It's Time To Head Outside!

Posted by Phil Rodgers in Things to Do

Officially, there are still two more weeks of winter, but the warming temperatures and blooming vegetation are telling us that more pleasant days are just around the corner. That means it's almost time to shed those winter layers, throw on the shorts and short-sleeved shirts and start playing outside again. So if you're thinking about visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the next few weeks, your fun-time options are expanding by the day. This week, we're sharing some of our picks for things to do here in this later-winter/early-spring period that will help you shake those winter blues for good.

Goats on the Roof

Naturally, we think we have a lot to offer those in search of warm-weather entertainment. For starters, we have live goats that live on the roof of our facility, so when you're here, you can get face-to-face with our bleating, bearded friends. If you want, you can even feed them by pedaling one of our unique Goat Cycles, which transport containers of feed from ground level up to the roof for our residents' dining pleasure.

But that's not all we have going on. Another great thing to do in spring is feel the wind in your hair as you speed down a mountainside on our Goat Coaster, an alpine coaster that winds its way down a twisty, curvy course and allows you to control your own speed by handbrake. Another way to enjoy a seasonable day in the mountains is to play some miniature golf. We can accommodate that as well thanks to our new dinosaur-themed, outdoor mini-golf course. At Goats on the Roof, you can even prospect for real gems in the shade of our open-air gem-mining attraction.

Dollywood

Dollywood's 2024 season starts this weekend, on March 9. This year, guests of the theme park will see several additions and changes including the Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive exhibit that spans three buildings and celebrates Parton's life and career. However, that won't officially open until May. Meanwhile, the Lightning Rod roller coaster has been upgraded to a high-speed chain system that will allow more people to enjoy the ride at once. The park has also invested some $1 million to upgrade its entertainment spaces and productions. This includes four new shows making their debut this year, one of which was written by Dolly herself.

Other improvements include a new QR code system that will speed up park-entrance time for guests, and award-winning festivals that will continue through the entire year. This spring, enjoy the Flower & Food Festival April 19 through June 9, featuring more than a million beautiful blooms throughout the park.

Other outdoor options…

The destinations we've mentioned so far are only the tip of the iceberg. Don't forget about other attractions around town that will let you bask in spring's glory. We mentioned miniature golf above, and if you want to try even more such adventures, consider visiting Fantasy Golf in Pigeon Forge. Go-carts are another way to get some fresh-air fun. Our recommendations in that area include Fast Tracks, Fun Stop and Blake Jones Racing Center, also in Pigeon Forge. And if you've never been ziplining, this is the year to take the plunge (metaphorically speaking). One of our sister attractions, Smoky Mountain Ziplines in Pigeon Forge, will be kicking off its 2024 season soon with seven amazing ziplines in a stunning mountain setting. From top-notch guides and exciting ziplines to a vertical descent feature and jaw-dropping views of the Great Smoky Mountains, it's an experience you'll always remember.

This content posted by Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains. Visit our home page, goatsontheroofofthesmokies.com for more information on the goats and their coaster.

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