What's New in the Smokies
Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg are always offering fun and exciting new attractions for their visitors. Here's a list of what's new for visitors to the Smokies in 2008.
New Attractions to the Smokies in 2008
1. Dollywood's newest attraction, River Battle, is a family-fun, water adventure raft ride. Both riders and spectators get to join in on the fun and action as they are equipped with soaker guns.
- open now!!
2. Splash Country's brand new white-water thrill ride, SwiftWater Run, will take passengers on a corkscrew course of twists and turns before they navigate a downward chute that heads for a major splash in the landing pool.
- open now!!
3. Ready to rev your engines on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle from the all-new, full service Harley-Davidson dealership, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson and Buell. Explore and experience the Smoky Mountains on your |
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4. Need a getaway to great food, shopping, entertainment and even river-front lodging? Belle Island Village, opening Fall 2008, offers over 90 retail shops, restaurants, and rides, including Darrell Waltrip's Racing Experience, Knoxville Zoo's Otter Cove, and even an exclusive indoor water park for their guests.
- open Fall 2008!!
5. Darrell Waltrip's Racing Experience, located at Belle Island Village, puts you in the driver's seat. This attraction let's you experience the intensity of Nascar with a racing simulator, pit crew area, and an interactive theater.
- open Fall 2008!!
6. Debbie Reynold's Hollywood Motion Picture Musuem, located at Belle Island Viallage, will be the World's largest collection of Hollywood memorabilia. The collection, valued at over $50 million dollars, will include Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," and Marilyn Monroe's famous white dress from the film "The Seven Year Itch." Original movie memorabilia will be available in the gift shop as well!
- open Fall 2008!!
7. Seven high-rise condominium buildings make up The Water Resort at Pigeon Forge. With mountain views and an indoor water park enclosed in a glass pyramid, The Water Resort offers the option of a luxury vacation or ownership. Rooms are available now!!
- waterpark open Fall 2008!!
8. All the way from New Zealand is a new adventure experience called Zorb. A Zorb is an eleven foot inflatable sphere which participants can ride inside. Cushioned by two feet of air, this allows the rider to roll down hills at high speeds. |
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9. The only wax museum dedicated to Hollywood celebrities, The Hollywood Wax Museum recreates some of the most memorable moments in movie history, from Harrison Ford to Tom Hanks. The animated sets and life like realism at The Hollywood Wax Museum will sweep you off your feet, so much so, you might ask for an autograph.
- open now!!
10. The Resort at Governor's Crossing opened its new heated indoor waterpark on November 20th. This new Smoky Mountain attraction has over 50,000 gallons of water. It features 2 large water slides, Bandu Swim jets, zero entry pool with water mushroom, large Jacuzzi, and a dry sauna. |
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11. The Sevierville Events Center with its 108,000 square foot exhibit hall, and 19,000 square foot ball room, can play host to conventions, competitions, trade shows and special events. With on-site lodging, a food court, and two 18 hole golf courses all nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, every attendee at your next convention will marvel at their choice of activities.
- open now!!
12. Tony Roma's has almost 200 locations on five different continents, and their food is a s diverse as the many cities they serve. Tony Roma's new Pigeon Forge location will be opening soon. |
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13. Yogi's Wild Ride at Dollywood is a new fun-filled motion simulator. Yogi Bear is on a mission to rescue Elroy Jetson from Dick Dastardly and Muttley. As you travel from Bedrock to Outer Space, Yogi gets a little help from the Flintstones, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, and the Jetsons!
- open now!!
14. Adventure Quest is an indoor amusement park that is trying to bring more interactivity to a family orientated entertainment experience. Housed in what was once Helicopter Headquarters, the 28,000 square-foot structure is currently being renovated and is scheduled to open in June of 2008. As of yet, all attractions are being kept secret to everyone, except for those invovled.
- open June 2008!!
15. The Grand Majestic Theater differs from other local production companies. While many of the theaters in the area have reveiw shows offering country, rock 'n' roll and gospel music mixed together in the productions, the Grand Majestic has taken a different tack. Unlike a lot of shows in the area this show will have a storyline throughout. The minute you walk through the doors you will be slipping back in time.
- open May 2008!!
16. Eco Zip Tours, the longest zip-line adventure in the United States, is opening summer 2008 at Sterling Springs Resort. With over 6 dual zip-lines totaling over 10,000 feet, Eco Zip Tours is one adventure that is sure to satisfy. Your guide at Eco Zip Tours will share with you the most majestic panorama of the Smoky Mountains and share with you amazing facts about eco tourism. Each of the 6 runs will showcase a different and unique landscape. Each Eco Zip Tours adventure is estimated to last between 1 to 2 hours, full of adrenaline pumping fun. - open July 2008!! |
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New Restaurants to the Smokies in 2008
A number of new restaurants have popped up in the Pigeon Forge during the past year to give tourists more variety in their dining experiences. New restaurants include:
Salsarita's
Texas Roadhouse
Sonic Drive-In
Bull Fish Grill
Johnny Carrino's
McAllister's Deli
Country Legends Grill – formerly Alabama Grill
No Way Jose
Little Tokyo
Starbucks
Chili's
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
Kinkaka Japanese Steak House
Upcoming Attractions
Dumplin Creek, a 190-acre soon-to-be shopping center, will include 800,000 square feet of retail space, and 400,000 square feet of entertainment space, including a movie theater and department stores. With construction hopefully starting in 2009, Dumplin Creek is on a five to six year timeline, before becoming fully operational.
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