Pigeon Forge is a lively city in Tennessee packed with a ton of dining, drinking, and entertainment options. From Dollywood to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is something for just about everyone. In this article, we have rounded up the best things to do in Pigeon Forge to help you craft the perfect holiday in the Smoky Mountains.
Visit a winery
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or you want to add something fun and unique to your next vacation to Pigeon Forge, we suggest you treat yourself to a special trip to a Pigeon Forge winery while you are here. With several to choose from, the wineries in our area are incredible for travelers of legal drinking age to enjoy a pleasant afternoon, all while learning more about the area and tasting a variety of delicious spirits.
Rocky Top Wine Trail
For starters, we think you would enjoy a trip to a Pigeon Forge winery during your vacation thanks to the Rocky Top Wine Trail. If you aren’t familiar, the Rocky Top Wine Trail is the collaboration between several of the wineries in the area that offers you a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else.
The local wineries included on the Rocky Top Wine Trail are:
The way the Rocky Top Wine Trail works is you pick up a passport at any of the participating wineries and get a stamp for each one you visit. After your third stop, you will receive a free wine glass with the Rocky Top Wine Trail logo. You will also receive a surprise gift after you visit all five locations. Participating in the wine trail is completely free.
Great History Lesson
For starters, you will love taking a trip to a Pigeon Forge winery during your next vacation, as each visit offers an incredible history lesson. Not only do you have the chance to learn more about the history of wine and winemaking, but you also get to take a sneak peek into the history of our area. This comes from the fact that many of the ingredients used in making our local wines were grown and harvested in and around Pigeon Forge.
Even better, all of the staff at the wineries are from the area as well. This means they can give you an inside look at the history of the area and how it relates to the evolution of the winemaking industry in the Smokies.
Free Samples
Chances are, one of the reasons you want to visit a Pigeon Forge winery is that you want to taste some of the local wines made in our area. That is why we are happy to say that you and your group will get to sample all of these incredible flavors, thanks to the fact that the wineries offer free samples of their wine.
Not only do they offer you the sample, they will also explain to you both the flavors and aromas you experience when you sip the wine, as well as give you tips on what the perfect food pairings would be. They will also walk you through the winemaking process and entertain you with the story attached to each bottle. The best part is that if you find a flavor or two you like, you can purchase the bottle directly from the winery and take it back with you.
Unique Gift Shop
In addition to wine, you will also find several unique trinkets and souvenirs when you visit a Pigeon Forge winery. The items found here include nearly any wine accessory or home decor item you can think of, including wall plaques, opener tools, bottle holders, artwork, and more! We love these festive items because they are easy to pack in your suitcase and great ways to remember your latest trip to Pigeon Forge. Not to mention, these items also make great gifts to give to your loved ones, so you can share your experience with them.
Experience a car show
One of the sure signs of spring in Pigeon Forge is the car shows that roar into town with thousands of hot rods, classic automobiles, and other amazing vehicles! Whether you consider yourself a gearhead or a casual car enthusiast, you should make plans to attend at least one of these car shows to see for yourself what the hype is all about! Here are 3 exciting Pigeon Forge car shows you can experience:
1. Corvette Expo
One of the Pigeon Forge car shows you can look forward to this spring is the Corvette Expo, which features a swap meet, sales corral, and the annual Corvette Cruise. The event takes place at the LeConte Center, where corvette owners will be parked to show off their vehicles! If you are a Corvette owner yourself, don’t miss the swap meet where there will be tons of new and used parts available. A highlight of the event is the Corvette Expo Cruise, a 56-mile cruise where hundreds of corvettes will travel from the LeConte Center to the Smoky Mountains Foothills Parkway!
2. Ponies in the Smokies
Ponies in the Smokies is another exciting spring car event that takes place just north of Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, TN! This car show is a celebration of the beloved Ford Mustang, featuring 108,000 square feet of indoor vendors, special displays, and more! The event is held at the Sevierville Event Center, making it easy for many car fans to attend the Corvette Expo and Ponies in the Smokies!
3. Pigeon Forge Rod Run
The biggest of all Pigeon Forge car shows returns this spring with the Pigeon Forge Rod Run! During this event, hundreds of hot rods take over the town as they cruise along the Parkway and participate in the festivities taking place at the LeConte Center. The Pigeon Forge Rod Rod features contests, award presentations, and a huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars! Even if you don’t attend the actual event, you won’t be able to miss the hot rods as they cruise along the Parkway!
Dollywood
Dollywood is a magical adventure theme park home in Pigeon Forge, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The park received its name from Dolly Parton, the country music artist. The park encompasses 125 acres and is filled with a variety of fun things to do that the whole family will enjoy. The park is known for its amusement rides, historical displays, as well as various festivals held throughout the year.
Pirates Voyage Dinner Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner Show features dazzling sets, incredible stunt work, and a fabulous four-course feast that is fit for a pirate! You will join the infamous Blackbeard and his quartermaster Calico Jack, as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in a battle that takes place across land and water! The sets also include gorgeous mermaids, tropical birds, and many more surprises that are sure to take your breath away! The mouthwatering meal starts with a Buccaneer Biscuit and Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, then moves on to entrees such as Cracklin’ Pan-Fried Chicken, Bone-in Pork Chop, and Matey’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese!
NASCAR Speedpark
If you’re looking for an adventure park the whole family will love, head to NASCAR Speedpark. Not only can you ride go karts, you’ll be able to play games at the arcade, have fun on family rides, climb a rock wall, and play mini golf! Since we’re talking about NASCAR Speedpark, make sure you check out the go-karts! They have 9 tracks you’ll want to ride on. Small kids can race each other on the Baby Bristol and The Qualifier. If your children aren’t tall enough to ride by themselves, take them on Young Champions, Family 500, The Competitor, or Slidewayz. If you want to really immerse yourself and see what driving a real NASCAR car is like, go to the Smoky Mountain Speedway.
Hollywood Wax Museum
Walk the red carpet and meet your favorite celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge! This awesome museum features lifelike recreations of the most famous stars in Hollywood, ranging from classic film stars to the hottest actors and actresses of today! You are free to take as many pictures as you want with the stars, and there are even props and costumes to add to all the fun! While exploring the Hollywood Wax Museum, you will also learn more about the stars, including their charity work, side businesses, pet peeves, and much more!
Forge Cinemas
If you want to see the latest blockbuster during your vacation in the Smoky Mountains, head over to the Forge Cinemas in Pigeon Forge! This state-of-the-art cinema offers one of the best bargains in the Smokies since tickets for all shows are available for one low price! While sitting back to watch the show in one of the theaters at the Forge Cinemas, you will love the digital projection, digital surround sound, and stadium seating. Don’t forget to pick up some popcorn and other goodies at the concession stand!
7D Dark Ride Adventure
One of the most thrilling attractions in the Smoky Mountains for movie fans is the 7D Dark Ride Adventure at The Island. After taking your seat in the theater, you will be equipped with special glasses and a laser gun for an interactive game like you have never experienced before! This incredible shooting game features 7 dimensions, including wind, sound, and movement, to make you feel completely immersed in your adventure. Whether you are battling zombies or a robot-creating mad scientist, you are sure to have a blast on the 7D Dark Ride Adventure!
