by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Mar 23, 2026 / 05:51 PM EDT Updated: Mar 23, 2026 / 06:06 PM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) —  The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development recently announced that over $2.03 billion in state tax revenue was generated by the tourism industry in Tennessee last year.   That money goes back into communities in the form of lowering taxes for residents and funding local […]

by: Hope McAlee Posted: Mar 11, 2026 / 04:27 PM EDT Updated: Mar 11, 2026 / 04:27 PM EDT KODAK, Tenn. (WATE) — Officials with the City of Sevierville and Sevier County Government have released some potential redevelopment plans for the old Smokies Stadium property in Kodak. According to a joint press release, officials are working with The […]

by: Hope McAlee Posted: Mar 13, 2026 / 07:12 AM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Friday is opening day at Dollywood, and East Tennessee icon Dolly Parton was in attendance for the first day of the park’s 41st season. The park opened for the first day of the 2026 season and the I Will Always Love […]