by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Famous for its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and perhaps most renowned for being the birthplace of country music icon, Dolly Parton, there are many reasons that over 9 millions tourists flock to the great Smoky Mountains each year.
Some obvious must-sees are the established theme parks and music shows on the “Pigeon Forge Parkway;” however, some exciting new attractions have moved in to take the city by storm.
Let me give you the exclusive inside scoop on all the brand new attractions (as well as some recurring favorites ) that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to East Tennessee.
TOP JUMP: (Trampoline & Extreme Arena)
Featuring an open jump, air bag, Fire and Ice Ninja Course, Basketball Dodgeball, and much more, it is no wonder that Top Jump has been consistently ranked Pigeon Forge’s #1 indoor attraction.
Featuring whimsical, fun, and extremely unique challenges, Top Jump offers heart pounding and strenuous thrills for the kids and the kids at heart. Home to the nation’s first high climbing adventure, Cliffhanger Challenges, Top Jump has 21 different climbing lines to test your skill and abilities.
A great indoor activity for a rainy day, you can also stay and play at the massive onsite arcade once your Top Jump adventure has ended.
Highlighting Skee-Ball, Sink It, Air Hockey, Basketball challenge, and more, the arcade offers something for everyone in the family as well as a treasure trove of prizes from which you can choose from the points you win during your gaming experience.
Website: topjump.com
Phone: (865)366-3400
TOY BOX MINI-GOLF
Pigeon Forge’s newest miniature golf course offers mini golf and mega fun at the world’s first toy themed mini golf course, featuring an exciting and challenging 18 holes and giant toy-themed photo ops at every turn.
Bring the entire family along, and once you have completed your mini golf adventure, head inside for a laser maze challenge, and bring home a souvenir from the toy shop to remember your special outing.
You’ll surely work up an appetite during your golfing and laser maze adventures, so be sure to indulge in some sweet treats from the gigantic selection at the on-location candy store, offering treats ranging from decadent chocolates, to jelly beans to gummy bears, and everything in between!
Website: toyboxgolf.com
Phone: (865) 229-9922
CRAVE GOLF CLUB:
Boasting a 19-hole indoor, and a 19-hole outdoor, mini golf course, the candy-themed Crave Golf Club holds the title of the # 1 mini golf course in America, ranked by “The Travel.” Each hole features whimsical “Sweet treat” themed decor, including massive candy bars, giant ice cream cones and supersize candies– perfect for social media photo ops.
The course is handicap accessible, and is a perfect outing for the entire family.
Crave also offers pulse- pounding escape rooms, a wonderful mini bowling experience, soft serve ice cream, a huge variety of sugary snacks at the candy store and much more to satisfy all your cravings!
Website: cravegolf.com
Phone: (865)366-3403
RAINFOREST ADVENTURES DISCOVERY ZOO:
Highlighting over 600 live animals and representing over 140 species, The Rainforest Zoo has been themed by one of the nation’s finest zoological contractors, whose impressive resume includes the Animal Kingdom at Disney World. Featuring animals both commonplace (goats, cockatoos, various rodents) to exotic (water monitors, capuchin monkeys, dragons), this zoo is not only an engaging and entertaining outing for the whole family (ideal for school groups as well), but is also a great way to learn about all of the captivating species with whom we share this great earth.
Beautifully and carefully curated, The Rainforest Zoo has delighted millions of visitors since its opening in June 2001 by businessman William Lucey. It continues to impress guests with an ever-changing and rotating line up of some of the most intriguing creatures you’ll ever see.
Be sure to purchase a bag of goat feed at the front desk for a special up close and personal “Feed the Goats” experience that you and your family will not soon forget.
Website: rfadventures.com
Phone: (865) 428-4091
STEVEN BEST’S THEATER
Pigeon Forge’s newest theater is owned and operated by Steven Best, who has been seen on numerous television programs including “Pawn Stars,” starring roles at various live shows in Pigeon Forge and performing magic on the Vegas Strip. The Steven Best Theater offers two fantastic shows that have the whole town abuzz.
LEGENDS IN THE SMOKIES: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE SHOW
Starring Nick Stice as Buddy Holly, Dave Karl as Kenny Rogers, and (straight from Canada) Tim Hendry as Elvis, Legends serves up the greatest hits from three of the most iconic personalities in music history, all brought to the stage by talented , engaging and extremely authentic tribute artists. The intimate setting allows each artist to interact with the audience on a personal level, even taking special song requests and handing out souvenirs (several lucky ladies just might take home their very own crimson “Elvis Scarf”) during this dynamic two hour show.
MAGIC SPECTACULAR:
Steven Best brings his unmistakable flair and top notch skill, which he has been honing since his boyhood magic lessons, to a content -packed two hour magic extravaganza, featuring everything from traditional sleight of hand, mind blowing illusions, mentalism and even a live rabbit (named David Hopperfield).
Utilizing his theater’s intimate space to connect with the crowd, each audience member is given the opportunity to witness inexplicable happenings with an up close and personal vantage point. Vanishing acts, a snowstorm in an off season, levitation and card tricks will be sure to keep you talking long after the shows’ end.
This brand new magic spectacular does have a tendency to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets well in advance.
Phone: (865)856-1117
WONDERWORKS
Combining education and entertainment with over 35,000 square feet of interactive, whimsical, and fun ways for kids of all ages to learn about science with a hands on approach, Wonderworks is must-visit indoor attraction on any family trip to Pigeon Forge.
An upside down bicycle, an earthquake simulator, a bed of nails and unique, interactive stations including an electricity glove, a “How Old Are You Really” survey to determine your longevity, and a moving tunnel that leads straight into the action, are sure to offer something to suit everyone in your party.
A favorite of many guests is the 4D XD simulator ride that features an exciting new line up brand new films including the newest “Dinosaurs,” a high thrill journey through the Jurassic period, as well as assortments of roller coaster and flight simulators that will make you feel like you are soaring high.
Head upstairs to enjoy a gallery of artwork featuring bubblegum and other unorthodox mediums, followed by a rousing game of laser tag, air hockey and a variety of arcade games.
(Be sure to take your photo in front of the “Upside Down” Wonder Works building and the “upside down” ceiling of the lobby for one of a kind vacation photos that are sure to have everyone talking.)
Website: WonderWorksonline.com
Phone: (865)868-1800
We’ve covered them before, but these “Must Sees” are always changing so you MUST return:
IMPOSSIBILITIES: MAGIC, MIND-READING, AND MAYHEM
Located in the Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle (the highest point in Gatlinburg, that you will not want to miss touring after you catch this performance), Impossibilities is truly unlike any other show you will witness in the Smokies.
Master mentalist, Erik Dobell, who has traveled the world from Las Vegas to South Korea performing for international clients such as Macy’s, the NFL and Goodyear, gives fans an opportunity to view world class mentalism with a front row seat at his Gatlinburg residency.
Impossibilities is consistently given five star reviews on Trip Advisor and has garnered hundreds of glowing reviews from fans who visit from far and wide to get an intimate look at shocking feats of mentalism acrobatics.
Dobell utilizes his compact space to incorporate, and interact with, at least one member of each party who attends his show, completing inexplicable tasks such as guessing the names of spouses, and thoughts of people whom he has not previously met.
In addition to witnessing some of the world’s finest and most buzz-worthy mentalism, guests can also expect classics like metal ring juggling and card tricks in Dobell’s one of a kind show.
Several lucky kids in the audience will have the opportunity to volunteer and garner some exciting souvenirs to take home including a coloring book with disappearing pages and a magical wand.
Erik stays behind after the show for a special meet and greet, where you can take photos and shop from an exciting collection of items including a magic kit and a special set of light up thumbs. (I have my own pair from the show and can tell you first hand that the light up thumbs will keep you entertained for hours on end.)
Website: impossibilitiesshow.com
Phone: (888) 482-3330
Photos: Maria McClanahan
COUNTRY TONITE
Consistently named “Best Show” year after year by travel guides, media outlets, and visitors alike, Country Tonite combines all the beloved classics with the hottest new hits that, along with dazzling costuming and tight choreography, creates one the most exciting live song and dance experiences in the Smokies.
Featuring an homage to the legends like Patsy Cline, John Denver and Kenny Rogers who are no longer with us, as well as a touching tribute each show to veterans and active duty service members, Country Tonite is also set apart from the rest by the fact that they are the only show in Pigeon Forge to feature youth performers as principal cast members. Chan Mullinax, in character as “Mamaw” and “Pappaw” brings plenty of laughs with brand new material, and be sure to follow the theater on all social media platforms for up to date information on household-name touring acts, including Diamond Rio and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Website: countrytonitepf.com
Phone: (865)453-2003
GRAND SMOKIES RESORT AND LODGE (where to stay)
Any traveler knows that choosing just the right hotel in a city with so many options can be a daunting task; however, if you are looking for a conveniently located, family friendly, and extremely affordable lodging option, look no further than the Grand Smokies Resort and Lodge.
Located right on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, the Grand Smokies Resort’s ample onsite amenities include a pool with a towering water slide (open nightly until 1 a.m.), an arcade, 24 hour coffee in the lobby, and friendly customer service with a smile. One of the most affordable hotel options in the Smoky Mountains, the Grand Smokies Resort regularly offers week-day room rates at under $50 with weekend rates under $100.
You won’t want to miss the resort’s associated attractions: Biblical Times Theater (featuring grand scale musical productions complete with a multi-course meal), Woodgrill Buffet (offering numerous genres of food including country, BBQ, seafood, salads, dessert, soups, and more), as well as Feaster’s on Teasters (serving up traditional Native American fare with unlimited starters), which are all located within walking distance.
Website: smokieslodge.com
Phone: (865) 453-4106
Victoria Henley, a former contestant on “America’s Next Top Model,” hosts Backstage Pass on FCB/IHeart Radio.