anakeesta in gatlinburg

4 New Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for Families

One of the great things about taking a family vacation to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg is there is always something new to experience. Whether you have visited the Smoky Mountains a few times in the past or come back every year for your annual vacation, you can look forward to checking out the latest fun attractions and activities. Here are 4 new things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for families:

1. Pigeon Forge Axe House

axe throwingOne of the newest things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for families is the Pigeon Forge Axe House, which brings one of the hottest sport trends in the country to the Smokies. Axe throwing is a target sport similar to darts where you earn points based on where your axe sticks on the target, with the bullseye being the most important spot. If this sounds a bit intimidating, you don’t have to worry as axe throwing is very safe when participants follow the instructions and safety rules detailed by the axe coaches. Kids can even join in on the fun as long as they can safely throw an axe!

2. Anavista Observation Tower

While Anakeesta is already a popular family destination in Gatlinburg, the mountaintop park has recently added the impressive Anavista Observation Tower! This tower features the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg and is the only one of its kind in the world. After climbing the 78 steps to the large observation platform, you can enjoy 360 degree views of the Smokies and see as far as Kentucky! The Anavista Observation Tower also features interpretive signs to identify mountain ranges and peaks, as well as a pair of glass floor panels where you can peer down into the Vista Gardens 60 feet below!

mountain mile general store3. Tower Shops

The Tower Shops is an exciting new shopping destination in Pigeon Forge featuring over 150,000 square feet of retail space. Some of the first stores to open include the Mountain Mile General Store, Appalachian Apparel, REI, the Coffee Armory, Junction 35 Spirits, and the Cream & Sugar Sweet Shoppe. The Lawn at the Tower Shops provides a comfortable outdoor area to relax between your shopping adventures, so sit back with a cup of coffee or keep warm in front of the fire pit. Kids will enjoy the lawn area too as it offers fun games like cornhole and lawn toys!

4. Double Decker Bus Tours

Another one of the new things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for families is a Double Decker Bus Tour! This tour company offers a variety of fun and educational tours throughout the Smoky Mountains, including a Cades Cove Tour, Smoky Mountain VIP Highlight Tour, and a seasonal Festival of Lights Tour! The best part is you get to ride on an authentic double decker bus, just like the ones found in the United Kingdom where the driver sits on the right side of the bus.

Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to stay near these fun new things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! We look forward to seeing your family soon at Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals!