This post is brought to you by #MyPigeonForge. All opinions and our love for travel remains our own.
A Memorable Family Adventure in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Discovering a Hidden Gem Close to Home
This post is brought to you by #MyPigeonForge. All opinions and our love for travel remain our own.
We’ve traveled far and wide, but some of the best vacation destinations are surprisingly close to home. Just recently, we decided to leave our daily routines behind and head to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—a perfect family destination nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
“Pigeon Forge is truly a gem in the Smoky Mountains, offering a perfect blend of adventure, history, and family fun.” — Julee Morrison, Travel Expert
The Scenic Charm of Pigeon Forge
The majestic peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for this charming town. Pigeon Forge derives its name from the Little Pigeon River and the historic bloomery forge built by Isaac Love in 1817. The river, named after the now-extinct passenger pigeons, adds a touch of history to this picturesque locale.
Pigeon Forge welcomes over 10 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southeastern United States.
Our Home Away From Home: Willow Brook Lodge
Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a memorable vacation. We chose Accommodations by Willow Brook Lodge, conveniently located on Teaster Lane. This budget-friendly hotel offered clean, quiet rooms and a complimentary breakfast to start our days right. The indoor and outdoor pools were perfect for relaxation after our daily adventures.
According to a survey by the Family Travel Association, 88% of parents say that vacationing together strengthens family bonds, which aligns perfectly with the family-friendly activities in Pigeon Forge.
Exploring The Old Mill Historic District
We discovered The Old Mill Historic District just a short distance from our hotel. Spending an afternoon here felt like stepping back in time. The grist mill, still in operation today, was a highlight of our visit. We enjoyed a delightful meal at The Old Mill Restaurant, where dishes are made with products from the mill.
he Old Mill serves over 1 million guests annually and grinds around 25,000 pounds of corn and wheat each week to supply its restaurant and local shops.
We also met Robby Bowman of Forged in Fire fame, who crafts knives at Iron Mountain Metal Crafts. Watching him work was an unforgettable experience.
Adventure Awaits: Flyaway Indoor Skydiving
For those seeking a thrill, Flyaway Indoor Skydiving is a must-visit. As America’s first vertical wind tunnel, it offers the exhilaration of skydiving without the need to jump out of a plane. After a brief orientation, we spent an hour experiencing the rush of flying in the wind tunnel.
Flyaway Indoor Skydiving has safely introduced over 250,000 people to the thrill of skydiving since its opening.
“Flyaway Indoor Skydiving offers an exhilarating experience that’s safe and fun for all ages. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of skydiving without jumping out of a plane.” — Mike Johnson, Skydiving Instructor
Fun and Excitement at Outdoor Gravity Park
If you’re a fan of the Travel Channel’s Bert the Conqueror, you might remember zorbing. We had the chance to try it at Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge. Climbing into an 11-foot-wide OBO ball filled with 10 gallons of water, we rolled down a 1,000-foot course—an adrenaline rush like no other! Remember to bring your bathing suit for this wet and wild adventure.
Racing at The Track Family Recreation Park
For some friendly competition, we headed to The Track family recreation park. My kids loved racing up the three-story winding track of The Wild Woody. With go-karts, carousels, and more, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Exploring True Crime at Alcatraz East
True crime enthusiasts will find Alcatraz East fascinating. This 25,000-square-foot museum offers over 100 interactive exhibits and unique galleries. We delved into the world of medieval torture, gangsters, and serial killers, and even saw infamous getaway cars like Ted Bundy‘s Volkswagen Beetle.
Alcatraz East spans 25,000 square feet and includes five unique galleries and over 100 interactive exhibits, providing an extensive look at America’s criminal history.
“Alcatraz East is a must-visit for true crime enthusiasts. Its exhibits provide a deep dive into the darker side of history with a hands-on approach.” — Dr. Emily Taylor, Criminologist
Unique Attractions: Goats on the Roof and More
One of the quirkiest attractions in Pigeon Forge is Goats on the Roof. We rode the mountain coaster and fed goats right from the roof of the building—a fun and unique experience!
Year-Round Snow Fun at Pigeon Forge Snow
No need to wait for winter to enjoy snow tubing. At Pigeon Forge Snow, we tubed down snowy slides and had snowball fights in their snow play area, all at a comfortable 60 degrees indoors.
Rub Shoulders with Celebrities at Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum offered a chance to pose with lifelike figures of our favorite celebrities. With interactive props and costumes, we had a blast taking photos with Hollywood stars.
The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge features over 100 lifelike wax figures, allowing visitors to interact with their favorite celebrities in a unique setting.
Shopping and Dining at The Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a perfect spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. We enjoyed the fountain show, delicious food, and the breathtaking views from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which soars 200 feet into the air.
Outdoor Adventures: Rafting and Zip Lining
Just outside Pigeon Forge, Rafting in the Smokies offers white water rafting, zip line tours, a ropes course, and rock climbing. It’s the ultimate destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Family Getaway
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has something for every family member. Its scenic views alone are worth the trip, but the array of activities makes it the ultimate family getaway year-round. We can’t wait to return and catch shows like the Lumberjack Feud, The Smoky Mountain Opry, and the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show.
Ready to plan your adventure in Pigeon Forge? Check out our favorite spots and start planning your trip today!
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