Blog - Latest News and Updates - Gatlinburg TN

May

Two BIG Additions Coming to Anakeesta!

May 21, 2018

Vista Gardens, an enchanting botanical garden, features walking trails that meander through lush and colorful gardens, a cascading stream, a shaded pergola for resting and enjoying the views, a children’s play area, and more. This whimsical garden will offer the perfect backdrop for family photos and intimate Gatlinburg weddings. Vista Gardens will open in June!

Apr

Experiencing the Magic of Anakeesta

April 12, 2018

Anakeesta was honored to have Atlanta blogger Leigh Anne Borders author of Living One Full Life visit us this month. Leigh Anne shared all about her day and the magic she experienced in the mountains here in Gatlinburg! Read the full article on Living One Full Life here!

Flying High at Anakeesta!

February 20, 2018

Who’s Ready to Zip Longer? We are adding a third zipline to our already exhilarating Dueling Zipline Adventure! By extending the course you will now be able to zip over the Chondola and take in amazing aerial views of Gatlinburg’s sparkling downtown as well as the National Park. The third zipline will be ready to ride in time for Spring Break fun!

Anakeesta is Expanding!

January 11, 2018

Anakeesta Winter Hours Anakeesta is expanding! We are working on some exciting projects slated to open this spring that will make your Anakeesta experience even more spectacular. Hours for January 8th – February 28th: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday -Thursday: CLOSED **We will be open on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 15th and Presidents Day, Monday, February 19th.

Anakeesta: True Magic in the Mountains – D. Kilbourne, Coaster Addict

December 13, 2017

Gatlinburg has a new destination getaway that combines amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains, genuine hospitality, and exciting attractions. Named after the Cherokee word meaning, “Place of the Balsams” [high grounds], Anakeesta delivers breath-taking experience from the mountaintop. In a town with so many great sights and attractions, it could be easy for a new attraction to get lost in the mix. However, Anakeesta is not a typical attraction. Blending a variety of memorable attractions and delicious food with stunning views atop the mountain, it is no wonder this new destination is an instant hit with locals and families visiting the area.

JONATHAN MATTISE, Associated Press on the Smoky Mountain Fires

December 4, 2017

Business owners are proceeding with new Great Smoky Mountains projects after deadly wildfires last November. —– Bob Bentz had just installed underground utility lines and paved a new road when wildfires roared through the eastern Tennessee treetop canopy he wanted to transform into a $30 million adventure park. A year later, after the blaze killed 14 people and damaged or destroyed about 2,500 buildings in the Gatlinburg area, tourists now take a ski lift from downtown up 600 feet to the Anakeesta resort, where they can zip-line, shop, explore a treehouse playground and wander tree to tree on a sky-bridge. The otherwise whimsical park saved space at its highest point for a memorial walk, featuring photos and stories about the heroism, heartbreak and raw destructive force of the fires.

Tennessee: 3 Spots for Adventure – Tracey Teo, AJC, 11/30/17

December 4, 2017

The Great Smoky Mountains have attracted outdoorsy folks with something to prove for decades, and now there’s one more reason to make the trip. Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s newest attraction, is a mountain adventure park that opened in September. Hop on a chondola (chair-gondola) for an exhilarating 15-minute ride to Firefly Village, a treehouse-themed village at the mountain summit. From there, your adventure begins. Dare a friend to soar through the trees on dueling racing zip lines, or stroll along the vertigo-inducing treetop canopy walk that has 16 bridges suspended 40 feet in the air. A high-speed mountain coaster is coming soon. 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg. 865-325-2400, anakeesta.com, @AnakeestaTN.

Holiday Events at Anakeesta!

November 16, 2017

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! The city of Gatlinburg kicked off their annual “Winter Magic” on November 8th. The entire city has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland and Anakeesta is part of the fun! We will celebrate our first Christmas with sparkling lights and decorations, hot chocolate, apple cider, carolers, Tunes & Tales and more! Santa will be sitting for a professional photo with kids of all ages that can be purchased by families. Santa’s elves will give away a peppermint stick to each child. DATES: November 24 & 25 December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 TIME: 6:30 PM – 9 PM Christmas events are scheduled on the Parkway Plaza as well as on the mountain so be sure to follow Anakeesta on Facebook as we announce dates for our different events and activities. Click here for more information on Winterfest 2017! Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade Mark your calendar for Friday, December 1st and come enjoy Gatlinburg’s 42nd annual Fantasy of Lights Parade throughout the city’s charming downtown. Be on the lookout for the Anakeesta elves in the parade festivities that will include lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units, giant balloons and of course Santa Clause! What’s been happening at Anakeesta you ask? Stay updated on our social media for special event updates and hours!

Small Town Snapshot: Why Every Southerner Should Visit Gatlinburg

September 20, 2017

If you watched the Chimney Tops 2 fire on television or online, you’ll be amazed by downtown Gatlinburg, which looks . . . exactly the same. Most everything downtown-from restaurants and hotels to popular attractions-is running full-steam, thanks to some heroic firefighters. The greatest damage occurred inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in residential areas-some of which will need years to recover-but the main-drag Parkway was buzzing when…

Sep

We are open!

September 1, 2017

Have you ever planned a big party and the night before worry yourself silly that no one was going to come? That was us the night before our Sept. 1st opening. We had done everything we could do, it was time to see if anyone wanted to come. Well, guess what?! People came to our party! And the party’s been going ever since! These past two weeks have been more exciting than we even could have imagined. From watching so many folks out with their families enjoying Anakeesta, to seeing all of the amazing posts and reviews, to feeling the strong community support, it’s simply been incredible. So of course we had to share some of the highlights of our first few weeks with you, and remind you that you are ALWAYS invited to the party! We had a rainbow the morning we opened, we took that as a good sign! We had a PROPOSAL at the summit of Anakeesta! It was not long before two guests decided to make Anakeesta a part of their life-long memories. While immersed in the beauty of The Great Smoky Mountains, the soon-to-be groom knelt down on one knee to look up into the eyes of his love and ask for her hand in marriage. They were celebrating in our Firefly Village shortly after she said “Yes!”. If love truly is in the air at Anakeesta, it won’t be long until we join the ranks of romantic wedding venues in Gatlinburg. Visit our Anakeesta Photo Gallery Be sure to follow us on Facebook. We’ll be giving away passes throughout the month as we continue to celebrate our opening! To learn more about Anakeesta visit our website. If you still have questions send us an email at [email protected]. We hope to see you soon at Anakeesta!

Anakeesta Blog