New Places to Eat, Stay and Play in Pigeon Forge

2023 is an exciting year to visit Pigeon Forge!

On February 24, 2023

Big things are happening in Pigeon Forge in 2023! From new attractions to lodging properties, restaurants and retail stores, discover fun new things to do in Pigeon Forge.

New Rides at The Island in Pigeon Forge

Five new rides have arrived at The Island in Pigeon Forge! For the adventure seekers, Clockwork is a family thrill ride with four arms rotating in intermeshing orbits. High Score takes you to new heights to see Pigeon Forge from above, while Island FARM’n is perfect for kids 6 and up. Another new ride is Dance Party 360, a giant pendulum that swings and spins for an amazing thrill ride. For those fearless of heights, Tree Fall Drop Tower is a new ride that’s coming soon and will take riders on a lift, twist and drop off the 65-foot-tall drop tower.

Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood

Dollywood’s largest ever park expansion, Wildwood Grove, is getting even bigger! Debuting in the spring of 2023, Big Bear Mountain will be the longest coaster at Dollywood. The gigantic coaster is a first of its kind at Dollywood, taking guests of all ages on an unforgettable family-friendly expedition in search of the Big Bear. The coaster takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels for nearly two minutes on 3,990 ft. of track and includes music and announcements from Ned Oakley himself.

Dollywood’s HeartSong Resort & Spa

Dollywood’s newest resort is opening in the fall of 2023. Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is tucked away in a beautiful cove in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. This well-appointed, reimagined property features a variety of accommodations and amenities. From spacious family suites and bunk rooms to themed suites and loft rooms, Dollywood’s newest resort offers lodging options perfect for one-of-a-kind getaways, family vacations and group gatherings.

Fin City at Camp Margaritaville

For serious indoor play, look no further than Fin City at Camp Margaritaville! Located on the lower level of the Lodge, Fin City offers year-round entertainment for fun-seekers of all ages. From a rousing competition of duckpin bowling or billiards to a wide selection of arcade games, there’s something for everyone. Players can fuel up with a quick snack or cold beverage at the Feeding Frenzy Snack Shack.

Azul Cantina

One of the new restaurants opening in Pigeon Forge this year is Azul Cantina, which offers a flavorful twist on traditional Tex-Mex dining using wood-fire grilling methods in traditional Mexican cooking styles. The recipes are made from scratch with authentic ingredients and pair well with their homemade cerveza-style lager and hand-crafted cocktails. Patrons will enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and beautiful views from Pigeon Forge’s first rooftop bar.

PizzaRio Wine & Bar

PizzaRio brings a unique Brazilian style of serving to Pigeon Forge. Using house-made doughs and fresh ingredients, this Rodizio-style continuous dining pizzeria offers a delicious dining experience. You’ll also find a great selection of international and national wines and cocktails, including the Brazilian caipirinha, beer and coffees.

New Adventures at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort

A new adventure begins at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort! The Country Tower will reopen in mid-March with new amenities like Beary Bears Galactic Galaxy, ReFuel, Candi’s Candy Kitchen, The Friendship Forest Activity Center and Outpost. Coming in late May are other areas like Beary Bears Galactic Bowl, Granny Cluckett’s Family Breakfast, Nonnaroni’s Pizza Shop, and a new version of the Snack Shack with an expanded menu. In late June, River Tower will open with additional guest rooms, a new guest laundry and fitness center.

New Retail Shops at The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops

A new retail store opening in Pigeon Forge at The Mountain Mile Tower & Shops is Colyer House Creations. Stop in soon to browse unique handmade products including small batch, hand poured, soy-based candles and one-of-a-kind concrete candle vessels. Also new to The Mountain Mile and open for business is Savannah Bee Company. This “honey shack chic” store offers a delicious honey tasting and shopping experience for visitors! And for those looking to add a little bit of spice to their life, The Spice & Tea Exchange will offer a variety of gourmet spices, teas and sugars, in addition to gifts and accessories.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail

Another exciting addition to add to your to-do list this year is the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail. More than one million new holiday lights have been added to the city’s annual Winterfest celebration, taking place mid-November through mid-February. Walk-thru arches, an ice fountain, larger-than-life flowers and a gigantic caterpillar are just a few of the amazing new holiday lights you’ll see on a stroll down Pigeon Forge’s scenic Riverwalk nature trail.

Make sure to stop and explore the Winterfest Wonders of Light Christmas Village featuring artisans and crafters selling unique and handmade gifts and collectibles.

See what else is new in Pigeon Forge for 2023 and start planning your trip today!