You see them in the movies, decked out with cool gadgets that help heroes like James Bond pull off dashing stunts and impossible escapes. You see them on your way to work or the grocery store, heart racing and head turning as the guttural sound of a V8 engine passes you. You’d recognize that special make and model anywhere, whether on the road or in a show because it’s your dream car tantalizing you once again with the power of its speed. Whether it was your childhood dream to become a NASCAR racer, or you’re just an adrenaline junkie itching to get your hands on a fast set of wheels, you’ll be fired up to try the top things to do in Gatlinburg and surrounding areas recommended by automotive enthusiasts!
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Car Museums
Muscle Car Museum
Did you know that Sevierville, TN, is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of muscle cars in the U.S.? The Muscle Car Museum displays over 90 modern and classic cars, totaling over $8 million in value, across their 35,000 square foot space. Magazines like Muscle Car Review, Super Chevy Magazine, TNN’s Motor Trend and others have honored the museum owner, Floyd Garrett, for curating and preserving such a rare collection and influencing the world of car appreciation. He keeps the cars in like-new condition so that visitors are instantly transported back to the good ole days of the ’60s and ’70s. From the Power Pack Tri-Year Chevys to the ’69 Pontiac GTO “The Judge” to retired NASCAR rigs, you can come see what’s under the hood and learn a thing or two from Floyd himself at the Muscle Car Museum.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
After you’ve gotten your fill of the real-life muscle cars, take a deep-dive into the world of fantasy vehicles at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum! Only at their location in Gatlinburg will you find over 40 of Hollywood’s most famous cars, like those from “Transformers,” “The Fast and The Furious,” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.” If you ever dreamt about seeing the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” or the Batmobile from “Batman Returns” up-close, then now is your chance to take photos as if you were Marty McFly or Batman himself! Plus, you’ll get to learn some fascinating facts about how the cars were engineered with special effects for the purposes of their movie or television show. Which of these beauties do you wish you could drive home from the movie set?
Automotive Rentals
Wolf Creek Motorsport Rentals
About a half-hour drive from Gatlinburg in Townsend, TN, Wolf Creek Motorsport Rentals stocks a variety of motorcycle and three-wheel rentals for road use. Their offerings include Sport, Touring, Slingshot, CanAm and Grom, to name just a few. Plan to take the scenic route to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via the Blue Ridge Parkway, or feel the rush of centripetal acceleration on the twisting and winding “Tail of the Dragon” at Deals Gap. No matter the nature of your rapid adventure, Wolf Creek Motorsport Rentals will help you pick out a bike and safety gear to suit your needs. They’ll even deliver your vehicle to where you’re staying or arrange your pick-up at the airport.
Kan Am Fun!
Kan Am Fun! is a motorsport rental facility that offers both on-road and off-road options, including can-ams, Honda UTVs and Slingshots. Drive off the lot in a 2018 Polaris Slingshot for a sightseeing tour of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or rent a Can-Am X3 Turbo 1000 to explore the forested trails and waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rentals are available for 2, 3, 4 or 8 hours and include helmets, stereo systems, local maps and bottled water. Kan Am Fun! also hosts off-road adventure tours lasting 2-3 hours, where you’ll cross creeks and drive dirt trails to the top of the mountain for stunning views.
Wranglers & Razors
You could drive around Pigeon Forge in style with any of Wranglers & Razors’ 3 street-legal, trailblazing vehicles. At the start of your trip, cover your bases with a 2-door or 4-door Jeep rental that is both large enough to fit the whole family and trusty enough to handle the uneven mountain terrain with ease. The 4-seater Razor 900 UTVs are ideal for both dirt trails and streets as well and are available for two or more hours. Last but not least, the 2-seater Polaris Slingshot allows you to ride around town, catching envious stares as though you were driving the Batmobile itself. Driving in the mountains shouldn’t just be manageable and safe. The specialty vehicles at Wranglers & Razors make it a thrilling experience, too!
Mealtime at Quaker Steak Lube
The automotive fun doesn’t have to stop just because your belly is growling. Quaker Steak Lube is a classic car and motorcycle-themed restaurant whose mission is to refuel you for more on-road and off-road adventures. Their award-winning wings are doused in your choice of 25 signature wing sauces, while their seven mouth-watering burgers and slow-roasted baby back ribs really hit the spot. Enjoy the outdoor seating when the weather’s nice, or opt for the indoors when you’re up for a few games at the arcade. With over 50 TVs with access to the NFL Ticket, ESPN and UFC, you don’t have to miss out on the game while you’re on vacation. Cruise through Quaker Steak Lube on your bike, classic car or motorsport rental, and feel right at home.
A car is much like a pair of shoes. Aside from its practical application of getting you from one place to another, it says a lot about your personality. Do you prefer a sleek and shiny look? Or do you gravitate toward robust design and a tread that grips well? Perhaps you care less about design or looks than the way it makes you feel when you hit daring speeds. Most likely, you already have the precise specs of your dream car all figured out. Don’t miss out on meeting your dream car in person in the Great Smoky Mountains and fulfilling your innate need for speed!