Each new year brings new opportunities for fun and adventure in the Smoky Mountains. New shops, new restaurants, new attractions and new memories will be waiting for you in the Smokies in 2022! Need a reason to start planning your vacation already? Here are 5 new things to do in the Smoky Mountains in 2022 that you have to experience:
1. SkyLand Ranch
Have you heard about this brand new, one-of-a-kind attraction coming to Sevierville? SkyLand Ranch is a $40 million development that will feature a chairlift, retail shops, a mountain coaster, event space, canopy walks and so much more. The attraction will be set on a 100 acre farm off of the Parkway in Sevierville. Your journey will begin with a ride on the chairlift, which includes both chairs and open-air cabins, up to the top of the attraction. From there, you can enjoy a mountain coaster that’s over a mile long, a suspended bridge with a wide walkway, food barns and more. There are also plans for a variety of shops, including a candy shop, a bakery, a boutique, a Christmas shop and a toy store!
SkyLand Ranch is slated to open in April of 2022.
2. Downtown Flavortown
Downtown Flavortown is going to be the place to be in 2022! Guy Fieri is bringing this impressive entertainment center to Pigeon Forge! The 43,000-square-foot attraction will be home to a 300+ seat restaurant that showcases Guy Fieri’s famous culinary combinations. In addition to a restaurant, Downtown Flavortown will have plenty of fun, including a 14-lane Duck Pin bowling alley, more than 10,000 square feet of arcade games, and a photo op in front of a 1968 Chevy Camaro. There will also be a full-service tropical Tiki bar!
Downtown Flavortown will be located at The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge and is expected to open in early 2022.
3. Axe House Tavern
Have you ever been to the Sevierville Axe House? Well, this popular attraction has been completely remodeled into the Axe House Tavern! Get ready to try your hand at an activity that’s quickly growing into one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains: axe throwing. Axe House Tavern just opened in mid-December, so you can be one of the first to visit in the new year! This attraction has a new look, new menu items and new opportunities for fun. It is the first to combine food, beverage and axe throwing into one, all-inclusive venue. Learn to throw like a pro while you enjoy a full menu and full bar!
Axe House Tavern is located at 1436 Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevierville.
4. Azul Cantina
Say hello to Pigeon Forge’s first rooftop bar! Azul Cantina puts a flavorful twist on traditional Tex-Mex dining, using wood-fire grilling methods. All the dishes here will be made from scratch with fresh, authentic ingredients. Pair your meal with homemade lager or a hand-crafted cocktail as you take in the gorgeous views of Pigeon Forge from the rooftop! This is sure to become one of your new favorite Mexican restaurants in Pigeon Forge.
Azul Cantina will be located at the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge and is expected to open in spring of 2022.
5. New Dollywood Experiences
We know you love visiting Dollywood! Each year, the attraction tries to offer something new for visitors to enjoy, and 2022 is no exception. The popular Flower and Food Festival will feature new Mosaiculture displays, and the Sweet Summer Nights Done and Fireworks Show will expand with more drones! During the Harvest Festival, visitors will get to experience the brand new Hoot Owl Hollow in Craftsman’s Valley. This new area will include a number of owl-themed displays. What’s most special in 2022, however, is Dollywood’s new season pass structure. The Silver, Gold and Diamond passes have been designed to better pass holders’ experiences. The Diamond Pass will provide guests from 6 Bring-A-Friend Free Passes, a refillable mug, free one-time preferred parking and so much more. It’s the best option for guests who want to get the most out of their visits to Dollywood.
