It all started back in 2015, when I first heard about Pigeon Forge and how it's the top travel destination for families looking for fun, adventure, or an escape.
The drive for us to the mountains is only 3 1/2 hours, so we made the trip and been hooked on the gorgeous, peaceful, Smoky Mountains ever since! My family and I have unforgettable memories and bonding moments that we always cherish.
The primary location in the Smoky Mountains my family and I visit regularly is Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge has so much to offer for everyone, like delicious southern-style restaurants, arcades and race tracks, high-rated theme park, outdoor adventures, top dinner shows, and family-friendly lodging, plus so much more!
Below, I want to share the top attractions, dining, and lodging that my family and I enjoy visiting.
Top Attractions in Pigeon Forge
Dollywood: Did you know that Dolly Parton has a theme park? Nestled in the heart of the Great Smokies lies the top theme park, Dollywood. Dollywood is known for its exciting festivals, thrill rides, award-winning restaurants, a variety of different shops, museums, and top-rated shows. There is something for everyone at Dollywood, no matter the age. Dollywood theme-park is like no other; you'll always have a fun experience every time you visit. I highly recommend getting either a multi-day pass or season pass because there is no way you'll be able to do everything in one day.
Dollywood Splash Country: Not only does Dolly Parton have a theme park, but she also has a waterpark as well! It is The Smokies #1 place for summer fun! Splash Country is a great place to chill out for the summer while enjoying all the thrilling water rides, lounging pools, and enjoying poolside treats.
Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction: In Pigeon Forge, there are a lot of dinner shows to choose from, but the top must-visit show is Dolly Parton's Stampede. It's more than just the dinner show itself, the attraction starts the minute you arrive, so it's recommended to come at least an hour early. Also, early reservations are recommended as well since the dinner show is always sold out. Great food, amazing performances, you will be in for a hootin', tootin', good time!
Alcatraz East Crime Museum: Do you love digging deep into criminal artifacts? Well, you will love Alcatraz East Crime Museum! The museum gives a behind-the-scenes look at crime history in America that you can explore in the 25,000 square feet museum. Since the museum has so much to check out, it's highly recommended to visit multiple times. Plus, they have limited display exhibits you don't want to miss!
Parrot Mountain: Do you love birds? Do you enjoy peaceful, gardens? Parrot Mountain is beautiful bible-inspired garden and parrot preserve offering chances to interact with rare exotic birds. Located down the road from Dollywood, you drive up steep hills and arrive in paradise. Parrots are welcoming guests to their home while greeting you with a friendly "hello." Luscious greenery surrounds Parrot Mountain instantly bringing you peace and tranquility. You'll also be able to touch, feed, and hold parrots as well.
The Island in Pigeon Forge: The Island has everything all in one place like rides, arcades, retail shops, restaurants, and even a dancing water fountain. My family and I like to visit The Island every time we visit Pigeon Forge, particularly for the candy shops, Paula Deen's Restaurant, and even Parrot Mountain's store where you can also see parrots inside.
Wonderworks Pigeon Forge: When it comes to all of my vacations, I like for my daughters to have an educational experience as well. Wonderworks was the first museum we ever visited when visiting Pigeon Forge. Combined with education and entertainment, this museum has more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.
Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show: Pirates Voyage is located in the heart of The Island in Pigeon
Forge. The dinner show takes you on an electrifying adventure with
sword fights, cannons, and pirates scaling high above two pirate ships
fighting to win Davy Jones’ coveted sunken treasure. A rowdy crew of
characters combines heroics and high-flying fun that will have guests
cheering and experiencing thrills around every corner in an epic battle for
lost treasure on land, on deck, and in the water of the show’s 15-foot-deep
indoor lagoon.
Beyond the Lens:
Beyond the Lens is conveniently located on the main strip in Pigeon
Forge. It has over 150 interactive exhibits plus a state-of-the-art
flying adventure! Plus, there are VR rooms, escape games, and video
games. There are so many fun things to do at Beyond the Lens!
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show:
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show serve a homestyle, all-you-can-eat feast
while putting on a hilarious singing and dancing comedy show. Hatfield
and Mccoy have become part of the longest-running feud show in
history. Check out my review of Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show.
Check out my review of
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show.
Shopping: Shopping in the Pigeon Forge is an attraction in itself! So many unique boutique shops to choose from, and outlet malls with premium stores, you're sure to walk away with awesome gifts. And what's great about Pigeon Forge, all the cool Christmas shops that are open year around.
There are hundreds of other attractions along the strip in Pigeon Forge, and still this day I haven't visited them all! It's like a massive playground for families, and that's why each trip is always something different for us to explore.
Paula Deen's Restaurant: I enjoy having a Sunday Dinner style entrees with food that just keeps on coming! This southern diner serves fried chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, chicken and dumpling and more for their family-style dinner. Paula Deen also serves up breakfast and lunch as well.
Mama's Farmhouse: Another tasty family southern-style cuisine you must visit is Mama's Farmhouse! You get to choose up to 8 food dishes, and the food keeps on coming! You'll find yourself rolling out of the restaurant because you will be so full and satisfied. They serve all three meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sawyer's Farmhouse Breakfast Restaurant: Sawyer's serves a variety of breakfast foods including crepes, Belgium waffles, made from scratch pancakes. For lunch, they offer a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. This restaurant is a must visit!
Dollywood: Did you know that Dollywood has an actual sit-down, full-service restaurants inside the amusement park? My favorite is Aunt Granny's Restaurant. Aunt Granny’s has you covered with one of the biggest all-you-care-to-eat buffets with foods that are good for any taste buds. The wait for Aunt Granny's is long but well worth it! There are several other restaurants inside the park that are worth a visit too.
Shopping: Shopping in the Pigeon Forge is an attraction in itself! So many unique boutique shops to choose from, and outlet malls with premium stores, you're sure to walk away with awesome gifts. And what's great about Pigeon Forge, all the cool Christmas shops that are open year around.
There are hundreds of other attractions along the strip in Pigeon Forge, and still this day I haven't visited them all! It's like a massive playground for families, and that's why each trip is always something different for us to explore.
Top Restaurants in Pigeon Forge
Paula Deen's Restaurant: I enjoy having a Sunday Dinner style entrees with food that just keeps on coming! This southern diner serves fried chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, chicken and dumpling and more for their family-style dinner. Paula Deen also serves up breakfast and lunch as well.
Mama's Farmhouse: Another tasty family southern-style cuisine you must visit is Mama's Farmhouse! You get to choose up to 8 food dishes, and the food keeps on coming! You'll find yourself rolling out of the restaurant because you will be so full and satisfied. They serve all three meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sawyer's Farmhouse Breakfast Restaurant: Sawyer's serves a variety of breakfast foods including crepes, Belgium waffles, made from scratch pancakes. For lunch, they offer a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. This restaurant is a must visit!
Dollywood: Did you know that Dollywood has an actual sit-down, full-service restaurants inside the amusement park? My favorite is Aunt Granny's Restaurant. Aunt Granny’s has you covered with one of the biggest all-you-care-to-eat buffets with foods that are good for any taste buds. The wait for Aunt Granny's is long but well worth it! There are several other restaurants inside the park that are worth a visit too.
Local Goat: Whenever you visit Pigeon Forge, you must visit the Local Goat
restaurant. It's a huge fan favorite among travelers. Local
Goat is an American casual restaurant with modern dishes featuring a
scratch-made kitchen specializing in locally-sourced and sustainable menu
items. Plus, craft draft beer.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen:
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is located next door to Pigeon Forge in
Sevierville. This farm-to-table restaurant serves delicious
BBQ and classic American Southern fare in a rustic farmhouse
space. And behind the restaurant is
Cruze Farm Ice Cream Shop
with fresh churned soft serve ice cream made with milk from their local
dairy farm. I always go to Five Oaks Farm Kitchen for either
breakfast or lunch and get a sweet treat at Cruze Farm Ice Cream
Shop.
Frizzle Kitchen Farmhouse Cafe: Frizzle Kitchen is a charming bright red barn-looking restaurant. This family-oriented eaterie has over 100+ singing animatronic chickens and serves hearty American dishes like yummy signature breakfasts and tasty lunches. Check out my review of Frizzle Kitchen Farmhouse Cafe.
Top Hotels in Pigeon Forge
Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa: DreamMore is such a ravishing resort with Dolly Parton's special touches. Dolly thought of every inch and detail when it comes to her resort from the rooms, the lobby, the grounds, everything is strikingly beautiful. It's a family getaway you'll never forget, and you'll be wanting to visit there time and time again! DreamMore offers exclusive privileges that are only available to resort guests with valid admission tickets. Check out my review of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa.
Tru by Hilton: If you're looking for a family-friendly, budget-friendly hotel, Tru by Hilton is a great place to stay. It's a colorful, contemporary designed that will be pleasing for guests with children. The rooms are small with only the basics, Hilton created this hotel with minimalizing in mind; however, Tru by Hilton was designed for families to hang out in the lobby area and game room. There are a couple of great amenities inside like the indoor pool and rooftop lounge area. Another thing, free hot breakfast! You can't beat that!
Arbors at Island Landing: This budget-friendly hotel is located right in the middle of everything! You can easily park your car and walk to all the attractions and eateries. Arbors at Island Landing is a family-owned hotel that offers roomy suites, free weekend sing-alongs around a bonfire while roasting smores, year around swimming pool, and fishing. Plus, get a free hot breakfast! Check out my review of Arbors at Island Landing.
Golf View Vacation Rentals: If you need a lot of space, Golf View Vacation Rentals is for you! They provide two and three bedroom condos complete with a full kitchen, and living room with a fireplace. Golf View is situated between Dollywood and the Gatlinburg Country Club and Golf Course, and you can enjoy hot tubs, jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor pools along with grills and a picnic area at the resort. You can even rent cabins too! Check out my review of Golf View Vacation Rentals.
Riverstone Resort and Spa:
Are you looking for a luxurious space that feels like a home away from
home? Riverstone Resort and Spa has condos that make space for the
whole family, including your pets. The condominium is fully furnished
with a stocked kitchen and an elegant touch of mountain-inspired decor when
you step inside. The resort amenities include a 24-hour clubhouse with
a huge indoor pool, two hot tubs, a game room, and a gym. In addition,
the resort offers a full-service spa of replenishing treatments, including
various massages, facials, and nail services. Check out my
Riverstone Resort and Spa Review.
Hampton Inn by Hilton: Hampton Inn by
Hilton is an excellent option for families looking for clean, affordable
rooms located next to all the top attractions and restaurants but still away
from the traffic on the main strip. The hotel offers a warm, welcoming
feel like a cabin lodge mixed with fresh contemporary modern style.
Check out my
Hampton Inn by Hilton review.
The Resort at Governor's Crossing: The Resort at Governor's Crossing is a 232 Luxury Condominium Resort
that offers a wide variety of experiences for guests ranging from indoor and
outdoor waterparks to Firefly Cove, a park environment with putt-putt, play
areas, and fire pits. Travelers frequently note the wide variety of
activities, the friendliness of employees, the cleanliness of guest rooms,
and the size of these luxury condos. Check out my review of
The Resort at Governor's Crossing.
Holiday Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge Convention Center:
If you want to be where all the action is in Pigeon Forge, Holiday Inn &
Suites Pigeon Forge Convention Center is the perfect option. Leave
your car behind, and you can walk to most nearby attractions or hop on the
trolley. The hotel is clean and modern, with a restaurant and outdoor
lounge area. Check out my review of
Holiday INN & Suites Pigeon Forge Convention Center.
As you can see, Pigeon Forge is the best family getaway, and I only provided not even a fraction of attractions, dining, and lodging. There are so many places to explore in Pigeon Forge; there will never be a dull moment on your trip.
And for those who like outdoor adventures, Pigeon Forge is the right place to be since it's filled with hiking trails, white water rafting, fishing, coves, and of course the spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains! You may even spot black bears, wild turkeys, and elks.
Plan your next family trip to Pigeon Forge; it's a delightful place year around.
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