The spirit of America is soaring through the Smokies this summer with an exciting new food and drink festival at Anakeesta! The United Tastes of America Festival offers the chance to taste unique culinary creations from different regions of the country, enjoy live entertainment and see famous Americana landmarks as you wander through the park! Here are the top 4 things to know about the United Tastes of America Festival at Anakeesta:
1. What to Expect
The United Tastes of America Festival at Anakeesta features summer tasting specials inspired by 12 states from all around the country, guaranteed to leave your taste buds delighted with a journey through the diverse flavors of our nation! Just pick up a “tasting pass” and you’ll be all set to “travel” across the USA as you fill your belly with a variety of delicious foods! The event also features live music from the Tennessee Line bluegrass band, who will be performing everything from the classics you know to the memorable songs of the past! Keep your eyes open for the Pixie Belles, who spread their wings, float through the park and interact with you during your culinary journey across America!
2. Tempting Menu Options
You’ll discover a variety of fun menu options at the United Tastes of America Festival, all designed to tempt your taste buds on a road trip around the country! Take a trip to Louisiana to experience the Bayou’s Meanest Gumbo and New Orleans’ Signature Hurricane Cocktail, then continue south to Texas for the Everything’s Bigger Chicken Fried Steak and Lone-Star Paloma Cocktail! Meanwhile, sample a taste of Maine with the Morning Catch Lobster Roll or the flavors of Illinois with a Classic Chicago Dog or Hot Italian Beef Sandwich! When it comes to desserts, don’t miss Georgia’s Sweet Georgia Peach Ice Cream, Kentucky’s Bluegrass Bourbon Bread Pudding or Washington’s Hand-Picked Apple Fritter!
3. Tasting Lanyards
While you can purchase menu items al-la-carte in Anakeesta at each tasting location, the best deal is a United Tastes of America Tasting Lanyard! This tasting card allows access to your choice of 7 items per pass at any participating location, and you’ll receive a cool souvenir commemorative lanyard to bring back home! If you purchase your tasting lanyard online, it can be redeemed at tasting kiosks inside the park. Note that it is not necessary to use all tasting pass samples in one visit, as you can still use your pass as long as you visit the park again before the end of the event in early August.
4. Admission Information
Keep in mind that to attend the United Tastes of America Festival, you will need to purchase a General Admission ticket to Anakeesta. This ticket not only includes the festival, but unlimited Chondola and Ridge Rambler rides, the AnaVista Observation Tower, Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, TreeVenture Challenge Course, Treehouse Adventure Play Area and BirdVenture. You can also upgrade your ticket to include attractions such as the Dueling Zipline Adventure, Astra Lumina, Rail Runner Mountain Coaster and Hellbender Mountain Coaster!
Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to stay close to Anakeesta and experience the new United Tastes of America Festival! We look forward to seeing you soon!
