What’s New in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?

Scientists say that the Great Smoky Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in North America, but tourism observers know that there’s always something new in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the most popular gateway to those lovely ridges and valleys.

That’s especially true for those in the group travel market in 2006. On the list of new attractions and activities:

That’s especially true for those in the group travel market in 2006. On the list of new attractions and activities:

   1. A major theatrical show
   2. An attraction sometimes called “a theme park for the mind”
   3. An attraction that celebrates helicopter flight
   4. A major thrill ride at Dollywood
   5. A Dollywood festival that celebrated bluegrass and barbeque
   6. An attraction from New Zealand with the unlikely name of Zorb

The newest show in town is “Miracle,” a stunning musical recreation of the life of Christ told in epic proportion.

Group organizers are familiar with its location, the Miracle Theater, because it formerly was the very popular Louise Mandrell Theater. Mandrell wrapped up an eight-year run in Pigeon Forge at the end of 2005.
“Miracle” takes advantage of the technological sophistication of the theater with a production that features an enormous cast of actors, singers, dancers, technicians and live animals. The Triumphant Quartet uses the same stage for stirring performances of Southern gospel music. Information: 800-768-1170 or miracletheater.com

“Our theater selection is quite diverse, and ‘Miracle’ adds yet another dimension,” said Joy McKee-McNealy, senior sales manager for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “There are a dozen theaters throughout the city and more than 20 shows. Group leaders have their pick from a collection of excellent productions.”

Within sight of the Miracle Theater is one of the oddest pieces of architecture anywhere. It’s the upside-down fa�ade of WonderWorks.

WonderWorks, sister attraction to the original WonderWorks in Orlando, Fla., is described as part interactive science museum and part entertainment venue, a theme park for the mind.

Its components include the Disaster Zone (earthquake and hurricane simulators), the Space Zone (where you can try to land a space shuttle orbiter) and the Lights and Sound Room (with a variety of optical effects). There are more than a hundred interactive exhibits, a laser tag facility and a 300-seat theater. Information: 865-868-1800 or www.wonderworkstn.com.

“I think WonderWorks will be a great asset for the group market. It will appeal to all ages, and the 300-seat theater and related catering capabilities will provide tour organizers something totally different,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

Just a short distance up Pigeon Forge’s famed Parkway and across from the group-friendly Christmas Place is Helicopter Headquarters, an attraction devoted to the history and lore of helicopter flight.

It includes numerous aircraft and flight simulators, and it has space designed for receptions and special events of up to 400 people. Virtual flights over American landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and New York City are featured. Information: 865-654-6229 or www.helihq.com.

Just off the Parkway in a quiet valley is an attraction that not everyone will want to ride but which everyone will want to see.

Its name is Zorb, which is easy to spell, easy to pronounce but a bit difficult to explain. Invented in New Zealand, Zorb is an inflatable, larger-than-human sized plastic ball that humans climb into in order to roll down hillside courses. The Smoky Mountain Zorb in Pigeon Forge will be the first Zorb course in North America when it opens later this summer.

Its inventor says it shows that New Zealand again “leads the world in stupid things to do while you’re not thinking about work.” Information: 865-428-2422 or www.zorb.com.

New at Dollywood are a thrilling new ride called the Timber Tower and an autumn festival devoted to two regional favorites, bluegrass and barbeque.

Timber Tower, a $6.5 million investment, is the highlight of a park expansion called Timber Canyon. It is the first ride of its kind in the U.S. The whirling ride takes guests up a 65-foot-tall tower that then plunges toward a 5,100-square-foot pond at a startling 60-degree angle.

For tour organizers planning festival-related autumn travel, Dollywood’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival is a new consideration.

Dates are Sept. 15-27, and the lineup includes Grammy Award winners Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys and the Del McCoury Band. There are 12 days of free concerts that are included in Dollywood’s regular admission.

On the food side, the festival will feature barbeque at special food booths and the park’s own restaurants. Numerous styles of barbeque-from North Carolina smoked pork to Texas brisket-will be offered. Plus, special cooks and visiting grill masters will be on hand to share tips and pointers. Displays featuring a wide variety of sauces-including some of the world’s hottest recipes-for sampling also will be available to complement the succulent barbeque offerings.

Just as soon as the bluegrass festival ends, Dollywood will crank up another festival when it returns to its Southern gospel roots with the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration (Sept. 29-Oct. 28).

Scheduled performers include the Kingdom Heirs, the McKameys, Gold City, Dottie Rambo, the Florida Boys, the Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, the Whisnants, the Mark Trammell Trio, CrossWay Quartet, Dove Brothers, the Booth Brothers, Legacy Five, the Anchormen, the Crabb Family, Mike Bowling Group, Palmetto State, Tony Gore, Mark Bishop, Michael Combs, Mercy’s Mark, the Perrys, the Pfeifers, the Dixie Echoes, Ricky Atkinson & Compassion, the Dixie Melody Boys and the Steeles. National Gospel & Harvest Celebration features multiple artists daily; all concerts are included with park admission.

Information about all Dollywood activities is available at 800-DOLLYWOOD and www.dollywood.com.

“Pigeon Forge is one happening place,” McKee-McNealy said. “The reasons to visit us exist 12 months a year.” –Contact McKee-McNealy and the rest of the Pigeon Forge group sales staff at 800-285-7557. On the web at www.PigeonForgeTours.com.

Courtesy of Leisure Group Travel