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Anakeesta begins spring season with improvements to ADA accessibility
Anakeesta begins spring season with improvements to ADA accessibility

Yahoo

time24-03-2025

  • 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.

Sevier County adventure park offers East TN residents 75% off
Sevier County adventure park offers East TN residents 75% off

Yahoo

time04-02-2025

  • Yahoo

Sevier County adventure park offers East TN residents 75% off

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — WildSide, a recently opened attraction in Sevier County, is offering residents of Sevier, Knox, Cocke, Jefferson, and Blount counties a discount. Beginning February 4, residents will receive 75% off on UTV tours, mountain bike rentals, and mountain bike day passes scheduled anytime between February 13 and 28. Each county has its own discount code that can be unlocked on Proof of residency will be required. Development in Happy Holler district continues with addition of townhome community 'WildSide Local Days is our way of expressing gratitude to the communities that make up the heart of East Tennessee,' said Austin Martin, director of communications. 'We hope these deeply discounted adventures will inspire locals to experience the natural beauty of our region, enjoy time with loved ones, and create lasting memories here at WildSide.' The outdoor adventure park opened in July 2024. It is currently closed for the season but will reopen on February 13. It boasts 900 acres of off-road trails for mountain bikes and motor vehicles, like UTVs. Waiting for your tax refund? When it could come, and how to track it Discounts for residents around the Sevier County area are common, with Anakesta offering season passes for the prices of a single-day ticket and Dollywood offering $5 Sevier County days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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