Anakeesta is partnering with locally-based CLIMB Works to build the Dueling Ziplines and Tree Top Walk as well as assist with overall operations and management of the new attraction, and has hired Beanstalk Builders from Morgantown, N.C. to create a whimsical treehouse-themed children’s playground. Anakeesta owners, Bob and Karen Bentz, traveled to several countries researching different mountain attractions they wanted ...

Ramsey Cascades Trail reopened on Thursday following the installation of a new foot log. The trail has been closed since August 2016 when the foot log was damaged by a fallen tree. The foot log spans a section of Ramsey Prong that is too swift and deep to allow hikers to safely rock-hop across river. The popular, four-mile trail is ...

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host the 2017 Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop June 2-4, 2017 in Crossville at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center. The relaxed atmosphere of the BOW workshop is aimed at women, and an opportunity for those 18 or older to learn outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing. However, the workshop provides ...

Sevierville Commons Arts Council and Sevierville Commons Association have been awarded a $50,000 Tennessee Main Street Entrepreneur Grant. Sevierville was one of six communities across the state to receive funding from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development through the Rural Economic Opportunity Act. Grant funding will be used to help secure and renovate a building at 129 Bruce ...

Anna Porter Public Library is launching a new series of programs called Lincoln Center Local with a free screening of a performance by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra. The library will be streaming pre-recorded performances filmed at Lincoln Center onto a new large screen, digital projector with bluetooth speakers. Lincoln Center Local: Free Screenings was created by Lincoln ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the dates for synchronous firefly viewing in Elkmont. Shuttle service to the viewing area will be provided on Tuesday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 6, 2017. All visitors wishing to view the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont must have a parking pass distributed through the lottery system at www.recreation.gov. Every year in late ...

The Pigeon Forge attraction Alcatraz East will host a new temporary exhibit focused on illegal wildlife trafficking. When a Minnesota-based dentist paid $54,000 to trophy hunt in Zimbabwe in 2015 with a professional guide, he unknowingly was about to kill the beloved and iconic lion – Cecil. The images from that hunt went viral and although the dentist’s actions were ...

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is celebrating the birth of its 3rd and 4th African Black-Footed Baby Penguin on World Penguin Day, Tuesday, April 25, 2017. “The new baby brother penguins are Benny Hill born on February 17 weighing in at 52 grams and Falkor born on February 21 weighing in at 62 grams. The proud parents are Maggie and ...

The Smoky Mountain Opry Theater in Pigeon Forge donated $100,000 raised during its Christmas Candle Program to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “Our own little employee family has been greatly helped by the amazing medical care they have received from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and thousands and thousands of children have been helped by the services of this hospital as well,” ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials hosted a celebration for the commencement of the final capstone paving project for Foothills Parkway on Thursday. This groundbreaking event served as an opportunity to acknowledge the support received by the State of Tennessee and the Governor’s Office in securing the funds needed to finalize the uncompleted 16-mile section of road between Walland, Tenn. ...