Another post from our trip to Gatlinburg TN. We actually had a little down time and were able to enjoy a few of the Ripley's attractions. The girls and I went to the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. We always have a good time there. It was definitely pleasant to get in out of the heat. We went during the week, so they really weren't crowded at all.
We enjoyed slowly strolling through and checking out all the marine life. I personally love watching the seahorses and jellyfish.
One of my daughters commented on how odd looking some of the fish were.
We enjoy walking through where the sharks, rays and other fish are swimming above and around you.
We of course stopped to pet the rays and last of all we visited the penguins.
Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze (By James Lyman)
I wasn't sure what to expect going to Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze located in the great city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I have been in many “mirror” oriented attractions over the years, my first memory being when I was probably around ten years old or so when I thought for sure that I knew the way out and ran for the “exit,” only to meet a piece of glass at a pretty decent rate of speed. So with this unpleasant first experience many years ago, I have learned to go slow through these mazes and yet attempt to be very attentive in order to get through as quickly and efficiently as possible.
That being said, the Ripley’s mirror maze is a step above the ones that I remember. Instead of just a hall of mirrors, there are lights throughout the maze that certainly makes it more difficult. One particular part of the maze has a floor with moving lights, at least that is how it appears when walking on it, and it really is a strange experience. But more than an experience, this part of the maze must be gone through to complete the maze and find the exit. The girls went through the maze too!
Overall the Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze is a fun attraction, surely to bring laughs from family members as they try to be the first out and like many other attractions in this wonderful vacation area, will make for lasting memories for years to come.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure (by James Lyman)
The Ripley’s Haunted Adventure also in Gatlinburg is on the strip like all of the other Ripley’s attractions. I have not been to anything like this in quite some time, being a near sixty year-old adult, so I was not sure what I was in for. The atmosphere is as expected, perhaps slightly more dark than some would like, as there are sections where you really are…in the dark. I must confess that I cheated a few times, utilizing the light from my cell phone, but even then the suspense was captivating, wondering what was going to come around that next corner. Yes, there are sounds and images that appear suddenly and certainly the average person would “jump” a few times during the walk through the Adventure. While a very young child, lets say 10 or under, who is not accustomed to such things, might rather sit out the Haunted Adventure, overall it was tame enough to not cause any heart palpitations. I did appreciate that, though there were a few exceptions, the attraction was not full of gore and what I would categorize as “disgusting” images or figures. I understand that some of these “haunted houses” are so over the top they are in no way, family-friendly but I would not label the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure with those. One part of the “tour” that I thought was interesting was when you, the visitor, is in complete darkness and have to make your way through what appears to be a tunnel comprised of two very large balls of material. The attraction is self-guided so you can take as much time as you like, but I would say about thirty minutes will get you through. So instead of relaxing after all you have been doing since you got to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head into the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and…prepare to be scared!
Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium (by James Lyman)
There are many choices for attractions in Gatlinburg and neighboring Pigeon Forge and Ripley’s company provides quite a few of these. The Ripley’s Museum is not just a five minute attraction as some are, a person could actually spend an hour or two here, depending on how much time they spend on each section and if they participate in the interactive stops.
As would would expect, especially if familiar with the Ripley’s books over the years, the museum is filled with unusual, unique and yes, strange oddities. But they are also interesting. An example of what you will see is Chamouni the Incombustible Man, who was a circus performer who can withstand temperatures up to a normally excruciating 350 degrees Fahrenheit! Talk about amazing! Chamouni would enter an oven with a raw leg of meat and come out with the meat fully cooked while he was completely unharmed! Believe it or not! It is wild almost unbelievable people like Chamouni and unusual science oddities that make the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum worth the time and money. They say that truth is stranger than fiction and taking a tour through the museum will certainly collaborate that statement. I encourage you to take advantage of the many videos that are throughout the museum and take the time to interact when the option to do so is available. Surely the Ripley’s experience will provide not just discussion during your time there, but afterwards. So take a few minutes to relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of the strip and go to the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum! And prepare to be wowed! Believe it, you will be!
Guinness World Records Adventure (by James Lyman)
Most people are familiar with the Guinness Book of World Records and many have probably joked at one time or another about performing a feat that should be included in the Guinness Book. Being pretty much a household word makes this attraction even more interesting.
First of all, be prepared to spend some time at the Guinness World Records Adventure. Don’t rush, but enjoy the exhibits, many of them having videos and interactive sections. You can step on the scale with a friend and see where you come in compared to the world’s heaviest person! In fact, you can even try to break some of the world records that are recorded by Guinness! Secondly, be prepared to be wowed! You will learn about the tallest man who stands (no pun intended) at 8 feet, 11 inches! Imagine that, a person who was one inch short of 9 feet! Or learn that the most Christmas trees chopped in 2 minutes was a whopping 27 trees! The list is endless! And you and those that are with you are sure to be amazed over and over as you learn of the numerous accomplishments and extraordinary anomalies that reveal the uniqueness of the human being! Sure, you will receive an education, but even more so, you will be astounded! Be it a family, a group of friends or even by yourself, the Guinness World Records Adventure is highly recommended!
Located in Gatlinburg you will find the Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini Golf. The girls went there and played a round while my husband and I recuperated from the busy day. As you can see by the photos, they had a great time.
M got down to line up her shot! Nice little course to take the family to and relax and have a little fun. The location is great, because you can walk to many of the shops and other downtown attractions.
So, if you are taking a trip to the Gatlinburg area be sure to check out the many fine attractions. They do have a couple others, but we just did not have the time to hit them all. Thank you Ripley's for making our stay in the area extra special!!
You can purchase tickets online for all the Ripley's attractions in one place. HERE. Also. be sure to visit and follow Ripley's on their social media, and tag them in your pictures you share of your visit!
Facebook - HERE
Thanks for stopping by. See you soon, where neighbors share.
