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John_S2's avatar
John_S2
Explorer
Sep 02, 2019

Any To Do suggestions for the Pigeon Forge area?

My DW and I are going to be staying in Pigeon Forge and exploring the surrounding area for a few days. Would appreciate any suggestions for things to do or see while we are there. Also always on the lookout for good places to eat while there.

We are travelling without any youngsters so we are definitely skipping Dollywood.

TIA for your help.

John S.
  • I agree on Cade's Cove. I would suggest not taking the class C on the Cade's Cove loop itself, though; while the road can accommondate RVs in theory, there are (or were when I went) a fair few low branches and in places where other people stop and pull "off" the road the gaps are sometimes very very slender indeed.

    Dollywood is not just for kids; it's a lovely amusement park in all regards. If you're not much into that sort of thing, of course it's reasonable to skip it; but there are plenty of "grown up" rides and shows and craftspersons and such.
  • One man or woman's pleasure is another's torture or something like that :).

    There are lots of touristy activities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.


    • There are a number of family friendly comedy and music shows.
    • Shopping outlets galore tools to clothes to camping supplies

      • Workshop Tools
      • Coleman camping supplies
      • Smoky Mountain Knife works
      • Multiple kitchen supply outlets
      • Oh, I think they might have some clothing outlets too ;)

    • Great Restaurants
      • Mama's Farmhouse - My family really enjoys this. We usually go here for Thanksgiving.
      • Bennett's Pit Bar-b-que
      • Alamo Steakhouse
      • Apple Barn - There are two restaurants at the Apple Barn as well as an ice cream shop, wine shop, and a cider mill. They fritters and apple butter are really good.
      • The Old Mill - Really good large portion food and shop with various stone ground goods.
      • Paula Deen Family Kitchen at the Island

    • Numerous touristy activities like farris wheel, Alpine Coasters (gravity powered coasters)
    • The Smoky Mountains. The drive between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg can be scenic. As already suggested the drive to Cade's Cove and the Cove itself are nice.
  • Definitely take US 321 south and go to Cades Cove, TN. About an hour. Beautiful. Great peek into old time mountain life. A slow drive through the cove in autumn is busy but worth it.

    Rainbow Falls Trail.

    I think the best restaurants are in Gatlinburg.
    For Lunch or Supper
    - The Cherokee Grill
    - Bennett's Pit BBQ

    For Breakfast
    - Log Cabin Pancake House

    Pigeon Forge also has an excellent place called The Old Mill Restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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