4 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Pigeon Forge
America is one of many countries with countless awe-inspiring attractions. The skyscraper-lined streets of New York, the fudge shops of Cape May, and the glittering lights of Vegas always win hearts. But there’s something special about the quaintness of mountain towns. Pigeon Forge is one of these places.
It is an Appalachian town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nature lovers come here for scenic views and hiking trails, while adrenaline junkies flock to the city for its world-class roller coasters. So, no one’s getting bored here.
If you’re visiting for the first time, you secretly wish to find a list of things you can’t miss on your vacation. We feel you. So, we’ve put together the best of Pigeon Forge attractions and activities right here. Have a blast.
So, without any further ado, let us get straight to the topic and explore the best places to visit in Pigeon Forge.
The Southern Delicacies
When you’re on vacation, one aspect you don’t want to compromise on is food. The taste buds need something new too. Luckily, Pigeon Forge is just the place for food lovers.
When you walk past the rows of bubbling fudge shops and the tantalizing smells of barbecue, it’ll be hard to resist indulging in some southern comfort food.
And trust us, you won’t regret it. The region is famous for its southern delicacies like fried chicken, hushpuppies, and peach cobbler. So, make sure you try these out when you’re here.
Some of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN, are:
- The Old Mill Restaurant: The restaurant is over 200 years old and is a historic gristmill. The restaurant has an old-world charm with its dark-wooden beams and raging river outside. The menu is filled with southern classics like pot roast, chicken pie, and meatloaf. And you can’t leave without trying their world-famous corn chowder.
- The Peddler: The Peddler is a steakhouse that has been around for over 40 years. The steaks here are some of the best in town and are served with a side of corn fritters to die for. It is a recommended place you should visit while you are in Pigeon Forge. We assure you that the food you will get here will be delicious, and your mouth will remember its taste for the rest of your life.
It is essential and recommended to try all the local delicacies to truly make your visit to the great town of Pigeon Forge worthwhile. At the local restaurants, you can interact with locals and can learn a lot about the history of the place and can then fully enjoy your trip with the valuable information you get from interaction.
Dollywood
Dollywood is a theme park with attractions for all ages. Whether you enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or prefer a more leisurely ride, you’ll be glad you chose to spend time here.
The most thrilling ride at Dollywood is Lightning Rod, which is the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster. It takes you from 0 to 45 mph in 3.5 seconds.
But if you’re not a fan of roller coasters, don’t worry; there are plenty of other rides and attractions to enjoy at Dollywood.
You can ride on the vintage carousel, visit the bald eagle habitat, or watch one of the many live shows.
Dollywood also has a water park called Dollywood’s Splash Country. It is just the right place to cool off on a hot summer day. The water park has slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. It also has a kids’ area with smaller slides and a splash pad.
The Island
The Island is an entertainment complex in the middle of Pigeon Forge. From shopping to dining and musical shows, you’ll find it all here. It is one of the town’s most popular attractions. In fact, Trip Advisor ranked it as the 6th best amusement park in the country.
There’s a lot you can try here, but the two most popular things to do at The Island are:
- Riding the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
- Watching The Island Show Fountain
The Wheel is 200 feet tall and offers some of the most splendid views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains.
The Island Show Fountain is a choreographed water, light, and music show that will surely leave you mesmerized.
Other things you can do at The Island are:
- Play some arcade games at the Island Arcade.
- Ride go-karts at The Island Raceway.
- Shop at unique stores like The Island Hattery and Cooter’s Place.
- Eat at one of the many restaurants like Margaritaville, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, or Timberwood Grill.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Got kids with you? Then you should visit Parrot Mountain and Gardens. It is a family-friendly attraction that is home to hundreds of tropical birds. Your senses will be pleased watching the thousands of wildflowers, enjoying the smells of fresh fruits, and listening to the sound of birds.
You can even feed some of the birds by hand. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the birds. They will happily answer any questions you have.
The gardens at Parrot Mountain are beautiful. There are walking paths that wind through the flowers and trees. You’ll also find a koi pond, waterfall, and streams. When you want to take a break from walking, find yourself a gorgeous butterfly or dragonfly bench and enjoy the view.
Parrot Mountain is a great place to take some pictures. So, make sure you bring your camera.
Final Words
Although a small mountain town with only a few thousand people living there, it is a top vacation destination for families and couples alike. It’s pleasant throughout the year. However, some seasons are busier than others.
Therefore, we recommend planning your vacation around some of the best events and festivals the town offers, such as the Bloomin’ Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival in May and the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales in July. It’s going to be worth every dollar spent.
