New Mountain Mile Mall

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

For decades, one of Pigeon Forge's claims to fame was being an outlet center shopper's paradise in the Southeast with quite a few outlet shops, strips and malls. One of those malls that was a favorite for visitors and locals alike was the Belz Mall on Teaster Lane with its unique look, design and memorable selection of stores. Writing on it is somewhat like writing a thesis on consumer nostalgia with Kay*Bee Toys, Foozles Books, Vitamin World, Movies 4 Sale, Music 4 Less, TCBY Yogurt and more that occupied it in its heyday. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and the Belz Mall, let's come right out and say it, had been in decline for more than 10 YEARS. Probably the slowest attraction decline we'd seen in the area for a generation.

And just as all good things come to an end, all things are eventually reborn new into the world with great potential ahead of it. Enter the Mountain Mile Mall in Pigeon Forge, a new development and undertaking that will replace the previous property from the ground up. From their website:

"The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops is an unprecedented development project which will completely reshape the retail, restaurant, lodging, and attraction scene of Pigeon Forge and the region. With over 1 mile of road frontage and 174+ acres in total, this will be a project of national significance. It is located along Teaster Lane and Jake Thomas Blvd in the heart of Pigeon Forge, surrounded by the $22.5 million Cal Ripken Experience baseball tournament park, the $42 million Leconte (convention) Center, and “The Island”, a 300,000 sq. ft. hotel/restaurant/retail destination including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Paula Deen’s Kitchen…all just minutes from Dollywood!"

Indeed, this will be an impressive project that will further conglomerate and link together several noteworthy attractions together - Mountain Mile, The Island, LeConte Conference Center, the Old Mill, The Track and the Cal Ripken Baseball Field among potentially some others.

Construction is only yet beginning (which is tearing down the old mall building), but we have much to expect already. This includes:

* Shops, obviously.

* Sports bar.

* Gastropub.

* Arcade.

* Bowling Alley.

And the big item being touted currently is the "Mountain Monster", which will be a 200-foot tall tower that will occupy several rides of some form. Not much is known or said about it beyond that, but with recent excellent developments that have taken place in the county over the last few years, we have great confidence it will be something to truly behold!

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