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.

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 Old Town sits on the eastern side of the Svislach River, bordered by Vul Maxima Bahdanovicha. Known as Troitskoe Predmestiye, or “Trinity Suburb”, the Old Town is not really that old. The original 17th and 18th century houses were recreated in the 1980’s. However, it’s a delightful place to walk around in. You can relax in quaint cafés or browse through the souvenir shops.