By Jason Reeher
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge is a worldwide famous vacation spot. Dollywood, with millions of visitors each year, is Pigeon Forge's best-known tourist attraction. Yet there are dozens of other points of interest that make this tiny mountain town worth seeing.
Dollywood and Music
With two millions visitors per year, Dollywood--Dolly Parton's own theme park--is a Pigeon Forge landmark. It offers roller coasters and other rides, plus country and bluegrass music and live shows, and even a water park.
Dollywood isn't the only place to hear music in Pigeon Forge. Plan for a mid-August trip to check out the annual String Time in the Smokies, featuring traditional music and bluegrass. Then book tickets for a concert at Country Tonite Theater. Country Tonite showcases traditional country artists. Past performers have included legends like George Jones, Ray Price and Loretta Lynn.
Theme Parks and Museums
If you have young children, you may just want to plan a Pigeon Forge theme park and museum tour. Start out with the Dinosaur Walk Museum. Kids will love the life-sized dinosaur models and the live reptile exhibits. Next, spend a day at Rainforest Adventures, which houses more than 400 live creatures plus educational shows, and an Austrailian Walkabout with kangaroos and other animals from Down Under. After you have had your fill of dinosaurs and rainforests, head out to the NASCAR Speed Park. It is the perfect place for family fun, from bumper boats and race car simulators to putt-putt golf.
Great Outdoors
If the noise and bluster of theme parks is not your thing, you can always enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains and all of the outdoor beauty of Pigeon Forge. To enjoy Patriot Park, take in the yearly Fourth of July Patriot Festival, with food and fireworks. From November through February, plan on visiting the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Winterfest features narrated trolley tours and special musical pageants. Then head to the Old Mill or walk along the Little Pigeon River for a peaceful wintertime picnic.
Resources
About the Author:
Jason Reeher has been a freelance writer for 20 years. Reeher's opinions have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including "USA Today" and "The Wall Street Journal." He holds a master's degree in business and public administration from the University of Phoenix.
