b"Gatlinburg is such an amazing vacation spot because of the fantastic variety of attractions, shopping and dining options, but it draws back repeat visitors in part because of the ever-growing list of options for family fun in the smokies. New this year is the ever-expanding Anakeesta. Already a premier vacation destination with options around every corner, this year they have added even more. At the summit of Vista Gardens, a wood and steel observation tower will extend 655-feet above downtown Gatlinburg. Guests will be taken aback by the 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, the views will extend to our neighboring northern states. They will also be opening new dining options, with a Smokehouse BBQ & Brewhouse offering a fully enclosed dining room, as well as an outdoor patio with room for more than 200 guests. As it warms up outside, Anakeesta will also have a new outdoor play area with a cool water feature, as well as a tree house with an adventure course included. With so much new for this year, Anakeesta is outdoing themselves once again and giving visitors even more reasons to spend the day on top of the mountain!If you happen to be in town on March 13th, you can enjoy a glass of wine paired with delicious cheesy treats along the Rocky Top Wine Trails special Wine & Cheese Trail Event. What's a more classic pairing than wine and cheese? Enjoy a glass of wine (your choice of two offerings) paired with delicious, cheesy treats at each of the following (3) locations: Mountain Valley Winery, Hillside Winery, and Mill Bridge Winery. Take home a commemorative wine glass after visiting the threeparticipating locations on the Rocky Top Wine Trail. The Wine & Cheese Trail is a special event being held from 11:004:00 and is the perfect sampling of some of the smokies best wines, made from locally grown fruits. I have personally thought that I have seen a sasquatch in Gatlinburg a couple of times, but it turned out that it was just an employee from one of our local Moonshine companies or so they claimed. If you are interested in the mysterysurrounding Bigfoot, you do not want to miss the Third Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on July 24. Doors open at 9:00 am for an all-day fun event featuring the legendary Bigfoot. The event organiz-ers have assembled some of Americas most experienced and engaging Bigfoot researchers and investigators for presentations as well as Q&A sessions. A meet and greet dinner experience and a hike out in the Smoky Mountains will be highlights of this legendary special event! SmokyMountainNavigator.com 111"