February 02, 2018
8 New Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
One of the best parts of vacationing in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN is that there is always something new to experience! Our Smoky Mountain cities never stand still, and there are a number of new businesses that have recently opened in town (and a few that are slated to open in the near future). To help you plan your next getaway, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to eight new attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
1. Crave Golf Club
Crave Golf Club is the sweetest putt-putt attraction in town! Featuring both indoor and outdoor mini golf courses, the entire complex is designed to look like Candy Land, complete with gingerbread houses, bubblegum trees, giant gummy bears, and a juice box fountain. If all of the decorations are making you hungry, you can swing by Crave’s epic candy store and milkshake bar to pick up some treats.
2. Anakeesta
Located atop a mountain overlooking downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is a can’t-miss destination for outdoor adventures, shopping, and dining. To reach this popular new attraction, visitors can take a fun Chondola (chairlift or gondola) ride that departs from The Strip. Once you make it to the top of the mountain, you can explore a scenic Tree Canopy Walk, ride a 1,000-foot long dueling zipline course, do some shopping at Firefly Village, or enjoy a hearty meal at Summit Smokehouse. Please note that Anakeesta’s hours and days of operation change with the seasons.
3. Savannah Bee Company
Savannah Bee Company is one of Gatlinburg’s most-buzzed-about new shops. Situated downtown at the Anakeesta Chondola station, this great store is dedicated to anything and everything made with honey. Visitors will have the chance to sample gourmet honeys from around the world, mead (a.k.a. honey-wine), honeycomb, and a variety of honey-infused beauty products. Kids will love sitting in Savannah Bee Company’s oversized beehive, which features educational videos about bees and episodes of Winnie the Pooh.
4. Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures is another one of the best new attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. This amazing show tells the story of how Dolly Parton’s parents, Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owen, fell in love back in 1939. As the romance between Lee and Avie is blossoming, their families compete in the Smoky Mountain Family Contest, a thrilling competition featuring rope climbing, trampoline jumping, and other exhilarating stunts.
During the show, guests will enjoy a home cooked country feast, complete with creamy vegetable soup, fried chicken, sugar cured ham, macaroni and cheese, buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato casserole, and a special dessert. Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures runs from mid-March through the end of December each year.
5. Rowdy Bear Mountain
Thrill seekers will love riding the Gravity Coaster at Rowdy Bear Mountain ! This awesome alpine coaster offers beautiful views of the woods and plenty of twists and turns. Carts on the Gravity Coaster reach a top speed of 35 miles per hour, and guests can use a lever to slow down or speed up their ride. In addition to the Gravity Coaster, Rowdy Bear Mountain plans to eventually add a Mountain Glider ride.
6. New Entertainment at Dollywood
Dollywood is calling 2018 the “Season of Showstoppers” and it’s not hard to see why! The theme park will host some of the biggest musical acts from around the globe as part of its new Spring Mix Music Festival. Dollywood is also adding a new entertainment plaza, extending its annual Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, and hosting some special visitors over the summer. For all of the details, check out our complete guide to Dollywood in 2018.
7. Pigeon Forge Snow (Coming Soon)
Expected to open sometime this year, Pigeon Forge Snow will be the first indoor snow tubing attraction in the United States! Guests will be able to enjoy 15 lanes of snow tubing all year round. The attraction will also feature a special play area where visitors can build snowmen and have snowball fights.
8. Mountain Mile & Tower Shops (Coming Soon)
The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops is a new shopping and entertainment complex that is currently under development in Pigeon Forge. Located at the former Belz Mall, the Tower Shops are expected to feature a bowling alley, arcade, gastropub, sports bar, and other shops and restaurants. The signature attraction at the complex will be the Mountain Monster, a 200-foot tall thrill ride unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Businesses at the Mountain Mile hope to open around the spring of 2019.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these wonderful new attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are guaranteed to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!
