Wall, SD!
I’ll just leave it at that.
Nothing you listed is a tourist trap to me
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There are many other options of places to stay near the Smokies.
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Like the ones shown on multiple billboards along a highway. 
I can certainly see Las Vegas being considered a tourist trap. But it really depends on your objectives. Our last visit was for an anniversary weekend six years ago. We had stayed in Las Vegas on two different trips many decades ago. We had also been to the natural areas nearby.
This time, we had tickets for Elton John at Caesars Palace, and got a deal at the Venetian (which still had free parking). We’re not gamblers or shoppers, so I researched free things to do within walking distance.
Our hotel was a fun place to stay. We didn’t take the gondolas but enjoyed wandering the canals and bridges. There were free street performances a few times a day. I enjoyed walking around Caesars Palace because I like (even faux) classical architecture.
Tracked down my email of free stuff we did:
Bellagio fountains: Bellagio Water Show - Tourist Attraction | Fountains of Bellagio - Bellagio Hotel & Casino
(Also the Bellagio Conservatory Conservatory & Botanical Gardens - Bellagio Hotel & Casino)
The Mirage volcano: https://www.mirage.com/en/amenities/volcano.html#/Details
The Fall of Atlantis at Caesar’s: https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/caesars-atlantis-fountain/ Contrived but amusing.
Flamingos at the Flamingo: https://www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/things-to-do/wildlife-habitat#.V9I0GzXreNo
M&M World: M&M’S Stores | M&M’S | M&M'S
I’m also sure we saw a walk around aquarium somewhere (not the shark tank at Mandelay Bay). OK, must have been the Atlantis Aquarium at the Forum shops.
So other than the concert and meals, we had plenty of entertainment and sights without spending anything.
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I see references to billboards in a multiple posts here. Is it a local thing? Billboards seems to be an outdated advertising tool. Nowadays people research vacation destinations well in advance. The only way billboards might catch my attention is if it is advertising local food next freeway exit or something similar
[quote=“natty1988, post:104, topic:3628575”]the crowds take away the appeal.
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This was our experience in Santorini this summer. It’s maybe the most picturesque place in the world, and our hike around the volcanic caldera was gorgeous. But the towns were so packed I couldn’t enjoy anything. It was like a multi-hour line at Disney during spring break just to try and get down the street. If we ever go back, it will have to be in April or October.
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I recall we visited the Corn Palace on our drive to Minnesota about ten years ago. The kids loved the corn basketball court; it was a fun and worthwhile accidental find.
I edited it to cut off my kids heads!
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Fifty years ago we drove from the northeast to the south to visit family. It was a long drive for little kids and the south of the border billboards kept us enthralled for hours (none of us had any idea what it was). Sure it was a letdown when we got there, even at 6 or 7, but boy the lead up was fun. And we enjoyed it only a little less in subsequent summers. Not as exciting as getting pralines and divinity at the first stuckeys we found, but a highlight on a long boring trip nonetheless. On the other hand I can’t believe the people who were disappointed by Stonehenge. I’ve found it amazing both times I’ve been, and my then 12 year old was equally entranced. I’ve actually traveled a lot and seen some amazing things but I’d totally go back to Stonehenge again if I were in the area.
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We really enjoyed stopping at Tamarack on a long road trip drive. I was worried it would be way too touristy based upon what the building looked like in the distance but the kids loved the food available at the cafeteria, there were different arts/crafts demonstrations happening (glass blowing in addition to others) and the exhibitions were fun to explore.
Would highly recommend.
@bhs1978 - this is a response from the first post = just now seeing it. I like this thread - but In all honesty, we loved the city museum in st. louis. it was so unstaged, unsterile, out of the box! kids loved it. so - i’ll disagree on that one.
my biggest tourist trap is probably fisherman’s wharf. UGH.
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Ugh. Indeed!
Yeah. Most people I know do love it! That’s why I started the thread “tourist trap” or “must see” that you haven’t liked. I know I’m in the minority on City Museum 
We may be in the minority that we enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf. 
Of course, we’re mainly walking around looking at the water, sea lions, taking a ride in the Ex America’s Cup sailboat, and enjoying the stroll rather than going into all the other stuff that’s there.
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Absolutely, we too! It can get INSANELY crowded, so the trick is to go there early. Lot’s of great restaurants, views and things to do. And I love the street cars going up and down the street nearby.
It’s popular for a very good reason. And the sea lions are FAB!
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When we took 94 year old FIL there he loved it too.
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Never have gone inside any stores… but the vibe distracts from the things you mentioned. There are better places to watch sea lions! 
I like many places, including those like Sea Lion Caves further up the coast (Oregon?).
I suspect it’s good to like many places when one loves being a wanderer. I can enjoy them as they are instead of having high expectations.
That said, I do have limits. Vegas…
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Coming face to face with a sea lion when you are swimming in the Bay is most definitely not fab!
The sea lions from the piers…not swimming in the Bay!
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