A local breaks down what may be the biggest season of change since tourists started flocking to the mountains
Turn, turn, turn. Change comes to the mountains faster than the seasons. Governed by the unforgiving judgement of those who vote with their wallets, pocketbooks and – probably – a variety of apps, everything in the Smokies is in a state of flux.
Was it a good idea – and well-executed? Was the food good? Will it be fun?
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All of those questions take a back seat to another question. Did it make money?
If the answer is no, or not enough, be assured there are three or four more ideas waiting in the wings ready to get tested.
The other day I tried to recall some of my favorites that for one reason or another didn’t make it. But I started with Chef Jock’s, whose restaurant was where Boss Hogg’s BBQ Shack is now. That is when I got depressed and quit.
We’re a little better than halfway through 2025 and it’s a good time to take stock of what’s new, what’s coming and what was announced that might not make it.
What’s new in the mountains?
Tacos, Tacos, Tacos
The year started with a spate of Taco joints opening across the Smoky Mountain landscape. Where it had been difficult to find a good taco in the mountains for years, suddenly we are awash in tortillas stuffed in traditional – and uniquely interesting ways.
New options include Gorilla Taco in Pigeon Forge and the Taco Ranch in Pigeon Forge.
Truth Traveler & Stargazer Planetarium
This attraction is brought to you by the same people behind The Ark Encounter – a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Truth Traveler is a VR experience that takes riders back through time to historical Biblical events. Riders are accompanied by P.O.D. – a “spunky, food obsessed robot” who serves as co-pilot. Riders are treated to creation, the resurrection, the Tower of Babel and the building of the arc.
Think of it as little bit like Disney’s Soarin’ mixed with Flight of Passage. Or some of the screen-based rides at Universal like Transformers – but with a Biblical theme.
“With motion benches, sensory effects, and a narrative that reveals God’s redemptive plan for humankind, this is time travel like you’ve never experienced before,” Truth Traveler’s website explains.
Next door to the Truth Traveler – connected by an arch – is the Stargazer Planetarium. It offers a “full sensory adventure” exploring stunningly realistic visuals of the universe. Your guides are Rae and P.O.D. You will “explore the intricate design of creation, marvel at its scale, and uncover the incredible artistry of the universe.”
Tickets for just the Truth Traveler exhibit start at $25.50 for adults. Combo tickets start at $35, at the time of this writing.
Blue Moose Burgers and Wings
Replacing the Landshark Grill in Gatlinburg, Blue Moose Burgers and Wings lives up to its billing. The restaurant serves burgers, wings and more on the lower end of the strip in Gatlinburg. The larger than you’d expect facility makes for a welcome addition to the dining scene as the lower end of the strip has been something of a culinary desert.
There are options down that way. But most of them aren’t – to be kind – great. That is until you get down to Chesapeake’s, but I don’t consider that part of the strip.
The Cottage
An excellent addition to the Pigeon Forge culinary scene, The Cottage is light, airy and welcoming. The menu that explores elevated Southern classics at a price that doesn’t break the bank. The Cottage opened with brunch and dinner service. but has adjusted its schedule to Brunch only hours – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the week – and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. It’s excellent food and has an inviting atmosphere. We hope finds its niche in the competitive Pigeon Forge market.
Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster
I am not an expert in things like engineering so take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt; it’s hard to innovate in the mountain coaster space. Mountain coasters are a fairy simple concept. You set your track atop a mountain, meander it around and let gravity do the work. Sure, you need a chain mechanism to haul riders and their carts to the top of the track. But essentially a mountain coaster is a slide with style. However, the folks at the racing coaster found a niche that wasn’t being capitalized upon and created this dueling coaster track where riders can race each other down.
As a competitive sort, I consider this a 100% improvement on the mountain coaster concept which previously had only really allowed for competition of the timed variety – like bobsledding or luge. To be able to look at another rider in the eye and then leave them in the dust is a significant upgrade.
Wildside Mega Zipline
Speaking of innovations, the folks at Wildside – an outdoor adventure park located in the mountains not far from the National Park – are on the cutting edge of outdoor adventure.
Riders launch from an elevation of 2,472 feet and reach speed of up to 55 mph on four side-by-side lines that allow family and friends to compete. The over-a-mile-long course features a nearly 20% drop. A few caveats: riders must be at least 10 years old to zip and anyone under 18 must be represented by a legal guardian. Zipliners – I prefer zippers – must be between 48” and 82” tall and must weigh between 50 and 260 pounds. Closed toe shoes are also required.
Myron Mixon’s
I am – in general – a little skeptical when a new barbecue place opens in the mountains. We’ve got a lot of barbecue, y’all. It’s a competitive market. But Myron Mixon is a world-renowned barbecue chef, so I was less skeptical.
The restaurant – which replaced Crawdaddy’s – is a part of the Kennedy Concepts family. This includes Pucker’s Sport Grill, Loco Burro and Johnny Rockets. Mixon is a champion on the barbecue competition circuit who has been frequently featured on reality TV cooking shows. His restaurant is a worthy competitor.
Hogan’s Wrestling Shop
According to a social media post from the owner, this shop will go on. Located in an out of the way strip mall known as The Shops of Pigeon Forge, Hogan’s Wrestling Shop had a soft open just weeks before the famed Wrestler’s death in July. The plan – apparently – had been for a grand opening in August.
With lots of Hulk-related merch, a few autographed items and a big wrestling ring where guests could pay to be introduced and have a photo opp, the shop offers a place where fans can celebrate Hogan’s legacy.
Duck Yeah!
I remain eternally amazed at just how niche a shop can be in the mountains. Welcome to Duck Yeah! a shop for Jeep owners who enjoy the relatively new tradition of Jeep Ducking. What is Jeep Ducking? According to Al Gore’s internet Jeep owners started “ducking” each other’s Jeep by placing a rubber ducky on them. The tradition started in Canada in 2020 and has apparently gone Ducking wild.
I don’t suppose you HAVE to be a Jeep owner to enjoy this shop. My kids enjoy collecting rubber ducks. More accurately, they enjoy buying little rubber ducks or winning them as prizes and then immediately forgetting about them and losing them forever.
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
Speaking of niche, welcome to Kermit’s Key Lime Shop which is also located on The Island and is not very far from Duck Yeah!. What is Kermit’s Key Lime Shop? Well, if you’re unfamiliar with Key West culture, Kermit’s is a Key West icon started by Kermit Carpenter three decades ago. It has grown into something of a chain. There are three locations in Key West, one in DeLand above Orlando, one in Charleston, S.C., one in Savannah, Georgia and now one on the island in Pigeon Forge.
What do they sell? They specialize in authentic key lime pies, as well as a variety of key lime-inspired treats, including key lime pie bars dipped in chocolate. They also have cookies, candies, and a variety of “zesty” souvenirs, just in case you want a slice of the Florida Keys to remember your trip to the mountains.
Skyland Ranch’s WagonWheeler
The Skyland Ranch in Sevierville has essentially doubled its number of attractions – depending on how you count the Safari Hayride – by adding the WagonWheeler, a rotating swing tower that is billed as the tallest in Tennessee. Guests soar 300 feet above the Parkway with breath-taking views of the mountains as they glide through the air. The WagonWheeler serves as a nice complement to the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster.
Goo Goo Chocolate Company
In case you thought Gatlinburg didn’t have enough candy options, the Goo Goo Chocolate Company has just opened in Reagan Terrace Mall, downtown. An iconic Southern treat, the Goo Goo Cluster was invented in Nashville in 1912. The treat features milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nuggets.
The Cluster is referred to by some as a candy bar However, it is more of a candy blob – a delicious candy blob – but a candy blob, nonetheless. The Gatlinburg location will allow guests to create their own Goo Goo cluster from a variety of ingredients and toppings. There will also be live candy making demonstrations and more. The Gatlinburg facility will be like the Nashville storefront.
What’s coming to the mountains?
Scooby Doo Mystery Putt
Located near Downtown Flavortown, the Mountain Mile Scooby Doo Mystery Putt will be 36 holes of mini golf with a Scooby Doo theme. Prepare yourself for a lot of Zoinks and Jinkies and other groovy phrases as well as holes themed around classic Scooby Doo locations, shows and themes. You can count on Scooby, the gang and the Mystery Machine being involved. But I’m hoping for some special guests like the Harlem Globetrotters.
The big question is will Scrappy Doo – whose arrival on the scene in 1979 tore Scooby Doo purists asunder – be represented in the park? The answer could make or break Mystery Putt. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
Hidden Hollow Aviation
Dollywood’s massive – and secretive – new attraction will open in 2026 in the Wildwood Grove section of the park. The ride will be an indoor family attraction – not a roller coaster – that will take guests soaring above the mountains and splashing above or into Secret Lake. We don’t know all the details, but we know Dollywood is investing $50 million in the project.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
They broke ground on a Sevierville location for BJ’s – a membership only wholesale club like Sam’s or Costco – back in April with a planned 2025 opening. BJ’s sells groceries, electronics and home goods in bulk at wholesale prices.
Additions to Tanger Outlets
While massive cosmetic renovations are underway at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, there are also some new shops that will be making their debut as well including Buckle, which offers a “curated mix of high-quality, on-trend apparel, accessories, and footwear” and – apparently – a lot of denim and the national make-up retailer Sephora.
Ripley’s Illusion Lab in Pigeon Forge
While traditionally, Ripley’s has chiefly focused on Gatlinburg in Sevier County, the Ripley’s footprint in Pigeon Forge will expand this spring with Ripley’s Illusion Lab located in the former Welcome Center on the Parkway. It will be next to the former Smoky Mountain Opry. If you want a location without a former in it, it will be near the Hard Rock Café and WonderWorks.
What is Ripley’s Illusion Lab? Well, the one in Myrtle Beach says it will “switch up your perspective, challenge your senses, and spark your curiosity through optical, photographic, and interactive illusions.” It’s set to open “this spring.”
What are you most looking forward to on this list? Let us know in the comments!