Mellow Mushroom Pigeon Forge
If you’ve visited Mellow Mushroom in your home town, you probably recognize their eclectic décor and style. No one Mellow Mushroom is the same as another – you’ll just have to see for yourself! The chefs at Mellow are always coming up with new creations and tasty inventions. Their pizzas stand out from the rest, featuring toppings such as feta cheese, pesto sauce, grilled steak, artichoke hearts, red potatoes and more.

Geno’s Pizza
Featuring recipes made with 100 percent real cheese, all natural ingredients and fresh dough, Geno’s Pizza in Pigeon Forge is the perfect stop for a big family. Their extra-large family style pizzas feature twelve huge slices – enough to feed the whole group! Looking for some variety? Geno’s boasts three different styles of crust – pan, hand tossed, and thin crust. They also offer delicious calzones, wings and salads!

Smoky Mountain Brewery
This Pigeon Forge microbrewery offers handcrafted beer to compliment your delicious pizza! Offering a location convenient to the main Parkway, you will spot this restaurant by the large grain silo in the back! This brewery is a favorite of Pigeon Forge locals and their variety of pizza toppings will leave you wanting more. Try their buffalo chicken or brew master pizza…we promise that you won’t be disappointed!

Stonehouse Pizza
Known as the best little pizza joint on this side of Mount LeConte, this family owned and operated business bakes their pizza dough fresh everyday! Offering delivery, take out and dine in options, the location makes this pizza place one of a kind. You can build your own pizza or order the “Stonehouse Special,” which comes with ham, sausage, green peppers, onions and black olives…yummy!

Adventure Ziplines of Pigeon Forge is introducing the longest zipline in the USA – an incredible attraction that will draw visitors from around the country. Perhaps you’ve ziplined before, or maybe this is your very first time! Check out the tips below for a fun and awesome ziplining experience.

Tip #1: Pay attention!

Listening to your guide will ease your worries and make you feel comfortable and prepared before you zip-away on your first ride. Directions will vary from where to place your hands to how to land safely. Being attentive will ease your worries and make sure that you have a safe and fun experience.

Tip #2: Wear all safety gear.

Seriously, everyone looks goofy in those helmets. Go with the flow and be prepared to don helmets, gloves, goggles and even knee pads. Don’t worry about how you look and instead be happy to have this experience!

Tip #3: Appropriate clothing is a must.

Wear sneakers or strap-on sandals – no flip flops or shoes that are easily lost! When you’re flying through the air we promise that the least of your concerns will be your shoes. Also, go with form-fitting clothing to ensure that your harness is properly fitted.

Tip #4: Tie back long hair.

The last thing you want is to get your hair snarled in the wheels of the zipline while you’re zipping through the trees. Bring at least two hair bands (one for yourself and an extra if it breaks) and consider a couple for other people in your group who may forget. You will still feel the wind in your hair, don’t worry!

Tip #5: Have fun!

Remember this is a once in a lifetime experience that is supposed to be fun and exciting. Be ready for whatever comes your way, be attentive and safe and enjoy your adventure through the treetops!

This two-weed long festival features more than 300 FREE concerts – a deal you won’t get anywhere else! The shows are free with regular Dollywood admission. You make an annual visit to Dollywood anyway, so why not kick back and catch a great show by your favorite bluegrass band?

Some of the performers at the festival are local, while others travel from across the country to participate in this event. Some of the musical acts this year include Grammy-award winning artist Ricky Skaggs, the Lonesome River Band, the Gibson Brothers and Appalachian Harmony. The combination of well-known as well as up-and-coming artists provides variety and allows you to catch a glimpse of all the different sides of bluegrass!

Of course, where there is music, there is barbeque! Head to the Market Square area inside the park where the visiting chefs will be concocting their special sauces and cooking up delicious ribs, wings, and pork! Look forward to live cooking demonstrations and hone your skills to become the best barbeque-r in your town!

In addition to some tasty barbeque, the chefs will also be serving up a variety of southern-style sides. Look forward to Texas toast, potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans to complement the best barbeque in town!

This popular event is a hit with the whole family and will be a festival that you want to return to every year. Buy your Dollywood ticket now and experience the southern side of Pigeon Forge!

For information about admission to Dollywood, visit this link: http://www.dollywood.com/Tickets/ticket-prices.aspx

For a list of performers, dates, and set times, visit this link: http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/entertainment/Bluegrass-Performers-and-Barbeque.aspx

Take the Mother in your life to Pigeon Forge for a weekend that she will never forget. Because, after all, every mom needs a little escape from it all! She will love spending a relaxing weekend in a Pigeon Forge cabin rental with an incredible view.

Need some more ideas to make this Mother’s Day more special than the rest? Check out these great ideas below to treat your mom to a little something extra. She will appreciate the extra attention and you will convey how grateful you are to have her!

No Mother’s Day is complete without flowers, so have them delivered straight to your cabin with Atrium Flowers. Straight out of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, these beautiful buds are always fresh and beautiful when they arrive at your door. From tulips to roses and lilies, these flowers are delivered in beautiful vases and will be the perfect centerpiece during your cabin stay!

Pigeon Forge offers hundreds of restaurants for mom to choose from on her special day. Try Bullfish Grill or Red Lobster if she’s in the mood for seafood. Alamo Steakhouse, The Chop House and Longhorn also offer great steak and chicken alternatives. Is mom in the mood for something really special? Travel to Gatlinburg and visit The Melting Pot for a decadent fondue dinner!

Are you ready for dessert yet? Treat mom to a Free Hot Fudge Cake at Shoney’s on the Parkway! Both Pigeon Forge Shoney’s locations are giving mom a free hot fudge cake when she dines with them on Mother’s Day. Their hot fudge cake is one of the best in town – you won’t be sorry that you stopped in!

The next day, allow mom a quiet morning and treat her to a relaxing in-cabin massage from Smoky Mountain Massage. Offering His & Her’s massages ad well as indulgent personal massages, the massage therapists at Smoky Mountain Massage will soothe all of her sore muscles with a variety of Swedish and Deep Tissue massages.

Remember, Mother’s Day only comes once a year, so treat Mom right and show her how happy you are to have her!

Located at 2655 Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge, this 450,000 square foot shopping mall offers the best deals around all in one location. The largest shopping outlet in Pigeon Forge, this climate-controlled indoor mall offers a food court and more than 85 stores to choose from.

From brand name apparel to gifts and trinkets, the Pigeon River Crossing has something for everyone. Check out some of the stores below to select your favorites, plan your path of action and get to shopping!

Clothing and Apparel

Ready for a night on the town but lacking the proper attire? Ladies, stop by Dressbarn for a wide selection of everything dressy. From women’s suits to black-tie formal wear, Dressbarn offers sizing for everyone with below-retail pricing.

For your kids and teens, Rue 21 is the place to go! This chic and fun store offers great back-to-school specials on all the latest trends. From cargo shorts to hair accessories, this store offers both girls and boys clothing.

For the man in your life, Dickies is calling your name. For both work and leisure, Dickies offers everything from jeans to button-down shirts. Work in the medical field? Do your scrub shopping here! Dickies offers a variety of scrubs to suit your working needs.

Specialty Stores

Is your arm looking a little bare? Never fret, because All About Watches has just what you need to jazz-up your look. Whether you’re looking for casual, every day wear or something a little more fancy, All About Watches offers hundreds of deals at discount prices.

Who can resist their favorite designer fragrance at slashed prices? Visit Perfumania for thousands of men and women’s fragrances. This outlet store is perfect for snagging Christmas and birthday gifts!

Food

Is all this shopping making you hungry? The Pigeon River Crossing outlet mall can satisfy any craving you have! Geno’s Italian Eatery offers you a variety of pizza, pasta and subs, while the Nifty 50’s Café has you covered with breakfast sandwiches, cheeseburgers, nachos and more.

Whether you’re visiting the Pigeon River Crossing outlet mall for the first time or your fiftieth, they have something to offer you. Pick up a souvenir for the kids back home, or shop until your heart’s content and fill your closet with a new wardrobe. For more information about the Pigeon River Crossing outlet mall, visit their website: http://www.pigeonrivercrossings.com/

Right after Traffic Light #7 you will come across a shopping center named The Shops at Patriot Mill. This little shopping center contains around five stores and offers some cool finds and delicious eats for you to explore. Visit Old Time Photos for a hilarious and memory-capturing photograph of you and your family, dressed up like those from the olden days! 101 Gifts and Elk Mountain Artifacts & Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir for your friends and family at home. In addition, That Sweet and Spicy Shoppe offers a variety of goodies for you to sample – everything from barbeque sauce to pickles and exotic chocolates!

The buildings right before Traffic Light #8 offer a variety of eats if you’re getting hungry! Stop at Wendy’s or Arby’s for a quick cheeseburger or roast beef sandwich. If you’re feeling like a sit-down dinner, Golden Corral and IHOP are also next door! These Pigeon Forge restaurants stay busy and receive rave reviews on their quick service and welcoming nature.  None of those tickle your fancy? Denny’s, Pizza Hut, Long John Silvers, and McAlister’s Deli are also just a short walk away.

Just after Traffic Light #8 is the famous Dixie Stampede! This dinner and entertainment show has been pleasing families in Pigeon Forge for 20 years. Buy your ticket and experience 32 magnificent horses and talented performers excite and thrill you as they brave hilarious antics such as ostrich races and outrageous dancing. This dinner show offers a patriotic salute to America!

One can’t miss destination for many visiting Pigeon Forge is the famous Krispy Kreme Donut shop right across from Golf Drive! Although you have probably had many doughnuts before, you haven’t had a doughnut until you’ve tried a Krispy Kreme! Wait for the “Fresh and Hot” sign to light up to sample a little circle of heaven – the warm glaze and fresh out of the fryer dough will delight your taste buds and make this destination a “must visit” the next time you’re in town!

Your first step in saving your dollars in Pigeon Forge is to acquire a Pigeon Forge Value Card. The Value Card comes with the free Travel Planner, which you can order off the My Pigeon Forge website or pick up at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center. With a total savings of up to $300, you can save on dining, accommodations and attractions. Receive awesome discounts that will save you and your family money!

With the price of gas at an all-time high, driving around to tour Pigeon Forge may not be the ideal way to pinch your pennies. Instead, walk the Parkway or ride the Pigeon Forge trolley! The Pigeon Forge trolley offers several routes to common attractions and destinations, all for about .50 cents a ride!

Dining out every night can add up quickly, so take advantage of the fully furnished kitchen in all of our cabins to prepare your meals. Pick up items at a local grocery store for breakfast, lunch and snacks daily, and plan to cook a few dinners while on your vacation. Have a seat on your deck overlooking the Smokies and enjoy your home cooked meal with a view!

A free day at Dollywood? How could you say no?! Dollywood endorses a “Arrive after 3, get the next day free!” program that allows late attendees to enjoy the park to it’s full potential. Spend a few hours touring Dollywood one evening, then plan your full free day for a relatively inexpensive cost!

Visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park! There is never an entrance fee and there are hundreds of miles of trails, streams, forests and valleys to explore. Pack a picnic and spend a day hiking to an overlook to enjoy your meal! You will love the fresh air and will feel truly at rest when you return home to your cabin.

There are hundreds of ways to save in Pigeon Forge, and we have begun to name only a few! Stay tuned for a Part II blog for more ways to see Pigeon Forge for less.

This year’s parade will be held on Friday, May 11^th 2012 beginning at 6:00PM. The parade will take place on the northbound side of the Pigeon Forge parkway. The parade will begin at Traffic Light #3 and end at Traffic Light #6…that’s three miles of front-row seats!

The best part about this event is that it’s free for everyone! Spectators begin lining up their chairs as early as 4:00PM along the parade route to get the best seats in the house. All attendees will get to see and wave at Mrs. Dolly! This year, her float will be equipped with a speaker system so she can chat with fans all through the parade route.

As this is the 27^th annual parade, the organizers decided that they needed to mix it up a bit and have added more exciting floats and features to the parade. This year’s parade will feature the Smoky Mountain Submarine, a 65 foot-long replica that veterans of submarine service will ride atop!

In addition, a real NASCAR racecar belonging to a Knoxville native will cruise through the parade. The Rogersville Playhouse of Rogersville, Tennessee have entered an impressive float based off of Dolly’s famous “9 to 5” movie!

Also in the parade are marching bands from local high schools, and a special high school marching band from Lexington, Alabama. These talented students will provide the wonderful parade music and offer a splash of color and fun to the parade route!

In addition, antique cars and trucks, floats from other Pigeon Forge attractions, equestrian teams and beauty queens will all complete the parade route, waving to all of the happy spectators from their perches.

So what float will Dolly ride on? We will not know until the day of the parade! Dolly likes to keep her float a secret until parade day for an exciting unveiling.

Attend this year’s parade and join 50,000 other Dolly Parton lovers as you wave on one of Pigeon Forge’s best!

As Pigeon Forge is home to the world’s largest Titanic Museum, it was only fitting that Steiff chose to hold their commemorative event here. Held shortly after the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, this event will truly be a night to remember.

Steiff has been crafting collectable bears since its origins way back in 1880. A German company known for their high-quality manufacturing, the company originally began creating stuffed elephants. Now, the produce more than 1 million bears and other assorted animals every year.

You may recognize Steiff through their signature trademark of a button in every bear’s ear. This began as a practice to eliminate counterfeits but turned into the company’s signature impression.

Steiff has produced bears to commemorate the Titanic since before its maiden voyage in 1907. The black bears were originally deemed “too scary” for production when they were first created, but upon the Titanic’s sinking in 1912, were placed on shelves as “mourning bears.” One of the original 1912 bears will be available to view on display at this year’s Pigeon Forge event!

This year’s Bearly A Memory gathering will offer a variety of events for bear-lovers in Pigeon Forge to enjoy. The event will feature a show and sale for those looking to expand their collection and will also offer a meet and greet with Jim Pitocco, president of Steiff. It will also feature a presentation by John Joslyn, co-owner of the Titanic Museum and one of the Expedition Leaders of the 1987 Titanic Expedition.

The event will also feature a vast display of vintage bears, a Steiff goodie bag and a replica Tiranic Bear Package.

Admission to the event also includes a Friday night Meet & Greet Party, a Saturday Night Dinner at the Titanic Museum, as well as admission to the museum.

Three Titanic bears will also be available to purchase: Othello, Polar and Centenary. For more information about this event, please visit: http://www.bearlyamemory.com/Steiff_Titanic_Event/index.php

In an emotionally charged outdoor ceremony, the Titanic Museum celebrated those who lost their lives that fateful night. Nearly 2,000 people were in attendance to watch the program and ceremonies.

Only 700 of the 2,200 passengers who were on board the Titanic that night survived to share their tales. Saturday’s event included an introduction of 30 descendants of passengers who made it out alive.

The introduction of the descendants was an emotional event, as the diverse groups of people were able to meet for the first time. Classes of all sorts mingled, shared stories and wiped tears as they celebrated the memories of their loved ones.

The tribute also included a parade of flags of the 40 nations, representing the homes of each passenger and crew of the ship. An eternal flame was lit at the museums pool to remember those who lost their lives.

The Grandfather Mountain Highlanders were also on hand to let their bagpipes ring out across the night.

Nashville’s Circle Players performed music from “Titanic the Musical,” while The Sound Company Children’s Choir sang. The children’s choir commemorated lives of the 56 children who died aboard the Titanic.

The atmosphere of the event was filled with love, honor and respect. The staff of the Titanic Museum at Pigeon Forge commemorated those who lost their lives on the RMS Titanic in an incredible way.

If you’re interested in visiting Titanic at Pigeon Forge, please visit their website: http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/