New in the Smokies for 2012!

There is always something new and exciting in the Smokies and this year is no different. While spring turns to a very hot summer, new attractions, theaters, and restaurants have opened their doors for the public to enjoy.

Dollywood unveiled America's first winged coaster, "Wild Eagle" to the delight of it's many visitors. Literally fly through the valleys of the Smoky Mountains, some 21 stories above Dollywood, during your flight!

Wahoo Adrenaline Park in Kodak, has opened a new attraction that will send you ziplining across the French Broad River, soaring down the river in one of their jetboats, or test your nerves while attempting to walk across a glass bottom sky bridge, located high in the air. 3 great attractions in one spectacular location.

The Titanic Museum Attraction honors the lives of those lost on the ship 100 years ago. Special promotions and a "Royal Wedding" are in store.

Go back in time and visit some of your favorite movie sets and stars at the new Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center in Pigeon Forge. With 3 attractions in 1, you can tour the museum, visit the Castle of Chaos or find your way through Hannh's Maze of Mirrors.

The Smoky Mountain Opry is here! Formerly, the Miracle Theater, you can sit back and relax to your favorite country hits performed by dancers, singers and musicians.

Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, offers a new exhibit featuring sharks! Free with your admission to the aquarium, explore and learn about the power of a shark's bite, see some unusual contents found in the shark's stomachs, see what it looks like through the eyes of a shark and more.

Looking to fill up after a long day of activities? Try some of these new dining establishments throught Sevier County:

Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina in Gatlinburg.
Johnny Rockets in Gatlinburg.
Cabin Cafe in the Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg.
The Melting Pot in Gatlinburg.
Old Dad's General Store in Gatlinburg.
China One in Pigeon Forge.
Fusion in Pigeon Forge.
Go Greek Grill in Pigeon Forge.
Taste of India in Pigeon Forge.
J. T. Hannah's in Pigeon Forge.
Dairy-O in Pigeon Forge.
Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt in Pigeon Forge - opens in July.
Willie's Restuarant in Sevierville - opens in July.
Joe's Crab Shack in Sevierville.
The Shack Restaurant and Bar in Kodak.
Red Lobster in Sevierville.

There is plenty to do, plenty to eat and plenty to see!

Fishing for Rainbow's

Beginning today and continuing through June 14, 2008, the National Park Service is allowing anglers and avid fisherman to fish and keep rainbow trout caught along an eight mile stretch of Lynn Camp Prong and its tributary Marks Creek.

The rainbow trout are thought to be the cause for the decline in the native brook trout and the Park Service wants to remove as many rainbow as possible before adding a fish toxin to the waters in September.

Soon after September, the Park Service will move brook trout from other areas within the Park into that same eight mile area, that will once again be closed to anglers.

Smoky Mountain Stables Extends Season

The National Park Service has announced that the Smoky Mountain Stables will remain open throughout December, weather permitting. Daily from 9 am to 4 pm, the stables will offer one hour guided horseback rides for $20 per person per hour.

The weather has remained pretty seasonal, so conditions are ideal for horseback excursions through the Great Smoky Mountains. In case of unstable weather, visitors are encouraged to call 865-436-5634 before arriving.

US 441 Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur Under Construction

Road work began November 5 and is estimated to continue through early spring of 2009 on the road known as the spur, which accommodates an estimated 11 million visitors annually.

Preliminary work has already begun with single lane closures along the north and southbound lanes, however closures will not be permitted during the holidays.

Along with paving work, three extensive projects are scheduled to be completed including repairing the drainage system and the lighting system in the northbound lane of the tunnel, slope stabilization at Norton Creek Road, where a landslide occurred on the west side of the spur, and work at the Huskey Creek overpass.

The National Park Service will pay an estimated 6.3 million dollars to complete the project.

Cades Cove Rd. Closing Dec. 5th & 6th

Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed to motor vehicles on the 5th and 6th of December for hemlock woolly adelgid spraying and road work. The loop will remain open to all foot traffic on both days.

This will be a unique opportunity for photographers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the cove without the inconvenience of automobiles.

Ice and Snow Close Newfound Gap Road

The National Park Service closed Newfound Gap Road through the Smoky Mountains Thursday afternoon due to inclement weather conditions. Winter arrived quickly with an overnight low of 19 degrees and 1 and 1/2 inches of snowfall.

The Park Service expects to re-open the road later this afternoon, weather permitting.

Buyer Beware

Pigeon Forge City Commission Tuesday denied a proposed ordinance that would have prohibited the display of all hotel, motel and lodging rates within the city, but they did promise to pass an ordinance that prevents the posting of dishonorable rates on the signs.

City Attorney, Jim Gass said the ordinance he writes will state that rates posted on signs must be honored, or the consequence will be a $50 fine for each infraction. The police department will be expected to enforce the law.

We heartily endorse the new ordinance proposal and hope it is written, passed and enforced as soon as possible. Some innkeepers have been flagrant in their disregard for truth, and it gives the whole area a bad name. So visitors, question every rate you can or get a confirmed rate before you arrive in town.