New Attractions in Pigeon Forge

If it has been a couple of years since you visited the Smokies, you will be delighted at the number of changes that have come to town. New restaurants, music theaters, quality condos, shops and attractions abound.

Johnny Carino’s and Bullfish Grill went up alongside each other very close to the new Fiddler’s Feast music theater. Carino’s is an Italian restaurant, Bullfish is all American steaks and chops and the Fiddlers Feast offers supper along with musical entertainment. The Fiddler’s Feast joins Dixie Stampede, Black Bear Jamboree, the Showplace Dinner Theater, the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Show and a musical performer at the Private Eye Grille who plays 30 different instruments.

Beer and Wine is now available in the restaurants and other new chain favorites include Red Lobster, the Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, Mandarin House, plus locally owned favorites like Calhoun’s, Connors and the Smoky Mountain Brewery.

This fall Jurassic Jungle Boat Rides expects to open on the Parkway. It is described as a “massive indoor special-effects thrill ride” with boats traversing waters filled with dinosaurs, snakes, volcanoes and waterfalls.

Last fall, Boyd’s Bear Country opened with a huge red barn full of bears, and it has already logged in over 1 million visitors. “We’re off to a good start, and the reaction from guests has been great,” said Will Edwards, store manager. The huge building encompasses 120,000 square feet and houses over 60,000 bears and in October a month-long Halloween event is planned.

There will be daily scavenger hunts in-store as well as other trick or treat specials and the on-going “Breakfast with the Bears”, is featured daily except Sunday. Appearances by costumed Boyd’s Bear characters is held during the Buffet from 9 am to 11 am daily. On Sundays a special “Sunday Country Brunch” featuring prime rib and all the fixings plus entertainment is very popular.

Coming on September 23, the Pigeon Forge Bear store will host its first big collector’s event, in which collectors get a private peak at the 2006 product line. Approximately 500 collectors are expected to attend the reservation-only event.

Among the theaters running full day schedules this fall are: the Smith Family Theater, Country Tonite, Old Smoky Hoedown, Smoky Mountain Jubilee, Memories, American Jukebox Theater and the Comedy Barn.

Morning shows include the Blackwoods performing at the Black Bear Jamboree, Triumphant Quarter at the Louise Mandrell Theater (which is in its last season), and Terry Evanswood’s Grand Illusion (Magic show) at Country Tonite Theater.

Plus remember its almost October and Pigeon Forge businesses are gearing up for another competition during the Harvest Festival….bragging rights for the most audacious, eye-popping displays of scarecrows, pumpkins, gold, orange and purple asters, hay bales, corn shucks and did we say pumpkins? About 40 businesses compete with elaborate decorations and it is truly a wondrous thing to see. Plan a visit this fall!