It’s summertime in the Great Smoky Mountains, which means sunny days filled with tons of things to do along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and shaded hikes among the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take time to rehydrate and relax indoors accompanied by some serious laughs at the Comedy Barn, Hatfield and McCoy Family Dinner Feud, and the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Show. Or take to the shade with some tropical drinks and local brews at Margaritaville at The Island, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Restaurant in Gatlinburg, and Local Goat New American Restaurant in Pigeon Forge.
Putt your way through Hillbilly Golf or race down the mountainside for a fun day in the sun! Take advantage of some summertime-only festivals in the Smokies, too, before returning to your cozy cabin to unwind by the community pool or splash in your private indoor pool. Take home your own growler from Smoky Mountain Brewery to enjoy cold beers on your Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabin’s deck while taking in the relaxing mountain views as the late summer sun gives way to watercolor skies at dusk.
Fun Summer Activities on the Parkway
Hillbilly Miniature Golf
Pigeon Forge has seemingly endless attractions, but some of our favorites are the budget-friendly classics that have been around the Parkway for years: mini-golf! Hillbilly Golf is unlike any other putt-putt course you have seen; you’ll begin by riding up the incline rail through the trees, 300 feet up the side of the mountain to two 18-hole courses. Heavily shaded, Hillbilly Golf is the perfect way to spend some time in the shade on hot summer days. Putt your way through tractors, sills, broken-down wooden outhouses, and other quirky country scenery as the twang of banjos dances through the trees.
Hilarious Dinner Shows
After an afternoon of shopping, exploring, mini-golf, and more, you are sure to have worked up a decent appetite. Why not add some laughs to your menu?! From feudin’ families to murderous mishaps, Pigeon Forge is home to numerous award-winning, knee-slappin’ good time dinner shows. The decades-old Smoky Mountain squabble between the Hatfields and McCoys goes on full display every night; pick your side and get ready for some good-hearted laughs the whole family will enjoy. Stay sharp amidst the hilarious distractions of the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Show so your table can win the coveted prize of the evening’s Super Sleuth while digging into your mouthwatering Southern cuisine. Or catch some quality laughs in the area’s long-standing favorite, The Comedy Barn, after dinner at The Old Mill or Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
The Perfect Drinks on a Sunny Day
Margaritaville
Located at The Island, Margaritaville is a little slice of beach among the mountains! Sip on the perfect frozen daiquiri or sour-and-sweet margarita on the rocks while sitting on the deck overlooking the Little Pigeon River and lounging around the firepit. Talk about a perfect summer evening!
Ole Red
Located in Gatlinburg, Blake Shelton’s second Ole Red concept is a lively restaurant and bar always has something happening! Listen to some live up-and-coming local talent while sipping on Ole Red’s special cocktails or take in the sights of night lights in Gatlinburg on the large outdoor deck.
Local Goat
With an extensive draft menu, numerous large flatscreen TVs, and a locally-sourced menu that will have your mouth watering before you order, the Local Goat in Pigeon Forge is your perfect joint to enjoy good brews, good food, and baseball!
Ways to Cool Off
Float the River
Stay cool while soaking in some pristine Smoky Mountain views and bobbing down the crisp mountain waters in an inflatable tube with River Rage Tubing! Unlike other tubing companies in the area, River Rage Tubing offers multiple river routes to float and an unlimited day of floating the river for a budget-friendly price!
Splash through the Rapids
Want some more excitement with your trip down the river? Take on the class III and IV rapids of the Pigeon River on a whitewater rafting trip with the whole family!
Hike in the Shade
Over 800 miles of trails are blazed and ready for exploring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check out adventures ranging in length, elevation, and views on our list of favorite hikes!
Pools, Cookouts, and Fun In the Cabin
Picture it: the sunlight dancing through the forests as faint mountain breezes move through the leaves, the smell of hamburgers sizzling on the grill, cold, crisp beer from your Smoky Mountain Brewery growler, and the sound of laughter as friends and family play games on the deck. It’s the perfect summer scenery. Book your Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabin today and transplant yourself into this dreamy scene this summer!
