Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide | Journeys with Jenn

Pigeon Forge is a year round destination for families at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. From fun and thrilling attractions, to amazing dining, and family fun that stretches the Parkway and beyond, add these places to your next Pigeon Forge family vacation.

If Pigeon Forge hasn’t been on your vacation destination list, you will want to add it after reading this. This once quiet area of Eastern Tennessee has come alive over the years and continues to grow.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

We spent six days in Pigeon Forge and it still wasn’t enough time to see and do all that is offered. I cannot wait to go back and experience so much more.

1. Stay in A Cabin

To get the full experience in the Smoky Mountains you will want to stay in a cabin. You can choose from cabins close to Parkway or you can go up a little further into the mountains and take in amazing views. During our trip we stayed at Sunrise Woods Retreat, which was 5 minutes from all of the attractions! Last year we were further up in the mountains in a gated community at Lucky Bear Cabin. Both were fantastic and I highly recommend them.

After a long day exploring and playing in Pigeon Forge, coming back to your own hot tub overlooking the Smokies is really the best way to end your days.

2. Visit The Titanic Museum

This is a must do history lesson for everyone. You are on a self guided tour of the Titanic, from her being built to her fateful night at the bottom of the Atlantic. It’s perfect for all ages as there is a kids version and adult version. You feel connected to these stories, and the passengers.

When you board the Titanic you are given a passenger name, and you follow to the end to see their fate. My 3rd class passenger, somehow survived and made it to New York. It was a relief at the end of the long journey to know she survived.

You get the opportunity to walk the Grand Staircase, and see what it felt like in that chilling Northern Atlantic air the night Titanic sank. We spent 2 hours in the museum and we all left feeling an impact of what it must have felt like for the passengers and crew.

3. Dine at The Old Mill

No visit is complete without going to The Old Mill. The Old Mill’s story began nearly two centuries ago when local farmers with sacks of grain traveled to the newly built gristmill along the Little Pigeon River, and the mill still operates today. Here you can dine on amazing Appalachian meals, shop for items in the General Store including homemade flour, grain, jams, soups, sauces and so much more.

Be sure to bring your appetite because the meals are plentiful. They do not take reservations, so be sure to arrive early or it could be a long wait- but it’s worth it! Your meal begins with biscuits and comes with soup and salad, then the entrée, and you still aren’t finished because dessert comes with it as well. The banana pudding and chocolate cake are so good.

4. Dollywood

I am a lifelong Dolly Parton fan, but that’s not the only reason I love this park. It’s beautifully tucked into the Smoky Mountains and you cannot see the park without being a guest. When you visit you are taken back to a slower time with pickin’, good food of course Dolly. But that’s not all, the coasters and attractions are WORLD CLASS! There are seasonal events that celebrate the seasons and the beauty of the Smokies.

Dollywood Must Do’s

5. Ride The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the longest coaster in east Tennessee and the first one in the world with FOUR uplifts! Your sled can go up to 30mph and takes you twisting and turning down the mountain side. If you really want to be thrilled ride at night when thousands of lights guide you along the mountain. Even the little ones can ride with a parent so long as they are 38 in tall.

The staff was incredibly friendly and helped nervous riders feel comfortable before they took off on the first lift hill.

6. Go Beyond The Lens

This “techno-tainment” fun center will keep you entertained for hours! We had no idea what to expect but it was one of our favorite places to go. With over 150 interactive exhibits to experience you better have your camera ready for some insta-worthy shots.

The pop culture element was my favorite, from video games, to music and history- it was fun to get hands on. You may even encounter Big Foot along the way!

7. Visit The Island Pigeon Forge

The Island Pigeon Forge is home to shopping, dining and fun attractions.- it even has a Margaritaville hotel in it! We didn’t get a chance to try any of the restaurants but we did enjoy a lot of attractions. And you know we didn’t leave without a little shine from Ole’ Smoky!

The Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel gives you a birds eye view of Pigeon Forge and beyond. You are in an enclosed gondola as you soar 200 feet above. Be sure to ride during the day to really see far and wide.

If heights aren’t for you then head to SkyFly: Soar America where you will soar over some of the most amazing landscapes in America- all from a seated theater. Go above the clouds with the whole family and soar.

8. Dine at Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe’

If you are looking for good food and a fun time this is the place for you. Open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7 am- 1 pm the Frizzle Chickens will entertain as you singing family favorites while you enjoy a fabulous meal. The Cinnamon Roll pancakes are heavenly, but if that’s too rich for you the Chicken and Waffles are my 2nd favorite menu item.

9. Speed It Up At Lazerport Fun Center

Lazerport Fun Center is home to the tallest go-kart track in Pigeon Forge, along with glow mini-golf, a large arcade and laser tag. This is a great rainy day spot, or a place to escape the heat of summer! It’s very clean and the staff was great. Don’t miss the go-kart track-it twists, turns and takes you down a 40 ft hill!

If you need more speed, buy a multi park pass and go down the road to Xtreme racing for the FASTEST go-karts in town. SpeedZone fun park is home to the roller coaster track, and it’s a do not miss. We were laughing hysterically it was so unexpected.

10. Meet Celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum

Looking for some fun with a few friendly celebrities? The Hollywood Wax Museum offers two stories of fun props, and all of your favorite movie and pop-culture celebs. Grab a guitar and play with Dolly Parton, or protect yourself from Michael Myers! It’s interactive and fun and makes for lots of laughs.

As you can see there is so much to see and do in Pigeon Forge and this list barely scratches the surface! Have you been? What are your must do’s?

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