Pigeon Forge Style – Southern Hospitality

This last weekend I flew down to Tennessee to visit Pigeon Forge, one of the largest tourist destinations in the state, servicing more than 10 million people who visit each year! It’s no wonder it is a top pick with its wholesome atmosphere, family values and old-fashioned Southern hospitality. The parkway is lined with family friendly venues and restaurants making it the perfect family getaway. I just want to thank all those that sponsored this amazing getaway.

Pigeon Forge is surrounded by the beautiful smoky mountains. I didn’t know why they were called that before heading there, but it looked like there was smoke rising just above them everyday. We stayed in a mountain top cabin from Cabin Fever Vacations. It had amazing views from every side. This was the view from the upper deck of the Blackburn Cabin that comfortably slept 34. See my  review of the Mountaintop Lodge.

We attended several events while we were there. My first brush with Southern hospitality was at Dixie Stampede . The staff met us with enormous smiles and were very polite and courteous. We were able to catch the preshow, which was a blast. We enjoyed non alcoholic beverages from boots that our darling sweet hostess recommended. We later moved into the main event for dinner and the show. To say no expense was spared is an understatement. This show is big and beautiful and dinner was exactly the same. Read more about my Evening at Dixie Stampede.

The next morning we set out for Dollywood. Hands down the most fun was here! I like to think of it as the ultimate experience. Even though I didn’t have my family with me I could see them enjoying separate features in the park. I enjoyed the shopping and shows, my husband would enjoy the leisurely pace and food, and the kids of course would love the rides. Everyone in the park is friendly. The staff was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. If you are shopping like I was, then you will enjoy the option to have your items delivered to the front gate or like I took advantage of, shipping directly to my home. Check out my Day at Dollywood.

The Lumberjack Feud was probably my favorite dinner show to attend. Since I grew up at the base of the Grand Tetons I have a special place in my heart for hard working men. I love a good show and that’s what they bring in this  $10 million facility owned by Lumberjack Sports International. There is comedy, action, food, song and a little bit of dancing. The stadium is divided into two sides as the feud between the Dawsons and the McGraws heats up over the course of 10 lumber themed events take place. You’ll be Yo-Hoing and booing the entire show. This is truly a family friendly show complete with Lumberjacks, Lumberjills, dogs, a horse and a few bears (costume clad crew members). See my thoughts about the Lumberjack Feud Show and Dinner.

My favorite tour in the area happened at the Titanic Museum.  I wasn’t sure exactly what I would expect while I was there. I learned so much about what they do there, but more importantly about how every experience is different. It isn’t just about the movie over there, it is about the real stories. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the Titanic, the passengers and the details about the whole event. While the tour is self guided, the crew is on board dressed in period clothing to give a complete experience. If there was anything I learned about Pigeon Forge attractions while I was there it was go big and this is certainly HUGE. The staircase alone was amazing and expensive, right down to the linoleum flooring (a high ticket item of the times). Check out my review of the Titanic Museum Attraction.

Just a short drive up the street is a fun let loose type of place, the Hollywood Wax Museum. A few of the girls and I had a blast posing with some of our favorite actors and characters throughout the years. We had VIP passes that allowed us to take the elevator to the top of the building to hang out with King Kong and take in the view from all sides of the Pigeon Forge area. Since we had VIP tickets we were able to take advantage of Castle of Chaos with the world’s first 5D ride and interactive shooting adventure with a Zombie type theme, unfortunately the hall of mirrors was closed that day, but I’m sure that would be fun.

These were just a few stops that I visited on this adventure, but there is so much more to do in Pigeon Forge and so many more places to eat! I can’t wait to go back and visit again.

This event was hosted by Brandfluential