If you’re looking to travel to a breathtaking location as part of your New Year’s resolution, might we suggest Pigeon Forge? This gorgeous town in Tennessee is a year-round delight for tourists from near and far. Pigeon Forge’s temperate climate means you get to enjoy the attractions this town offers every season. You can revel in the town’s spectacular autumn or the enchanting winter wonderland it transforms into when the weather gets chilly. The summers are busy and lazy, with people flocking from all over to enjoy the sun.
If you’re visiting Pigeon Forge for the first time, you should try to explore all of the town’s attractions. To make sure you enjoy your trip without worrying about the planning process, we have compiled a list of the things to keep in mind when visiting this haven and the attractions to see once you’re there.
Decide which season works for you
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Pigeon Forge has something to offer every season, so you needn’t worry about missing out on the festivities. If you want to enjoy the warm summer, the best time to visit would be from July to August. The winter months bring the Winterfest light display from November to February and a nearby ski resort to frolic in. However, more than 10 million tourists visit this scenic destination every year. You can imagine how difficult it would be to get a hotel during the peak seasons. We would suggest pre-booking your hotel to avoid accommodation hassles. After a tiring day, you can wake up refreshed to the picturesque view at a Pigeon Forge hotel.
Pigeon Forge is less congested during the frosty season, so you can enjoy the winter festivities without navigating crowds. Go on a driving tour to see the magical Winterfest Light Display, or check out the frozen waterfalls at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fall season brings the beautiful colors of autumn, and there is the Dollywood Harvest festival during late September and October.
During the summers, tourists enjoy the water parks, hiking, idyllic picnics by the river, and driving tours of the town. The spring season comes during late March and early April, and you can find over 1600 varieties of wildflowers at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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You don’t have to be an avid hiker to have fun at the national park. Instead, the Smokys offer charming drives along the Cades Cove Loop Road or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. You can also enjoy a leisurely picnic in the park while basking in the natural beauty.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Smokys offer many trails. Make sure to check the weather before heading out since the weather in the Smoky Mountains can change drastically. Wear suitable shoes, and have proper hiking gear. Also, take note of the signage around the trails, so you know which track is the most appropriate for you.
Lastly, do not forget to enjoy a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This 200-foot tall Ferris wheel is located at the foot of the Smokys and provides breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pigeon Forge. At night, the wheel lights up and is a sight to behold.
Keep a day for Dollywood
Boasting many thrilling rides, Dollywood also has the area’s traditional music and crafts. Everyone’s favorite country music star Dolly Parton makes appearances at the musical festivals held there. So if you are a Dolly fan, you should include this destination in your itinerary.
Secondly, Dollywood has many annual festivals, which are always fun to visit. You can see which festival will be held during your trip, and check it out! October brings the Harvest Festival, while the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival is held in November and December. In 2023, you can catch the Flower and Food Festival from April to June and the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration from June to August.
Don’t miss Pigeon Forge’s outdoor entertainment
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Apart from the national park and Dollywood, Pigeon Forge has many engaging outdoor activities and places to visit. Tourists love rafting in the Pigeon River or taking a relaxing stroll along the river. The Island is another great place where families can go to have a wonderful time. You can enjoy the live music, the musical fountain, rides, and games. The restaurants there offer tasty cuisine, and the shops promise an exciting shopping spree!
Have you tried zorbing? If not, you can enjoy this thrilling sport at Outdoor Gravity Park. You should also try zip-lining if you are a thrill-seeker or the ATV tours in the mountains.
Entertaining Museums and indoor activities
If you feel like taking a break from the outdoors, you can visit the many museums and restaurants Pigeon Forge offers.
The Titanic museum is an incredible half-scale replica of the original ship. It contains over 400 artifacts from the ship.
Another place you must visit is Wonderworks. It is an indoor attraction that has interactive games and activities for children. It is upside down and proves to be an enthralling experience for visitors. Another location to add to your list is the Hollywood Wax Museum. It has life-like replicas of notable celebrities, and who can pass up the opportunity to rub shoulders with their favorite stars? This museum’s most eye-catching feature is King Kong’s replica clinging to the building.
Lastly, do not forget to have a meal at the Old Mill. This historic mill was built in 1830, and it is still operational! You can find delicious food at quaint restaurants or experience other activities like pottery at this location.
Conclusion
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Whether you are planning a trip with your friends, family, or as a couple, Pigeon Forge will prove to be your dream destination. Pigeon Forge attracts millions of tourists yearly with its performances, festivals, amusement parks, museums, and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
You can enjoy a leisurely vacation and visit just a few top destinations, stroll along the river, have dinner at the Old Mill, and enjoy a picnic at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or you can have a jam-packed itinerary and explore the many attractions we’ve listed, from theatres to amusement parks and museums.
