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Vista Gardens in Anakeesta

6 New Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on Your Next Visit

Are you long overdue for a trip to the Smoky Mountains? If it’s been a while since you’ve had the chance to visit, you may notice some new additions to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that weren’t around when you were last here! Check out these 6 new things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on your next visit:

1. Observation Tower at Anakeesta

anakeesta in gatlinburgAs part of its 2020 expansion, Anakeesta is debuting a one-of-a-kind observation tower. The tower is officially the tallest point in downtown Gatlinburg! From this new tower, you’ll have panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. After asking Facebook fans what the name of the tower should be, Anakeesta decided on the “Anavista Tower,” which blends Anakeesta with the location of the tower in Vista Gardens. The observation tower is sure to be one of the most popular new things to do in Gatlinburg!

2. Smith & Son Corner Kitchen

If you’ve seen Blaine’s Grill & Bar in downtown Gatlinburg before, you might be surprised to see a new restaurant in its place on your next visit! Blaine’s got a new look, new name and new menu for guests to enjoy. Smith & Son Corner Kitchen blends Southern hospitality with Smoky Mountain flavor for a delicious menu of pasta, wings, burgers and more. This casual restaurant is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a drink after a full day of exploring the area. There’s even a signature drink menu with specialty cocktails you won’t find anywhere else!

3. Pigeon Forge Axe House

three axes on a targetPigeon Forge Axe House opened on May 11 and provides a fun new activity for people of all ages. This thrilling experience puts your axe-throwing skills to the test to see if you can get a bullseye! If you’ve never been axe-throwing before, don’t worry! The new attraction has all-star coaches who will have you throwing like a pro in no time. The coaches help make sure everyone has a fun, safe and unforgettable experience! If you work up an appetite, you can enjoy delicious pizza, wings and appetizers from Pizza at the Cove after your adventure.

4. Rowdy Bear Ridge Adventure Play Area


Rowdy Bear Ridge Amusement Park in Pigeon Forge is working hard on a new adventure play area for visitors to enjoy! The play area will include a slide, nets you can crawl through, and more. Kids will love running around the new area. The new adventure play area joins the already open tubing hill and laser gun coaster to make three exciting activities at this attraction! Details on the official open date for the adventure play area will be available soon.

5. Axe Throwing at Lumberjack Feud

Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon ForgeIf you haven’t been able to visit Pigeon Forge in the past several months, you may not have heard about the brand new activity at Lumberjack Feud! The adventure park recently introduced axe throwing. Put your lumberjack skills to the test as you try to hit the target. Everyone from the kids to the adults love this new activity! Watch the Lumberjack Feud show, then take what you learned from the lumberjacks and give it a try yourself.

6. Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks

There’s a new spot to eat in Gatlinburg! If you love cheesesteaks, then a visit to Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks is a must. The Bigfoot Classic is the most popular item on the menu, which includes steak, caramelized onions and a blend of white American and provolone cheeses. You can also get a chicken cheesesteak, meatball sub, tacos and so much more! If you work up an appetite exploring Gatlinburg, make sure to stop by Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks for a bite to eat.

Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

traffic on Gatlinburg ParkwayWe’ve named some of the best new things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that have opened up since your last visit, and we bet you can’t wait to try them all! Learn more about other things to do in the Smoky Mountains and start planning what you want to do on your vacation!