Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
New Attractions And Restaurants Make Their Debut In The Smokies - Part 2
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on February 21, 2023
Every year, a host of new attractions, shops, restaurants and lodging providers make their debut in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and 2023 is no exception. We've already seen several businesses open their doors for the first time this year, and many more are expected to come on line as the year progresses. In last week's blog post, we introduced you to a few brand-new attractions and restaurants, some of which are already up and running and some of which we won't get to experience for a few months.
But that list was just a sampling of what to look for this year. We're back again this week with more possible locations to add to your travel itinerary in 2023. Of course, we don't want you to forget about the businesses that already have a long and successful history, like Smoky Mountain Ziplines. Our Pigeon Forge zipline attraction will be open for the 2023 season in just a few more weeks, so when you're sitting down to plan your next vacation, be sure to include us along with all the other cool new sites that are coming to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Roma Table
Collier Restaurant Group - the company that has already introduced restaurants like Flapjack's Pancake Cabin, Quaker Stake & Lube, T.G.I. Friday's, The Melting Pot and Golden Corral to the Smokies - is planning to bring an Italian-themed restaurant to Sevierville later this fall. It's called Roma Table, and it's going to be in the facility formerly occupied by the T.G.I. Friday's at Governor's Crossing. The restaurant is expected to serve Italian favorites like hearth-baked pizzas, handmade pastas and other classic dishes in a setting that exudes a Smoky Mountain vibe.
Anakeesta
This downtown Gatlinburg theme park is not new, but it will be growing substantially throughout 2023, and when the project is complete, it will essentially double the size of the attraction. The first phase, called Astra Lumina, is actually already open. It's an enchanted nighttime walk through the woods as the stars descend from the night sky before returning to their celestial home. Astra Lumina is an add-on activity that's not included in the main admission price, and it requires a separate ticket.
Further phases of the expansion will continue through 2024 and will include a European-themed village, an interactive waterfall and cave system, a French-inspired bakery and much more. Among the highlights are a double-rail alpine coaster called Hellbender, which will make its debut this spring. The coaster, which will be full of twists and turns and offer both single- and double-rail experiences, is named in honor of one Smoky Mountain salamander species. Also, an aviary-inspired adventure zone called BirdVenture will allow guests to play and imagine what it must be like to be a bird in the Smokies. Kids of all ages will be able to explore three colorful, larger-than-life birdhouses, a dozen interactive adventure zones and seven giant serpentine slides.
The Hippie BBQ & Grill
Dude, this '70s-themed, family-owned restaurant is all about peace, love and barbecue! In addition to the smoker fare (the barbecue), the menu features burgers, wings and more. The Bell Bottom Burger is a beef and pork patty cooked to order and served on a brioche bun with all your favorite trimmings. Meanwhile, smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket and ribs appear in several platter options, each of which comes with two side items. You'll find this new eatery on the Parkway in Sevierville.
In addition to these businesses and expansions, look for new exhibits and rides and a couple of well-established Pigeon Forge attractions. The Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a new exhibit called Master Manipulation - which explores how some criminals use manipulation for personal gain - and at Dollywood, they'll be unveiling their brand-new Big Bear Mountain roller coaster when the park opens in the spring. It will be the biggest and longest coaster at Dollywood, offering more than 20 good air moments, more than any other family coaster in the country.
And believe it or not, we still have more new businesses to tell you about next week! Check back with us then.
