Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an amazing mountainside sports complex that boasts seven outdoor fields for soccer, lacrosse and football, as well as a baseball field, an 86,000-square-foot facility with six basketball and 12 volleyball courts, and more.
Located about 40 miles southeast of Knoxville, the resort city of Gatlinburg is one of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destinations with plenty of attractions. If your team is headed to Rocky Top Sports World for a tournament, here are some downtime activities for you to consider.
Things to Do
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg is perhaps best known for being the main gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it is conveniently situated along the northern edge of this vast expanse of wilderness. The park hosts more than 11 million guests every year, making it the most visited national park in the country.
Once inside its boundaries, you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, biking, and more. Known for its wildlife, the park is a noteworthy home to more than 1,500 black bears and hundreds of other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Spotting wildlife and soaking up the idyllic setting is a great way for visitors of all ages to spend a day in nature’s wonderland. 1420 Little River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Right in the heart of Gatlinburg near Rocky Top Sports World, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is frequently voted one of the best aquariums in the world.
With approximately 10,000 sea creatures representing more than 350 species, this popular attraction blends awe with education. Walk through the sea tunnel as sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and other creatures swim overhead. You can also lean about octopi, penguins, frogs, and more as you explore exhibits designed to simulate their natural habitats. 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Ober Gatlinburg
The scenic Ober Gatlinburg ski area and amusement park is set atop a mountain and is replete with stunning panoramic views. Visitors can take an exciting aerial tramway ride from downtown Gatlinburg up to the mountaintop, where you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly activities like an alpine coaster, human maze, arcade, ice rink, and more.
In the winter, the slopes are perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Snow tubing is another popular activity for those guests who want to enjoy some unique downhill thrills. 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Outdoor Gravity Park
About 10 miles north of Rocky Top Sports World in nearby Pigeon Forge, adventurous visitors can have tons of fun participating in a unique activity imported from New Zealand. Known as “zorbing,” the experience involves rolling downhill in an 11-foot plastic sphere called an OGO. Both wet and dry experiences are available, depending on the time of year.
Up to three kids can fit into the OGO at one time as they roll down one of three different tracks set on a 1000-foot hill. Zorbing at the Outdoor Gravity Park is bombastic, thrilling, and lots of fun. 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dollywood
Also in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood combines the thrills of a theme park with traditional music and local culture unique to the Great Smoky Mountains area. Partially owned by entertainment legend Dolly Parton, the Tennessee incarnation of Dollywood is a sister park to the original Branson, Missouri location.
The park is divided into several themed areas that pay homage to Southern history. It features seven roller coasters and several other rides for both thrill-seekers and less adventurous guests. Theaters scattered across the park also feature live shows each day and night. Throughout the year, the park plays host to cultural festivals that feature local entertainers, craft displays, and more. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Another great attraction near Rocky Top Sports World is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This 407-foot observation tower overlooks the city and the neighboring Smoky Mountains.
Guests’ experience at the Space Needle begins with a ride on one of two elevators, each with a capacity of 20 persons. You’ll ride the glass elevators over 400 feet to the Space Needle’s observation deck. On the observation deck you and your team can experience unforgettable 360-degree views of surrounding area.
Also inside the Needle is Arcadia, a 25,000-square-foot, two-story entertainment center that features the latest video and redemption games, as well as the area’s largest redemption center. 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Places to Eat
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Even though it’s located in the center of Gatlinburg, the ambiance at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip out into the country with the “King of the Wild Frontier.” Designed to resemble a rustic cabin, this eatery has something interesting to look at on every wall and ceiling.
Beyond the ambiance, however, diners keep coming back because of the excellent breakfast fare that is served here every day. Southern stalwarts like griddlecakes, corn pone, country ham, and more will tempt eaters looking for some local flavor, while more traditional breakfast options guarantee to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
With locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it’s easy to find a Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que restaurant near all of the area’s major attractions.
Serving up delicious hickory-smoked meats is the restaurant’s forte, and you can enjoy a variety of local favorites. Popular dishes include the hog leg, pork shoulder, beef brisket, and baby-back ribs. Southern hospitality is abundant here, and the casual atmosphere makes it the perfect place for diners of all ages. 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
The well-known TV chef gets a chance to show off her reputation for Southern cooking at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, a popular down-home eatery.
Located in Pigeon Forge, a quick drive from Gatlinburg and Rocky Top Sports World, the massive restaurant features a sizable dining room, a kitchen store, and a reproduction of Deen’s own kitchen.
The fried chicken recipe is one of the best you will ever try, and sides are totally authentic. Desserts also promise to wow foodies and casual eaters alike. 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
Yes, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a chain, but don’t let that fool you. Chain or not, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is still kid-friendly and reasonably priced, has a fun atmosphere, and serves large portions. That’s pretty much everything a team could ever want in a restaurant! 900 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Southern charm abounds in and around Gatlinburg. Whether you take the time to enjoy nature or embrace the kitsch of some of the city’s most fun attractions, you’ll find that your team has a great time playing and eating in one of the country’s most memorable resort cities.
When you are done competing at Rocky Top Sports World, enjoy the amazing beauty this part of Tennessee has to offer!