New tastes and experiences to expect in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville TN in 2024
1. Dolly Parton Experience
Coming to Dollywood in May 2024, the Dolly Parton Experience will replace the park’s entire Adventures in Imagination area.
Notably, it’s triple the size of the Chasing Rainbows Museum. Guests are invited to explore three distinct areas highlighting different components of Dolly’s incredible life. For example, the Songteller exhibit will showcase her music career.
The Behind the Seams area will focus on Dolly’s ever-evolving but always iconic style through the years. The DreamSong theater will also reopen with a revamped queue highlighting Dolly’s personal life, focusing on her family and faith.
Visit Dollywood at 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard in Pigeon Forge, TN and secure your tickets in advance with Tripster.
2. Space Race Adventure
Pigeon Forge’s newest indoor activity center opened in March 2024. It offers outer-spaced themed activities, including laser tag, mini golf, go-kart racing and also virtual reality experiences.
It’s located across from the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall at 2891 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN.
3. Truth Traveler
This biblically-based virtual reality experience is expected to open in early 2025. The creators of Kentucky’s Ark Encounter are also behind this project, which will take riders on a journey through key biblical events.
At the time of this writing, developers have just broken ground at the site at 2860 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN.
In addition to the virtual reality ride, the 26,000-square-foot entertainment center will house a planetarium with a Bible-themed space show.
4. The Fox and the Apple
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park in Sevierville is adding a steampunk-themed cidery in spring 2024.
The Fox and the Apple will feature six different cider varieties to whet your whistle after your high adventure zipline tour. Visit Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park at 3757 Thomas Lane in Sevierville, TN.
5. Nerf Action Xperience Park
Hasbro will open its third Nerf Action Xperience Park right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge this year. Coming fall 2024, the attraction will include blaster battle zones, obstacle courses and also sports challenges.
There will also be a food and beverage area and retail store where guests can update their Nerf arsenals with the latest products.
6. The Crayola Experience
Also making its Pigeon Forge debut in 2025, according to the website, the Crayola Experience will be targeted toward kids and adults with interests in both science and art. Other Crayola Experience locations include Florida, Minnesota, Texas, Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Guests will be able to explore over 20 different exhibits in which they can create their own crayons or coloring book pages.
They can also learn the science behind the crayon manufacturing process. The Crayola Experience location has not been announced at the time of this writing.
7. Ober Mountain Ziplines
Ober Gatlinburg is expanding its entertainment offerings to include rafting and ziplining in spring 2024. However, both attractions are located in Hartford, Tennessee, not on Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg.
Note that Hartford is 26 miles from Gatlinburg. Zipline tours will run on Saturdays from May 25 through Aug. 31 this year. Zipliners must be at least 8 years old and weigh between 60 and 250 pounds. The Zipline Center is located at 3555 Hartford Road, Hartford, TN.
8. Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream
This old-fashioned soda shop opened in March 2024 in downtown Sevierville. Inspired by Red’s Cafe, this new restaurant will transport guests back to the 1940s and 50s with its classic menu and vintage decor.
Dolly Parton often talks about visiting Red’s Cafe growing up, and the new soda fountain is located just across the street from the original location. You’ll find it at 114 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN.
9. 1919 Speakeasy
Also coming to downtown Sevierville in 2024 is the 1919 Society Speakeasy. The prohibition-era speakeasy will transport patrons back to the 1920s when alcohol was illegal.
It’s set to be located inside an old two-story bank vault at 101 East Main Street, Sevierville, TN.
10. The Baht
Located beside the Roaring Fork River in Gatlinburg, The Baht serves authentic Thai cuisine in a riverside setting at 122 Spruce Lane, Gatlinburg, TN.
The Baht is open for lunch and dinner, and its menu features classics such as Pad Thai and curries. In addition to on-site dining, they offer online ordering for guests who prefer take-out.
11. Swimm’n Chick’n
Coming in May to the Adventure Forest at Wilderness at the Smokies is Swimm’n Chick’n. The eatery first debuted at the Wilderness Wisconsin Dells property.
The eatery boasts all-natural chicken tenders with no additives. Sides include warm biscuits with honey butter and coleslaw.
The Rooster Fries are crispy french fries smothered in white queso and also topped with crispy chicken tenders, crumbled bacon and fresh jalapeños.
Wilderness at the Smokies is located at 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy in Sevierville, TN. Check Groupon for discounts when you make your plans.
12. Tijuana Flats
Tijuana Flats opened its first Tennessee location in Pigeon Forge in December 2023. The popular Tex-Mex chain originated in Winter Park, Florida, and has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Their menu offers customizable burritos, tacos, bowls and more. You’ll find Tijuana Flats at 3060 Teaster Lane (#105), Pigeon Forge, TN.
13. Dig’N Zone Theme Park
This construction-themed park in Sevierville opened in March 2024. It offers a safe environment for kids and adults alike to have the opportunity to ride, drive and operate real construction equipment. As a mom of five boys, this one is certainly high on my family’s list of new Smokies attractions to visit this summer. Check it out at 1707 Veterans Boulevard, Sevierville, TN.
It’s clear that there are lots of new things to see and do in the Smokies this year. So if you’re in Sevierville, be sure to explore the Dig’n Zone Theme Park or check out Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream or 1919 Society.
In Pigeon Forge, don’t miss new spots like Tijuana Flats or The Baht Thai Restaurant to its diverse roster of restaurants. Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains? Be sure to check out our coupons page for area promos.
10 New Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains You Need to Try
There are seemingly always new attractions and restaurants opening up in the Great Smoky Mountains. For example, LeConte Tapas & Grill is a new restaurant that just opened in 2023. The highly anticipated Azul Cantina in Pigeon Forge is also now open.
1. LeConte Tapas & Grill
This Spanish-style tapas and grill opened in May 2023. We’ve come a long way, honestly. Tapas in East Tennessee would have been nigh unthinkable 30 years ago. But be aware. The lunch menu is a lot more “grill” than it is “tapas” with burgers and sandwiches and apps like pretzel bites and mini corn dogs and fried green tomatoes.
But when the night comes? Everything changes like a culinary werewolf. The tapas options include bleu bacon dates (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola, pan-seared and served with blue agave syrup) and gambas al ajillo (gulf shrimp scampi with fresh Roma tomatoes and herbs served with a grilled baguette).
There are also non-tapas dinner options including the miso-glazed Chilean seabass, honey charred ribs, and an executive kabob (with skewered tenderloin tips, Maine lobster, sweet peppers, red onions and squash glazed with wine honey served with vegetable rice pilaf). LeConte Tapas & Grill is located at 803 East Parkway, Gatlinburg.
2. Underdogs Pizza
Keeping up with the comings and goings of pizza joints in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg must be a full-time gig. Like, I imagine there’s somebody in the depths of the Sevier County courthouse – a subordinate of the Registrar of Deeds – whose office smells vaguely of tomato sauce and green peppers – with a stack of legal documents stapled to the back of pizza boxes.
As for the Underdogs business model? It’s a bit … different. It’s part of the Smoky Mountain Trout House, Crystelle Creek Restaurant and Parton’s Deli family of business all there near each other on the Parkway.
The place, which opened in spring of 2023, does not deliver, or take online orders. The menu is pizza, wings, and garlic sticks. The place seats up to 20 customers with a 75-inch HDTV to watch sports. It’s basic but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. Underdogs is located at 334 Parkway, Gatlinburg beside the famous car parked in front of Parton’s Deli (IYKYK).
3. Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
Come for the food, stay for the party. What in the name of Blake Shelton’s is this? In 2023, country singer Jason Aldean – from Macon, Georgia – became the latest in a long line of celebrities like Jimmy Buffet, Paula Deen and more going all the way back to Ronnie Milsap to open a joint in Sevier County. Aldean’s seems to follow the Ole Red model, though I’m sure Shelton followed someone else’s model.
The restaurant itself is split into three floors. The first is primarily a gift shop. Floor two houses the main restaurant. And floor three features a rooftop bar with live music and quick-service BBQ (cooked on a real smoker with much faster service).
Starters at the main restaurant include nachos, buffalo cauliflower and a Bavarian pretzel. Truthfully, the main courses run the gambit of about what you’d expect – chicken diablo pasta and a pulled pork sandwich – to surprising.
For instance, I did NOT expect an $80 “Tommy” hawk ribeye there amongst the other entrees which range from $16 to $26. The menu notes it was created by Aldean and Chef Tomasz Wosiak. Let’s hope Jason let the Wos handle the heavy culinary lifting. Jason Aldean’s is located at 644 Parkway, Gatlinburg.
4. Azul Cantina
The waiting? It was the hardest part. Azul looked like it was going to be awesome. The under-construction restaurant with a rooftop bar had a cool design. It had a cool website that promised authentic Tex-Mex flavors at a time when good Mexican food was hard to find in the area. And then?
Everything just stopped. No work, no updates, no Azul. It had gotten to the point that I assumed Azul would never be. And then one day, it was. Work resumed.
The restaurant opened and everything was as good as promised. It’s good Tex-Mex cuisine with a rooftop bar that offers an interesting view of the strip.
It’s fun, fresh and delicious. Start with the esquites beef eggroll and go to the birria burrito or the chicken tacos. You won’t be sorry. Azul is located in the Mountain Mile at 2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 305.
5. Crumbl Cookies
Crumbl Cookies is a chain of cookie stores with branches across the country. The Pigeon Forge Crumbl sells cookies for pick up or delivery.
The menu changes weekly with six gourmet flavors – including the mystery flavor for which you must either go to the store or download the app to solve the riddle of that week’s six flavors. What else do you want to know?
They’re cookies. They’re delicious. Are they worth more than $4 each? That’s a personal decision that I can’t make for you but if you’re asking me?
The answer is grudgingly, “yes”. Crumbl Pigeon Forge is located at 2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 245 Pigeon Forge and closed on Sundays (at the time of this writing).
6. Sunnyland Farms
At some point, you have to respect the dedication of a store or restaurant dedicated to specificity. What do they sell? Nuts. Located among the Mountain Mile shops – like Azul and Crumbl Cookies – Sunnyland Farms traffics in the best and freshest pecans and nuts you will find.
They also have “goodies” and “gifts.” “Goodies” are a variety of baked items – most of which contain pecans and nuts – like banana bread, pecan pie or fruitcakes. “Gifts” are a variety of items for giving to other people – tins full of things like nuts and pecans, or a nice-glazed apricot, if you’re into that kind of thing. Sunnyland Farms is located at 2655 Teaster Ln Store #243, Pigeon Forge.
7. The Corner Diner
Located at unsurprisingly, the corner, of the Food City building on Teaster Lane, the Corner Diner is a surprising addition to the Pigeon Forge culinary scene. We are all taught not to judge a book by its cover.
You wouldn’t think a corner spot of a grocery-store-anchored strip mall would be the go-to place to celebrate the intricate beauty of Classic American Diner cuisine but here we are.
Every time we’ve been to the place it is hopping. The menu is a tribute to the beauty of what a true artist can do with a grill. Classic smash burgers, pancakes, French toast, omelets, waffles as well as biscuits and gravy and more.
When you stop in at this diner, do what all true diner-heads do when they find a new spot and sample the chili.
It’s the perfect spot for classic American diner food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Corner Diner is located at 3060 Teaster Lane.
8. Sun Diner
Located on the first floor of Jason Aldean’s building on the Parkway, the Sun Diner is another Nashville establishment that made its way to the Smoky Mountains.
Open for breakfast and lunch throughout the week and for breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturdays, the Sun Diner is kind of like the Hard Rock but devoted specifically to the heyday of the classic Sun Records in Nashville and the artists who recorded there.
We’re talking Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.
The menu? It’s Southern fried diner food with a rockabilly twist. We’re talking chicken n’ waffles, country fried steak and eggs, burger melts and more.
If you want the real Sun Records experience, there is one thing you have to do: Get the Elvis Pancake, even if it’s just for the table where everybody can get a bite. Elvis – if he has any real claim to the title King of Rock and Roll – became the King when he recorded for Sun Records.
The best way to pay tribute to the King is to eat these fluffy pancakes with peanut butter drizzle and bananas foster. The Sun Diner is located at 646 Parkway, Gatlinburg beside Jason Aldean’s.
9. Solarzanos Pizza
It’s classic Italian pizzeria food via Hoboken, New Jersey with locations in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and a handful of places in Florida. It’s pizza by the slice, classic signature pizzas and a variety of gourmet pizzas.
If you’re looking for something less traditional, the buffalo chicken gourmet pizza is a classic white pizza with a ricotta base, mozzarella cheese, fried chicken, ranch and buffalo drizzle.
But if you’re looking for something more traditional, the Solorzano’s supreme is the classic pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, meatball, bacon, mushroom, onion, green peppers and black olives. There are now two locations in the Smokies.
The Pigeon Forge location is at 204 Pine Mountain Rd #5. The Gatlinburg location is at 1235 East Pkwy (at the old Taste of Italy spot).
10. Roma Table
Roma Table is the newest concept in the Collier Restaurant Group – which includes a wide variety of tastes and styles including The Melting Pot, TGI Fridays, Quaker Steak & Lube, three different Pancake Cabins and the Golden Corral.
In all, it’s 10 restaurant concepts and 18 locations. Roma Table will offer “elevated” Italian dining that includes pizzas and classic Italian entrees.
Located at 1503 Parkway in Sevierville, the restaurant is across Collier Drive from Quaker Steak & Lube and across the Parkway from the Walmart Supercenter.
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Brand New Waterpark Coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 2025
Massive expansion to Country Cascades will offer slides, spa and activity pool
A brand new indoor waterpark experience is coming to Pigeon Forge in early 2025.
And it could have a massive impact on travelers – especially in the off-season.
It is set to have a pirate theme and offer something for younger kids and adults alike that could give the big names in town some competition.
Country Cascades Waterpark – a hotel and outdoor waterpark located behind the Jurassic Jungle Ride on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge – is undergoing a major expansion that will allow guests to enjoy all the fun of a waterpark even when the weather outside is less than waterpark friendly.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Shipwreck Bay?
Braxton Beaver’s Shipwreck Bay is an immersive indoor waterpark with theming built around the established characters of Friendship Forest, the in-house theme of the Country Cascades’ current hotel and waterpark.
The centerpiece will be the “newly discovered” shipwreck which belonged to the swashbuckling Braxton Beaver.
The shipwreck structure will have four watersides, various interactive features and a zero-entry splash pad play structure.
All of it will be pirate-themed. Two of the slides will be covered, one will have a twist while two will be more traditional water slides.
All will be appropriate for younger children.
What do we know so far?
In addition to the Shipwreck, there will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
One of the attractions will include Fracilla Fox’s Water Rodeo, which will bring a cowgirl spirit to the park.
The signature attraction will be Francilla Fox’s Lasso Looper, which has twists and turns and features “unique” translucent details that allow riders to see the excitement around every corner.
Guests can also get competitive on Fracilla Fox’s Swirl & Twirl, a dual mat racer that lets riders speed to the finish line.
But the waterpark will not be populated by slides alone.
The Bayside Lagoon will be an expansive activity pool for swimming, water basketball and various activities with the Country Cascades team.
There’s even a warming spa for parents to relax as the kids enjoy all the park has to offer.
All of this will be in addition to the various outdoor amenities already in place at the hotel and waterpark.
With more than 80,000 gallons of water, the Cascades Waterpark is only accessible to resort guests.
All guests will receive full access to the waterpark – an oasis right in the middle of Pigeon Forge.
The resort offers the River Run, a 300-foot long, high-speed body slide that is four stories tall.
They also offer the RiverChaser, a river raft slide that allows for one or two riders per tube. Considered the resort’s signature attraction, at least until the indoor park opens, the RiverChaser features a translucent channel that goes out over the resort campus before returning to the park.
In addition to the kid-friend Splashaway Bay, there’s a resort leisure pool that offers the more traditional hotel pool experience
Opening date and location
Shipwreck Bay is scheduled to open in early 2025.
The Cascade’s Waterpark will double in capacity when the outdoor park re-opens.
The current schedule for the outdoor park is theoretically open during mostly daylight hours from mid-March through October.
But obviously, availability is dependent on weather conditions.
The Cascades is located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, just off the parkway on 204 Sharon Drive behind the Jurassic Jungle Ride.
The already competitive world of Pigeon Forge waterparks is about to get a lot more competitive. Coming in early 2025, the Shipwreck Bay At Cascades Country will offer around-the-year waterpark fun to the hotel’s guests.
The Cascades is also conveniently located to explore the rest of everything Pigeon Forge and the Smokies have to offer. You can check for current rates and offers here.
Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains? Be sure to check out our coupons page for area promos.
Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at info@thesmokies.com.
