Smoky Mountain News

Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Nominated for Best New Attraction in USA Today

November 25, 2024 – Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay: An Epic Golf Adventure has been nominated for Best New Attraction in the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2025! As the only Smoky Mountain attraction to earn this honor, this new attraction in our beautiful Smoky Mountain area is excited to showcase their one-of-a-kind adventure to the world.

Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay features two stunning 18-hole golf courses—one pirate-themed with an 80-foot ship and one mermaid-themed indoors—along with live character interactions, whimsical decor, a candy store, retail shop, and their beloved Pineapple Dole Whip Float.

Help us bring this recognition home for Sky Pirates! Voting begins November 25 and runs for 28 days. You can vote once per day at this link.

Thank you for your support in making Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay a national treasure! Arrrrrrg, Matey!

Introducing Our All You Can Eat Supper Buffet

November 22, 2024 - "Hey y’all! Get ready to eat like a true lumberjack at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show with our all-new All-You-Can-Eat Supper Buffet! This spread’s got everything to make your mouth water—juicy BBQ pulled pork, creamy mac and cheese, savory baked beans, a warm, fresh dinner roll, a sweet little dessert to top it all off, and bottomless fountain Coke products to keep you refreshed. As you’re enjoyin’ all this good food, you’ll be entertained with action-packed stunts, toe-tappin’ music, and laugh-out-loud comedy the whole family’s gonna love. It’s real feud, real food, and real fun, y’all! Don’t miss out!"

Crave Golf Christmas 2024

November 8, 2024 - Experience the wonder of Candy Christmas at Crave, a dazzling spectacle that runs from November 13 to January 12, transforming the indoor and rooftop mini-golf courses into a twinkling winter wonderland adorned with thousands of glistening Christmas lights.

FREE Photo Opportunities

  • Grouch - 11/30 & 12/21 3pm - 6pm
  • Santa - 11/30 & 12/21 6pm - 9pm

Sky Pirates Christmas 2024

November 8, 2024 - Set sail for the wonder of a Christmas adventure at Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay: An Epic Golf Adventure! From November 13 to January 12, our course transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, with thousands of glistening Christmas lights illuminating your journey through the captivating, Christmas-themed course.

FREE Photo Opportunity

  • Grouch - 12/14 & 12/22 - 3pm - 6pm
  • Santa - 12/14 & 12/22 - 6pm - 9pm

Toy Box Christmas 2024

November 8, 2024 - Get ready for a magical adventure at Toy Box Mini Golf as we unveil our spectacular Holiday Lights extravaganza, starting from November 13th and keeping the merry glow alive 'til January 12. Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can purchase an admission ticket to partake in a round of golf amidst thousands of twinkling lights that come alive as the sun bids its farewell.

FREE Photo Opportunity

  • Grouch - 12/7 - 3pm - 6pm
  • Santa - 12/7 - 6pm - 9pm

Dolly Parton's Stampede Introduces Butterfly Dreams Segment to Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN - May 15, 2024 - In New One-of-a-Kind Act, Majestic Butterflies and Marvelous Blooms Bring Even More Color to Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge A realm of wonder and excitement awaits guests as Dolly Parton's Stamepde unveils its newest addition to the popular dinner show. Combining the show’s equestrian stars, breathtaking aerial acrobatics, a new take on a classic Dolly song and talented performers, this never-before-seen segment promises to elevate the already legendary entertainment experience to even greater heights.

Guests are in for an unforgettable visual journey with special effects, brilliant costuming and immersive lighting that bring majestic butterflies and stunning flowers to life. The segment kicks off with the show’s equine stars entering the arena adorned with whimsical butterfly wings in a spectacular choreographed formation. After fluttering around the Stampede arena in majestic fashion, the horses are joined by a grand display of blooming flower petals that unfold center stage; flowers descend from the “sky” high above the arena floor, while a kaleidoscope of larger-than-life, colorful, captivating butterflies create an unexpected visual experience as they glow and flutter around the arena. The action takes to the sky with a majestic butterfly aerial act, where performers soar high above the arena floor. Guests are in for a treat with the latest show addition, plus the Stampede show offers thrills and fun with the spectacle of 32 awe-inspiring horses led by cast members through a series of extraordinary equestrian feats.

Plan Your Visit Recognized as “The Smokies Most Fun Place to Eat,” Dolly Parton’s Stampede offers a dynamic blend of thrilling entertainment and delectable cuisine. It’s not just a dinner show; it’s an unforgettable experience that elevates any outing or special occasion, creating memories for its guests that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Show times and reservations are available by calling 865-453-4400 or visiting DPStampede.com.

Local Goat New American Restaurant #2 on Trip Advisor for Casual Dining Two Years Running

Pigeon Forge, TN May 26, 2024 - With no outside marketing, except for our advertisment in the What-To-Do in the Smoky Mountains, Local Goat New American Restaurant has been voted #2 in the USA on Trip Advisor for Casual Dining two years running! The Casual Dining Category has over 80 million restaurnats. Local Goat is a New American restaurant with a scratch-made kitchen specializing in farm-to-table menu items. Local Goat offers a wide array of appetizers, jumbo wings, awesome salads. hearty steaks, chops, fall-off-the-bone ribs and outstanding desserts. Local Goat specializes in craft beer and craft drinks. Test your skills on our vintage shuffleboard table or catch your favorite game on any of our HD TV's. Billy's Bar is a great place for great times. Bring the whole family. Local Goat is conveniently located in the heart of Pigeon Forge at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains with picturesque views of Mount LeConte and the surrounding mountains. Local Goat Tavern is located between traffic lights one and two, right past the Titanic Museum Attraction and across from Mountain Valley Vineyards. Scratch food...no preservatives...fresh daily!!

For hours and menu call 865-366-3035 or visit Local-Goat.com

Top Concepts Celebrates 10 Years of Giving Back to Sevier County Community

Pigeon Forge, TN - May 7, 2024 - Top Concepts, a local tourism management company overseeing TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena, Toy Box Mini Golf, Crave Golf Club, Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay, and Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper Show, proudly announces a decade of dedicated giving back to the Sevier County Community. Since 2014, Top Concepts has been an integral part of the local community, exemplifying a commitment to community engagement and goodwill. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the company has contributed over $750,000 to support local organizations and initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the community. A significant portion of these contributions has gone towards the Sevier County Food Ministries. Top Concepts has donated an impressive 35 tons of food to the Sevier County Food Ministries, helping to feed families in need and combat hunger in the area. In addition to supporting food initiatives, Top Concepts has extended a helping hand to numerous community organizations and causes. Beneficiaries of their generosity include the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, Toys for Tots, Sevier County Public Schools, Boy Scouts of America, Safe Harbor, Sevier County Food Ministries, and several local churches. "Top Concepts is deeply rooted in the Sevier County community, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to give back over the past decade," said Chucky Blalock, Managing Partner of Top Concepts. "As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to supporting the community that has embraced us wholeheartedly." As part of their ongoing commitment to giving back, Top Concepts is pleased to announce their Local Appreciation Days, scheduled for May 11-19. Guests must present a valid local ID and at least 5 non-perishable food items, per person, upon arrival to any Top Concepts’ attractions to receive the Local Days Special Rate. For more information about Top Concepts and their attractions, visit TopConcepts.us/parkhopper.