Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg: The Best Places to Vacation in Tennessee
Published Apr 8, 2021
These two Smoky Mountain neighbors welcome you for the best vacation in the state of Tennessee! Why are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg special?
Gatlinburg: Gateway to the National Park
Nature on the Doorstep
Gatlinburg is your gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America. Within reach are 800 miles of trails through pristine forests and past cascading waterfalls. The park’s half-million acres teem with wild animals and flowers, a stunning diversity of life unique to this region. Three park entrances are right here in town--you always have easy access to the serenity of the Smoky Mountains.
Center of Spectacular Views
Gatlinburg knows how to show off the vistas that surround it! Ascend the iconic Space Needle to see 360-degree views from 400 feet above street level. Ride chairlifts to SkyLift Park, gazing at the mountains along the way, then stroll the SkyBridge for spectacular, distant views. Or glide up to relaxing Anakeesta and take in the Smokies from its mountaintop observation tower.
Tennessee’s Only Ski Resort
Ober Mountain is the state’s sole ski resort. With skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing, Ober is open year-round, with amusement park attractions, tasty dining, and great shopping as well as snow sports.
Action-Packed Downtown
Gatlinburg’s compact, walkable downtown, called The Strip, puts museums, restaurants, shops, distilleries, and much more all in strolling distance of each other. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum--there’s something for every taste.
Pigeon Forge: Hometown of Family Fun
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge lies close to the national park, too, but when you mention this town, the first thing most visitors think of is: Dollywood! This popular theme park features more than 50 thrilling rides, plus world-class stage shows, award-winning dining, festivals, and a friendly, down-home atmosphere.
Live Entertainment
Family-friendly shows are a Pigeon Forge tradition. All ages can enjoy performances here. Country Tonite brings you classic tunes and current hits. Soul of Motown honors artists like Aretha Franklin and the Temptations. In Hit Parade, singers croon songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Clean comedy is the specialty at The Comedy Barn. And there’s much more on stages all over town!
Car Shows
Pigeon Forge is a car lover’s heaven, hosting multiple car shows every year--”rod runs,” specialty shows for makes like Mustangs, Corvettes, and Jeeps, classic car shows, and more. You’ll be inspired to drive the scenic and historic mountain roads!
For Tennessee’s best vacation, come to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and stay in a cozy cabin. Reserve your cabin close to all the fun today!
