There have been two recent restaurant additions to the Gatlinburg parkway: Mellow Mushroom and Dick’s Last Resort. The Mellow Mushroom in Pigeon Forge was so popular they decided to open another in Gatlinburg. It is not open yet, but they’re set to open on Monday, May 5. Dick’s Last Resort opened in March and is an interesting addition to the Gatlinburg area, meaning it’s not your typical restaurant.
Dick’s is more than just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Named the “The Shame O’ The Smokies” Dick’s isn’t the place you come to get special treatment. Instead, the staff is intentionally rude to you and dishes out obnoxious, yet witty insults. Servers are known to make strange shaped hats with offensive and perverted comments on them for their guests, all in the name of fun of course! Dick’s isn’t for everyone but if you’re looking for a good laugh and good time, it’s definitely something you should experience while in the area.
We also have an exciting upcoming addition to Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot, more of a fine dining restaurant. The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that it is perfect for special occasions. They’re set to open sometime this month so stay tuned for the opening date!
Tomb is an interactive adventure attraction that will be opening this summer in Walden’s Landing. Tomb looks like a pyramid and visitors will be transported into a themed Indiana Jones style adventure. Inside they will find themselves in the middle of an Egyptian pharaoh’s tomb. From there they will have to find a way out of the tomb with their guide and group.
This new attraction will be opening in late May and will be located in the Walden’s Landing shopping center. Just look for the big, brightly lit pyramid with the bright color changing lights on top. Be sure to check it out on your summer trip to Pigeon Forge!
The weather is beautiful and there’s no better time to get out and run or walk. There are several runs that are coming up in Pigeon Forge that are great for any and everyone to participate. Not a runner? No worries all are welcome to participate and walk the course.
The Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries’ third annual 5K May Rescue Run is on May 7. This race benefits the poor and needy of Sevier County. SMARM is inviting the community to get on their feet again this year and make a difference for their neighbors who are struggling to survive. Runners from the past two years have commented on how beautiful the run is as you return to the finish line with a beautiful view of the mountains. Early registrations must be postmarked or submitted by April 23 are $25 and will include a race T-shirt. You can register online or download theregistration form
The next race is the Smoky Bear 5K on May 14. This race is sponsored by the Sevier County High School Athletic Booster Club. Race starts at 8:00 am at the SCHS Football Stadium. Registration is $20 in advance which includes a T shirt and $25 the day of the race. Download the registration form today.
The next event isn’t a race but a Triathlon! The Sevierville Triathlon and Splash and Dash on May 21 is part of the Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass Weekend. The triathlon consists of a 150 yard swim, then you bike 11.2 miles and run 3.1 miles. The Kids Splash & Dash is a 100 yard swim and a 1.5 mile run. The Adult Splash & Dash is a 150 yard swim and a 3.1 mile run. The triathlon starts at 8:00 am and the Splash & Dash at noon at the Sevier Community Pool. Don’t think you’re quite ready to compete? Come cheer on friends and enjoy BBQ and free concerts all weekend at the Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass Festival!
The last event is our very own PigeonForge.com Midnight 8k. The race has a unique midnight start time and a fast and flat course, making it easy and fun for all runners. The Pigeon Forge Midnight Road Race 8K is a Knoxville Track Club race and will take place August 6, 2011 at midnight on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN. Download the registration form and join us!
For those of you who have heard about the unfortunate sewage spill into the Little Pigeon River you might think that it has affected the rafting companies in the area. Just to clarify, the spill was in the Little Pigeon which runs through Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. This is a very small river that flows through the towns and is not raftable. The rafting companies are actually based out of Hartford, TN and you raft down the Pigeon River, the with options of the Upper Pigeon and Lower Pigeon, which are in no way attached to the Little Pigeon.
With that being said, be sure to raft with us this season! All the rafting companies are open and are gearing up for the summer season. If you or any one you know have been misinformed and were thinking about cancelling your trip to Pigeon Forge or passing up on your rafting adventure please be sure to pass this information along and start planning your trip. We’re looking forward to a fun summer here in Pigeon Forge! Get to planning today!