What’s New to the Smokies in 2016

whats-new-to-the-smokies-2016-pigeon-firge

Cal Ripken Baseball Complex
405 Jake Thomas Road | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

So maybe this first item isn’t for everyone, but we at least want you to know about this brand-new, state-of-the-art baseball complex opened by Baseball Hall of Fame member Cal Ripken Jr. himself!

Ripken traveled to Pigeon Forge in early March of 2016 to open this 6-stadium youth baseball complex in the Smokies. A $22.5 million facility, this complex features 6 lighted synthetic turf fields, lighted training areas, and batting cages—all of which is surrounded by the Smoky Mountains. Besides the fields themselves, you’ll also find a 2-level clubhouse with more than 14,000 square feet of space that overlooks the fields and, of course, the beautiful Smokies.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway | Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Close to Pigeon Forge is a new(ish) restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg called Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. Although this restaurant technically opened in 2014, we had to include it on our list because it’s just SO GOOD! Serving a hearty breakfast menu that’s fit for frontier-size appetites, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is your new go-to place for “Griddle Cakes” (aka pancakes) in the Smokies.

Try their Cinnamon Roll Swirl Pancakes or Crockett’s Buckwheat Fruit & Nut Pancakes while you’re in town. Or choose from their variety of omelets, scramblers, and skillet meals instead. And if you order a cinnamon roll, be ready to share. Paying homage to Davy Crockett not just in their name but also in their devoted service, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is worth a visit (or two) during your Smoky Mountain stay!

Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure
2713 Parkway | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

You might remember it as the Lumberjack Feud, but now, Dolly Parton has given her own spin to this already popular Pigeon Forge dinner show and renamed it Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure Dinner & Show. With state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment along with multi-million-dollar set designs, Lumberjack Adventure is sure to impress even the toughest critic in your family (which, let’s be honest, tends to be the youngest!).

Everyone will be wowed by the special effects and athletic performances—not to mention the axe-wielding lumberjacks themselves. Get ready for big-time entertainment, and a few surprises along the way, when you bring your family to new and improved Lumberjack Adventure in 2016!

Lumberjack Adventure is also one of our partners, which means big discounts for you simply because you stayed with us. Ask our reservation specialists for help finding the cabin with the right location and the right mix of amenities for your family’s vacation to the Smokies today.

Lightning Rod at Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Although set to open in 2016, the Lightning Rod at Dollywood is still in “technical ride rehearsal” according to Dollywood’s website. But keep checking back for when this ride—hailed to be the world’s first launching wooden roller coaster and the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster—does officially open in the Smokies.

In the meantime, be sure to visit Dollywood, another one of our partners (ask our reservation specialists for details on your discount), during your Pigeon Forge stay. There more than 40 other rides, including world-class roller coasters, as well as 15 shows, festivals, Southern-style dining, and more. And if you find yourself visiting Pigeon Forge on a hot summer day, try Dollywood’s Splash Country instead—one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 water parks in the nation!

Mornings at the Smoky Mountain Opry
2046 Parkway | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Don’t think that everything fun in Pigeon Forge happens after dark. At the Smoky Mountain Opry, they’ve added a brand-new show in 2016 called their Smith Morning Variety Show! Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, this show features an exhilarating wake-up crew with Charlie Bob Smith and Friends.

They’ll perform award-winning pop, country, and gospel hits with some hilarious comedy and impersonations added in, making this new show one of the most exciting in town! So if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat or you need a family activity that doesn’t interfere with bedtimes, the Smith Morning Variety Show is the right choice for you. Even better, this attraction is another Pigeon Forge Cabins partner. Ask about your money-saving discount today!

TopJump
3735 Parkway | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Another great indoor attraction that’s new to Pigeon Forge and perfect for beating the heat this summer is TopJump—the first trampoline park of the Smokies! Along with an amazing open jump area, TopJump provides a place to play dodge ball and basketball (you’ll jump as high as any NBA player!).

You can also check out the gladiator pit, kids’ zone, climbing area, and arcade. Get the kids together, and get ready for a fun afternoon of indoor play at TopJump this summer in Pigeon Forge!