Buc-ee’s —a Texas-based roadside stop known for its extensive gas pumps, clean bathrooms, variety of snacks, and clever billboards— has built a new location that ranks as one of the world’s largest convenience stores! The Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center in Sevierville sprawls 74,000 square feet and anchors a 200-acre development planned for Exit 407 off I-40, one of the nation’s most traveled roads. The new Sevierville Buc-ee’s boasts 120 fuel pumps (as well as several EV stations), a 250-foot car wash, and lots of Buc-ee’s staples including Texas barbecue, homemade fudge, and Beaver Nuggets. It occupies land owned by Kituwah, LLC and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who are also looking into developing shops, restaurants, attractions and more at what’s dubbed “The 407: Gateway to Adventure.”

In addition to the one-stop-shopping mecca, the Courtyard by Marriott Kodak Sevierville is the latest addition to open at the Exit 407 development. The hotel features 125 beautifully appointed rooms and modern amenities. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, there’s flexible meeting space that accommodates up to 60 guests, a delightful dining experience at the Courtyard Bistro and Bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an inviting outdoor pool and patio complete with a kid’s splash pad.

A brand new waterslide is coming to Soaky Mountain Waterpark for the 2025 season. “Rafter’s Rage” is a six-person raft ride that takes a different, more thrill-filled approach to raft rides. “Rafter’s Rage will be different from most waterslides,” says Dave Andrews, general manager of Soaky Mountain Waterpark. “With high banking turns and steep drops, it will feature four artfully crafted arcs that will cause the rafts to accelerate sideways. This thrilling drifting experience — a world’s first for a waterslide — will extend a rider’s zero-G feeling, making it an incredible attraction.” Rafter’s Rage will begin at a towering height of roughly eight stories from the ground and span over 800 feet in length. For speed, riders will whip down the slide at speeds potentially reaching nearly 20 miles per hour.

Down the road, Soaky Mountain’s sister property Wilderness at the Smokies makes a big splash in fun with a host of new additions and renovations. They recently completed a 40,000-square-foot indoor waterpark expansion, which includes The Ridge Runner, a three-story water coaster, as well as Kaleidoscope Kavern, a first-of-its-kind dynamic lazy river that utilizes immersive lighting and sound to create a kaleidoscope effect inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Outside of the indoor waterpark expansion, Wilderness at the Smokies also opened Lookout Lagoon, a rooftop lounge complete with a bar and grill and luxurious glass-edge pool. Lookout Lagoon is the perfect place to grab a bite, sip drinks, or take in incredible views of the Little Pigeon River and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The fun doesn’t stop with new attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies. Stonehill Lodge, which is adjacent to the Sevierville Convention Center, is set to complete major renovations this spring including completely refreshed guest rooms. New ways to stay at Wilderness include different cabins ranging from four-bedroom options to specially designed entertainment, and treehouse cabins.

From splashing in the waterpark waves to diving into an immersive cinematic experience, Xperia: Ocean Journey takes guests on a voyage through the sea with life-sized humpback whales, fighting Humboldt squid and playful sea otters.The recently opened attraction is located at Tanger Outlets Sevierville and is the first of its kind in the Smokies.

Visitors to Sevierville’s SkyLand Ranch, a theme park located on a mountain top farm, round up more thrills with an all-new kid-friendly net climb attraction and thrilling swing tower. They’ve also added a Safari Hayride, allowing visitors to meet and feed animals of all kinds. This year look for even more festivals and events on SkyLand Ranch’s annual calendar, including a summer concert series.

Get ready for loads of fun at the world’s largest construction-based theme park - Dig’n Zone This all-new concept features real, heavy-duty construction equipment that has been transformed into 25+ family-friendly attractions. Take a spin on a skid steer, crush a souvenir toy bus with a steam roller, or raise the stakes on an excavator in head-to-head building challenges. The fun continues with other activities and attractions like gem mining, a full arcade center, hearty eats at the Dig In Cafe, and a souvenir store filled with all sorts of construction-themed toys and merchandise. They also have live entertainment and seasonal events planned throughout the year.

Already known for world-class smallmouth bass fishing and picturesque rivers, Sevierville’s natural waterways are more accessible than ever before thanks to the addition of three new blueway landings. Located on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, the blueways project provides safe, ADA-compatible access to the river and welcomes activities like fishing, tubing, and kayaking. The locations of the three landings throughout Sevierville can be found here

Just down the road, Iron Forge Brewing Co.’s award-winning head brewmaster Herus Shultz offers a rotating menu of 30 house brewed beers and a hearty menu of American cuisine. The restaurant’s ample dining room and patio overlook the LIttle Pigeon River with mountain views, creating a peaceful experience.

Nearby, historic downtown Sevierville’s food scene is coming to life as well. Grab a bite to start your day at Buffalo Breakfast Co., a new eatery featuring sweet and savory breakfast items you’ll not find anywhere else. Get the Deep South Waffle stuffed with andouille sausage, corn, cheddar cheese, and onions, or dig into the Kiss My Grits, fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese grits, blackened shrimp, tomato, chives, and corn emulsion.

In the mood for seafood? Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar serves up New England Lobster Rolls, Lobster Mac n’ Cheese, and decadent Lobster Bisque alongside locally sourced beers. Sit indoors or bring your pup for the dog-friendly patio seating at this trendy downtown Sevierville eatery. The large patio also features cozy fire pits, cornhole boards and a stage area for live music on weekends.

Red’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream , is a blast from the past serving up craft sodas, ice cream, and more in historic Downtown Sevierville. This charming 1940s-inspired soda fountain pays homage to Red’s Cafe, which previously operated in the building across the street from the current establishment. For ice cream connoisseurs and Dolly fans alike, Red’s Cafe is often connected with Dolly Parton, who frequented the cafe as a small child. Today, Red’s Soda Fountain offers delicious hand-dipped scoops in 14 flavors of locally made ice cream plus hand-mixed sodas, phosphates, milkshakes, malts, sundaes, and more. Be sure to also pick up one of their delicious grab & go food offerings made daily from the nearby restaurant, Seasons 101.

Add gourmet Italian to the growing list of cuisines in historic Downtown Sevierville at DŌ Scratch Made Pizza & Pasta , Pronounced “dough”, the upscale eatery serves classic Italian fares, including hand-crafted, fresh pasta and stone-fired pizzas. The house made dishes pair well with a chic yet approachable atmosphere and is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or grab drinks with friends.

Nights are getting livelier in downtown Sevierville with the addition of The Pines Downtown, a new entertainment venue featuring duckpin bowling, snookball, foosball and more. A top notch cocktail menu and elevated pub food make it a great place to hang out with friends and family - and photos in front of the Dolly Parton mural painted inside The Pines are even more special when you know that the building was also the original Pines Theater where Dolly played her first paying gig at the age of 10.

The public art scene in historic downtown Sevierville is expanding. Of course, the bronze statue of Dolly Parton is sure to remain the city’s most iconic photo op, but two new sculptures have joined that famous feature. The Tracks of Time was made by a local metalworker using railroad tracks from The Old Slow & Easy railroad that once ran along Bruce Street. A second sculpture by regional artist Mary Ruden depicts Bertie the Bird Dog who delivered his owner’s business deposit to the bank every day by himself and returned with the deposit slip held safely in a money pouch between his teeth.