And once spring arrived we moved our efforts outdoors to the deck and yard. We have a lot of deck space so it will take awhile to get to where I want it to be, but we’ve made a good start.
I’m happy to see that the neighborhood has started to come back. There are several houses in various stages of construction in our immediate area and hundreds all over this mountain.
And there’s a lot more than residential construction going on. It’s been over 2 1/2 years since the fire and it’s amazing to see all the new restaurants and attractions that have popped up during that time.
Here’s a list.
In Pigeon Forge:
-Alcatraz East
(www.alcatrazeast.com)
A museum about crime, crime-solving, and famous criminals
-Pigeon Forge Snow
(pigeonforgesnow.com)
A year-round indoor snow tubing attraction
-Crave Golf Club
(www.cravegolf.com)
Spin the wheel to determine if you have to putt with one hand, standing on one leg, with your eyes closed....or maybe you will be granted a free stroke or a hole in one. Or you can go just to visit the candy store.
- Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show
PF’s latest show, Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show invites you to join Captain Blackbeard, the most famous pirate to ever sail the seven seas, and his quartermaster Calico Jack as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in an epic battle for lost treasure on land, on deck, in water and high above full-sized pirate ships in a 15 foot deep indoor hideaway lagoon. (Located near the Island, formerly Dolly’s Adventure)
-Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud
( lumberjackfeudtn.com )
It’s back, bigger and better than ever! Real lumberjacks, real competition, real family fun!
-Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
There’s yet another new coaster in the area.
-Dave & Buster’s
Eat, drink, play and watch sports at your local Dave & Buster's! Food and video arcade.
-National Enquirer Live
They say “enquiring minds want to know” and this is a place where you can go to explore the untold story.
-The Buttonwillow Civil War Theater
An educational and entertaining show, with a light-hearted, but also serious portrayal of Civil War figures and facts.
-The Slide
Even though construction is still underway, this place just opened in time for summer fun. There’s no website yet, but if you like giant outdoor slides down the side of a big hill this place may be for you. It’s located on the parkway next to The Local Goat. (Just beyond the Wax Museum and across the street from the Titanic Exhibit).
At the Island:
(www.islandinpigeonforge.com)
-Spinning Parrots Coaster
A kiddy ride for all ages
- Ridemakerz
You can build your very own customized remote control car!
-Yee-Haw Breeing Company
Their motto is: “Craft Beer, great food, good times”!
At Dollywood:
-Wildwood Grove
Dollywood has added a whole new (6 acre) section full of fun!
“Beyond an ancient hollow log and into a hidden land, Wildwood Grove beckons the explorer in all of us. Let curiosity be your guide as you journey ever deeper, past sparkling creeks, through a charming village, and under the mighty limbs of the great Wildwood Tree. This is where adventure takes root and dreams take flight.” The grove features lots of rides for kiddies and adults as well. The large indoor play area is a great place to cool off during the summer heat.
RESTAURANTS
-Gaucho Urbano
Pigeon Forge’s first authentic Brazilian steakhouse offers a dining experience you won’t soon forget! Don’t go unless you are a super hungry carnivore!
-Five Oaks Farm Country Kitchen
It’s almost as good as Crockett’s! Great breakfast with gigantic griddle cakes and humongous cinnamon rolls. They also serve a down home dinner.
-Funky Buddha Sports Bar & Grill
Yes, Pigeon Forge now has a karaoke, dance bar. Fun, food, and frolic!
In Gatlinburg:
-Anakeesta
(anakeesta.com)
Ride the chair lift or “chondola” to the top of a mountain for food and fun. Try the zip lines, explore the nature trails, take the rope tree walk, play on the playground, or just sit in a rocker and enjoy the view.
-Rowdy Bear Mountain
(www.rowdybearcoaster.com)
Home to 2 amazing thrill rides:
The Gravity Coaster and the world’s first Mountain Glider, a suspended single rail coaster that combines free falling and hang gliding!
-Sky Lift & Sky Bridge
The chair lift in Gatlinburg has re-opened after the fire. This year your SkyLift experience will be better than ever with the addition of the SkyDeck, featuring an expansive viewing deck, a spectacular new restaurant and bar, gift shop, and seating areas.
And if you’re a brave soul, you can walk across the new SkyBridge which stretches 680 feet across a deep valley with a height of 140 feet at its midpoint.
At Ober Gatlinburg:
(www.obergatlinburg.com)
-The New Rock
Test your climbing skills.
- Ice Bumper Cars
Instead of skating, you can bump, spin, and zoom around the ice rink!
RESTAURANTS
-Ole Red
Gatlinburg’s newest restaurant, based on Blake Shelton’s hit Ol’ Red. Stop by for a frosty beverage, a bite to eat (like an Ober Gatlinburger), or listen to some live music from the latest upcoming country talent.
Well, there you have it! As you can see, if you haven’t been to the Smokies in a while, there’s a ton of new stuff to see and do!
And there’s still more in the works:
-Chesapeake’s
Another restaurant from the Copper Cellar family, Chesapeake’s offers seafood fresh from the sea to your table! Set to open in Gatlinburg by late summer.
-The Mountain Mile
-The August Moon Drive-In
Looks like we will have plenty of new adventures to explore. Stay tuned!
