Vacations are meant to create memories that will last a lifetime. They can also be stressful for parents because we want to relax and get away from the hustle of our everyday lives and the kids want to go go go! Pigeon Forge, TN is the perfect destination to get the best of both worlds, plus more!
The Great Smoky Mountains, my first trip to the mountains!
I was a Connecticut native, so I never experienced the mountains before. Especially ones where we seemed to pass through the clouds. Even as a young kid, I was astounded by its scenic beauty.
We came out of pass in the Smoky Mountains and entered the city of Pigeon Forge, TN. Though it was smaller back then, it still held the ambiance of being the right place for a fall family vacation. Though I haven’t been there as an adult, a visit to Pigeon Forge is still on my bucket list. For more information on Pigeon Forge, visit their official website.
It should be part of your list of fall travel destinations as well, here are five reasons you should visit Pigeon Force in the fall.
1. The foliage
The great thing about a stay in Pigeon Forge is the drivable / close drive to see the leaves change color in the Smokies. Populated with sugar maples, hickories, scarlet oaks, and other tree varieties, the scenic beauty of the color change is breathtaking. And, because it gets cooler later, the leaves don’t start changing until mid-October. It’s a chance to see how mother nature herself, paints the landscape in beautiful colors.
2. The festivals
What makes Pigeon Forge so special for a family vacation is the number of festivals. For instance, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival starts in late September and ends in early November. It features the Great Pumpkin LumiNights — a display of various illuminated pumpkins throughout the park. There’s plenty of hands-on fun, including pumpkin decorating and crafts, and character meet and greets.
3. A chance to wind down
Though fall can be a busy time in Pigeon Forge it’s not as chaotic as in the summer. That means it becomes a place to relax and slow down. Not simply because all the attractions are drivable, it’s also due to more time to take in all the city is famous for. In turn, this can keep everyone in your family calm and happy. Relax and learn how to quilt, go fishing for day, go horseback riding down a mountain trail, or make a much-needed appointment at one of the many spas to rejuvenate your mind and body!
4. Dollywood
A trip to Pigeon Forge is not complete without a stop in Dollywood. In addition to over 40 rides and many shows this theme park provides, it’s also home to spectacular Halloween and Christmas events that are open for all family members. It’s a perfect place to spend a day with the kids without breaking your bank. Dollywood has rides for everyone and if you’re a roller coaster lover like me, The Lightning Rod is the world’s fastest wooden coaster! It’s a must do!
5. Unique places to visit
Though it seems like everything is out in the open, Pigeon Forge has its share of surprises. For instance, the Titanic Museum. Shaped like the infamous cruise ship, the museum features hundreds of exhibits and photos. For instance, you may get a chance to see Ella Holmes’ white walking cane or the world’s largest display of Titanic life jackets.
You can choose to stay in a cabin or blend a little mountain with island at Margaritaville Island Hotel (my favorite)—a perfect getaway to enjoy fall foliage.
Whether it’s a foliage tour in the Smoky Mountains or a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, the options for things to do in Pigeon Forge are endless. Plan your fall trip now.
