Theme parks
The Smoky Mountains make a suitably dramatic backdrop for theme parks, combining craggy beauty with plenty of space. Here’s some of the fun to seek out there. Dollywood
Dollywood is one of the main attractions of the area, and brings in the crowds – from hardcore Dolly Parton fans to excited children, and even those who are there for the kitsch aspect of the park. There are twisting thrill rides, rollicking live shows, and flamboyant festivals, not to mention restaurants serving Southern cuisine. There’s even and even a historic side to the park, with replicas of the area in the later years of the 19th century.
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge TN 37863. Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
On hot days, a trip to Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park is the best way to cool off. Here there are plunging water slides, white water rafting attractions, and stomach-churning corkscrew tunnels to get the whole family yelling, while you can also take it easy with cool drinks by the rippling sun-dappled waters.
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge TN 37863.
Outdoors
From areas of natural beauty, to tourist draws that have been created to make the most of sunny days, it's easy to spend a day outdoors in Pigeon Forge. Patriot Park
Patriot Park has a classic American vibe, with flags of all the states waving over the well-manicured lawns. Explore the park and you'll find a large replica of the Liberty Bell, an old mill with working water wheel, and a calm lake. The gazebo is host to music festivals and bluegrass concerts, and the 4th of July fireworks are a spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.
Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge TN 37863.
Shopping and leisure
There are some excellent shopping facilities around Pigeon Forge, with plenty of small, independent stores to pick up souvenirs. Kids will love the old fashioned ice cream shops, candy stores, and toy shops full of unique, handmade items that you can't find in your local mall. Christmas Place
Nothing gets kids more excited than Christmas, and at Christmas Place you can enjoy that holiday feeling all year round. There are festively decked out shops selling every conceivable ornament and decoration, as well as the North Pole Village where Santa lives, and twinkling Christmas lights that get you in the spirit no matter what the month.
Bell Tower Square, 2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge TN 37868.
Family dining
Downtown Pigeon Forge is full of family eateries, with a Southern welcome extended to those of all ages. Whether your family want to enjoy a quick bite after riding roller coasters, or are celebrating a special occasion, you can pig out to your heart’s content. The Old Mill Restaurant
If you've never tried authentic Southern cuisine, booking a table at the Old Mill Restaurant is sure to convert you to this hearty, rustic way of cooking. Enjoy filling breakfasts of biscuits with sausage and bacon, or dinner dishes including meatloaf, fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and pot pie. The children's menu offers smaller portions, with classic sides such as macaroni that kids love.
175 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge TN 37868.
Log Cabin Pancake House
Pancakes are a great treat any time of day, and there's a varied menu of sweet and savory delights at the Log Cabin Pancake House. Hungry diners will enjoy the Southern-style lunch buffet, where fussy eaters can choose their favorites, or you can choose a juicy burger or perfectly prepared sandwich to fuel you for the afternoon.
4235 Parkway, Pigeon Forge TN 37868.
