Waterslides to Flavortown: Here are new attractions coming to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge – Knoxville News Sentinel

Take a look at Dollywood's construction projects, including HeartSong Lodge & Resort

Dollywood unveiled its offseason construction projects, including the upcoming HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the Emporium and the park's parking toll booths

Brianna Paciorka, Knoxville News Sentinel

This story has been updated to clarify Soaky Mountain Water Park's new slide will open sometime in 2022.

Last year, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park saw over 14 million visitors, shattering the previous record in 2019 by 1.5 million.The national park is one of the busiest in the country, bring millions of tourists into Sevier County throughout the year.

If you're planning to visit the Smokies this spring, there are plenty of attractions in Sevier County outside of the national park.

From new, giant waterslides to a 10,000-square-foot arcade,here's a look at what's new for your spring trip to the Smokies.

Soaky Mountain is combining two of its slides to create onethrilling new slide.

"The Edge"is the fusion of the "WhiteWaters Master Blaster"water coaster with the beloved "Boomerango."The new slide will be over 200 yards long and will be located at the edge of the park, and it will feature two slides for a "dueling thrill."

The 70-foot tall slide sends riders down a three story drop with two uphill "blasts" that propel them through colorful, kaleidoscope tubes.

In a press release, Soaky Mountain general manager Dave Andrews saidThe Boomerango is loved the world over, but our guests will be treated to a very special version of it that has never done before. Our Boomerango walls are being designed to make the riders feel like they are going off The Edge of the coaster. It is going to be spectacular.

The new slide will make its debut in 2022.

Guests will also have more food options to choose from. Tacolicious, a taco truck formerly housed in a double decker bus, is expanding to a larger, 34-foot-long "Silverside" bus. The park said the new larger size will give chefs more room and allow for food to get from the kitchen to the table faster.

The double decker bus will be repurposedas a new vendor,Philly Up!, will call it home. The new restaurant will feature a menu of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches with some chicken options. Seating can be found on the upper deck of the bus, providing a view of Black Bear Rapidsand Coyote Springs.

For tickets and more information, visitsoakymountainwaterpark.com.

Looking to get a view of the Smokies, grab dinner and enjoy a show?

This entertainment package is provided byOle Red Gatlinburg and Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. For $117,The package includes two SkyLift passes and a $50 meal voucher for Ole Red.

Starting at SkyLift Park, guests will be transportedfrom the heart of Gatlinburg toCrockett Mountain. The park said guests will, "witness breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountain National Park" during the ski-lift-like ride.

The tour will conclude at Ole Red restaurant, created by country star Blake Shelton. The restaurant features a Southern-inspired menu with dishes such as tater-tot poutine and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. There's also a stage for guests to enjoy live country music with their dinner.

The promotion is live now and goes through July. More info can be found at axs.com and searching "Ole Red".

As it prepares to start its Blooms and Tunes eventon April 15, Gatlinburg theme park Anakeesta is adding a new bar: The Watering Can.

The bar will open mid-April, according to an Anakeesta spokesperson, and willbe located at the base of AnaVista Tower, which is the highest point in Gatlinburg.

Guests will be able to find local craft beers and seasonal cocktails at the full-service bar while getting a view of MountLe Conte.

For park hours and to see events, visitanakeesta.com.

Dollywood's Splash Country, set to open May 14, will have some new features.

Little Creek Falls will look a little different, as the attraction is getting a makeover. Anew splash pad with more than 100 new play elements is replacing the slides at Little Creek.

The goal of the renovation was to make the area more accessible for those of all ages and abilities.

Between small fountains and tall tree structures, all young kids will find something to enjoy.

Visit Dollywood.com for tickets and more info.

More: Dollywood preps for 2022 season with reimagined Splash Country attraction, parking fixes

Want to camp in the Smokies without sleeping on the ground that one rock all night? Smoky Hollow is a "glamp site" that opened in November. It offers guests a chance to stay in luxury cabins, tipis, treehouses and covered wagons. All units are equipped with electricity, heating and air conditioning. Rates start at $185 per night.

To book your stay and for more information, visitsmokyhollowoutdoorresort.com.

More: From Big Ears to Mardi Growl, here's what's happening this March in downtown Knoxville

More: Check out the biggest concerts and comedians coming to Knoxville this spring

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri is rolling into Pigeon Forge with the new Downtown Flavortown.

The 43,000-square-foot entertainment center invites you to "play with your food" and featuresa menu by Fieri, as well as bowling, a 10,000-square-foot arcade center and a tiki bar. Want a picture with Fieri's iconic 1968 Chevy Camaro? Downtown Flavortown has a replica of the car just for photo-ops.

The restaurantopened March 8in the Mountain Mile Mall.

For more info, visitdowntownflavortown.com

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Waterslides to Flavortown: Here are new attractions coming to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge - Knoxville News Sentinel