Hotels in Pigeon Forge

Named partly after the Little Pigeon River and because it was a popular roosting place for the now-extinct passenger pigeon, Pigeon Forge is a resort city in Tennessee. Just eight miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town caters to a wide range of interests, including those who love the outdoors, amusement parks, and country music. It is also an area associated with Native American history, southern cultural heritage, and many historical attractions. Pigeon Forge is also indelibly linked to Dolly Parton, who happens to live just a few miles away in nearby Sevierville. The former country music star majorly invested in the city's entertainment.

With over 11 million tourists visiting every year, you know there's a good supply of vacation accommodation. Pigeon Forge doesn't disappoint with its varying range and selection of hotels, suiting all budget types, from cheap rooms to luxury villas.

What to see and do in Pigeon Forge

The number of amusement and theme parks in this area easily rival the resort area of Orlando. It might even be better at accomodating more people because it caters to such a diverse range of interests. Here are some places to visit:

• Dollywood: The biggest attraction in the area is this Dolly Parton-owned amusement park. It includes roller coasters, a water park, and the DreamMore Resort. There's also an area dedicated to kids and the Chasing Rainbows Museum (all about Dolly!)
• Great Smoky Mountain Wheel: Standing 200 feet over The Island — a mall and leisure complex — passengers awe in the stunning views provided by the mountains.
• Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park: Put on your plaid shirt and enjoy a day of log rolling, sawing contests, and other events. There’s also a high-ropes course and ziplines.
• The Titanic Museum: Learn all about the history of the ill-fated ship and its passengers.
• Hollywood Waxwork Museum: The USA's largest wax museum has replicas of stars from the past and present, plus amazing sculptures of iconic movie moments.
• Wonderworks: Children of all ages are “edutained” by the mind-boggling exhibits and interactions in this museum-turned-school.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore and enjoy the outdoors, with a host of activities available along with lush greenery, valleys, and waterfalls.

What to eat in Pigeon Forge

There is no specific cuisine associated with this resort city because the food is mostly linked to the theme parks and attractions. Each park will offer its own selections, ranging from food-themed to the park's theme, general American food, and food from international cuisines. Restaurants not attached to a specific park/attraction are also diverse. However, if you want to try some typical southern-style Tennessee cuisine, some of the most iconic dishes include:

• Meat & 3: Order your favorite type of meat and choose three sides from a list of daily specials.
• Cajun Catfish: This freshwater fish is cooked many ways, but it tastes best when fried Cajun-style.
• Cornbread: A cakey-bread made of corn that's paired with many, many southern dishes.
• Country Ham: Not just a holiday meal in Tennessee, Country Ham comes with several unique seasonings.
• Banana Pudding: This dessert might be simple custard-like solo pudding, or you might get it dressed up in a fancy layered sweet treat.

Typical events and festivals in Pigeon Forge

The event calendar is just as eclectic as the park's attractions. The parks operate many celebrations. Some of the most notable events in town include:

• Dollywood Flower and Food Festival: The park is awash with food and spring produce over April and May. There are more festivals in the summer, plus Halloween and Christmas.
• Music in the Mountains Spring Parade: The Parkway becomes a riot of color and sound in April.
• A Mountain Quiltfest: The city's traditional quilt-making art is showcased in May.
• The Patriot Festival: Independence Day celebrations start early here, with music and fireworks blasting on the 3rd of July.
• Fall Rod Run: A must-do for all car enthusiasts is to visit this September swap meet.

How to move around in Pigeon Forge

The best way to get around this resort town is by riding public buses. Due to their remarkable resemblance to the classic trolleys from the early 20th century, they're often referred to as the "fun time trolleys." They visit 200+ stops and are disabled-friendly. The service also runs to the nearby towns of Sevierville and Gatlinburg. The city offers plenty of free parking to encourage people to take the buses.

The climate in Pigeon Forge

Its mountain location means the resort has hot summers and cool winters. It's also an area of high precipitation. The rainfall occurs consistently throughout the year, except for October when it only rains about half of the average. Summer temperatures have an average high of 86° F, while winter months drop to average lows of 25° F. April and October are the best months to visit.