Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

The Australian Seabird Rescue, Research, Rehabilitation and Coastal Education Centre in Ballina offers a comprehensive educational experience for people of all ages. Participants experience first hand the issues in their local environment. The interactive, hands on approach gives everyone an unforgettable experience that they can take home and share with others. All presentations include a one hour informative talk by one of their trained volunteers, as well as a chance to see wildlife that may be in their care. Animals that you may get the opportunity to get a close-up look at may include pelicans, other sea birds, shore birds, and even the fascinating and endangered sea turtles.

Banner Elk Stables welcomes families and friends to one of the area's most adored attractions. The guided one-hour tours will lead you over beautiful trails across the high mountains of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the flanks of Beech Mountain. Impressively, some of their horses have worked on popular films such as For Richer or Poorer, Shallow Hal, Cinderella, National Treasure, and more.