Discover Exciting Indoor Adventures in the Smoky Mountains

These indoor adventures in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville will put a smile on your face that you won't be able to wipe off.

Fresh air. Sunshine. Clear, rushing rivers. Gorgeous mountain scape. These are all plentiful in the Smoky Mountains along with abundant wildlife, stunning snowfalls in winter and azure-blue skies in summer. But not everything wonderful is outdoors in the Smokies. We also offer lots of exciting adventures that take place indoors.

Indoor Skydiving

Always wanted to sky dive, but have a fear of heights (or death!)? No problem! Indoor skydiving gives you the same adrenaline rush without the danger of falling from 20,000 feet in the air. With professional trainers to guide you through all the moves and safety rules, you can end up flying in under half an hour.

Created from a giant, vertical wind tunnel, you get the thrill of a freefall dive while being only about 7-feet off the ground. This procedure is commonly used to allow professional skydivers to hone their skills before their first solo jumps. The simulated freefall experience is a thrill a minute.

WonderWorks

Billed as "Tennessee's only upside down attraction… an amusement park for the mind," WonderWorks offers over 100 interactive exhibits for children and adults. Ever wondered what it would feel like to experience an earthquake that ranks 5.3 on the Richter scale? How about holding on for dear life as hurricane-force winds do their best to knock you off your feet? The Disaster Zone lets you find out firsthand.

The Challenge Zone lets you test your strength and endurance with a giant rock-climbing wall, a drag strip race car, a bed of nails and more. Perhaps you'd rather launch into outer space and explore the inside of a Mercury Capsule replica and astronaut's spacesuit? Bubble rooms, roller coasters, lighting effects and an illusion gallery that would put Willy Wonka to shame are all there for discovery at WonderWorks.

Forbidden Caverns

Ready to go spelunking? If cave exploration is an interest of yours, you'll love the Forbidden Caverns. Not really forbidden, these caverns are some of the most spectacular in the country. The Forbidden Caverns website states, "Visitors are provided with an entertaining and educational tour past sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, numerous grottos and a crystal clear stream." This is accompanied by special lighting and sound effects as well as narration by a professional guide who explains ancient mysteries and Indian legends about the caves. You'll even unlock the cavern's shady past as home to moonshiners in the 1940s.

Outfitted with handrails and lighting for safety, the cavern tour typically takes about one hour to complete. This exploration is perfectly suited for adults and children alike.

Looking for alternatives for rainy days? Just want to explore everything fun about the Smoky Mountains? These indoor adventures in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville will put a smile on your face that you won't be able to wipe off. Make plans now to take part in these great indoor adventures during your next trip to the Smoky Mountains.

Robbin Dean is a Reservations Agent for Smoky Mountain Resorts offering your choice of motel in Pigeon Forge, TN including comfortable lodging and the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Visit www.smokymountainresorts.travel.

By Robbin Dean

Adventure Spotlight: Tasmania Australia

Tasmanian devils are not the most exciting things you'll find on your trip to this Australian state. With a diverse landscape and over 80 golf courses, Tasmania delivers a bowlful of delight for nature-lovers and daredevils alike.

Say "Tasmania" and immediately images of that cute Looney Toon crosses your mind. While it's true that Tasmanian devils do hail from Tasmania, that's certainly not the most exciting thing you'll find on your trip to this Australian state. With a diverse landscape and over 80 golf courses, Tasmania delivers a bowlful of delight for nature-lovers and daredevils alike.

West Coast

Tasmania's west coast is still largely rugged and undeveloped. That makes for the perfect setting for those with a love for the outdoors. Included in a one-million-acre World Heritage Area, you'll discover exceptional rapids just begging to be navigated. In addition to the sheer adventure of this truly untamed whitewater, you'll also take in amazing rock formations as well as overhanging cliffs and an abundance of wildlife.

Prefer a more civilized way to see the area? Perhaps a catamaran cruise is more to your liking. As you sail the Gordon River, you'll view sections of rainforest that boast distinctive animal and plant life native to this area. Kayaking, canoeing and surfing are also popular pastimes.

Hastings Caves

For landlubbers, professionally guided tours of Hastings Caves are an excellent way to view the area. Bring your camera as you'll want to snap plenty of photos of the gorgeous flowstone, stalactites, columns, shawls, straws, stalagmites and the unusual helictites.

Never seen until 1917 - when the cave was discovered by miners - Hastings Caves have been outfitted to suit visitors. Stairs and lighting are in place to allow you to get up close and personal with this astonishing geological sight.

Once your tour is complete, take a nice, long soak in the nearby thermal pool. Perfectly moderated by Mother Nature, this pool maintains a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius (82.5 degrees Fahrenheit) year round.

Cultural Sights

For those who would rather surround themselves with culture instead of adventure, you're in luck: Tasmania serves up plenty! Writers, artists and performers bring a wondrous mix of drama, art and music to visitors from all around the globe. From museums to galleries, you'll find creativity and beauty at every turn.

To further your interest, visit one of the many wineries or vineyards in the area. Thanks to an outstanding climate of abundant sunshine, rich soil and clean water; Tasmania boasts some world-class vintages.

Cataract Gorge Reserve

You've never seen so much wilderness inside a city. Just two-minutes away from the city of Launceton is a paradise typically not found so close to metropolitan life. The Cataract Gorge breaks open from flat terrain into steep cliffs and rushing water. Climb or repel the Gorge, tour the fern tree glades by foot or take a leisurely walk across the bridge.

Too much nature? Just hop across to the Northern side (the Cliff Grounds) where you'll find a swimming pool, restaurant, landscaped lawns and more to enjoy.

To be the smallest state in Australia, Tasmania is packed with big-time fun! While this island is included on many Australian cruises, don't assume. Always ask your travel agent if the port of Tasmania is on your itinerary.

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including Princess cruises. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.

By Roy Witman