Anakeesta In Gatlinburg, TN
Have you seen Anakeesta high atop Gatlinburg? If not seen it, you’ve probably heard about it by now. Anakeesta is one the greatest attractions to come to Gatlinburg in the last 10 years, ranking along with the Ripley’s Aquarium as a major foundation of our city tourism, as it offers an evolving experience as a mountaintop village and play center with many attractions, eating opportunities and seasonal special events. You take a chair ride to get up there similar to Ober Mountain and the Gatlinburg SkyPark and a full day of memory-making with the fam, your partner, group or self awaits!
These are many of those memory-making things listed below with information coming from www.anakeesta.com itself. Let’s take a look:
ATTRACTIONS:
- Chondola Chair
“Enter Anakeesta via our scenic chairlift ride, the Chondola, the famous gondola in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is the WORLD’s ONLY fixed-grip Chondola where our guests choose to ride in an open-air 4-person chair with a bar or select an enclosed gondola cabin with seating for 6. This scenic ride takes you up 600’ to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain where you will enter the whimsical Firefly Village. Soar above the city, experiencing an aerial view of Gatlinburg, and leave the sounds of the city behind. Below the Chondola is a historic campus and natural habitat that is home to our neighbors and many forest friends. If you are quiet you just might see a bear!”
- Bird-Venture
“Families are having a real hoot with the opening of BirdVenture, an aviary-inspired adventure zone where guests play and imagine life as a bird in the Smokies. Kids and kids at heart can explore three colorful, larger-than-life bird houses, a dozen interactive adventure zones, and seven giant serpentine slides with light features that will wind more than 50 feet down the mountain! This unique series of slide paths marks another first of its kind in the United States.”
- Dueling Zipline Adventure
“Enjoy beautiful views of the smokies while zipping over 2,600′ through the tree canopy side-by-side with family and friends. Our 3 zip guided tour with multiple rappels provides a thrill that will leave you begging for more! Reservations are not required, but are encouraged. Our guides are waiting to take you on a tour that you will never forget!”
- Treetop Skywalk
“Discover the longest tree-based skywalk in North America with 880′ of spectacular hanging bridges suspended 50-60′ in the air. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you walk through the tree canopy. Experience what it feels like to be a bird in the tree tops. Keep a sharp eye, you may spot a bear on the forest floor below or a woodpecker nearby. Be sure to bring your camera for the perfect family memory that you will want to share with everyone! Please visit the button below for a full list of rules for the Treetop Skywalk.”
- Hellbender Mountain Coaster
“Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure at Anakeesta as we introduce The Hellbender Smoky Mountain Coaster, a highly-anticipated thrill ride. This coaster promises to deliver heart-racing twists, gravity-defying drops, and awe-inspiring scenic vistas that will completely redefine your idea of excitement. Don’t pass up the opportunity to be among the first riders on this exhilarating journey. Get ready to fasten your seatbelt and gear up for an adrenaline-pumping race, as the Hellbender offers the ultimate mountain coaster experience!”
- Astra Lumina
“Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series and the very first in the United States. The name Astra Lumina evokes the illuminating power of the stars to connect us with the infinite wonder of the cosmos. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Through the magic of projections, lighting, and music, astral energy transforms the Smoky Mountains into a celestial pathway, connecting visitors to the stars and the vast world around them.”
- Treeventure Challenge Course
“Anakeesta’s treehouse adventure adds more outdoor fun and imaginative play for families. Climb, swing, crawl and slide your way through three levels of play in these interactive treehouses. Six netted bridges and three treehouses offer a different challenge that will delight children of all ages. Climb to the top to enjoy the views from above then slide to the bottom level to begin the fun all over again.”
DINING:
- Clifftop Restaurant
“Enjoy an elevated dining experience at Clifftop restaurant in Gatlinburg, located in Anakeesta’s Black Bear Village. Serving modern American cuisine, guests will enjoy mouth-watering steaks, gourmet burgers, signature salads, savory appetizers, and house-made desserts. Guests will love the local craft beers and full bar all while enjoying the sweeping views of Mt. LeConte and the smokies.”
- Smokehouse Restaurant
“Located in Firefly Village at the top of Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta Mountain, the Smokehouse BBQ restaurant offers delicious dining with an even better view. Enjoy our in house smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket and chicken wings, centered around a wood burning fire, for consistent temperatures leaving a juicy, smoked flavor that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey. Indulge in southern barbeque classics with unique dining overlooking downtown Gatlinburg and scenic mountain vistas.”
- Kephart Cafe
“Find one of the best pizza places in Gatlinburg at Anakeesta. Enjoy a quick bite while relaxing at Black Bear Village. This walk-up pizza restaurant also serves gourmet hot dogs! Perfect for guests on the go, Kephart Café provides guests a delicious and fast meal before continuing their day of adventure at Anakeesta. Grab a soft drink or local craft beer and enjoy Black Bear plaza with friends and family. Quick bites have never tasted so good!”
- Tap House
“Take in the gorgeous views with a local Gatlinburg craft beer or signature cocktail from our Tap House. Grab a spot at our infinity bar overlooking beautiful mountain vistas or relax around the fire pit in Black Bear Village. Anakeesta offers abundant seating for guests to enjoy the fresh mountain air and unbeatable views seasonally. Picture yourself with a cold brew as the sun sets over the mountains…. your chair is waiting at the Tap House in Gatlinburg!”
- The Bar at the Top of the World
“Enjoy a drink in our spacious bar area adjacent to our Smokehouse restaurant where you’ll experience this one-of-a-kind setting. The views of the Great Smoky Mountains surround you as our bar serves your choice of liquor, specialty cocktails, wine, and beer.”
- Mimi’s Creamery
“Enjoy a scoop of creamy hand-dipped ice cream by Bluebell; cones, cups, and sundaes! Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious homemade brownie sundae. You’ll step back to 1940’s Gatlinburg when visiting Mimi’s Creamery with the smell of homemade fried pies!”
- Tower Bar
“Delicious drinks await at the Watering Can Bar! Located at the base of AnaVista Tower, the Watering Can Bar is the perfect place to cool off with an ice cold beverage and relax while soaking in the views from the highest bar in downtown Gatlinburg.”
- Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery
“Take your taste buds to new heights with our brand-new Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery! Anakeesta is proud to offer the perfect place to grab a sweet treat or a little boost of energy at the top of Anakeesta mountain. Indulge your senses with our mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, soft and gooey, just like Grandma used to make. Craving something sweet? Dive into our delectable assortment of cookies, from Classic Chocolate chip to irresistible Red Velvet.”
- Rocky Top Tacos
“Dive into a world of mouthwatering Mexican cuisine with our sizzling Carne Asada soft tacos, succulent Pollo Rojo, and savory Pork Carnitas. We’ve got something for everyone, including a special Kids Menu for our little ones. And don’t forget to top it all off with our irresistible nachos! Savor the brand new flavors of this culinary experience- it’s a fiesta for your taste buds!”
EVENTS:
“Guests will get to experience the magic in the mountains with a twist! Our villages will be decked out in Irish-themed St. Patrick’s Day décor, Celtic music will fill the air and guests can enjoy live entertainment all day long. If that’s not enough to get you in the spirit, participating food and beverage locations will be serving green beer for the entire celebration.”
“Celebrate the season with United Tastes of America, Anakeesta’s summer event filled with family-friendly entertainment, festive food, and unforgettable mountaintop moments. Savor all-American favorites like a Classic Coney Dog, Sweet Georgia Peach Ice Cream, and refreshing summer cocktails. While you explore the park, enjoy live music performances, dance parties, themed character meet-and-greets, and interactive shows that bring extra fun to your day. With good food, great music, and plenty of ways to play, it’s the perfect way to enjoy summer together. Gather your family, soak up the sunshine, and celebrate summer at Anakeesta.”
“Autumn has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there’s no better place to experience the season and the changing leaves than at Anakeesta! During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival visitors can enjoy autumnal décor throughout the park, seasonal entertainment for the whole family, and delicious Bavarian inspired eats. For an additional add-on, sample beers from several local and regional craft breweries using our Beer Tasting Card. We can’t wait to see you in the mountains!”
“Experience the magic of Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta, where the beauty of the season comes alive with over a million sparkling lights illuminating the mountaintop! Delight in a variety of festive treats and seasonal favorites as you take a stroll on the hot cocoa crawl and cozy up by the fire pits. Enjoy captivating live entertainment that will fill the air with holiday cheer, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family. Join us in this winter wonderland and embrace the joy and warmth of the holiday spirit!”
“Autumn has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there’s no better place to experience the season and the changing leaves than at Anakeesta: Gatlinburg’s award-winning theme park. During Anakeesta’s Hallow Mountain Event which runs from September. 8 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. Step into Black Bear Village and taste Bavarian themed food and drink specials, while listening to live music. Make you way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor. We can’t wait to see you.”
“During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival visitors can enjoy autumnal décor throughout the park, seasonal entertainment for the whole family, and delicious Bavarian inspired eats. For an additional add-on, sample beers from several local and regional craft breweries using our Beer Tasting Card. We can’t wait to see you in the mountains!”
“From June 9 to September 4, guests can bask in the warm glow of the sunset while enjoying extended park hours until 10:00 p.m. With stunning views of the majestic smoky mountains, fewer crowds, and a vibrant lineup of evening entertainment, visitors will be transported to a world of cool breezes, fun-filled attractions, and unforgettable memories. Indulge in a delectable dinner at dusk, while enjoying Gatlinburg’s best views. Sunset in the Smokies is included free with Anakeesta admission and annual pass membership. Limited after 5 p.m. admission is available online in-advance on select days.”