by Teddy Levron

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Family Vacationing in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is one of the most family friendly vacation destinations in the United States. With an abundance of kid friendly venues on the Parkway, little "Johnny and Sally" could stay busy for a lifetime or, at least for a few days, without playing the boredom card.
Pigeon Forge is also within easy reach of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the nation's premier locations for sightseeing, hiking, fishing, nature watching, picnicking, horseback ridingwell, you get the idea. It would take more than a lifetime to experience everything that the Pigeon Forge area has to offer. Here's a sample to get you started.

Day One
Spend some time getting your bearings. Go to the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center to pick up a schedule of current events. Take a ride on the Trolley. The Trolley travels the entire 5 mile stretch of the Parkway. It's the easiest way to get around town and get a good overview of where things are. Just sit back, relax, and get used to being on vacation!

Day Two
Little Johnny and Sally have relaxed enough and want something to do. Pick out a few of the attractions that you saw on the Parkway and have fun! End the day with a great meal and take in one of the many shows in town. The entertainment in Pigeon Forge is first rate!

Day Three
It's time for a change of scenery. Take a ride over to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check in at the Sugarlands Visitor Center to pick up a map and a copy of the current ranger programs. The rangers always have something interesting going on. Drive to Cades Cove in the afternoon so Johnny and Sally can watch for wildlife, like deer and bear. Explore the old pioneer village and homestead, take a few short hikes, picnic along the river and take in the extraordinary scenery and mountain vistas unique to this part of the country.

Day Four
Take in one of the area Amusement parks or do the Museum circuit. All of it is interesting and you can give Johnny and Sally a little taste of Appalachian history. They won't even know they've been learning!

Day Five
Every season offers something different in Pigeon Forge. Fall festivals begin in September and October. Winterfest is a spectacular event in November and December. January is Wilderness Wildlife Week. There are always craft shows and music festivals going on, so ask the locals. They'll be able to clue you in on some unique adventures that most tourists never know about.

Day Six
Check out the shops in Pigeon Forge. Little Johnny and Sally will certainly find some treasures to take home as a reminder of their family adventure.

Day Seven
It's almost time to go. Tie up the loose ends. Do as many last minute things as time will allow. Then, wave goodbye and begin planning next year's trip, back to Pigeon Forge.

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