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Highlights of Pigeon Forge, TN

Notice: This highlights of Pigeon Forge post is sponsored by Hotels.com 

Pigeon Forge is known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Millions of tourists visit the park every year. The town and surrounding area is well set up to cater for the masses with tonnes of interesting attractions and plenty of quality accommodation.

You can find accommodations for any budget in Pigeon Forge.

Here’s a countdown of some places you don’t want to miss.

5. Climb aboard the Titanic

One of the most peculiar spectacles for the first time visitor to Pigeon Forge is the unexpected sight of a large passenger ship.

As you drive towards the Smoky Mountains along the Strip you’ll be surprised to spy a half-size replica of the original Titanic ship.

There’s more to the ship than it’s exterior – inside it is a museum. The curators personally collected many of the original artifacts on display which were recovered from the ship.

Adding to the experience are the staff who were dressed as the original Titanic crew. You can also get involved with exhibits including testing how frigid the water was that fateful night.

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4. Visit “The Island”

The easiest way to please  the whole family is by visiting “The Island” a huge area featuring shopping, rides, restaurants and entertainment.

When you’re tired from all the above activities, you can kick back and enjoy the light, water and music fountain show.

The Island is just off the Strip but you can the centerpiece Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-high observation wheel, from miles away. 

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3. Get the Blood Pumping on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Another striking sight to the unassuming is the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster which suddenly emerges from the thick forest.

The Coaster is over 1 mile long making it the longest downhill track in USA and whips around at up to 27 mph.

Like most other attractions in Pigeon Forge, the roller-coaster is illuminated in neon at night.

If you’re not game enough to ride the coaster you can still enjoy the flashing lights whipping around the mountain.

4. Flip your world upside down with Zorbing

One of the most exciting adventures during our New Zealand roadtrip was the iconic New Zealand adventure, zorbing.

Fortunately, there’s no need to half-way across the world to enjoy this adrenaline pumping activity because there’s an outdoor gravity park in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Jump in a giant zorb ball at the top of a 1,000-foot hill, get zipped in and ready to go!

2. Try Moonshine 

Moonshine flourished during the prohibition years. To a certain extent, those years continued in Tennessee longer than elsewhere in the country because until only recently Pigeon Forge was alcohol-free.

This fact combined with it’s ubiquitous neon-lights on the Strip lead to the nickname “Dry Vegas”.

The town is still a world away from having nightlife like Miami or Vegas, but you can enjoy a drink if you please.

Lots of distilleries have popped up which celebrate the Ole southern moonshine. 

Our favourite is a few minutes outside of town towards the Smokies at Tennessee Shine Company. Liquor connoisseurs will feel like a kid in a candy shop here with a colorful array of tasty tipples. You can try 5 samples for free too!

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1. Dollywood

After the Smoky Mountains, the #1 ticket in town is Dolly Parton’s themepark. If the Smoky Mountains are the reason why people visit Pigeon Forge, attractions like Dollywood are one of the reasons why they stay a few days longer.

The singer’s theme park includes rides, shows and entertainment. Impressively, the park is all inclusive with a price point of $79 which is a lot cheaper than you’ll pay at one of Florida’s parks. 

Seem like a lot to do in just a few days? Check out our Pigeon Forge itinerary to see how to cover all the best bits.

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