A Sweet Escape to Gatlinburg – Part 2: Thrills in the Smokies

    If there’s one thing Gatlinburg knows how to do, it’s mix the beauty of the mountains with a little bit of adrenaline. After filling our sweet tooth at Cinnaholic and soaking up the cozy charm of downtown, my husband and I were ready for some fun. And in Gatlinburg, that can mean a lot of things, alpine mountain coasters, arcades, and even a game of duck bowling at one of the most unique spots in town.

The Joy of the Alpine Coasters

These coasters are scattered all around town, each one offering a slightly different ride but the same kind of excitement. Picture this: you hop into a sled-like cart, buckle up, and before you know it, you’re winding through the Smoky Mountains. The best part? You control your speed.

Want to fly down the track with the wind rushing through your hair? Push the handles forward and let it go. Prefer a slower, scenic ride so you can take in the trees and mountain views? Pull back and ease your way down. Either way, it’s a thrill that makes you laugh, smile, and maybe even scream just a little.

Fun for Everyone

The alpine coasters are the kind of rides that make you feel like a kid again. They’re not just for daredevils. Families, couples, and even grandparents hop on and have a blast. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and scenery, and it’s one of those things you can’t leave Gatlinburg without trying at least once.

Arcades All Around

Another thing Gatlinburg is known for is its arcades. Walk down the Parkway and you’ll spot them everywhere, glowing with neon lights and filled with the sounds of games. These spots are a great way to spend time together, especially if you’ve got kids or you just love that nostalgic feeling of playing skee-ball, claw machines, or racing games. Even if you don’t go inside every single one, it’s fun just to see them buzzing with energy as you stroll by.

Duck Bowling at Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge TN

One of the highlights of our trip was spending time at Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge Tennessee right outside of Gatlinburgh, and let me tell you, it was a blast. This place had the biggest arcade I have ever been to, filled with amazing games and prizes (one even gave you the chance to win the brand-new Nintendo Switch!). But what made it extra special was the duck bowling.

Duck bowling is like regular bowling with a twist, the bowling balls are smaller, the lanes are shorter, and the pins are smaller. But it is still challenging and so much fun! It had us laughing the entire time. My husband and I couldn’t stop smiling as we played. The best part? If you score 100 points, you get a prize, a little rubber duck. We managed to hit that mark once and came home with a cute “Ducktown” duck as a free souvenir. It’s such a fun, quirky way to make a memory.

Downtown Flavortown also has a restaurant with plenty of inviting seating, and even though we didn’t eat there, the atmosphere was warm and family friendly. It’s definitely a spot we’d go back to again.

Ripley’s Attractions

Of course, Gatlinburg is also home to some of the most famous attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. We didn’t get the chance to visit them on this trip, but they’re popular for a reason. Rippley’s Believe It or Not! is full of unusual exhibits that will make you shake your head in disbelief, while the aquarium is known for its underwater tunnel and wide variety of sea life. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just curious at heart, these are spots worth considering if you’ve got time. You can google Ripleys Aquarium of the smokies and see the amazig pictures of the aquarium and the glass bottom boat and the insude tunnul you walk through and see the amazing creatures. I can't wait to go back and go there!

Why We Love It All

What makes Gatlinburg so special is that you can go from heart pumping thrills to laid back fun all in the same afternoon. Whether you’re zipping through the trees on a coaster, trying your luck at an arcade game, winning a little duck at Flavortown, or wandering past Ripley’s attractions, there’s always something to keep you entertained.

Just the Beginning of the Adventure

The alpine coasters, arcades, and unique spots like Downtown Flavortown are must-sees, but they’re just the start of what Gatlinburg has to offer in terms of adventure. From here, many visitors head up the mountain to explore Gatlinburg’s SkyLift Park, SkyBridge, and Ober Mountain where even more fun and incredible views await.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of my Gatlinburg series: Sky-High Adventures, where I’ll be sharing more about these popular attractions and why so many people add them to their Gatlinburg trip.