It’s Springtime, so those of you looking for attractions and reasons to come to the Smokies probably have a decent idea of what’s going on right now – Festival of the Nations at Dollywood, the Spring Rod Run, Ripley’s Aquarium and so on. We could use this blog space to talk about them the same as most other area information blogs, but there’s so many new that have come in this season and still coming in that we’d like to share with you news on that instead for now.
New Publix
2016 seems to be the year of the grocery store! At least it feels that way with the new Publix grocery store coming to downtown Pigeon Forge right next to Wears Valley road. You’ll be able to grab groceries before you head to your Smoky Mountain cabin so you can prepare your favorite meals and snacks. If you forgot anything at home, stop by Publix and pick it up on your way into town!
Goat Coaster
Goats On the Roof on Wears Valley Road has been one of those success stories where no one really saw it coming or expected it would be as big a hit as it is, but it has. Now the attraction is expanding to offer an alpine coaster on the premises as part of their “one-stop-fun” approach. Take a ride on the exciting mountain coaster where you can control your speed. Ride this coast during the day or at night. After you take a ride, don’t forget to feed the goats!
Cal Ripkin Experience
The Cal Ripkin Experience was long in the making on Teaster Lane and it’s finally open! This Pigeon Forge attraction is a sports complex with six baseball fields (made with synthetic turf), a 14,137-square-foot clubhouse, a concession stand, and more. There will be plenty of tournaments, events, and more featured there. Your friends and family will have fun visiting the area!
Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure Dinner and Show
Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure Dinner and Show is such a good show that the same management company that owns Dollywood decided to add it to their high quality brand of entertainment. The new Lumberjack Adventure will celebrate the Appalachian history of Tennessee lumberjacks, offer new content, food, and more. Kids and people of all ages will love watching the lumberjacks perform all kinds of crazy tricks.
Pearl Harbor Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies keeps things fresh by having one section of their Aquarium change with new exhibits and themes, and this spring we will see that exhibit turn into Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is a changeable, interactive exhibit featuring models of ships, planes, President FDR, an Arizona BB-39 Forward Magazine, info on the attack itself and the animals native to Hawaii. Plus, you will get to enjoy all the fun things the aquarium has to offer on a daily basis, such as Shark Lagoon and the Penguin Playhouse!
These are just some of the new things you can enjoy when you visit the Smoky Mountains. Are you ready to come back to East Tennessee? Look for a Smoky Mountain cabin for you next trip.
