By Mandi Rogier
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are located side by side in Tennessee. In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of attractions to entertain guests of all ages. Both children and adults can enjoy the unique museums, shows and parks here. The wide variety of things to do can easily fill an entire vacation.
The Comedy Barn
The Comedy Barn is a noticeable sight when traveling in Pigeon Forge. A big, bright red barn with a red neon sign welcomes guests to one of the most entertaining places in the Smokies. The Comedy Barn offers variety shows featuring jokes, magic tricks and music almost every day of the year. Each day offers a different schedule for shows. As of 2009, anyone older than 11 will pay $24.95 for a ticket; children younger than 11 are free.
The Comedy Barn Theater
2775 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 428-5222
www.comedybarn.com
Dollywood
Dolly Parton was born and raised in the Smokies before she went on to become a country music superstar. After she hit her peak, Dolly decided to give back to the area that gave so much to her. She decided to open Dollywood in Pigeon Forge as a gift to those who love the area just as much as she does. Dollywood offers more than 40 rides, attractions and shows, along with special events throughout the year. Dollywood is open most days of the year, with its longest hours running from May through September. The park is open from September through January with a more limited schedule. As of 2009, tickets for adults are $53.65, and kids age 4 to 11 are $42.45.
Dollywood
1198 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
1-800-365-5996
www.dollywood.com
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
Along with Dollywood, Dolly Parton also opened a great place to get soaked while visiting the Smoky Mountains: Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park. Right next door to Dollywood, Splash Country has water rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Operating Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, Splash Country has 13 rides and attractions that will appeal to all ages. As of 2009, adults older than 12 pay $43.50 to swim with Dolly, with kids' tickets costing $38.
Dollywood's Splash Country
1198 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
1-865-428-9488
www.dollywoodssplashcountry.com
Hollywood Wax Museum
The newly remodeled Hollywood Wax Museum is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Hollywood Wax Museum offers great fun every day of the year to those who want to get their photos taken up close with their favorite celebrities, sports stars and other pop icons. Guests to the museum are encouraged to get as close to the wax figures as they want, as long as they don't actually touch them. Hours vary by season. As of 2009, tickets are $10.99 for those older than 12 and $4.99 for kids age 6 to 12.
Hollywood Wax Museum
903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-1800
www.hollywoodwax.com/gatlinburg
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Opened by the foremost creator of vehicles for motion pictures, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum gives guests a chance to see cars from their favorite movies up close. Vehicles from films such as "Ghostbusters," "Back to the Future" and "The Fast and the Furious" sit beside cars owned by celebrities such as Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Dennis Wilson of beach Boys fame. The Hollywood Star Car Museum is in the heart of Gatlinburg, next to the convention center. The museum is open every day of the year, except for major holidays, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. As of 2009, tickets cost $11.99 for adults and $6.99 for kids. Kids younger than 6 get to see the museum for free.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
914 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-4300-2200
www.starcarstn.com
Resources
About the Author:
Mandi Rogier is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a wide range of topics. As a previous employee of Walt Disney World, she enjoys writing travel articles that make use of her extensive knowledge of Orlando theme parks.
