Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Cades Cove, a popular destination within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Explore the valley floor, a haven for wildlife such as black bears, deer, and elk. Discover preserved structures dating back to the 1700s, including original mountain homes, a grist mill, churches, and barns, all offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. Once a Cherokee hunting ground, Cades Cove later became home to early settlers, and their legacy is preserved throughout the area. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the stream that still powers the mill today.

Dollywood, a 150-acre theme park nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, is a premier Pigeon Forge attraction and one of the nation's most popular. Imagined by Dolly Parton and the Herschend family, Dollywood offers over 50 rides and attractions, including thrilling coasters like Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine. Enjoy live entertainment featuring talented musicians, dancers, and skilled craftspeople demonstrating traditional techniques. For a refreshing escape, visit Dollywood's Splash Country water park, offering a variety of water rides and attractions to beat the summer heat.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

The Comedy Barn Theater makes sure that you have a great laugh! Make sure you book your tickets in time and have a great evening out with your loved ones to share a laugh. Check out the website for the actual shows and select the one you like the most!

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is the area’s top haunted house. Live actors and world-class frights are all in store. It doesn’t have to be Halloween to experience state-of-the-art fun and scares, so bring family, friends, and yourself to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure! Children under six are not permitted.

The Gatlinburg SkyLift offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Ascend 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain and experience the thrill of the SkyBridge, a 700-foot span stretching across a deep valley. Enjoy daytime views of the national park's lush forests and majestic peaks, or visit at night to witness the dazzling lights of downtown Gatlinburg. A gift shop provides souvenirs, snacks, ice cream, and frozen drinks.

World-renowned magician Terry Evanswood awes audiences in Pigeon Forge as one of the area’s main attractions. Millions of people each year come to see the magic variety show—which captivates the crowd for 75 minutes of “wonders.” Evanswood incorporates magic, comedy, illusions, music, impersonations, sleight of hand and Houdini-inspired escapes into the Wonders of Magic. Within the Hall of Magic guests are welcomed to explore the timeline and history of magic in this free museum. Terry Evanswood himself provides the Hall’s tour, spanning costumes, props, artifacts, autographs, memorabilia, and more.

The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud serves guests a show with their meals. A comedic action show features two “feuding lumberjack families” as guests take their pick from dishes like apple wood slow roasted pork loin with gravy, herb roasted chicken breast, and scrumptious applejack fritters. It's a great show and meal for families.