Category: WATE News

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 16, 2026 / 12:05 PM EDT Updated: Apr 16, 2026 / 05:40 PM EDT TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourism in Townsend offers visitors a look at the peaceful side of the Smokies, outside the hustle and bustle of large cities or amusement attractions. Serving as a gateway to the Smokies, shop owners say […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 9, 2026 / 12:28 PM EDT Updated: Apr 9, 2026 / 05:25 PM EDT GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Millions of people visit Sevier County each year. While many of them stop along the 441 Parkway on their way up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are several attractions off the beaten path, from local artisans to niche museums.  “You never […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 2, 2026 / 04:51 PM EDT Updated: Apr 2, 2026 / 05:22 PM EDT MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — With over 12 million people visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, East Tennessee serves as a hub for visitors passing through, looking to stay, or carrying on family traditions.   While Sevier County may see the most visitors in […]

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 […]

by: Hannah Moore Posted: Nov 21, 2025 / 08:39 AM EST Updated: Nov 21, 2025 / 08:39 AM EST PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — A new resort has opened in Pigeon Forge, anticipated to create over 100 full-time jobs. This dual-branded resort, situated on Jake Thomas Road minutes from Dollywood, includes an Embassy Suites by Hilton Pigeon Forge Resort and […]

by: Klaryssa De La Cruz Posted: Nov 24, 2025 / 05:25 PM EST Updated: Nov 24, 2025 / 05:25 PM EST SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourism leaders across the Smokies say the holiday season is arriving earlier than usual this year, with attractions already seeing heavier foot traffic ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pigeon Forge typically welcomes about […]

by: Matt Hollingsworth Posted: Nov 4, 2025 / 12:15 PM EST Updated: Nov 4, 2025 / 04:38 PM EST GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — As Sevier County continues to generate billions in tourism spending, Anakeesta announced a $100 million expansion called “Making More Magic.” A press release from the Gatlinburg theme park explained that this was part of a five-year plan […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Nov 3, 2025 / 05:49 PM EST Updated: Nov 3, 2025 / 06:36 PM EST PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — While you may have just finished packing away your Halloween costumes, or are starting to plan for Thanksgiving, Christmas is just around the corner, and Dollywood is getting into the holiday spirit.   Starting November 1 and lasting until January […]