Crockett Mountain, to a height of 1,800 feet. This is a ride worth taking either during the day or at night, when you get to see the colorful lights of downtown Gatlinburg. You have the opportunity to have your photo taken aboard the Sky Lift and there is also a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs.
2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Anyone who loves cars will want to visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, which has a large collection of vehicles featured in some of the most famous movies and TV shows of the last 50 years. Both kids and adults will enjoy seeing these cars in dramatic settings, complete with lights, sounds, and action. If you’re a fan of the original Batman show, this is your chance to see the actual Batmobile from the classic 1960s program. Also on hand are cars from movies such as Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and The Fast and the Furious. You’ll even be able to get your photo taken in your favorite famous car!
3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is an iconic name that many people recognize from books and TV. In Gatlinburg, however, you can visit several live Ripley’s attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium on the Gatlinburg Strip, a bizarre and extremely entertaining place where you’ll find exotic items such as shrunken heads, an ostrich skeleton, a vampire killing kit, and a Transformers sculpture that stands 12 feet tall. There are a total of eight Ripley’s attractions to choose from in the Gatlinburg area, including Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Mirror Maze, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
4. Gatlin’s Smoky Mountain Fun
formerly Fort Fun
Gatlin’s Smoky Mountain Fun is a place where the whole family can spend an afternoon enjoying miniature golf, laser tag, bumper cars, and much more. There is both indoor and outdoor mini golf, so you can play in any kind of weather. There’s a 3D theater that’s especially appealing to younger kids. There’s even a Mission Impossible style Lazer Maze Challenge, where your goal is to escape the bank vault without crossing any beams. Gatlin’s Smoky Mountain Fun sells a few different kinds of passes, depending on how many attractions you want to try. There’s a Pick 6 Pass, a Do-It-All Pass, and Escape Game combos.
5. Ole Smoky Distillery
Another unique attraction on the Gatlinburg Strip is the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. This is a place where an essential part of Tennessee history lives on. You can sample a variety of homegrown shine, such as White Lightnin’, Apple Pie, Moonshine Cherries, and Blackberry. You’ll get a chance to see the equipment used in the distillery’s moonshine stills. In addition to tours and tastings, Ole Smoky Distillery frequently has live music events.
For some more fun close to the Gatlinburg Strip, check out our guide to the Gatlinburg River Walk and Downtown!