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Destinations

Group Adventures Start in Pigeon Forge

Great Smoky Mountains Destination Offers Year-Round Variety

  • By Trish McGee

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Memorable group travel relies on a variety of attractions, restaurants, shopping, and lodging to meet the expectations of adventure-seeking travelers. With 80-plus attractions to choose from alone, Pigeon Forge offers more than enough options in each category to create captivating itineraries that not only meet but exceed visitors’ criteria. Let’s look at a few highlights in this popular vacation location. 

“Pigeon Forge’s appeal is a combination of our four distinctly different seasons and the easy accessibility we offer so many,” says Mike Gwinn, senior sales manager for Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Two-thirds of the nation’s population that lives east of the Mississippi River are within a day’s drive of Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is a community of travel industry partners who understand group travel and set the standard for the hospitality industry.” 

Pigeon Forge is home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park (operates March 9–Jan. 5). In addition to thrilling rides, top-notch entertainment, Appalachian craftspeople, and fabulous food, Dollywood treats guests to five seasonal festivals: I Will Always Love You Music Festival (March 9–April 14), Flower & Food Festival (April 19–June 9), Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 15–Aug. 11), Harvest Festival (Sept. 9–Oct. 28), and Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival (Nov. 1–Jan. 5, 2025). 

For ease and convenience, groups can stay nearby at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Pigeon Forge offers more than 15,000 overnight accommodations, so it’s easy to find a place to refresh after a busy day of exploring. Group travelers love the on-site amenities offered at the Country Cascades Resort, The Inn on the River, Courtyard by Marriott, The Inn at Christmas Place, Holiday Inn & Suites Convention Center, The Lodge at Camp Margaritaville, and The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center, just to name a few. 

Titanic replica attraction at museum
Combine learning and leisure with Pigeon Forge’s lineup of museums. WonderWorks, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, the Bible Museum, and the Titanic Museum Attraction offer informative and captivating exhibits. (Courtesy of Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism.)

No matter where you stay, you’re never far from the action. Pigeon Forge spans a 5-mile stretch along the four-lane Parkway, which is home to an abundance of things to see and do. Other attractions are located 2 miles or less from either side of this main thoroughfare, making access to everything groups want to see and experience close and convenient. 

Tour bus at bus station
For just $3 per person for an individual day pass, groups with downtime can enjoy the independence of seeing Pigeon Forge on their own schedule by taking a trolley with Pigeon Forge Mass Transit.

Within walking distance of the Parkway is The Island in Pigeon Forge, where visitors will find shopping, dining, attractions, a museum, and entertainment including free performances of the Fountain Show (performed all day on the half hour) and bluegrass music from Ole Smoky Moonshine’s The Barn outdoor stage. Don’t miss the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel’s stunning mountain views. 

One of The Island’s neighbors is two-time ABA Best of the Best award winner Pigeon Forge Snow, the country’s first indoor snow attraction. The weather’s always perfect for year-round multi-lane snow tubing. 

Groups also can explore the many interactive exhibits featured at Beyond the Lens or enjoy the exhilarating Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountains Snowpark. 

Pigeon Forge’s robust entertainment lineup includes fabulous revues at Country Tonite Theater and Mountain of Entertainment Theater. The destination also delivers on delicious dinner shows including Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, the Grand Majestic Theater’s soulful sounds, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show. Nostalgia reigns at the Red Skelton Tribute Theater. 

Beyond the Lens technology and entertainment center
Technology and entertainment collide at Beyond the Lens. Group rates, ample bus parking, and a trolley stop right outside the front door make getting there a breeze.

Pigeon Forge offers a full plate of great restaurants. Groups enjoy gathering around the table at TGI Fridays, Bullfish Grill, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and Puckett’s. Buffet dining is available at Golden Corral and Shoney’s. FlapJack’s Pancake Cabin remains a breakfast favorite, while Mellow Mushroom makes Italian favorites fast and convenient. 

No Pigeon Forge trip is complete without seeing Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most-visited national park. World-renowned for its natural beauty, the park offers scenic nature drives, mountain vistas, and premier photo opportunities. Save time and hire a step-on guide to make traveling easier. 

“I encourage travel planners to schedule early for the best availability and pricing,” says Gwinn, pointing out that Sunday through Thursday stays are generally more affordable and less crowded than Fridays and Saturdays. “We’re here to make travel planning convenient and productive, so call on us to help.” 

Pigeon Forge | mypigeonforge.com, (865) 453-8574

Trish McGee is the vice president of public relations at bohan, the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism’s agency of record. She can be reached at tmcgee@bohanideas.com.

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