Everyone needs a vacation once in a while to cool off, relax, and bond with their family. However, picking the right vacation spot, especially one suitable for a family trip, can be difficult. So, if you’re searching for the perfect family vacation destination, Pigeon Forge might be the right choice. Located in Tennessee, this mountain town is one of the most popular vacation spots in the US. It is well-known for its proximity to the majestic Smoky Mountains and is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But that’s not all.
Pigeon Forge boasts many other attractions, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled family vacation. You’ll find everything you need for a fantastic getaway to unwind, create lasting memories, and strengthen the bond with your loved ones. Let’s look at all the reasons why Pigeon Forge should be your next vacation destination.
1. Experience the rush of go-karting
Go-karting is an amazing and fun activity for everyone. While go-karting is mostly for adults, the great thing is that you can find many go-karting tracks for children in Pigeon Forge. These tracks are safe and suitable for kids but just as fun and action-packed as the real deal.
So, make sure to take your family go kart racing in Pigeon Forge if you want to make the most of your trip. You can also find many amazing racing tracks for adults and have some fun of your own too.
2. Visit Dollywood
Pigeon Forge is famous for its many attractions, one of which is Dollywood, announced as the number one theme park in the US in 2022 by Tripadvisor. You can enjoy many thrilling activities at Dollywood. It has a variety of rides, shows, and attractions that appeal to people of all ages.
Dollywood also has shops, restaurants, and so much more. You can also attend festivals and celebrations at the theme park and make unforgettable memories with your family.
3. Spend a day exploring the Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island is another popular tourist spot in Pigeon Forge, fit for adults and children alike. It is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy, especially when traveling with family. However, the Island is so big that it is impossible to explore it all in one day. So, if you have the time, you can set aside two days to experience all the fun activities.
Here’s what you should do here:
Ride the rides, such as the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and the Flying Horse Carousel.
Visit attractions like the Island Show Fountains and the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn.
Do some shopping at various shops, including souvenir shops, clothing stores, and candy shops.
4. Visit the Titanic Museum
Pigeon Forge has many museums that are informative, interactive, and enjoyable. One of the most popular ones is the Titanic Museum.
It is a great place to learn about the history of the Titanic and the lives of the people who were on board. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it would have been like to be a passenger on the ship. The museum has various artifacts belonging to the Titanic’s passengers and crew. These artifacts include clothing, jewelry, and personal belongings.
So, visiting the Titanic Museum should be on your list during your family trip to Pigeon Forge.
5. Explore the Smoky Mountains National Park
As you know, Pigeon Forge is the gateway to the Smokies. So, exploring the Smoky Mountain National Park is a great way to get the most out of your trip to Pigeon Forge. There are many different trails to choose from, so you can find one perfect for your fitness level and interests. If you have young children, choose a shorter trail, such as the Chimney Tops Trail. This trail is only 3.5 miles long round trip and is relatively easy to hike.
If you are looking for a place to have a relaxing picnic, there are many picnic areas in the park, like Cades Cove. This is a large meadow that is perfect for a picnic. There are also several hiking trails in Cades Cove, so you can explore the area after your picnic.
6. Go For a Ride on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
If you and your family love roller coasters, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster should be on your travel itinerary. The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a great way to experience the thrill of a roller coaster while also enjoying the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The coaster is 2.2 miles long and takes riders through various twists and turns. It reaches speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, and the views from the coaster are amazing.
7. Enjoy Dinner Shows
Another unique thing you can enjoy in Pigeon Forge is the dinner shows. Dinner shows are exactly what they sound like; you get dinner and a live show together. So, you can get tickets to any dinner show that piques your interest and have one of your life’s best and most entertaining meals.
These shows are also great for kids and a good way to introduce them to performing arts.
8. Visit the Old Mill Square
Pigeon Forge is a historic town, and there are many historical sites in the area that you can visit during your family vacation. One of these historical sites is the Old Mill Square. It is centered around a gristmill that was built in 1830.
You can also find everything from souvenir shops, candy stores, and restaurants serving traditional Southern cuisine here.
Conclusion
Deciding to go for a family vacation is a great idea to spend some quality time with your family. Pigeon Forge is the perfect spot for a fun-filled and memorable family vacation. At Pigeon Forge, you can enjoy numerous activities, from amusement parks to fine dining and an amazing shopping experience. It also offers access to stunning and unspoiled nature.
