Planning a vacation is never easy, even when heading to your dream destination. There can always be too much to see and too many spots to fit into your itinerary. It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling for a week or a month – it can never seem like you have enough days to see everything you want. If you’re planning a trip to Pigeon Forge this summer, you might find yourself in a similar predicament.
Nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains, Pigeon Forge is easily one of the most picturesque destinations you’ll ever visit. This stunning little mountain town has tons to offer, and narrowing down your to-do list can be challenging. If you can’t decide what to do on your trip, we’re here to help. Keep reading below for a definitive travel guide if you’re heading to Pigeon Forge.
Pick the right hotel
Most travelers think that the hotel they pick doesn’t impact their vacation. However, picking an uncomfortable, dingy little place to stay can put a hamper on your entire vacation. Without a comfortable place to stay, you won’t be able to reenergize yourself for the day ahead. Moreover, you’ll spend more time trying to figure out basic things such as finding a good meal to eat or sleeping well instead of planning your trip.
Luckily, Pigeon Forge has high-quality, luxurious establishments that can give you a relaxing stay. Although seemingly rustic, Pigeon Forge hotels are replete with all the modern amenities, ranging from luxurious fittings to even an indoor pool. If you’re looking for a relaxing spa-like getaway in one of the most stunning locations on earth, you can’t do better than these hotels. Picking hotels in Pigeon Forge with indoor pool can help you make the most of your vacation and have an unbelievably relaxing trip.
Head to Dollywood
It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling with the kids or on an adults-only trip – a trip to Dollywood is a must. Dollywood is easily the most popular destination in the area and is named after one of the most popular celebrities from the area – Dolly Parton. Dollywood is a theme park unlike any other and is one of the country’s most well-maintained and well-planned theme parks.
No vacation is complete without a fun-filled day at a theme park, so Dollywood needs to be a must-visit location on your itinerary. If you’re more about the rides, you can enjoy some of the most thrilling ones. However, Dollywood has more than just rollercoasters. You can visit a stunning topiary, attend some amazing theatre shows, or jump on top of the Dollywood Express, which takes you on a tour of the whole place. You can also stop at the Crafts Valley, a craftsman’s heaven, or head to a museum showcasing Dolly Parton’s life and career. Dollywood has something to offer everyone and can easily become the highlight of your trip.
Try the local cuisine
Food tourism is easily one of the biggest reasons why people travel, and there can be nothing like exploring a new region through the cuisine. There’s so much you can learn simply by exploring the world around you through your taste buds, and trying local cuisines can make your trip more immersive. Food tourism doesn’t just have to be about trying out the most high-end restaurants in the area. Rather, it’s more about trying out street cuisine and seeing what the locals love the most.
When you’re in Pigeon Forge, you’ll get infinite opportunities to be a food tourist. You can try some of the most mouthwatering dishes in the local markets and experience what the region is all about. In Pigeon Forge, you can taste fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared in a distinctive rustic, flavorful way. Apart from street food, you can also try some high-end restaurants, which can help you fully immerse yourself in the area’s vibe. These restaurants also feature local ingredients and showcase them by preparing them in unique, memorable dishes.
Don’t forget your hiking gear
Pigeon Forge is a stunning, quaint little town filled with some excellent attractions, but the true highlight of the region is undoubtedly the Great Smokey Mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are some of the oldest mountains in the world and home to various animal and plant life. Your mountain vacation would be incomplete without a hiking trip through these historic trails, so don’t forget to pack your hiking gear.
If you’re traveling with kids, you might feel like hiking needs to stay off the list. However, there can be nothing else that can help your kids develop an appreciation of nature. A hike can push your kids to challenge themselves and immerse themselves completely in the area’s beauty. Of course, to make the trip a little more child-friendly, you can include snacks, several pit stops, and perhaps a picnic along the way. When packing hiking gear, include weather-appropriate clothes, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, a lamp, and a knife.
Head to Ripley’s Aquarium
Pigeon Forge is undeniably a traveler’s dream come true, and you can find all sorts of fascinating attractions around here. Another attraction that’s a must-visit is Ripley’s Aquarium. We’ve all heard of “Ripley’s believe it or not,” and the makers of the same show bring you this startling aquarium, packed with some of the most beautiful sea creatures.
In this amazing aquarium, you can witness over 10,000 exotic sea creatures, each more fascinating than the last. There are several exhibits, and each themed gallery has different animals to show. From witnessing the lush animal life in the mountains, this gallery lets you marvel at the wonders of life below water. A trip to the Smokey Mountains would be incomplete without heading to this amazing attraction. So, be sure to include this on your list of must-visit places.
Conclusion
When planning a trip to a mountain town, you may feel there isn’t much to see. However, Pigeon Forge will prove you wrong with their excellent themed parks, galleries, food, and hotels. It’s a mountain town unlike any other and is the perfect travel destination whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo.
