Sunday, March 23, 2008
They drove some laps under caution, but the backers of a high-profile entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge say they're now racing for the checkered flag.
Belle Island Village is a $114 million project that's aiming to entice both silver-screen aficionados and the restrictor-plate-and-superspeedway crowd. Centered around an 18-acre island between the Parkway and Teaster Lane - southeast of Wears Valley Road - the project will be anchored by two star-powered attractions: the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum and the Darrell Waltrip Racing Experience.
When it was announced more than four years ago, backers of Belle Island Village said the attraction would be open for business in the spring of 2005 and represented a $60 million investment. Regulatory issues threw a wrench in that time frame, but while the project's cost has nearly doubled the developers also have beefed up the attraction.
"I've been around a lot of projects and occasionally they slow down … (On this project) the slow-down has helped us," said Tim Macy, a spokesman for the project.
Earlier this month, Macy gave a tour of the site, where a two-story retail and administrative building is already under roof and work is under way on a 130-room hotel.
Hollywood and horsepower
Themed as a 1930s river town, Belle Island Village also will feature three major restaurants, live entertainment stages, an arcade and an attraction featuring otters from the Knoxville Zoo.
Backers say the project is on track for a fall opening, but they'll have to hustle because construction on the two featured attractions hasn't yet gone vertical.
Developer Glen Bilbo, president of Southern Venue Development, said that as the project's opening draws near it will probably have 400 to 450 workers on site. "All hands on deck," he joked.
The ambitious project will have a diverse group of attractions. The Waltrip Racing Experience aims to give race fans an inside look at the world of NASCAR from the track to the garage to the television studio. The highlights include:
n An interactive theater, in which participants can watch a race from the driver's perspective and make driving decisions, using buttons on their seats.
n A "mini-Bristol," where visitors can operate radio-controlled cars at a replica of the famed half-mile oval.
n A mock sound stage that allows visitors to emulate their favorite sportscasters and pretend to narrate the action alongside Waltrip and fellow broadcaster Jeff Hammond.
But while the Waltrip Experience will traffic in the rough-and-tumble world of racing, the Reynolds museum will specialize in glitz and glamour, drawing on the actress' cache of Hollywood memorabilia that's billed as the world's largest private collection. The Reynolds museum will be built in the shape of an old-time steamboat, with interactive exhibits that include video clips showing the memorabilia as it appeared in a particular movie.
At 57,000 square feet of space - and a height of 104 feet to the top of the "smokestacks" - the museum also will include a glass-topped meeting venue that will be marketed as a site for upscale events, including weddings.
Macy said the Waltrip Experience will give fans and non-fans a feel for what NASCAR is like, and said Reynolds - whose resume includes everything from "Singin' In The Rain" to the TV show "Will and Grace" - is an "active, vibrant woman that really transcends old Hollywood to new Hollywood." Throw in the kid-pleasing otters from the Knoxville Zoo, and the goal is to offer something for every tourist.
"I'd say what we're trying to do is hit all ends of the spectrum," said Macy.
Besides Southern Venue, the Belle Island team includes Institutional Realty Resources, whose president, James Dickert, is the primary investor on the project. Bilbo, of Southern Venue, said 60 percent of Belle Island Village will be owned and operated by the group, including the hotel and many of the retail offerings, which will focus on demonstration crafts and specialty shops.
As for the featured attractions, Bilbo said his group will own the Waltrip Experience, and the ex-driver has a contract to make a certain number of appearances at the venue. The Reynolds museum is a joint venture with a non-profit group.
A river runs through it
To do it, though, the Belle Island team had to overcome some significant delays on the regulatory front. John Jagger, Pigeon Forge community development director, said that at one time the island, or a portion of it, was located in the 100-year flood plain and the floodway for the Little Pigeon River.
Jagger said that in the 1980s, engineering work was done that showed how more of the island - which has previously been home to attractions like Porpoise Island - could be developed, and a process was begun to update the Federal Emergency Management Agency maps based on those engineering studies.
The director said that process was pursued to a late stage, but never completed. Instead, he said, the Belle Island team had proposed their idea in conformance with the prior studies, but the map amendment process had to be finished before they could move forward.
One of the major steps taken by the development team was using fill dirt and riprap - rocky fill material that prevents erosion - to raise the island by nearly nine feet in some spots. In order to accommodate the water flows around the island - particularly in a flood situation - the buildings were constructed on a cantilevered foundation that extends out over the lower ground near the waterway, and is supported by dozens of vertical concrete piers.
Macy said that design allowed developers to use an extra 40 feet of property without obstructing the waterway. "You can only have so many stationary impediments to flow, and we're way below that (level)," he said.
The end result will be an island that's jam-packed with retail, entertainment and hospitality options - in the midst of a city and county that also are brimming with high-profile tourist attractions. While Belle Island Village will present more competition for existing attractions like Dollywood, WonderWorks and the Dinosaur Walk Museum, some local observers say more is better.
Jim Calkin is president of the Bridgemont Group, which is working on a 1,000-acre, $850 million mixed-use project in Sevierville that includes entertainment and lodging components.
Calkin said it's obvious that developments compete against each other. "But we do think that competitive type situation is far outweighed by the critical mass that quality developments in the market bring as a whole," he said. "So we're very supportive of the Belle Island development, and the other major developments that have been announced here in the last year or so."
Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, said 80 percent of the people who come to the city are repeat visitors.
"I think with our repeat visitors we have to keep offering those new attractions, and then the businesses have to compete for that dollar … A lot of it'll be up to the Belle Island folks to get people to their front door" Downey said. "But it is new, it is fresh, it is different, which is what we have to have to keep people coming back year after year."
Business writer Josh Flory may be reached at 865-342-6994.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 3:45:04 PM
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Pigeon Forge, TN – March 2008 – Springtime tourism activity is ready to roll in Pigeon Forge. . . and in a literal sense. For starters, consider these three new “in the round” activities:
- After a soft opening over the winter, this is the first full season for Zorb Smoky Mountains, that peculiar humans-inside-a-giant-beachball-zooming-down-a-mountainside attraction. It’s the latest extreme sport imported from New Zealand and is the only Zorb site in North America.
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- Spin City, a high-tech roller skating center with a rink measuring 11,000 square feet, flashy lights and a booming sound system, is ready for its first tourism season. It updates the old question of “how low can you limbo on skates?” to “how low can you limbo on skates while the video camera captures your technique?”
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- Dollywood plans to board the first passengers on a $5 million water adventure ride called River Battle on March 21. As the willing-to-get-wet adventurers navigate a circular river, they aim powerful soaker guns at other rafts and at more than 100 targets along the way—and spectators have soaker guns, too.
For the crowd that wants to stay dry, Dollywood’s special touch for spring is the annual Festival of Nations. This year, the theme is the “World of Dance,” and troupes of colorful folkdancers from Russia, Mexico, Ecuador, the Philippines, Spain and elsewhere will be in the spotlight.
Expected to draw major attention is “Rhythm of the Dance” featuring the stunning stepdancing of Ireland. Festival of Nations runs from March 21-May 5 and includes food, music, crafts and other arts as well as the colorful dancers.
Other entertainment news includes the return of Lee Greenwood, winner of multiple Country Music Association Awards, to the Smokies. He has booked 72 shows (36 dates) at the 600-seat Smith Family Theater. Dates are spread from April through December.
More new entertainers in town include a herd of powerful Texas longhorns, the centerpieces of a show’s new opening segment at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.
A totally new show, “Swing Time,” plans to open in May. It’s a trip back in time to the Big Band era of the early 1940s in the Grand Majestic Theater (formerly the American Jukebox Theater).
“Pigeon Forge’s ever-changing choice of activities is one of its great appeals. Spring 2008 in Pigeon Forge is a fine change of pace for people who have been cooped up for the winter,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
Dozens of Pigeon Forge businesses—hotels, theaters, campgrounds, attractions and restaurants—are participating in a discount program that is detailed in the Pigeon Forge Travel Planner, a publication that can be viewed or ordered online at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/ (toll-free phone 800-251-9100).
Also at the city’s Web site is a list of “Nine Ways To Save on a Pigeon Forge Vacation.” It offers suggestions on coupons, the city’s trolley system and travel packages.
Contact:
Lila Wilson
Pigeon Forge
(865) 453-8574
Posted By: Blog Master @ 3:43:12 PM
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Pigeon Forge, TN – March 2008 – For the second year in a row, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has won an Emmy® Award to showcase in its welcome center. Television advertising for this tourist town next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park earned three Emmy nominations, one of which won the coveted award that is recognized as television’s highest honor.
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The award-winning spot featured several Pigeon Forge residents, including Kelly Johnson, a mother of two and a Pigeon Forge restaurateur, and Johnson’s commentary on what makes Pigeon Forge appealing to vacationing families.
Pigeon Forge’s Emmy Awards are from the Nashville/Midsouth Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The commercials were produced for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism by BOHAN Advertising | Marketing in Nashville. BOHAN has been the department’s advertising and marketing agency since 1990.
Emmys for commercial work in the Midsouth region date only to 2004. Pigeon Forge won an Emmy in 2007 for its “Welcome to My Pigeon Forge” campaign.
“As far as we know, no other destination anywhere has won an Emmy Award,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “We’re tickled beyond description.”
The other nominated projects were a spot featuring Dawn Goehring, a performer at the Comedy Barn Theater, and the overall 2007 campaign that included two more commercials.
Geneva Brignolo, executive director of the Nashville/Midsouth chapter said Emmy Awards are “universally recognized as television’s highest honor.”
The Nashville/Midsouth region covers Tennessee, North Carolina (except the Asheville market) and the Huntsville, Ala., market.
Contact:
Lila Wilson
Pigeon Forge
(865) 453-8574
Posted By: Blog Master @ 10:55:58 PM
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The old Mikasa location is 8,700 square feet and is between Wallet Works and New York New York.
The Mikasa Store is owned by a French company, Robbins said. It sold fine China for dining and other items. Robbins expects a lease to be signed within a week to 10 days with his leasing company, but he wouldn't say now who the new tenant will be.
"We are in negotiations with this type of tenant," Robbins said.
In addition to the new store, Robbins said that his company had just signed a lease with Chaps Restaurant to open up a 9,000-square-foot eatery next to Bass Outlet store. The restaurant is owned by a local group of investors, he said. Representatives from Chaps could not be reached for comment.
The stores that make up Pigeon Forge Factory Outlets, ZBuda Outlets, and the Red Roof Mall are all parts of discount oriented malls. Robbins said the area will continue to do well despite the economic slowdown because it provides good prices and good bargains.
Another real estate agent who asked not to be named, said representatives of companies have contacted him about available space in the ZBuda outlet center.
It's not uncommon to see some stores close during a slow time of the year.
"It's the nature of business," the unmamed agent said.
n dklein@themountainpress.com
View Site
Posted By: Blog Master @ 11:27:58 PM
Thursday, November 01, 2007
It’s hard to say what is the bigger honor for Dollywood, hosting the Annual Golden Ticket Awards that spotlight the best in the theme park industry or winning the Publisher’s Pick Award for Park of the Year. Nearly 90 professionals in the amusement industry made a visit to the Smoky Mountains Wednesday for the annual event, which Dollywood was tapped to host.
Amusement Today, a newspaper dedicated to theme and amusement parks, organizes the awards, which are in their 10th year. Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade said the awards were created “to honor the best of the best in the amusement industry.”
In addition to receiving the Publisher’s Pick Award, Dollywood was also named as a finalist in other categories- from friendliest park to best new attraction for the Mystery Mine- than any other park.
This year’s event drew the largest crowd ever, which Slade also attributed to Dollywood’s continuing effort to remain at the front of the amusement industry. Representatives from Indiana to California to Florida were part of the event. More information and a complete list of winners can be found by visiting www.amusementtoday.com
Posted By: Blog Master @ 12:45:52 AM
Thursday, October 04, 2007
By Peter Greenberg
TODAYShow.com contributor
Tennessee
This is a true fall foliage state, but if you want guaranteed great fall colors, go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This national park is the most visited in the entire country, and it receives 9 million annual visitors. In addition, Tennessee has nearly 400 festivals that celebrate fall, and it has 54 state parks and more than 1,800 miles of hiking and biking trails, so you have many opportunities to experience fall foliage. In East Tennessee, you will see the first sighting of autumn color. Trees above 3,500 feet change color first, usually during the first week in October. To see the best foliage, stay in East Tennessee for the second and third week of October, then go to middle Tennessee for later foliage sightings. The foliage in west Tennessee usually begins to change nearing the end of October to the first week in November. Tennessee has more than 400 species of deciduous trees.
By road, you can drive along the Cherohala Skyway and the Ocoee Scenic Byway. This is an especially popular time for motorcycles to drive along the skyway or byway. By rail, you can ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad on restored vintage trains in Chattanooga. In Knoxville, you can take the Three Rivers Rambler Train and explore east Tennessee. By boat, you can ride the Southern Belle Riverboat and enjoy lunch or dinner while viewing the fall foliage.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 10:14:11 AM
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tennessee’s fall foliage was brought into the national spotlight during an interview on the "Today" Show. Travel correspondent Peter Greenberg was interviewed by "Today" Show anchor Matt Lauer on the nation’s most unusual places to view fall foliage.
Several destinations received coverage by Greenberg, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherohala Skyway, Ocoee Scenic Byway, Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga, Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga and Three Rivers Rambler Train in Knoxville.
For more information on fall foliage in Tennessee, visit fall.tnvacation.com/foliage or call 1-800-697-4200. To view Peter Greenberg’s fall foliage article or to view the "Today Show segment, visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20997833//.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 10:10:48 AM
