Latest news with #Anakeesta
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New zipline in Pigeon Forge becomes asset to East Tennessee tourism
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — America's longest zip line has opened in Pigeon Forge, named the 'MegaZip.' The zip line soars over 1,100 miles above ground and stretches a little over a mile. The attraction is a new addition to WildSide Adventure Park, which opened its doors six months ago. 'Places like WildSide are going to be important because it's another new experience that's really like nothing else they can get in their home state or even close by,' said Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development Mark Ezell. Ezell was one of a few people who got to ride the zipline on Thursday. He called it an asset to the tourism industry. 'It's an incredible thing to have a state that has great tourism assets,' he said. 'We're a sales tax state in Tennessee, we love that we don't have a personal income tax as a resident. What it means is that more visitors come and they spend their money, and that sales tax revenue, it benefits the whole residents of all of Tennessee.' Knoxville 311 launches 'Rocky Bot' AI tool launched to help residents WildSide co-founders Bob and Bryce Bentz, who are also behind Anakeesta, said they wanted to bring something Pigeon Forge didn't already have. 'That's really what drove the concept of the MegaZip,' said Bryce Bentz. 'Longest zip line in the United States, it's hard to find topography that allows for something like that, and that really inspired us to say, 'Hey, what's the fastest way to get from the very top of the mountain to the very bottom?' And a two and a half minute ride down a mile is the fastest way to do so.' They also have a number of mountain biking trails and UTV tours. While they told 6 News they don't expect to bring in millions of people like they do at Anakeesta, they hope to draw people with a thrill for the outdoors. 'I think when you look at the Great Smoky Mountains area, you know, we have different sides to the park,' said Bob Bentz. 'We have the North Carolina side, we have the Tennessee side, Townsend as the peaceful side, I think we're now the wild side.' Inspector finds hand washing issues at Grainger County restaurant Since WildSide's opening, Bob and Bryce Bentz said they have created 50 jobs, doubled their biking trails and plan to add more UTV tours in the future. They added, while it is still in the works, they also plan to add more attractions like the MegaZip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anakeesta begins spring season with improvements to ADA accessibility
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourist attractions across Gatlinburg are opening their doors and expanding their hours this month to kick off the spring season and take advantage of the warmer weather. Earlier this month, Anakeesta moved from their winter hours over the weekend to being open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. New attraction to allow Dollywood guests to 'take flight' in 2026 '2025 is all about guest experience and we are really trying to focus on what makes Gatlinburg so special, said Anakeesta director of communications, Austin Martin. As Anakeesta continues to grow, Martin said they plan to make the park more ADA accessible. 'We have added ramps to all of our attractions, also our BirdVenture is built so it is ADA accessible, and then several areas of the park are being widened, right now, just to make sure that people aren't having to go upstairs, they are able to get to those places and really enjoy the Smoky Mountains with their family no matter what that situation may look like,' said Martin. With nearly 12 million people visiting the Smoky Mountains a year, he said the views take center stage at the mountaintop adventure park. 'We see a little more than a million every year, so we know that we are the entryway to the national park, and we really try to hold true to what the national park is doing,' said Martin. Meet the 24-year-old developer building 50+ housing units in Knoxville Among those visiting are families from across the country, taking advantage of the family-friendly atmosphere. 'What brought us to the area first was that it's a convenient location for all of us to meet, we're on spring break, which is really nice break for the kids,' said visitor Allysia Hunter. 'Anakeesta seemed like it had a lot of really fun things for all ages, which is what we're super interested in. A little bit of heights for those that like thrill and a little bit of safe play for those who are not trill fans.' Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, not only does Anakeesta bring millions of visitors a year, but they expect to provide nearly 700 jobs by the end of 2026. Martin said they also invest in local businesses and nonprofits through events like their Bear-Varian Fall Festival. 'That's a local craft brew festival,' he said. 'So what that is, you'll get a tasting pass, you'll get to try all local breweries from Tennessee and western North Carolina.' Injured hiker rescued from 'remote area' of the Smokies by TN National Guard With more festivals liked the United Tastes of America also taking place this year, Martin said they also plan to open America's Longest Zipline. At over 5,000 feet long, their partner company, Wildside in Pigon Forge will be debut it in May. 'Really what we do is just make sure that people are having a quality time,' he said. 'Gatlinburg was a tradition, especially in this part of the country, and we're really trying to keep that true, making sure that the younger people have something fun to do so they keep up that tradition, keep bringing their families back to Gatlinburg.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Get creative this Valentine's Day: Treat your sweetie to a show, a hike or a hockey game
The season of romance is here! If you still haven't planned the perfect outing for your valentine, try thinking out of the chocolate box this year. There are a few top 'romantic' restaurants around Tennessee to celebrate Valentine's Day, which is Friday, Feb. 14. But beyond the typical candlelit dinner, Knoxville has a some other fun, even unconventional options for couples. Surprise your beau with a concert, a cruise down the Tennessee River, a night at Anakeesta, some spicy salsa dancing, a birdwatching hike or even a hockey game. Check out these fun Valentine's Day activities to share with your special valentine. Grab your babe and paint the town. Broadway's longest-running current show 'Chicago' is in Knoxville. Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly bring showbiz scandal and jazz to the stage in this Tony-winning musical. (Just tell your sweetie not to get any ideas from the lyrics of 'Cell Block Tango.') When: Feb. 11-16 Where: Tennessee Theatre Tickets: $84+ Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-13 | 8 p.m. Feb. 14 | 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 15 | 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 16 Instead of a candlelight dinner, treat your partner to a candlelight concert. Listeso String Quartet is performing two candlelight concerts at Jackson Terminal on Valentine's Day. The first set is full of romantic songs including 'My Heart Will Go On' from 'Titanic' and 'Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet.' The second set features the music of Adele, including 'Hello,' 'Chasing Pavements' and 'Rolling in the Deep.' Tickets are $48-$56 and can be purchased at The Valentine's Special is at 6:30 p.m. and the Tribute to Adele is at 8:45 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Frankie Valli takes Knoxville on a nostalgic journey with timeless hits like 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' and 'Sherry.' The original 'Jersey Boy' is on his 'Last Encores' tour, performing all his greatest hits. When: Feb. 14 Where: Knoxville Civic Auditorium Tickets: $79+ Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Spending Valentine's Day with Erick Baker at the Bijou is a tradition. After 15 years, it's more than a concert. 'It's a night designed to fill your heart, lift your spirit, and remind you why love is worth celebrating,' according to the venue. The Knoxville singer blends folk, rock and Americana-soul, and has shared stages with John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Heart, the Goo Goo Dolls, Grace Potter, Chris Isaak and Gavin DeGraw. When: Feb. 14-15 Where: Bijou Theatre Tickets: $35-$65 Showtime: 8 p.m. Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash has released 15 albums and earned four Grammy Awards. She had a string of No. 1 country songs in the 1980's, including the crossover hit 'Seven Year Ache.' Cash is the eldest daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash. When: Feb. 16 Where: Bijou Theatre Tickets: $55-$75 Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Traveling acts and local comics bring the laughs every Sunday at Ale' Rae's. Holly Ballentine is the scheduled comic for Feb. 16 if couples want to enjoy comedy show during Valentine's Day weekend. The free show begins at 7:30 p.m. Couples are invited to make romantic memories at the outdoor adventure park with the Smoky Mountains Sweethearts' Package. The $125 special is available through Feb. 28 and includes: Two general admission tickets Two tickets for the immersive Astra Lumina night walk light show Two desserts 50% off a select bottle of wine at Clifftop Restaurant A cuddly Anakeesta plush black bear Love is literally in the air! This hike focuses on the unique courtship behaviors, breeding rituals and partnerships of birds. The 2.5-mile hike begins 9:30 a.m. Feb. 14 at Bluebird Barn at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak. The route is both paved and unpaved and the cost of the program is $6 per participant. Puck(er) up for some hockey on Valentine's Day! Sporty couples can watch the Knoxville Ice Bears play against the Huntsville Havoc Feb. 14, which is doubling as 'Third Wheel Night' if you want to bring a friend and participate in tricycle races on the ice at first intermission. The Knoxville Ice Bears also play the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Feb. 15. Specialty jerseys will be available to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the United States' 'Miracle on Ice' victory during the 1980 Winter Olympics. Tickets to games are available at Where: Knoxville Civic Auditorium Tickets: $15+ Time: 7:05 p.m. Love and murder?! North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theater show is playing in Knoxville. Solve a hilarious true crime mystery while you feast on a romantic dinner. You might even be sitting with culprit! Tickets are available at When: Feb. 14-15 Where: Hilton Knoxville Tickets: $64 Showtimes: 7 p.m. Feb. 14 | 6 p.m. Feb. 15 Spice up Valentine's Day by salsa dancing with your lover. You can even make it a weekly outing. The Salsa Party at Kerns Food Hall | 9 p.m. Feb. 14 | $10 Salsa Room and Bachata | 9 p.m. Feb. 15 | 9134 Executive Park Drive | $10 Fall in love all over again aboard the Volunteer Princess. The luxury yacht is offering daytime, evening and sunset Valentine's Day cruises along the Tennessee River. Meals and desserts are included on each cruise. Wine is offered during the early dinner and evening cruises. Tickets and more information are available at When: Feb. 14-16 Tickets: $50+ You don't have to travel too far for a romantic getaway. Crowne Plaza is offering two Valentine's Day deals for couples. The Getaway Package includes a room for two 'designated for love' and a seafood buffet, according to the website. And the Escape Package includes a charcuterie board and a bottle of La Marca prosecco. More information and booking details are available at If you want a romantic getaway further away, Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville is offering special spa treatments, a Valentine's Day meal and romantic evening cruise. Relâche Spa's Valentine's Day Treatments – The resort's spa was named one of America's top 100 spas in 2024 by Spas of America. Through Feb. 28, couples can get 'chocolate and champagne' pedicures, manicures, facials and massages. Each treatment includes a complimentary glass of Champagne. Valentine's Day cruise – The 300-foot General Jackson Showboat is hosting a three-hour evening cruise Feb. 14. The boat will cruise down the Cumberland River with sights of the city skyline. A three-course meal will be served accompanied by the Perry Danos Band. featuring Sinatra classics as well as pop, rock, jazz, and big band tunes. Tickets are $115 and can be purchased at SoundWaves Experience Package – The upscale indoor/outdoor aquatic experience has an adults-only upper-level lounge with its own bar, infinity pool and private cabanas. Couples interested in an overnight stay can book a SoundWaves Experience Package for a tropical Valentine's Day adventure starting at 25% off. Old Hickory Steakhouse Valentine's Day menu - A special menu including complimentary bites, three-courses, and dessert will be offered on Valentine's Day. Some of the options include yellowtail crudo, Kentucky wagyu filet mignon, five spice duck breast and raspberry white tart cheesecake. There's a selection of wine, cheese and premium cuts of meat, too. Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Fun things to do for Valentine's Day 2025 in Knoxville and beyond
