Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on February 26, 2019
We usually spend a little time each spring sharing previews of new businesses coming to the Great Smoky Mountains – attractions, restaurants, shopping destinations, etc. This year, however, has been a banner year in terms of the number of new places planning to open their doors in 2019. There's been so much that we've spent weeks telling you about all the newcomers, and we're not done yet. Read on to learn about several cool things that you can add to your possible vacation plans this summer.
Regular visitors to the Smokies are probably familiar with motion-theater attractions; there have been several in the area over the years. But by this time next year, a new $20 million flying theater ride at The Island will be taking that experience to new heights. The still-unnamed attraction will combine a state-of-the-art ride system with a custom film experience to give passengers the sensation of flying over some of the nation's most beautiful natural wonders and landmarks. It will be similar to the Soarin' ride at Walt Disney World and, in fact, is being built by the same company responsible for that attraction. It will include not only motion but also sights, smells, sounds and even a little mist to engage all the senses. The attraction, which will occupy some 10,000 square feet, will be adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island.
This Civil War-themed theater attraction is scheduled to open in Pigeon Forge this weekend, on March 2. The owners say it will tell the story of two East Tennessee siblings – one who is pro-Union and one who is pro-Confederate. The show, which is being billed as “American history with Southern humor,” incorporates history into its storyline and is expected to deliver about 500 performances each year.
In addition to these attractions, there are several new restaurants to consider when you're visiting the Smokies. One is called Graze Burgers, and it's in downtown Sevierville. The burgers are hormone-, antibiotic- and steroid-free, and they come in a wide variety of styles. The Tennessee burger, for example, is made with bacon, jam, bourbon barbecue, Gouda cheese, beer-battered onion rings, slaw, tomatoes and pickles. They also serve floats and shakes. Sounds yummy!
Also look for Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse, located on Valley Drive in Pigeon Forge. Designed to help guests experience the flavors of Brazil, the menu at Gaucho Urbano is inspired by provincial dishes and showcases fresh, authentic ingredients. The restaurant's Harvest Table offers gourmet salads, vegetables, hot sides, cured meats, cheeses and more, while the Chef's Table features seasonal dishes from throughout Brazil. Then guests can signal chefs to bring as many as 16 different sliced meats to their table.
Now let's talk about ziplining… We're just a few days away from launching our 2019 season at Smoky Mountain Ziplines! Theaters and restaurants can definitely be nice places to go when you're on vacation, but if you're going to be in the Smoky Mountains, we recommend actually going into the mountains. And there's not much more fun you can have in the mountains than ziplining Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We've got seven lines that add up to one of the longest courses in the area, plus we have a vertical descent feature to mix things up a little bit, and we deliver some of the most splendid views of the Great Smoky Mountains that you'll find in the area.
Check us out on tripadvisor.com, and you'll see that we're the best rated outdoor attraction in town, and read the reviews to find out why our guests consistently give us high ratings and come back to visit us again and again. We hope to see you here too in 2019!