Home of Dolly Parton, Tennessee Moonshine, and miles of go-cart tracks… Welcome to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

My first impression of Gatlinburg was at night, coming out of the Great Smoky Mountains, and BAM! …. While I had never seen NYC at that point in my life, I thought for sure this was some kind of miniature version tucked away in the mountains of Tennessee. The lights were bright and the buildings were squeezed side by side along this crowded stretch of 4 lane road. I was in love!

Fast forward through many years of family getaways and we still love it. Though our children are now grown and independent, a yearly trek to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is a must. While many of the attractions and restaurants we loved oh so many years ago are no longer in business, the area has flourished and provides entertainment and food to fit each individual’s desires.

Top 10 Things You Must Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

1) Visit Dollywood - I mean, come on! This theme park, originally owned by the one and only Dolly Parton, is the main attraction that grew this little mountain holler into a thriving vacation hot spot. Visit the many theaters throughout the park to enjoy musical and acrobatic talent from all around the globe, take a ride on a thrilling coaster, nibble on some cotton candy while relaxing in one of the outdoor music venues, then finish your day off with a leisurely ride along the outskirts of the park on their authentic steam engine pulled rail cars. To really enjoy the full Dollywood experience, buy next day tickets to the waterpark, Splash Country, during warm weather months.

2) The Island - This little piece of paradise in the middle of Pigeon Forge is best known for being the home of the Margaritaville Hotel and Restaurant along with Paula Dean’s Family Kitchen. The wait to eat at either of these local delicatessens is usually long so put your name on the list and explore the rest of The Island. If you are a thrill seeker, you may consider riding the Great Smokey Mountain Wheel or testing your balance on the 3 story outdoor ropes course. Should you be looking for more a relaxing wait time, there are benches and rocking chairs located around the center water feature where it dances to the music with a little light show after dark to top it off.

3) Ole Smoky Moonshine - With locations at The Island and on the main strip in Gatlinburg, you can’t miss this Tennessee experience. This ain’t your uncle’s moonshine. They offer flavors that will intrigue and delight. Apple Pie, Sour Watermelon, Cucumber Mojito, Butter Pecan and Moonshine Pickles, if you are really brave. Tastings are offered throughout each day at $5 a shot (pun intended).

4) Experience the thrill of Go-Cart racing - While you will find go-cart tracks stacked all along the main thoroughfare in Pigeon Forge, some will definitely leave you feeling a bit shaken - wooden tracks are tough on ya. My recommendation is to purchase Dubby’s Park Hopper wrist band. Depending on the package, you can experience several different tracks along with options for other experiences such as laser tag and mini-golf. Zoom Zoom!

5) Attend a Dinner Theater performance - While there are options available that vary in price, the show/dinner experience that has been around the longest is the Dixie Stampede. Another creation of Dolly Parton, this dinner show is a true southern delight. Expect to sing along to cowboy songs, laugh at silly antics and cheer on your side (north or south) all while enjoying a four-course meal served with a cold glass of sweet tea in a mason jar but without utensils.

6) Take a ride on an Alpine Coaster - Gravity is the driving mechanism for this thrilling down hill attraction. You are in control of your speed and level of thrill but I challenge you to go ‘no brakes’ allowing the slope to take you on the ride of your life. Goats On The Roof is our favorite coaster experience. As you load up in your one man coaster seat, the attendants will instruct you on proper control of the breaking mechanisms then send you up the hill to start your ride. Once at the top, it’s all up to you. Don’t forget to smile as you pass the camera on you way down to the bottom. After enjoying a little adrenaline rush, take time to feed and pets the goats.

7) Shop the strip in Gatlinburg - At about 1 mile long, the main road through Gatlinburg is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions. You’ll find shops tucked up in the hollers between buildings, shops stack on top of each other, and shops inside attractions. Items sold range from knock off purses to every style of sock you can imagine… custom jewelry, knives, leather goods, novelties…. the list goes on. Dotted between these shops you’ll discover candy stores, fudge connoisseurs, funnel cake creations, and popcorn factories. Your shopping experience is only limited by the amount of time you have to explore.

8) Traverse the SkyBridge - Accessible via the SkyLift, which takes you to the SkyDeck, the SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America - spanning 680 feet across with its highest point at 150 feet from the ground. Midway through your trek across the bridge, you will delight in the glass panels installed to give you the full viewing experience. Pictures taken from the SkyBridge have helped it become the iconic Instagram location.

9) Rent a UTV to discover the back country - Any time spent in Gatlinburg will lend to a particular noise…. That’s the sound of revving engines. Exploration of the local areas via UTV rentals has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. While not all roads allow UTVs to ride along them, you can easily find your way around via maps supplied by the rental companies. Though ‘cruising’ the strip in Gatlinburg can be the cool thing to do, I highly recommend using the back roads to get to the Foothills Parkway just outside Pigeon Forge.

10) Day trip to Cades Cove - Part and parcel of the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest, this scenic drive is the perfect slow Sunday afternoon leisure activity. The 11 mile one way loop is a narrow paved road that winds through fields, forests, streams, and old home places. Take time to enjoy the wild life (at a distance) and read signs about the history of the area. When the weather is nice, roll down the windows and let the breeze blow in. If you feel inclined, pack a lunch and enjoy it in one of the grassy areas along the drive.

The mountains surrounding Gatlingburg and Pigeon Forge are called the Great Smokey Mountains because of the haze that hang over them at times. It’s a place to step away from the fast pace of life and enjoy time discovering new things. Family memories made are forever held close. Are you ready to go?