With over nine million visitors a year, Pigeon Forge is one of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destinations. This small town has been snowballing since the 1940s and offers everything from family-friendly attractions to upscale shopping and fine dining.
Pigeon Forge lives up to its name by being a haven for families and vacationers. The many attractions in this small town will keep you entertained, no matter what your interests may be. Some of the most famous sights include Dollywood Park (if it’s family time) and several water parks with thrilling slides like the new WonderWorks Science Center. It is also home to the ‘Beyond the Lens Museum,’ which offers educational opportunities on different topics such as science exhibits that can help teach children the basics of how things work.
If you’re planning on spending a day in Pigeon Forge, here are some tips to help guide you through your trip!
Breakfast at Old Mill Restaurant
There are plenty of things to do in Pigeon Forge. Start your day by taking your family and friends to the Old Mill Restaurant, the perfect place for a delicious meal. Their Southern breakfast with complimentary orange juice, warm banana nut muffins and other goodies on top will make you feel like you have gone back in time.
The Old Mill experience truly begins as soon as you are seated! The restaurant features an inviting, old-fashioned atmosphere with charming wood decor and beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River. Service is consistently fast and friendly to match its quaint feel – just what everyone wants from their meal on a Sunday morning.
Visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see for any adventure seeker. As the most visited national park in America, it has over 800 miles of hiking trails waiting to be explored by all levels of adventurers – whether they prefer peace and tranquility or have their heart pumping with excitement on every step.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon or the chance to explore and experience all areas of this beautiful park at your own pace, Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be on top of your list.
Wander Through The Riverwalk Trail
Take your family on the walk of a lifetime with the Riverwalk Trail! Soak up the tranquility as you walk alongside this river. It’s not just about enjoying yourself, but also getting some exercise. You’ll be able to listen to the soothing sounds of rivers flowing past you while strolling through beautiful scenery. The entrances can be found at Patriot Park or Jake Thomas Road for pedestrians; the trail also has bike lanes in some areas.
Bring your pets—dog, cat or any other animal friend—along on this leisurely stroll to make the experience 10x better.
Enjoy Rides at Dollywood
Dollywood Theme Park offers a combination of amusement park rides, from wild thrill to mild options and everything in between, such as carousel and water planes—for those who want something more relaxed. With more rides being added and old ones getting upgrades, there’s something for everyone to keep you on your toes.
Each season, the art venues offer a variety of performances to keep you entertained. Experience the musical talents best known for Southern Gospel selections that have graced the ears of tourists over many years with their soothing voices and beautiful songs.
Lunch at Aunt Granny’s Buffet or Local Goat
Dollywood’s most famous restaurant, known as Aunt Granny’s Buffet, is a treat offering something for everyone, and it tastes even better than it sounds! There’s fried chicken, tacos, biscuits, cornbread, mashed potatoes, green beans, as well as salad bar goodies like homemade pie. Be sure to save room for dessert because those baked goods are going to satisfy your cravings like never before.
Also, Local Goat is a new restaurant in Pigeon Forge that specializes in locally sourced dishes. Specializing in American food, this spot serves up delicious options like the Teriyaki Kabob or Cheese Fondue with an Elvis Burger topped off for good measure (including peanut butter sauce, fried banana slivers chopped up from their famous burger press alongside some bacon).
Mesmerizing Views on a Scenic Drive
Want to get away from it all? The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an accessible way for you and your family members can enjoy the great outdoors. From the Rainbows Falls parking area, visitors will immediately be met with spectacular views that turn any day trip into an adventure.
This beautiful drive also provides plenty of opportunities for hiking along its trail, ensuring everyone has something to do while out exploring. So pack up some snacks in case hunger strikes because this small patch offers absolutely everything one needs when going on picnics or hikes.
Night Time Destinations
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular night time destination. The 200 ft. tall ferris wheel has lights illuminating it at night, making for some great photo opportunities! You can also enjoy shopping and dining late after your visit the entertainment complex. It offers everything from arcades to restaurants on-site, so you’ll never be bored while waiting in line with kids or teens who won’t stop playing video games all day long anyways.
If you’re looking for some fun that isn’t as tame, there are a few places in this little town where adults can enjoy themselves too! Embrace a well-known part of Appalachian culture and head to one of the moonshine distilleries in the Smoky Mountains. They offer tastings with flavors such as honeydew or peach cobbler, among others, so grab your friends and experience something new together.
A few things to keep in mind…
While Pigeon Forge is a great place for families, using public transportation might be your best bet if you are looking to avoid the crowds. Use the Trolley Service, which operates between Pigeons Erville and Sevierville! You’ll find this trolley serving guests every day from early March through October.
With tickets for just 50 cents, you can take your pick from four different routes that will get any visitor as close as possible to some favorite destinations such as North and South Parkways or Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Pigeon Forge has never been more inviting. Not only are there many options for lodging, but you can also find all these accommodations close together on one street – making it easy to choose where best suits you without foregoing comfort and convenience.
The accommodations are located right off the parkway, which houses all of your favorite attractions and dining options.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to plan your trip down to the last second! We understand it can be stressful and challenging to decide where to go with so many options. With this article, you can narrow down breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nightlife entertainment options. So no matter what kind of traveler or vacationer you are, there is something that will make your day memorable!