About the Valley

DOLLYWOOD

There are two new rides at Dollywood this year—River Battle in the Dollywood theme park and SwiftWater Run in Dollywood’s Splash Country.

River Battle is a themed water raft ride equipped with powerful soaker guns. Nine rafts, each with room for 8 passengers, travel along a 500-foot channel. The battle begins as passengers, each with a soaker gun, take aim at each other and more than 100 targets along the way. These targets include large-scale talking animals—beavers, skunks, otters, bears, and more. Some of the targets will shoot back and others will display special effects. No two rides are the same! Raft! ers can also shoot the soaker guns at observers along the ride’s banks. This ride allows parents and children to ride together and is sure to be a hit!

SwiftWater Run is the new thrill ride in Dollywood’s Splash Country. You will enjoy a rush of white water fun! The current rushes ‘round and ‘round through the corkscrew tunnel and then a splash sends you sailing down the chute.

For more information on these rides and other attractions at Dollywood, visit www.dollywood.com.

NEW RESTAURANTS IN PIGEON FORGE

There are some new restaurants in Pigeon Forge that you won’t want to miss.

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
2250 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-2999
(865) 429-0991

The best in healthy Fresh-Mexican favorites. Tacos, burrito, Quesadillas and more are prepared with the ingredients you choose, fresh and fast, right before your eyes.

For more information and a full menu, visit http://www.salsaritas.com/ and

http://dininginthesmokies.com/_pigforge/salsaria_mexican_restaurant_pigeon_forge_tn.htm.

Texas Road House Pigeon Forge
3786 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3814
(865) 286-1543; FAX: (865) 286-1547

Texas Roadhouse is a place the whole family can enjoy great food, in a fun-filled, lively atmosphere at an affordable price. They proudly serve up the freshest hand-cut Steaks in the land, plus award winning Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, homemade side dishes, and their famous fresh-baked bread.

For more information, visit http://www.texasroadhouse.com/ and http://dininginthesmokies.com/_pigforge/texas_roadhouse_pigeon_forge_tn.htm.

Starbucks Pigeon Forge
2841 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3228
(865) 429-3124

For more information, visit http://www.starbucks.com/ and http://dininginthesmokies.com/_pigforge/starbucks_pigeon_forge_tn.htm.

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
2430 Teaster Lane, Suite 108, Teaster Crossing, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-5264
(865) 286-0364; FAX: (865) 286-0367

For more information, visit http://dininginthesmokies.com/_pigforge/mooses_wings_and_things_pigeon_forge_tn.htm.

KINKAKU Japanese Steak House Pigeon Forge
3152 Parkway Suite 1, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3342
(865) 774-3598

Teppanyaki chefs make your meal right at your table. Choose from Lobster, Filet Mignon, Chicken, Shrimp, or a combination of different meats. All dinners come with fried rice, vegetables, and green salad.

For more information and to view the menu, visit http://dininginthesmokies.com/_pigforge/kinkaku_japanese_steak_house_pigeon_forge_tn.htm.

Little Tokyo/Hibachi Grill & Sushi Bar Pigeon Forge
2430 Teaster Lane Suite 212, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-0555

For more information, visit http://dininginthesmokies.com/_pigforge/little_tokyo_japanese_steakhouse_pigeon_forge_tn.htm.

You might also want to check out these two favorite restaurants:

Alamo’s Steakhouse & Saloon
3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-9998

Hand-cut, aged Black Angus steaks are cooked over an oak fire, making the steaks flavorful and tender. They also have an extensive seafood, chops, and chicken selection. Serving lunch daily. Full kids menu. Acres of free parking.

For more information, visit http://www.alamosteakhouse.com/.

Tony Roma’s
2050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-8777

Featuring Baby Back and St. Louis Ribs, juicy steaks, signature seafood, tender grilled chicken, crispy fresh salads, burgers, made from scratch Onion Loafs, and desserts.

For more information, visit http://www.tonyromas.com/files/home.asp.

EASY ÉCLAIR CAKE

Homemade ice cream is a sure recipe for family fun! In my search for a good ice cream recipe for the cabins, I found several good recipes:

1 box graham crackers

2 packages instant vanilla pudding

1-8 oz container Cool Whip, thawed

3 1/2 cups whole milk

1 container ready made chocolate frosting

Mix the pudding and the milk together. Let set about 5 minutes and then fold in the Cool Whip. In an 9x13 pan, cover bottom with graham crackers.

Spread on half of the pudding mixture. Cover the pudding layer with another layer of whole graham crackers. Spread the last layer of pudding on top. Place the last layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding.

Open the container of chocolate frosting, be sure to remove the foil liner, microwave at 30-second intervals until it becomes softened. Stir well and pour on top of the last layer of graham crackers. Spread the frosting out evenly to completely cover the top.

Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours. This allows the pudding time to soak into the crackers, giving them an éclair texture.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS, PLEASE CONSIDER STAYING AT PINE CONE LODGE. THE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF A CHESTNUT RIDGE CABIN MAKE YOUR VACATION MORE FUN! CHECK AVAILABILITY AND RESERVE YOUR DATES EARLY -- MANY RESERVATIONS ARE MADE WEEKS AHEAD.

If you are interested in owning a vacation home or rental home in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, we are offering Pine Cone Lodge for sale. For purchase information, contact Chestnut Ridge Cabin Rentals, 3021 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862, or visit chestnutridgecabin.com . For a brochure describing Pine Cone Lodge, e-mail us at for more information.

Thanks for subscribing to About the Valley. We look forward to bringing you more news next month. As always, if you have any questions or comments or want to share your favorite place to visit in the Smoky Mountains, e-mail us at .

Chestnut Ridge Cabins