28 New, Unique Attractions in
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville
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Unique, Fun Things to Do
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Off the Beaten Path Places to Visit
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Unusual Places to Go
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New Places and Attractions You Might not Know About
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Gatlinburg
1.) SkyBridge, SkyTrail, & Tulip Tower
756 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
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The Skylift in Gatlinburg is an icon of Gatlinburg scenery. It was one of the original attractions that helped the area become so well known as a great family vacation spot. After the notorious wildfires in 2016, an entirely new chairlift system was installed.
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As it continues to grow, SkyLift Park has added an extra thrill to the top! In addition to SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian sky bridge in North America, there is SkyTrail and Tulip Tower, a beautiful Observation Tower. Seasonal lighting and breathtaking views will be just a few of the things you will experience at the top of Crockett Mountain.
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Skylift is open year-round.
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2.) Ice Bumper Cars at Ober Mountain
1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
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Ober Gatlinburg is a well known staple of Gatlinburg. It’s an amusement park with alot of winter related themes, but it’s open year round. It sits on top of a mountainside on Ski Mountain Road, and they continuously up their game each year. They’ve had an ice skating rink for years, and have recently added ice bumper cars.
Ober Gatlinburg also has an aerial tramway, alpine slides, mountain coaster, ski slopes, ice rink, shopping, snow tubing, a scenic chairlift, wildlife encounter, rock wall, water slides, mini golf, arcade, kiddie rides, Amaze’n Maze, Carousel and more.
If you haven’t been there in a few years, or ever...it’s a must do!
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3.) Mountain Biking & Ziplining at Ober Mountain
1339 Ski Mountain Rd., Gatlinburg, TN
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Formerly known as the iconic, "Ober Gatlinburg" - Ober Mountain has changed it's name and also added downhill mountain biking trails. No need to bring your own stuff, Ober has everything you need too!
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Ziplines will be opening soon in 2024 at Ober. "The Cloud Catcher" will be the highest zipline starting point in the area. Ride the chairlift to the top of Mt. Harrison and zip down - this should be amazing!
If you haven’t been there in a few years, or ever...it’s a must do!
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4.) Llamas at Trillium Gap Trail
Grotto Falls, Roaring Fork Motor Trail (closed in Winter), Gatlinburg, TN
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Roaring Fork Motor Trail, on its own, is an excellent choice for a relaxing drive, and a historical adventure. It’s a 1-way loop, just over 5 miles drive where you will see the very birthplace of Gatlinburg. The historic cabins and wildflowers alone are worth going on a drive there. At traffic light #8 on the Gatlinburg Parkway, turn onto Historic Nature Trail. Go about a half mile to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. About 2 miles, you will hit Roaring Fork Nature Trail.
Once you are on Roaring Fork Nature Trail, about 2-3 miles in, you will come upon the trailhead for Trillium Gap. Parking is on the left, trail head is found on the right.
This will take you to Grotto Falls for a great, easy and beautiful hike. It’s a little less than 1.5 miles to these beautiful waterfalls.
OK, here’s where the llamas come in. IF you want to see a “Llama Train”, get there very early, say, not later than 7 am on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. This is approximately when the Park Services uses several llamas to pack supplies on the trail up to Mt. LeConte, the highest point, which is approximately 7-miles past the Falls.
There is no guarantee you will see them, but it’s a regular thing the park has done for years, so there’s a good chance! Probably a once in a lifetime thing to see for most people. So worth it! Check out 8 Easy Wildflowers & Waterfall Trails Near Gatlinburg, TN
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5.) Carriage Ride in Cades Cove
10018 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN
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(March - November) Cades Cove Riding Stables offers more than horseback riding. They offer hayrides and horse drawn carriage rides.
During a carriage ride, the guide will tell you all about the historical and beautiful Cades Cove, which you will most likely find fascinating. Wildlife is abundant in the cove, so you may just see some wild deer, wild turkey or a few black bears along the way.
Cades Cove is about 30 miles west of Gatlinburg inside the National Park.
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6.) Alewine Pottery
623 Glades Rd # 10, Gatlinburg, TN
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Located on the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop. This is one of my favorite stops in the famous Arts and Crafts Community, just outside of town. Stop in and have some free, fresh popcorn, and browse the gorgeous handmade pottery pieces that are truly works of art.
You can watch how the pottery is made right onsite, each piece becoming a work of art. These are true artisans. This pottery is collectible and well-known for its quality.
7.) Ghost & Haunt Tours
404 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
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Ghost and Haunt Tours are walking or van tours given by knowledgeable and entertaining guides. They use real ghosting equipment (what’s that?) and you will be amazed at the history of the town as you enjoy the many stories Gatlinburg has hidden in its history!
Another company, "Tennessee Mountain Tours" in Gatlinburg, offers a variety of guided tours from lifelong locals, with tours like Moonshine and Wine, Trees of Many Colors (fall tour) and Roundabout Gatlinburg, just to name a few. There is a tour for everyone. Both companies have rave reviews.
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Check Availability of:
Gatlinburg Haunts Thrilling Dark History Walking Tour
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Ghost & Haunt Tours of Gatlinburg
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8.) Loco Burro Rooftop
735 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
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A Tex-Mex restaurant right on the busy, exciting Gatlinburg Parkway where you can get a drink on the rooftop bar overlooking all the action. Sit near the firepit on the rooftop patio and enjoy the night air as you people watch. Inside, you will find a bucking mechanical burro, you can ride-if you dare. Or just watch the other crazy (drunk) people try and ride it!
Live entertainment including open mic nights, tournaments and other events make this place a must-go-to on this list.
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9.) Ole Red
511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
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Famous Country Star and The Voice Judge, Blake Shelton and Ryman Entertainment our of Nashville are opening this entertainment venue is right downtown in Gatlinburg.
According to the website, it is a “$9 million, multi-level 16,000-square-foot with two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and exterior terrace. Its chef-driven, Shelton-inspired menu will feature a few Nashville classics like Hot Chicken & Waffles as well as BBQ, burgers and additional Southern favorites.”
Ps. Don’t forget Blake Shelton’s wife is Gwen Stefani. Just sayin…Should be lots of fun!
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10.) Stay in a Crazy Cool Cabin
Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN
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Don't miss these unique cabins with unusual amenities if you want something new and different and fun!
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Features like onsite mini golf course, rock climbing walls, a castle theme, a creek to swim and fish in, a cabin on the river, a neon glowing outdoor kitchen to grill on, and much more! Find details and see unique cabins here.
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11.) New at Anakeesta 2024
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
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Anakeesta continues to grow! Anakeesta is an enchanted, treehouse themed mountaintop amusement venue. It includes a ride up to the top of the mountain in a Chandola (enclosed), Ridge Rambler (truck) or open chairlift, (your choice), Treetop Skywalk, ziplining, Firefly Village, Memory Walk, kid's playground, TreeVenture Challenge Courses and splash pad, Anavista Observation Tower, Mountain Coaster and more. (see my updated 2024 video here).
A 2nd mountain coaster is now open, called "Hellbender" and also "Birdventure", life sized Birdhouse play area with winding slides has been added! And not only these attractions, but also an entire European Village that includes an authentic French Bakery have been added!
2 Mountain Coasters, and The Smokehouse Restaurant and Bar at The Top of the World, an extra zipline, garden walk, sunset deck and more night time lighting. This place is already beautiful. And it's just getting better and better.
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And check out the Astra Lumina Night Walks Amongst the Stars too in the evenings!
(Tickets sold separately)
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Cabins Near Anakeesta & the Downtown Gatlinburg Strip
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Find Out the Truth About Black Bears
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Pigeon Forge
1.) Under Canvas Glamping
1015 Laurel Lick Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN
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Have you ever heard of Glamping? It's a funny word for "Glamorous Camping". You could also describe it as “luxury camping”. Here, you will go off the grid, about 30 minutes away from the hustle and bustle to a serene, quiet area outside Pigeon Forge, and also not far from Gatlinburg and Wears Valley.
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These are really cool tents you rent and enjoy camping but with a few perks, like indoor plumbing, beds, linens, various sizes and packages, solar lighted pathways, community firepits, and night views of the stars from your tent.
Under Canvas has 24-hr onsite staff and a variety of activities packages.
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2.) Pigeon Forge Snow
2533 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN
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This place is all about fun. America’s first indoor snow park. It’s all real snow in a temperature-controlled building so you don’t need to freeze your buns off. Great indoor activity for kids and adults as well.
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Getting up to the top involves standing on a moving sidewalk. No climbing required. Then you can race your with others down the hill on a tube! There is also a snow play area where you can build snowmen or have snowball fights.
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There is a 2nd level where friends and family can watch and also get snacks.
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3.) Crave Golf Club
2925 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
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Rooftop Mini-golf, Indoor Mini-golf, Mini-bowling, Sweet Shop, Escape Rooms and Milkshake Bar. Everything is a bright, colorful dessert theme, and lit up for day or night.
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Just one of the reasons Crave is unique, are the game spinners at each hole. Spin and follow directions, plus you can win free stuff from concessions.
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Great place for birthday parties! Both the indoor and outdoor golf areas are handicapped accessible. I love that. Everyone should have the chance to enjoy it.
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Check Availability of:
Crave Golf Club - 2 Courses of Mini Golf
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4.) Smoky Mountain Cat House
3327 Old Mill Street, Pigeon Forge, TN
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Who among us doesn’t know a cat lover? This cute little shop in the charming Old Mill District of Pigeon Forge is for those people. And if you are not a cat lover, then maybe you need a gift for someone who is.
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This place was actually rated 2018 Best Place in a Pigeon Forge contest. You will find all the “Cattitude” here you could ever want!
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What's the Best Steakhouse in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge?
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Recommended Wheelchair Accessible Cabins
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5.) Alcatraz East Crime Museum
2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
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A 25,000 square foot, 2-story museum with interactive displays takes you into the world of crime and punishment, crime scene investigation, notorious criminals and artifacts throughout our history.
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The museum also hosts special guest speakers and events like The Graffiti Contest, Teacher Appreciation, and temporary special exhibits. And did you know this museum has the famous O.J. Simpson Bronco?
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6.) Micro Wrestling at the Microtorium
185 East Wears Valley Rd., Pigeon Forge, TN
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The Micro Wrestling Federation puts on 4 shows per week, March - December in Pigeon Forge's own Micro Wrestling Arena. They even had a reality show on the Discovery Channel in 2024. (Big Little Brawlers) and have been featured in Sports Illustrated, WWE and other national media.
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Talented and powerful little people, and great fun for all ages.
7.) The Mountain Mile
2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN
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If you’ve visited Pigeon Forge in the past, and driven on Teaster Lane, you may have noticed an old mall there, that seemed like it’s days were numbered. Well, if you thought that, you were right!
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What used be called Belz Mall, has been turned into The Mountain Mile, an attraction with shopping, restaurants, hotels and the trio of thrill rides called The Mountain Monster. The ride includes a 200 foot tower, diving, swinging and probably screaming. Described by the inventor as “intense, but smooth” - Very exciting!
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Includes Junction 35 Spirits Kitchen & Bar, Currahee Winery, Guy Fieri's Downtown Flavortown, Cinnaholic, REI, Nashville's Famous Listening Room, Cream & Sugar Sweet Shop, Coffee Armory, Toy Town, Azul Cantina, free movies on the lawn and more!
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8.) Big Bear Coaster & The Dolly Experience
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN
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May of 2024 - The New Dolly Experience Opens! Take Dolly's historic journey through time, as she entered the entertainment world after growing up in Sevierville, and see the new, high tech, extreme makeover of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum.
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Also be sure to ride the brand new roller coaster that is the longest at Dollywood! It features onboard audio, and tells a story to each of it's 20 riders on each trip. This family-friendly coaster is in the Wildwood Grove area of the park and is becoming a fan favorite!
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9.) Sandman's Workshop
182 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN
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I thought this was a unique, little place. They make personalized, engraved stones of all kinds. From art, to decorations, to yard ornaments to memorials, these rock and stone carvings are custom made right onsite.
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Oil stone candles, military memorials, benches, anniversary gifts, pet memorials, crosses, salt lamps, photo stones, garden ornaments and more. There is no end to the ideas of these personalized artisan craft stones.
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10.) Foothills Parkway Missing Link
Wears Valley, TN
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“The Missing Link” is 1.6-mile portion of a stretch of mountain bridges corridor that has been in the works for over 50 years. Many things held up construction over the years, and still hold up some parts from being finished. But this 1.6-mile connection of scenic mountain bridges opened to the public in late 2018, which allows for a beautiful 33-mile portion to be travelled from start to finish by the public from Wears Valley to Chillhowee.
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See Motorcycle Friendly Cabins Here​
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Sevierville
1.) Foxfire Mountain
3757 Thomas Lane, Sevierville, TN
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A family farm was about to be sold in 2009. But then, the owners had a change of heart, and thankfully this amazing place was born.
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This beauty has America's longest swing bridge, a waterfall zipline, The Gorilla Climbing Wall, an immense 60-foot climbing wall, kid's obstacle course, play area, the Goliath Zipline, which is the highest, longest and fastest zip line in the Smoky Mountains, aerial ropes course, a Cider Barn, and a Barbecue Shack.
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You can also enjoy hiking trails, creeks, waterfalls, and the Bear Crawler 8-wheeled ATV tour. Located 20 minutes from downtown Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. This place gets 1000's of excellent reviews.
Check out What's New Downtown Sevierville!
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2.) Smoky Mountain Deer Farm, Exotic Petting Zoo & Riding Stables
478 Happy Hollow Lane, Sevierville, TN
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This is a combination petting zoo, riding stables, and miniature pony ride park.
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Most people have been to a zoo, but have you ever wished you could pet those animals in them? Well, here you can - and feed them too. The pony rides for kids are park allow for parents to walk along side of the kids when they ride the miniature horses. If you are an animal lover like me, this place is for you.
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3.) Myers Brothers Farm
Valley View Rd., Sevierville, TN (Wears Valley)
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Seasonal pick your own strawberries in late April, and honey and other vegetables later in summer. It's best to call ahead (865) 640-9002 or check their Facebook page out so you will know what is available and hours, before you visit.
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Tomatoes, pumpkins, corn, squash, watermelons and peppers! Oh my! Let your kids do something simple, they will remember their entire life on vacation and take some farm fresh food back to the cabin for dinner.
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If you've never been to Wears Valley, make this a reason to go.
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Also check out Mountain Mist Farms at 722 Caney Creek Road, Pigeon Forge
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4.) Wild Bear Tubing
1980 Pittman Center Drive, Sevierville, TN
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Scenic tubing down the Little Pigeon River. And they are pet friendly so you can bring your bestie! Get the best price when you make reservations.
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5.) Mountain Paintball
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2 Paintball attractions with great reviews. Plenty of options here including low Impact, low pain paintball, laser tag, after hours, and group reservations options so the whole family can play. Exciting military style combat, yet safe environment for everyone.
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There are several "villages" or courses to play in, ledges, foxholes, and bunkers.
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Smoky Mountain Paintball - 12240 Chapman Hwy, Seymour
Tennessee Mountain Paintball - 729 Happy Hollow Lane, Sevierville
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6.) Foam Warriorz
250 Collier Drive, Sevierville, TN
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This place is getting great reviews. Right next to Sevier Air Trampoline & Ninja Warrior Park, the pair could be a kid's (and parent's) dream come true when paired together for a day.
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Foam combat arena with referees - for those of us with a competitive spirit! But it's all in good fun. They also have bounce houses and axe throwing. Birthday parties offered as well.
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7.) Shine Girl
1610 Jenkins Road, Sevierville, TN
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There are a lot of (now legal) shine distilleries in the Smoky Mountains nowadays, but this one is kinda special.
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It is owned and developed by Danielle Parton. Not only is she the niece of living legend Dolly Parton, but she is an amazing person in her own right. Danielle is a pilot and combat veteran, as well as the creator of her very own Shine Girl Moonshine. Her moonshine has been featured on Moonshiners and she's been on Master Distillers (Discovery Channel).
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Her moonshine is distilled into specialty flavors using honey, sugar and molasses, and recipes handed down through generations of her own family. Flavors like Lavender, Rose, Red Velvet and Coconut are just the start. She also makes Rum and Vodka and beautiful cocktails. Stop in and you may just see Danielle herself! ​​
7.) Dig'n Zone Theme Park
1707 Veteran's Blvd., Sevierville, TN
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This is new in 2024 and is the world's largest construction-based theme park.
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Over 25 attractions, games, food, live performancesvand you can operate REAL construction equipment in a safe environment. You can also have birthday parties there!
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Rides include:
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The Decimator
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The Crusher
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The Cut and Run
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Diggy Bear Express
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Dig'n Pit
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Farm Hands
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Gator Grand Prix
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Later Gator
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Pipeliner
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Rock'n Roll'n
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Skid'n
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Tumble Town
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Plunkey Monkey
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Boogie Buggies...and More!​