By Beau Prichard
The majestic Smoky Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, the area of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offers many different exciting attractions to visitors. From the glitz and glamor of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, to the small-town spirit of Gatlinburg, these two communities offer intriguing sights and activities to thousands of travelers every year.
Dollywood
Beloved throughout the south, Dolly Parton's Dollywood is a family fun park that covers more than 125 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood offers fun for the whole family, with lots of rides and attractions oriented toward younger visitors. Visitors can volunteer to fight a fire in a recreated 1880s town. They may also take a tour of Dolly's own costumes, awards and instruments, and visitors can see what it was like to live in frontier Tennessee.
Dollywood
1020 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-4101
865-428-9488
dollywood.com
Ober Gatlinburg Resort
Ober Gatlinburg Ski resort and Amusement Park is accessible from downtown Gatlinburg through the Aerial Tramway. This two-car system carries 120 passengers per car up the mountain in a system designed and built in Switzerland and installed in 2007. This replaced the original system, built in 1972. Spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are offered on the way, but the ride is just the beginning. No matter what the season, there is much to do at the top of the Tramway. During the warmer months an amusement park--featuring rides and wildlife interactions--takes charge. When the weather grows colder, Ober Gatlinburg comes alive as a ski resort and a center for a variety of winter sports, including inner tubing and ice skating.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg TN, 37738
865-436-5423
obergatlinburg.com
Elvis Museum
Mike L. Moon met The King in 1971 and complimented him on his black leather belt. Elvis removed the belt and gave it to Moon, beginning Moon's collection of Elvis memorabilia and what would eventually become the Elvis Museum of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Museum is home to a wide collection of the personal belongings of Elvis Presley. Many were donated by those close to him, including musicians who played alongside him. Exhibits include Elvis' jewelery, two of his cars, clothes and personal items. The Elvis Museum also features the TCB Theater, where visitors can enjoy a live music show, featuring an Elvis impersonator with a backing band.
Elvis Museum and Gift Shops
2638 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3246
865-428-2001
elvismuesums.com
About the Author:
Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.
Photo Credits:
Smoky Mountains image by Stryder from
Fotolia.com
