This summer, Gatlinburg visitors can say hello to an array of new dining, entertainment and shopping options throughout the city. Here are some of Gatlinburg’s newest and upcoming additions:
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New Additions in Gatlinburg
Ober Summer Tubing
Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area takes the joy of their popular winter attraction and turns it up a notch with their new summer attraction: summer tubing. Guests will rejoice in the thrill of gliding down one Ober Gatlinburg’s 250-foot long lanes on a special tube, mimicking the rush of zooming down a snowy hill.
Anakeesta
In the spring of this year, Anakeesta announced the largest expansion of the park since its 2017 opening. The exciting plans included new outdoor experiences for visitors, more dining and shopping options, and an additional way to reach the summit of Anakeesta in the near the future. However, no wait is necessary for visitors to enjoy the park's newest gathering areas like the Overlook Beer Garden and Vista Garden Walk. People of all ages will delight in what the Vista Garden Walk has to offer, including the BearVenture Challenge Course, twigloos, and the addition of the park’s newest friendly face, the 20-foot tall Willow Man. When the sun goes down, be sure to head up for live music and a delicious meal from Cliff Top Bar & Grill’s new summer menu. Discover details about Anakeesta’s new and upcoming additions in their official press release.
Ole Red Gatlinburg
Country music star Blake Shelton’s newly opened restaurant and venue, Ole Red Gatlinburg, hits all the right notes as it brings to life unforgettable live performances and delicious Southern dishes inspired by the star himself. Don't forget to stop in early to savor their new Bluegrass Brunch, which includes mouthwatering menu items like the Pimento Beer Mac ’N’ Cheese and Blueberry French Toast Casserole.
SkyBridge
Gatlinburg’s iconic SkyLift expands into Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, offering guests a new and thrilling trifecta of attractions not found anywhere else. Be transported up five hundred vertical feet on the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of the newly-opened SkyDeck, the park’s two-tier observation deck that boasts gasp-worthy panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. During your visit, don't forget to take an unforgettable stroll across the Skybridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. The park’s new expansion also includes a retail store and food vendor area. Learn more about how to buy tickets in advance and save more.
New Businesses in Gatlinburg
Tennessee Cider Company
The first-ever cidery to grace the Gatlinburg area, the Tennessee Cider Company offers their one-of-a-kind take on the sweetest ciders and behind-the-bar hospitality. Following in the tradition of its sister company Tennessee Homemade Wines, cider-lovers can taste their way through a number of specialty flavors for free or stock up on their favorite editions in-store. While the two companies share conceptional DNA, the cidery is all subway tile and stylish pendant lighting, offering the perfect setting for sipping or taking a selfie with friends.
Slug
If you are visiting Gatlinburg and looking for locally sourced giftables or that fun souvenir, the Village Shops' newest retail store might just the place for you. Newly opened in the spring of this year, Slug offers a curated selection of items from local designers, artists and makers. Browse the shop’s adorable assortment of lapel pins, patches, prints and t-shirts and you’ll leave with a number of unique mementos.
The Appy Lodge
One of Gatlinburg’s newest hotels pays homage to the history of the Appalachian Trail and Gatlinburg’s mountain community. Owned and operated by the descendants of Gatlinburg’s founding settler, Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, the Appy Lodge brings to life old-fashioned hospitality, modern comfort and insight into Gatlinburg’s rich heritage through the hotel’s special exhibits. In a destination filled with a variety of lodging options, be prepared for accommodations that offer a truly local approach.
Goodwater Winery Gatlinburg
Wine connoisseurs can now raise a tasting cup (or two) at the Goodwater Vineyard Tasting Room, located right in the heart of the Marketplace shopping center in Gatlinburg. The second tasting room to be owned and operated by the Hartford-based Goodwater Vineyard, the new retail and tasting location offers plenty of opportunities for guests to try the vineyard’s unique and locally made blends.
Pinball Museum
If you weren't already making a beeline to the Gatlinburg Space Needle for their larger-than-life pizza slices, a few rounds of arcade games, or the Space Needle's 360-degree views, be prepared to do so now for their newest attraction, the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum. Players can enjoy more than 100 rare pinball and retro arcade games housed in the museum's collection - one of the largest of its kind in the Smokies. Admission includes unlimited, all-day access, which means no coins or tokens and countless hours of gaming fun.
Cookie Dough Bliss
Located in the Marketplace shopping center, Cookie Dough Bliss is Gatlinburg’s newest specialty eatery. Inside this family owned and operated business lies delicious treats and plenty of parlor-like seating, making it the perfect pit-stop for satisfying your sweet tooth after a busy afternoon. Visitors can enjoy glorious cookie dough morsels in a variety of flavors and specialty creations, including shakes, sandwiches, pops and every other mouthwatering situation you can imagine.
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
Located at 458 Parkway, Gatlinburg Brewing Company is a locally owned and operated microbrewery in downtown Gatlinburg, specializing in craft beer, craft pizza, and cold brew nitro coffee. Stop in for a pizza or a pint any day of the week for the perfect casual meal.
The Local Attraction Gastropub
Located in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, the Local Attraction Gastropub sports a menu filled with Southern favorites and pub-style cuisine. Stop into this family and operated hub for a laid-back lunch on their pet-friendly patio or an evening of exciting live music and specialty beverages.
