Latest news with #Gatlinburg
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Family wants to unload van – hungry bear steals pork rinds
A family in Gatlinburg, Tennessee wanted to unload the van at their cabin when an uninvited guest showed up: a hungry black bear was after their pork rinds. Comical footage released on August 13 captured the moment.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This Tennessee bachelorette party had a bear-y unexpected guest. Watch the video
This guest didn't RSVP to the party. A black bear wandered into an outdoor bachelorette party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The video was posted to TikTok by Brooke Willman on July 24. While the party took place on a nearby balcony, the women spotted a small black bear coming near their area. The bear approached the parked car before heading towards the open grill, where several steaks were set out. Though the bear was not on the guest list, it enjoyed a big steak anyway. After all, it was a bear-beque! The bear stayed in the area for about 20 minutes before ascending to the outdoor balcony where the celebration was taking place. Of course, the small bear had to stop to appreciate the paw-some decor before trying to take a seat at the bride's table. Ironically, the theme of the party? "She Found Her Honey." So, at least the Gatlinburg bear's presence was on theme. Viral bear videos can come at a cost Often, you'll see a viral video circulating online about a black bear entering a store, a house or somewhere else it ought not to be. In some cases, such sightings might lead to the bear's death. In 2024, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was forced to euthanize 31 bears. That's 12 more bears than East Tennessee's four-year average of 19. Not all bears are euthanized because of their behavior. The TWRA's figure also includes putting down injured animals. The TWRA will put down any potential threats to people, bears that grab food directly from people or that enter houses. "Public safety is going to come ahead of bears," said TWRA's bear program leader Dan Gibbs. Even though it ensures safety for people, it's never easy for Gibbs or his team to euthanize a bear. "Just because we are putting the people over the bears doesn't mean it's not hard for us to do it," Gibbs said. What to do if you see a black bear If you see a black bear in East Tennessee, do not approach it. Maintain your distance with adult bears and especially with cubs. In June, you're more likely to see a black bear cub in East Tennessee. Even if you don't see the cub's mother, don't pick a cub up or touch it. recommends a few basic guidelines to help keep people safe in a black bear encounter, depending on where you see the bear. If the bear is indoors or near a dumpster or building, back away and give it a clear escape route. If it's inside leave doors open. If the bear is in your backyard, remain a safe distance away and make loud noises to scare it away. Be sure it's gone before letting any pets out or removing items that might have attracted it. If the bear is in the woods, back away slowly and quietly. Never run, as that might trigger the bear's chase response. If you are approached by the bear, stand your ground and try to appear as large as possible. Make loud noises. If a black bear charges you, use bear spray. If it makes contact, fight back using your surroundings. Do not play dead. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Black bear crashes bachelorette party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Watch the video Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grown-up fun in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg: Moonshine tasting, thrill rides, poolside cocktails
Who says the Smokies are just for the kids? Grown folks can have just as much fun and get their adrenaline fix in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. From moonshine tastings to mountainside ziplining, there's no shortage of things to do that don't involve chasing toddlers or standing in line for the kiddie rides. Whether you want to soak up the scenery on a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, scream your way down a water slide or ride a mountain coaster, there are plenty of ways for adults to play, too. Here are some fun ideas for adults looking to eat, sip, shop and thrill their way through the Smokies. The new Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster will have your adrenaline pumping like no other mountain coaster, according to the website. The attraction opens June 20 and is the only mountain coaster in the United States with side-by-side tracks, letting you compete as you zoom down the mountainside. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the first alpine mountain coaster in the world with four uplifts, according to its website. The ride features Smoky Mountains views, 360-degree turns and several tunnels. With over a mile of track, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest downhill ride in the United States, according to the website. The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof goes through the East Tennessee hills. Keep a lookout for the goats on the property as you go down. You can also feel the mountain breeze through twists and turns on Ripley's Mountain Coaster and Moonshine Mountain Coaster. At each coaster, riders can control the speed of the vehicles, which can reach up to around 30 miles per hour. Vehicles can seat up to two people. The prices range from $15 to $18. Addresses: Goats on the Roof | 1341 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge Moonshine Mountain Coaster | 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg Ripley's Mountain Coaster | 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg Rocky Top Mountain Coaster | 2940 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster | 867 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster | 115 Conner Heights Road, Pigeon Forge There are several dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. Many are part of the Dollywood Company and offer the chance to enjoy a multi-course feast while being entertained by horses, acrobats or pirates. Alcohol is available before the shows start. This year, Pirates Voyage introduced a new 'South Pacific Celebration' act. Searching for treasure, the pirates meet a group of native Polynesian islanders who welcome them with drums, songs, vibrant costumes and even fire. Stampede is celebrating its 38th season with majestic horses and experienced equestrians, music and storytelling, comedy, colorful butterflies, acrobatics and a four-course meal. The show also features special effects and a new take on a classic Dolly Parton songs. At the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, watch the longest-running family feud unfold with singing, dancing and fighting cousins. And be prepared; if you sit in the front row, you might get splashed amid the chaos! The two-hour show at the Comedy Barn Theater features comedians, jugglers, ventriloquists, live music and more. Neither a full course meal nor alcohol is available at this show, but you can pick up an array of snacks at the concession stand. More information about each show is available at Address: Comedy Barn | 2775 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud | 119 Music Road, Pigeon Forge Pirates Voyage | 2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Stampede | 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Beat the heat at a water park like Dollywood's Splash Country or Soaky Mountain. Both have thrilling water rides, refreshing pools and live music. Rafter's Rage opened in May at Soaky Mountain. The six-person ride starts roughly eight stories in the air, spans 825 feet and sends riders zooming down the slide at speeds of 19 mph. Or you could just spend your water park day relaxing poolside in a cabana or underneath a canopy. Cabanas at Soaky Mountain can be rented as low as $50, but price depends on the day of the week. Cabana prices are higher on Fridays and the weekends. Canopies at Splash Country start at $80. Tickets: $55 (Splash Country); $53 (Soaky Mountain) Address: Splash Country | 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge Soaky Mountain | 175 Gists Creek Road Sevierville Hikers should explore the trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has over 150 official trails. Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Chimney Tops, Charlies Bunion and Rainbow Falls are a few of the especially popular trails, according to National Park Service. Soak in the hot tub, relax in pool and have a few cocktails at the Paloma Swim Club at the Wayback hotel, one of the best hotels in the world. The pool club is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, and - in keeping with the hotel's retro 1970s theme - there's a disco pool party 5-9 p.m. every Saturday until Aug. 9. Entry to the pool party is $25, but free for overnight hotel guests. The Spicy Pomegranate Paloma and Mexican Mule are a couple of the cocktails on the menu. It's 5 o'clock somewhere! Escape to the islands at Margaritaville resort, where you can raise a glass and take a bite. The tropical-themed bar and restaurant is inspired by the philosophy of musician Jimmy Buffett. The Pigeon Forge location has multiple bars and dining spaces, a concert stage for live music, a large deck the overlooks Little Pigeon River and an oversized fire pit. Hours: Margaritaville | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Address: Margaritaville | 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge Wayback Hotel | 2760 Parkway, Pigeon Forge The newest ride won't be open until at least 2026, but there's much fun to be had at Dollywood. The theme park is one of the most popular attractions in East Tennessee and the world. Big Bear Mountain opened in 2023 and is the longest coaster at theme park. With speeds up to 48 mph, it takes riders through hills, turns, tunnels and even waterfalls. Other fast coasters there include Lightning Rod, Tennessee Tornado and Thunderhead. Tickets: $92 for adults and $82 for children and seniors Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge There's an island in Pigeon Forge you can escape to! The Island, an entertainment shopping destination, has over 80 shops, restaurants and attractions including escape rooms, a seven-dimension adventure game and an arcade. There are boozy stops, too, including Margaritaville and Ole Smoky Distillery. The Mountain Mile and Tower Shops is a unique shopping and dining experience in Pigeon Forge that embraces the outdoors. You can relax or find a playful activity on the event lawn in front of the shops to enjoy. Or find your way to the tall towers to drop, launch or swing 200 feet in the air if you dare. Tanger Outlet in nearby Sevierville has major retail stores including Adidas, Coach, Crocs, Gap, Kate Spade New York, Lululemon, Nike Factory Store, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Torrid and many more. If you're looking for more southern hospitality, Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge might be the shopping spot for you. There are specialty shops full of authentic or handcrafted Appalachian flavors, pottery, souvenirs and other items. Address: The Island | 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge Mountain Mile and Tower Shops | 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge Old Mill Square | 175 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge Tanger Outlet | 1645 Parkway, Suite 960, Sevierville Sugarlands Distilling Company is one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg and is a top-rated distillery experience worldwide, according to TripAdvisor. The distillery produces award-winning moonshine, rum, cream liqueurs, rye whiskey and vodka. Moonshine tastings are $5 person with 12 flavors. Flavors are changed daily. Other top distilleries and wineries to check out include Ole Smoky Distillery, and Junction 35 Spirits, both having tastings starting at $5 per person. Tennessee Homemade Wines has free tastings of its southern sweet wines, and Tennessee Shine Company has free moonshine and wine tastings, too. Address: Junction 35 Spirits | 2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 280, Pigeon Forge; 1645 Parkway, Suite 685, Sevierville Ole Smoky Distillery | 903 Parkway, Suite 128, Gatlinburg; 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge; 650 Parkway, Gatlinburg Sugarlands Distillery | 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg Tennessee Homemade Wines | 1645 Parkway, Suite 950, Sevierville; 643 Parkway, Gatlinburg Tennessee Shine Company | 3435 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge; 519 Parkway, Gatlinburg; 1424 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville; 3303 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville Board the Titanic and experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the famous luxury liner. The museum has over 400 artifacts and items from the ship and its passengers worth more than $4.5 million. The newest items include a pocket watch found on the body of Isidor Straus after the sinking, along with the only letter his wife, Ida, sent from the Titanic. There's also an exhibit dedicated to the 1997 movie 'Titanic' that features the iconic wood panel that characters Rose and Jack clung to at the end of the film. Many of the Titanic exhibits are interactive, including shoveling coal in the boiler room, experiencing the sloping decks as the ship sank and reaching into 28-degree water. Tickets: $39.99. It is recommended to reserve tickets and a time at Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Embrace your wild side and hop on the longest continuous zipline in the country! MegaZip at WildSide, a mountain bike and UTV park in Pigeon Forge, is over a mile long and has descension of nearly 1,100 feet. The exhilarating adventure offers a truly unique way to take in the Smoky Mountain views. Smoky Mountain Ziplines has seven zipline canopy tours that allow you to zip from one position to another, all while being under forest canopies. Other ziplining opportunities in the area include CLIMB Works (Gatlinburg), Legacy Mountain Ziplines (Sevierville) and Wahoo Ziplines (Sevierville). Prices: $70-$110 Address: CLIMB Works | 155 Branam Hollow Road, Gatlinburg Legacy Mountain Ziplines | 800 Legacy Vista Drive, Sevierville MegaZip at WildSide | 1099 Laurel Lick Road. Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Ziplines | 509 Mill Creek Road, Pigeon Forge Wahoo Ziplines | 605 Stockton Drive, Sevierville 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: Things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for adults this summer
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Friends discover a bear in the back seat of their car … and she wanted out
Nick Trout and Caden Sims heard a car horn honking a few times outside their cabin early Saturday morning, but they didn't think much of it. People honk their car horns. They had no idea .... Then, as they were in the kitchen ready to make breakfast for their crew -- nine former Pendleton Heights High School athletes who decided to take a summer trip together to Gatlinburg -- Trout tapped Sims on the shoulder. "Look, there's a baby cub out on this tree," he said to Sims. The two walked onto the balcony to get a better look at the miniature-sized grizzly. Still, they had no idea ... "Then I looked to my right, and I noticed that Trout's car is shaking. And so I'm thinking, 'What is going on?'" said Sims, 19, who will be a sophomore at Wabash University in the fall. "And then I hear the car horn go." What was going on inside Nick's car? Who was honking his horn? Who was big enough to make a car shake? From the balcony, Sims could see through the front windshield. Something was in the back seat of that car. He went down to check it out, and that's when he saw what seemed inexplicable. Unbelievable. A bear in the back seat. And she wanted out. "First off, I'm thinking, 'How did the bear get in there?' And then my second thought is, 'How am I going to get this bear out?' said Sims. He quickly shot a video of the bear to show Trout and the rest of the guys who, by this time, were all out of bed and going crazy. Unfortunately, Trout knew what he had to do. He had to get that bear out of his car. As his friends huddled by the window, giving him solid, but distanced, support, he ran out from the bottom patio door. He sprinted to the car door, quickly swung it open and then sprinted back in. The bear sat inside the car for another second or two, then she got out, looked around and walked away with her cub. When the guys went down to investigate, that's when they realized this bear wasn't messing around. Mama bear had literally ravaged the inside of Trout's car, destroying the passenger seat door, ripping out the ceiling liner and wreaking havoc on the back seat. Trout's first thought was his mom. "I'm just kind of freaking out because I had no clue what to do," said Trout, 19, who attends the United States Military Academy. "I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen. My first thought was I felt terrible about the car because it's my mom's car." Trout's mom had loaned her son her maroon 2016 Chevy Malibu to drive to Tennessee. He broke the news to her via text. Trout: No way, mom, I am so sorry. Mom: For what? Trout: A bear. Mom: What? Trout: In your car. Mom: Send me pics. And so, Trout sent his mom the photos who wasn't upset at all, just glad all the guys were OK. "My parents actually thought it was kind of funny how it happened," said Trout. How it happened isn't exactly known. Trout is positive when he went down to his car Friday night to get his friend's charger that he had locked the car. "I distinctly remember locking it, and I hadn't been out to the car the rest of the night." So, either Trout is mistaken, or mama bear knows how to pick locks. That, of course, is neither here nor there. The damage was done. The bear left some clues. It was clear she had entered the car from the passenger door. And it was clear she had climbed into the back seat. Trout doesn't think she was trying to destroy the inside of his car, rather she had gotten herself into a pickle and was stranded from her cub. Evidently, she knew how to open a car door from the outside but not from the inside. "So she was stuck in the backseat tearing the roof and all the doors apart," Trout said. "It looks like she was trying to get out." Come to find out, bears breaking into cars is a problem in the area. That's what the regulars told the guys. Amazingly, Trout ended up being one of the lucky ones. His car is drivable now that he finished ripping out the top liner so it wasn't draping down. Trout will drive back home to Indiana in his bear-ravaged car Sunday morning with a story to tell. A story none of them were expecting, but will never forget. "We haven't done anything like this before. So we just thought, 'You know, it's summer. We're all of age to go out somewhere on our own,'" said Sims. "So we just thought, 'What better place than Tennessee?'" Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Friends discover a bear in the back seat of their car … she wanted out
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Crash on pedestrian-heavy main strip in Tennessee tourist town of Gatlinburg injures 7
Seven people, including two pedestrians, were injured in a multivehicle crash in the Tennessee tourist town of Gatlinburg on Sunday. The accident occurred at about 4:20 p.m., when a minivan travelling through the middle of the pedestrian-heavy downtown area accelerated unexpectedly, striking a person in a crosswalk before colliding with several other vehicles, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. One of the struck vehicles hit a roadside sign that fell and injured a second pedestrian. Five other people inside two different vehicles were injured as well. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating, and early indications suggest the accident may have been caused by a medical emergency, according to the agency. Gatlinburg is located the mountains of East Tennessee. It sits between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country's most visited national park, and Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood.
