Making Great Smoky Mountain Memories in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

As long as Americans have been packing the family in their cars and hitting the road, Gatlinburg vacations in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee have been one of the top destinations. There are many reasons why that is the case, from beautiful natural scenery, to unique tourist attractions and a wide variety of accommodations. 

It could also be as simple as convenience. Nearly two-thirds of the US population is a days drive away from Gatlinburg. For our family, driving to east Tennessee for a long weekend or more has been almost an annual tradition.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Planning

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the two main areas for vacationers in the region. They are situated just southeast of Knoxville in Tennessee and serve as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can easily bounce back and forth between these two locations, so when you plan your time remember just know that most of the time it is only a few minutes drive between the two. Worth noting, there are times during peak season and around holidays where traffic can be heavy on the main parkway in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There are alternate routes up into the mountains that might save you time, but when traffic is bad it is hard to avoid.

We’ve stayed at lots of different places – from resorts, to hotels and cabins. There are plenty of rooms available in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Your biggest choice to make is where to stay; in Gatlinburg, in Pigeon Forge or in the mountains. For us, we love them all,  but have started staying in and spending more time in Pigeon Forge.

Our last couple of visits have centered around The Island in Pigeon Forge and the Margaritaville Resort. Yes, it is strange to go to a tropics themed resort for a mountain vacation. But we like the Jimmy Buffett vibe, plus the amenities surrounding the resort make it a favorite for us.

Surrounding the resort is The Island, filled with fun activities for the family, great food options and plenty of shopping. It is especially appealing if you are going during peak season to have all that at your fingertips without having to get into your car.

Smoky Mountains Top Attractions

Ironically, one of the top attractions in the region is one we’ve never tried. That speaks to the amount of fun things to do in the area! But we have heard nothing but good things about Dollywood, so if you are in the mood for a theme park check it out on your Pigeon Forge vacation. 

Dolly Parton is easily the most famous person from the area. In addition to the theme park, there are a few other Dolly centered options for visitors to checkout including a statue of a younger Dolly near the county courthouse in Sevierville. The Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede dinner show, located on the main strip in Pigeon Forge is also good entertainment for the entire family.

There are plenty of shopping options in both towns. For outlet shopping, you’ll want to plan on some time at Five Oaks, located on the north side of Pigeon Forge. If it is quaint, unique and non-chain retailers is your desire, there are plenty to choose in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. In Gatlinburg, we always find time to stroll around the Mountain Mall and The Village Shops; both are located on the main parkway.

You’ll have plenty of options for mini-golf, airbrushed t-shirts, saltwater taffy and more. All the staples of a tourist attraction are easily accessible in both areas. There is also some very good golf options, if you are looking for more than the mini variety. A favorite that offers golfers a challenge on the course along with stunning mountain beauty if the Island Point Golf Club in nearby Kodak. Along with the mountains, you get the challenge of plenty of water on this course, which also uses the French Broad River as a part of its backdrop.

Family attractions abound in the area. Our family loves Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. It provides an interactive opportunity to get up close and personal with aquatic life. They also have a large display of sharks that will surround you as you walk through the tunnels. Ober Gatlinburg, a unique Titanic museum and the Gatlinburg Sky Park are a few of the many other attractions available to choose for your Gatlinburg family vacation.

Historic and Delicious Food Options

There are plenty of locations to provide you with some good homestyle cooking too. You will have plenty of options when planning out your places to eat. For us, there are a few must stops when we plan out our itinerary for meals. If you love breakfast like we love breakfast, then this is the place for you! Two of our favorite breakfast stops are in Pigeon Forge – The Old Mill and the Five Oaks Farm Kitchen. Honestly, both of these locations are also great places for lunch and dinner, so if you want to sleep in. you can still check them out later in the day. The Old Mill is also a great place to shop unique shops with artisan crafters doing demonstrations throughout the day. The pottery shop at the Old Mill is fantastic. In Gatlinburg, you will want to get up early and avoid the long lines and have breakfast at the famous Pancake Pantry. It is a cash only restaurant, known for pancakes of course. We recommend the wild blueberry pancakes.

Of course, a trip to Gatlinburg would not be complete without going up into the mountains. The national parks services will help you plan your visit, including a stop at the Sugarlands Visitors Center, located just a few minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. From there, you can plan your time in the mountains; a quick trip around or a full day (or more) in nature’s beauty. Keep an eye out for black bears, which still roam the area and provide great photo opportunities from afar. In the park, some of the destinations we have enjoyed include Laurel Falls, the highest point in the Smokies Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove. Cades Cove is our favorite, and your best chance at seeing wildlife.

Our tips are just the beginning of things to do, see and eat while you’re in the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area. The area offers something for just about every budget, and season. The area comes to life with lights for the holidays, plus skiing is available during the winter. Fall offers breathtaking colors and views as the foliage changes. Be aware, crowds can be large at times, so have patience. Meal reservations are rare, especially at the better places to eat so get there early, or get there and shop at nearby retailers while you wait for your name to be called. When we visit, we focus on family, but it is also a charming location for a romantic getaway too.

Have you been to Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge? Let us know, and we can compare notes on your favorite places on some of our favorite Smokey Mountain stops.