The Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
This delicious store, specializing in key lime pies, recently moved from its home in Key West, Florida, to begin a new adventure in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Visitors and locals alike were excited for this move, as the Blonde Giraffe was voted the best Key Lime Pie in Florida for eight consecutive years – wow! Brazilian natives and owners Roberto Madeira and Tania Beguinati have also been featured on cooking segments on Country Music Television (CMT) and the talk show “The View.”
The Blonde Giraffe features  tasty treats such as key lime cookies, key lime pie on a stick, rum cake, a Jack Daniels flavored Brazilian style candy, and of course, their famous key lime pie. You can find the Blonde Giraffe in the back of the Exxon Zoomerz station on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Their pie is a must try next time you’re in town!

Dollywood’s Wild Eagle Roller Coaster
The exciting new addition to Dollywood right on track to open in March. The first winged roller coaster of its kind, Dollywood loyals are already making plans to experience its debut flight on the 24^th. The $20 million dollar coaster is designed to make riders feel as if they are soaring through the air, much like eagles do! Reaching heights of 210 feet and exceeding speeds of 60 MPH, this roller coaster will be for thrill seekers only!

New Park Coming to Pigeon Forge
City officials broke ground on a 116 acre park on that will offer recreation areas for locals and tourists. Located on Wears Valley Road, the park will be just a short walk away from the main strip on the Pigeon Forge Parkway. The park will introduce baseball fields, softball fields, football fields, concession stands, and other recreational areas. The park will also feature walking and hiking trails with views of Mount LeConte for all to enjoy.

Begin planning your next vacation now by browsing our site and finding the cabin of your dreams. Whether you’re searching for endless entertainment and fun, or a relaxing and peaceful trip, Pigeon Forge has it all!

Titanic Museum Attraction. Inside this incredible tribute to the passengers of the Titanic are some wonderful opportunities for family photos. The top of the Grand Staircase would be an especially beautiful backdrop.

Wonderworks. You don’t even have to step inside this attraction (although you will want to) to get a unique picture with the kids. Place yourself just right, and you can seem as if you’re holding up the building, or just use this upside down mansion as the backdrop to a cooky vacation memory.

Zorb. This giant, bouncing, clear ball is a ton of fun for the entire family. Hop in, bounce down the hill, and have family members snap photos along the way!

Cades Cove. There is no shortage of incredible backdrops along this loop. Families can gather in front of blue mountain ranges, lush wildflower fields, and historic churches and homes.

Old Time Photos. Located in Pigeon Forge, this old-time photo shop is great for the family. Everyone can pick their favorite look, from bar or parlor to barn or gangster. This is a fun twist on the traditional family photo.

Foxfire Mountain Canopy Tour. You will have some of the most fantastic views of Pigeon Forge as you glide along this zip line tour. You can try to snap some photos as you fly, or the family can take turns taking pictures from below.

Rafting in the Smokies. A raft trip down the Upper Pigeon River, or a float tour on the Lower Pigeon River (for those with younger kids), could be the perfect scenic backdrop for your next family picture. While you’ll be calm and smiling if you choose to float, a picture as you splash your way down the rapids will be a ton of fun.

Honeysuckle Hills. This gorgeous farm, complete with horses, a red barn, streams, meadows, and cabins, is a gorgeous backdrop for a family portrait. Award-winning photographer Regina Woods will give your family amazing service and even more amazing photos and memories.

The Old Mill Square. This complex of restaurants and shops is a great place to shop and eat, but its exteriors, particularly during the holidays, is a great place to stop for some family pictures. Christmas lights and an old mill with running water are beautiful backdrops.

Patriot Park. Located in Old Mill Square is Patriot Park, which is dedicated to veterans from Sevier County who served during wartime. The walking track winds past the Little Pigeon River, and a Patriot Missile is the central point of this lovely park.

If you’ve never heard of Saddle Up! before, you’re probably wondering what it’s all about. Saddle Up! is a celebration of the great American west, highlighting western musicians, artists, poets and chefs. The event is fun for the whole family, featuring a Buckaroo Roundup filled with fun and games for children and adults alike.

The most exciting addition to this year’s Saddle Up! festival is the “Stories & Strings” event, held at the Smoky Mountain Guitar Shop on February 24^th. Featuring some of country western’s finest musical artists. Musicians such as Bobby Black and David Wilkie will discuss their musical influences and history. Featuring seven artists all together, you will enjoy hearing the various styles and sounds of music that they have to offer.

Every night of Saddle Up! will feature live music and entertainment. Listen to the sounds of artists such as Chuck Pyle and Cowboy Celtic on Saturday evening, and gear up for the Cowboy Dance just a couple hours later. You will love watching the dancers demonstrate their unique style of dance and maybe give it a whirl for yourself!

One of the most cherished events of Saddle Up! are the chuckwagon cooks. Beginning on February 22^nd, the chefs will be in town offering samples of their famed cornbread – definitely an event you won’t want to miss! In addition, the Chuckwagon Sampler will be held after the Stories & Strings concert at 10 a.m., where you can sample some of the best dishes that the cooks have to offer.

Sunday is arguably the best day at Saddle Up! Arrive at 8:30 a.m. to enjoy the Chuckwagon Breakfast, featuring hashbrowns and eggs unlike anything you have ever tasted. At 10 a.m. begins Cowboy Church, which welcomes all denominations for a inspiring worship ceremony.

If this is your first Saddle Up! event, you won’t be able to wait to come back! For more information, please visit: http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_winterfest_saddleup.aspx

Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf: Miniature golf is loved by all ages, and it is a great family activity. Ripley’s Old Mac Donald’s Farm Mini-Golf has 54 holes that have interactive barnyard fun. This course is challenging and original, making it fun for the older family members as well as the young. You will see many animated animals as you putt along. If at the end of your mini-golf round you are still interested in a little challenging fun, visit the barn. The barn is home to Ripley’s Super Fun Zone, and it is full of the newest, state-of-the-art arcade entertainment! For more information, call them at 865-428-1699 or stop by 1639 Parkway in Sevierville, Tennessee, and take a gander at the amazing barnyard fun to be had at Ripley’s Old MacDonald Farm Mini-Golf!

Forbidden Caverns: Visit the subject of mysterious Indian legends. Walk where illegal moonshine was made from the early 1920’s through the early 1940’s. Witness unusual and unique formations that are still in the process of forming and growing and the largest wall of cave onyx known to exist. All of this can be accomplished in Tennessee’s Forbidden Caverns. An hour long walking tour will make your eyes privy to sparkling formations, nature’s very own chimneys, and a pristine stream that flows through the caverns. For more information about this adventure, call 865-453-5927 or April through November, you can stop by 455 Blowing Cave Road in Sevierville, Tennessee, and see one of America’s natural wonders.

Soul of Shaolin: This Tony nominated show is a must see! There isn’t anything like it in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. The touching story of a mother struggling to hide her baby boy as she flees wartime invaders in historic China is told by a thirty plus member cast! These phenomenal artists use beautiful music, drama, and martial arts to tell this touching story. Soul of Shaolin was the first Chinese production to ever appear on Broadway in New York City. If you miss this, you are really depriving yourself of a breath-taking experience. The production runs from March to January. Make reservations soon, these tickets do not last. For reservations, call 877-453-1188.

Come enjoy the sites and shows in Sevierville, Tennessee!

1. Ripley’s Aquarium:  This is one of my favorite places near Pigeon Forge! Ripley’s Aquarium of Gatlinburg houses 10,000 exotic sea creatures. There are actually more fish in this aquarium than there are people in the entire town of Gatlinburg! With areas devoted to sharks, the ocean, the rainforest, and systems control (how the aquarium works), this is sure to intrigue even the toughest critic. 

2. Nascar SpeedPark: You won’t want to let your teen have all the fun here! At the Nascar SpeedPark, you could spend an entire day with the whole family riding go-karts, testing your skills on the climbing wall, or putting around on one of two mini golf courses. In all, there are 24 different attractions to choose from, so everyone will have a blast!  

3. Scenic Helicopter Tours: This is an incredible and breathtaking tour, and one of the most fabulous ways to take in the splendor of the Smoky Mountains. Both teens and adults will love seeing the Smokies in such a new and exciting way! 

4. The Track: At The Track, teens can take a spin in the go-karts, plunge 65 feet from the bungee jumping tower, or experience skydiving on the sky flyer. Whether they try one or try them all, your teens will definitely get their adrenaline pumping! 

5. Wahoo Ziplines: This is yet another exciting way to take in the scenery in the Smokies. Strap in and zoom down 6 thrilling zip lines, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. You certainly won’t hear, “I’m bored,” on this trip!

6. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum: From interesting, to gross, to weird, this museum has so much to offer, you can’t help but keep your eyes peeled. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not will definitely freak out any curious teen! 

7. Gatlinburg Space Needle: If you want a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains, take this glass elevator 400 feet straight up to an open observation deck. And, if you need some activity to get your blood pumping when you’re done, try the arcade, laser tag, or the two-story playground.  

8. Smoky Mountain Riding Stables: A horseback ride through the Smoky Mountains is a fun chance for your teen to experience nature. Smoky Mountain Riding Stables offers stimulating yet relaxing tours for almost any age. 

9. Rafting in the Smokies: With an experienced guide at their side, teens can splash their way down the Upper Pigeon River, or float lazily down the Lower Pigeon River. Whether they want to chill or challenge themselves, Rafting in the Smokies has a little bit of everything. 

10. Bluff Mountain Adventures: For some fun on the winding mountain trails, check out these guided ATV rides for kids 12 and over. Bluff Mountain Adventures will lead you along as you blaze through 6000 acres of backwoods excitement. 

These are favorites for a reason—because they are great family attractions. Millions of people visit the Great Smoky Mountains every year, so it is hard to imagine that any attraction could remain a secret. In Sevierville, however, Cirque de Chine is an amazing show that is still a little bit off the beaten path.

Cirque de Chine, an incredible acrobatic and musical show in the Smoky Mountain Palace, made its debut in 2007. Featuring some of China’s most talented acrobatic troupes, Cirque de Chine is 2 hours of excitement, entertainment and fun for all ages. A few of the acts include:

Butterfly Lovers –This graceful and romantic duo twists and climbs with ribbons and a trapeze through the air, offering a moving performance.

Hoop Divers – These impressive acrobats dive and flip through hoops hanging up to 10 feet in the air.

Five Flying Motorcyclists – Racing their way around each other inside a 26-foot steel globe, five motorcyclists perform incredible feats that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Ornate costumes, authentic props, and great music make this a must-see. The show even includes a drum performance like the one seen in the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics. Each act requires skill, strength, and grace, and is unique in itself. This is a great way to spend a few hours with the family.

For more information about the show, visit www.mtovacations.com/cirque, or call (865)429-1601.

Wax Museum
You no longer have to travel to Hollywood to see the faces of Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Opening in spring 2012, The Hollywood Wax Museum will be Pigeon Forge’s newest attraction. The 2.3 million dollar attraction is sure to be an experience you won’t want to miss!

Best Hotel in the Country
TripAdvisor recently names The Inn at Christmas Place one of the “Top 25 Hotels in the U.S.” Ranking sixth on the prestigious list, the picturesque accommodation boasts Bavarian architecture and breathtaking landscaping. The Inn was also names the top-reviewed family-friendly hotel in the city.

Specialty Shopping
While many people are swamped by the area’s many theaters and live shows, Pigeon Forge also offers a variety of specialty shopping destinations. Whether you’re looking for Christmas decorations, art, boutiques or hobby shops, you will find exactly what you’re looking for!

Best Family Destination
TripAdvisor also named Pigeon Forge one of the “Top 10 Best Family Destinations.” Everyone from toddlers to grandparents will love Pigeon Forge for its wide array of entertainment and amusement options.

Fine Dining Options
In addition to family-style restaurants, Pigeon Forge also offer upscale, fine dining options. Try The Lodge at Buckberry Creek for a romantic evening or celebratory meal. You will enjoy the breathtaking view and exquisitely prepared food.

Outlet Malls
If you’re a discount clothing shopper, you can spend weeks browsing in the area’s various outlet malls and clothing stores. Check out the Belz Factory Outlet World, the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall, the Governor’s Crossing Outlet Mall, and Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center to shop until your heart’s desire!

Museums
Pigeon Forge isn’t exactly a historical and educational vacation; however, the town is home to many museums! You can visit the Police Museum, the Dinosaur Walk Museum, the Elvis Museum, the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, the Titanic Museum and more all within a short drive of one another.

Art Galleries
With the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge’s backyard, artists are inspired by the towering peaks and beautiful fall colors. Browse some native art galleries at Jim Gray Gallery, Brint Martin Gallery or the Twisted Vessel Gallery to browse or pick up a piece of your own.

Hot Rods
Several times a year, hot rods and antique cars flood the streets of Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply like to look at the immaculate cars, you will love these shows. You can visit during Spring Rod Run or Fall Rod Run to enjoy!

While on your Pigeon Forge vacation, there are countless places to shop for the ideal Christmas gifts. Begin crossing off your Christmas shopping list by exploring the outlet malls, retail stores, and shops in the Pigeon Forge area. From candy to clothes, Pigeon Forge offers something for everyone!

Outlet malls are the place to go for family members and co-workers. There are several malls in the area, giving you plenty of options and variety to select the perfect gift. On your Pigeon Forge shopping trip, check out the Belz Mall, the Tanger Outlet Mall, and the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall. These locations are home to a variety of clothing, kitchenware, book, music and jewelry stores.

For kids (or the adult with the sweet tooth,) you can’t go wrong with candy and fudge. Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best candy makers in the area. Take a stroll down the parkway and stop in one of the many fudge and candy stores to pick out a gift…we won’t tell if you take a sample for yourself, too! The Country Candy Kitchen, The Smoky Mountain Candy makers, and The Old Mill all have an excellent selection of taffy, fudge, chocolate and other assorted candy.

Pigeon Forge souvenirs make great small gifts to your friends and family. A simple coffee mug, t-shirt, decorative figure or framed photograph are easy to purchase and will remind the giftee of your travels. Visit the Three Bears Gift Shop, the Country Barn Gift Shop and Dixie Pride for a wide variety of souvenirs to choose from.

For the holiday lovers, The Christmas Place is the place to shop! You can buy your favorite someone a variety of holiday ornaments and decorations to deck out their house for the Christmas season. Offering wreaths and stockings as well as personalized items, the Christmas Place could be the perfect place to shop for someone who has everything.

Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest includes Gatlinburg, Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains, offering events and activities for people of all ages. The greatest attraction is the breathtaking display of five million Christmas lights that shimmer each night at dusk.

Visitors can enjoy the lights on a walking tour or ride the trolley through the display. The display is especially beautiful in the snow and dark hours – it’s surely an attraction that you won’t want to miss! While supplies last, 3-D glasses are also available at the Sevierville Visitor Center. The 3-D glasses allow you to see the lights in a whole new way!

If you can’t get enough of the holidays, you will want to attend the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees from November 21^st through the 25^th. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, dozens of beautifully decorated trees will be on display to help you plan your perfect winter wonderland.

Another can’t miss event is Gatlinburg’s 36^th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Recognized by the International Festival and Events Association, this parade is one that you won’t soon forget! Taking place on the Parkway, the parade showcases lighted, ornately decorated floats, marching bands, equestrian shows and large helium balloons.

Held several times throughout Winterfest is the Titanic’s 2^nd Annual Christmas in a Winter Wonderland. The museum brings in REAL SNOW to allow guests to enjoy the holiday lights and sounds as they were truly meant to be seen. If your kids haven’t encountered snow before, this is an event that you can’t pass up!

For more information about all the fantastic Winterfest Events please visit: Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Every detail of the original Titanic was made in grand scale, and the Titanic replica in Pigeon Forge is no different. November 25^th and 26^th, and December 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th, the attraction will be decorated inside and out in Edwardian-era fashion for the holiday season. Christmas trees and glittering lights will greet you as you say happy holidays to the merry Titanic crew and tour the incredible ship.

Christmas in a Winter Wonderland is, “dedicated to honoring and celebrating the lives of the 2,208 passengers and crew of the Titanic.” Co-owner Mary Kellogg-Joslyn has invested $150,000 for all the equipment needed for a spectacular snowfall, and an additional $100,000 on all of the trees, lights and decorations. “Everything about our Christmas in a Winter Wonderland Celebration is aimed at giving our visitors and their families a unique, memorable holiday experience. A memory that will last forever –and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?”

Visit www.titanicpigeonforge.com for information on ordering tickets, merchandise, real Titanic passengers, and hours of operation.