Tag: East Tennessee Vacation

Wilderness at the Smokies ‘Races’ Into Its 5th Year With New Slide

Posted by Erin Freeman – January 16, 2013

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – On your mark! Get set! Go! Wilderness at the Smokies is adding the adrenaline-pumping spirit of competition to its outdoor waterslide collection this spring with the debut of the Cyclone Racer, a four-lane high-speed waterslide that turns guests into hydro-powered drag racers. Starting on a racing tower 50 feet above the ground guests will race each other down the spiral course in mere seconds.

“The Cyclone Racer will give our guests something different to enjoy at Lake Wilderness, and will certainly get the competitive juices flowing between family members and friends,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It will be a fantastic complement to all of our outdoor water attractions, especially the newly added Wild Vortex.”

The debut of the Cyclone Racer continues the Sevierville resort’s tradition of debuting a significant expansion of new features each year. Sharing a platform with the popular Wild Vortex, the Cyclone Racer will feature 1200 feet of combined waterslide lanes. Each lane combines a mixture of open flume racing and enclosed tunnels using aqualucent striping to provide strobes of color to the experience. A water flow of 1200 gallons per minute fuels the high-speed racing experience.

“We have created a strong track record of continued growth and expansion since day one and we’ll continue to look for new and unique opportunities each year to enhance our guests’ experience,” added Cruz.

Alongside Cyclone Racer, the Wild Vortex, which opened last summer, is a 66-foot tall AquaLoopTM, the Southeast’s only near-vertical translucent looping waterslide.  This is has been an extremely popular addition to the resort, with guests getting an adrenaline rush like no other.  Riders of the Wild Vortex enter a capsule at the top of the ride, stand vertically over a trap door and then once the door is released, they accelerate into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 Gs in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, the Adventure Forest entertainment park, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Ryan Willis is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Unique Girlfriends’ Getaway packages now offered in the Smokies

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 18, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – Sometimes ladies need more than one dinner, one drink or one night out together.  This is apparent as the popularity of “Girlfriends’ Getaway” vacations continues to grow.  Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville, Tenn., is one destination that has become a trendy spot for these trips. Last year, the area played host to a national Great Girlfriends’ Getaway contest and now this lively destination is introducing unique and specially-tailored vacation packages for these ‘female-only’ trips.

Packages include everything from photography classes to whitewater rafting to shopping and even getting complete makeovers.  Along with a variety of activities, each package includes a stay at one of Sevierville’s best hotels.

“Thanks to our location, we are able to offer a wide variety of unique and enjoyable experiences in one place that you would typically only be able to enjoy by traveling to multiple destinations,” said Amanda Marr, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director.  “We give the ladies the opportunity to go ziplining and tour the Smoky Mountains via helicopter one day and then enjoy shopping and a personal style makeover the next.”

The following packages are available along with the option to create a customized getaway:

  • Different Point of View – helicopter tour, safari, photography class
  • High Flying Adventure – ziplining, helicopter tour, Lumberjack Feud show
  • Beat the Heat – whitewater rafting, river tubing
  • Back to Nature – Ripley’s Aquarium, photography class, safari
  • Be a Kid Again – NASCAR Speedpark, minor league baseball game, WonderWorks
  • Shopping Safari – Cirque De Chine show, personal makeover/shopping, safari
  • Laughter is the Best Medicine – Comedy Barn Theater, miniature golf

More detailed information on these packages can be found at www.officialgirlfriendsgetaway.com.

Along with the introduction of these girlfriends’ getaway packages, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is also releasing a series of webisodes featuring last year’s Great Girlfriends’ Getaway contest winners and the experience and the activities they shared during their trip.  These webisodes will be released every week via fb.com/Sevierville and on www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.

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If you would like more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 or rwillis@ackermannpr.com.