Even if you have already paid a visit to this incredible town of Pigeon Forge, there may still be much more to discover on The Island! From awesome shopping and the coolest attractions to mouthwatering eats, The Island at Pigeon Forge has it all, and even more during fun seasonal events. Whether you’re bringing the kids for a multi-family vacation, escaping to the Smoky Mountains with a few girlfriends, visiting the mountains for a guys’ hunting trip, or hosting a church couples’ retreat in a large group lodge, a day trip to The Island promises great memories and tons of awesome ways to have fun. Having hosted all kinds of guests in our Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabins, we have the best recommendations for everyone when visiting The Island (but definitely still explore!).
The Island Experience for Families with Children
Touring this area with kids can seem overwhelming, especially if you have a few little ones ranging in age and tastes, but don’t worry, you can easily find something for everyone!
The first attraction you’ll see as soon as you hop off the parking lot train ride is the hypnotic and impressive Island Show Fountains. Sure, doesn’t seem that exciting… at first. But at every quarter of the hour, the lights kick on and so do a few of the most popular songs of the day for a one-of-a-kind show that visitors of all ages have loved and enjoyed! To the beat of the music, the fountains shoot and cris-cross streams, and the lights become even more vibrant and cool in the evenings. Pick up some sweet, buttery popcorn treats at Kapop! or decadent frosted desserts at Cinnabon before settling into a couple rocking chairs while the kids sit at the edge of the shallow pond for a fantastic show.
Your next stop should definitely be The Island Ropes Course where the kids can climb, swing, and crawl across 30 different elements before free falling (while safely strapped in, of course) to a padded landing while mom and dad watch and cheer them on. And there is always the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel that lends riders the best views of Pigeon Forge and the surrounding mountains. More rides await your younger kids like the Spinning Parrots Coaster, Island Mirror Maze, and Island Bumper Cars, or you can let your little ones sift through the water and sand for real gemstones at Island Miner’s Gems and earn prizes while exploring and playing in Arcade City!
The Island Experience for Youth Groups
For those with older kids and teens in tow, they are not too old for The Island! Great for team building and group bonding, test your wits and problem-solving skills in The Escape Game, where teams can choose from 4 high-stakes scenarios to outsmart before the timer runs out on you! Strap everyone into the 7D Dark Ride Adventure and be steeped into dimensions you may have never imagined while playing this interactive game! Take your group to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, a 25,000-square-foot facility modeled after the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island with over 100 interactive exhibits of our country’s darkest criminals!
The Island Experience for a Couples’ Retreat, Girls’ Getaway, or Guys’ Trip
While The Escape Game and the Island Show Fountain are great ways to bond with other couples during a Smoky Mountain retreat, dining together around a family-style meal is great, too! When you don’t feel like preparing a big meal in your large group lodge’s fully loaded kitchen in your Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabin, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen boasts savory Southern cuisine and large dining room overlooking the Island Show Fountain. There are numerous great eateries such as Timberwood Grill, Dick’s Last Resort, and Poyner’s Pommes Frites. You’re on vacation, so the calories don’t have to count!
Treat yourselves while vacationing in the Smoky Mountains and have the perfect spa day complete with Volcano Hot Stone Massages, Tranquil Facials, and Lost Shaker of Salt Glow while relaxing with the wives or wedding party at St. Somewhere Spa in the Margaritaville Island Hotel.
Just because the kids are at home doesn’t mean you can’t have a little silly fun with friends; visit Old Time Photo where everyone can dress up as cowboys, saloon characters, and more before taking home a hilarious souvenir photograph. There are plenty of great spots to have some adult fun, too, depending on your taste. Toast to good times with the guys at Yee-Haw Brewing Company, kick back and sip on delicious margaritas with the girls at Changes in Latitude Bar, and catch up with friends while enjoying a little island time in the mountains at Dudes Daiquiris. Get a taste for some of what the mountain moonshiners made famous during prohibition at Ole Smoky Moonshine and take some back to the cabin to share while hanging out around the fireplace or in the cabin recreational room.
So, while your Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabin may be providing ample fun and relaxation, get out and explore all The Island has in store to send this year’s vacation to the mountains over the top (on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel)!
