1. Bring back the child in you at Dollywood amusement park

Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, amusement parks offer fun rides that convert your energy to screams and giggles. Shake your brain a bit or feel the centrifugal force with crazy rollercoaster rides that Dollywood has a lot of different variety. If you are not into those stuff, they have chill rides as well – which I did not try much.

You can book your tickets online or buy it there. I advise you to come the earliest they open so you can enjoy lots of their rides. Expect long lines for some rides so strategize which ones you wanted the most to the least one. You can bring refillable water bottles, and snacks if you do not want to splurge much on food. Also, they give discounted tickets to veterans so make sure to avail that perks if you can and save up to 30% off.

2. Get some extra adrenaline with whitewater rafting

Enjoy the majestic view of the mountain and river while getting some adrenaline rush as you go through the bumps in the river. This is perfect if you are a group of at least 5-6 people, if you are alone, you will join a small group and get a chance to meet new people! The best option would be booking online so you know right away if there will be slots for you or your group. You will also get to choose the date that would best fit you.

Remember to bring sunscreen, extra dry clothes, towels, and shower stuff just in case you will swim intentionally or unintentionally in the river.

3. Stretch those legs and trek the Smokey Mountain

Are you tired of sitting and drowning in the blue light of the computer and stress in the office everyday? This one is highly recommended to be part of your vacation itinerary. Get those stiff muscle going and disconnect your mind for a while by trekking the Smokey Mountain. There are a lot of trails to choose from.

Be equipped with the right clothes and shoes, and bring some light snacks and water with you.

4. Enjoy the view of the mountain and flowers by visiting Anakeesta

If the trek and river rafting did not give you enough mountain view and you just wanted to relax, then ride the gondola or lift to the top of the mountain through Anakeesta. Book tickets online. Get a good picturesque view of the mountain while the sun is setting and the lighted town at night. It is a nice place to see different flower, climb a tree house and cross suspension bridges.

Go as early as their opening time if you want to see all the stuff in there within the day. Be alert and mindful as well just in case you see some real bears.

5. Destress with the entertaining light show at Astra Ilumina

Part of the Anakeesta’s attraction is the light show which is a different ticket that you have to book. It is a trail of different light patterns and colors that are truly entertaining to the eyes. Sadly, we were not able to go there because of a bear on the way which happens rarely so if you have a chance, go for it!

6. Unleash a new hobby by trying the mini golf

If you have not done golf before, a mini golf would be your warm up. It is not intimidating at all for a first timer. They have different kinds of mini golf. The one we tried was barn-themed mini golf which was the Ripley’s Old Mcdonald’s mini golf. It had 18 holes and you do not need to book online. I did not only enjoy the golf itself, I had fun as well on the way they curated the design and sound effects in each hole.

Towards the end, if you will be able to get the last hole on your first try, you will get a free one more round of golf. Who knows you may have that beginner’s luck!

7. Be crafty and go quilt shop hopping

In this time and age where we are entertained by technology, quilting may not sound excited. But if you are around a place with so much quilt shops, why not give shop hopping a try and see how people intricately create each different quilt pieces.

Personally, I was amazed by how much work quilting requires someone to finish a piece and yet they are very passionate creating one after another. You may also end up with a new hobby aside and let go of that social media scrolling addiction.

8. Grab the opportunity to be a wine connoisseur

Have you had a wine slushy before? Yup! They have that there. Whether you love or hate wine, wine tasting is in every corner here. They have dry, semi-sweet and a slushy kit if you want to take home one.

You can try a few for free (who does not love free stuff?) or try everything in their menu for $6 (not bad) and end up getting a bottle or two of those you liked the most.

9. Tour random shop in town but do not get trapped

This touristy area has a lot of different stores. Anime-related shop, pottery, chocolate, candy, jerky, spices, shirts, jewelries, you name it! And it is not even the entire mile of shops that I went to so my guess would be the list of stores may be from the usual one to the most peculiar store.

Let me know what is the most bizarre store that you can find in the area! Have fun but do not give in or get trapped easily on what each store is offering and try to see if you really wanted what they are showing.

10. Stay sober and whiskey tasting moderately

You probably have heard of the song Tennessee whiskey. Oh well it is the time to sing it while in here and tasting whiskey. They have whiskey and other alcohol with all sorts of flavors that you can try. From a 120 proof to a milk-based alcohol. Price range is from $20-$50 per bottle and they offer discounts if you get a minimum number of bottles so make sure to buy with friends or the group you are with and get as much as 20% discount.

Quick tip: have someone in the group that does not drink that can drive just in case!