Cabins in Pigeon Forge

If you’re traveling from Charleston, drive for about an hour to Mount Hope, then proceed to Princeton in West Virginia, about 50 minutes away. From Princeton, drive for another 55 minutes to Atkins, and then 1.5 hours to Kingsport. Drive for 1 hour to Bulls Gap, and then 1 more hour to Pigeon Forge.

The fastest way to travel to Pigeon Forge from Charleston is by plane. Fly from Yeager Airport (CRW) and land at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in about 1 hour 20 minutes. From TYS, rent a car and drive to Pigeon Forge, which is about 35 miles east. Other transportation services include Pigeon Forge Trolley Service and City of Gatlinburg Bus Service, which has wheelchair services.

Pigeon Forge's many eateries suit all tastes and budgets. For Southern cuisine, pop into the Old Mill, a historic gristmill that now houses a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Grab a slice of mouthwatering freshly baked bread, and dig into classic dishes such as sugar-cured ham, dumplings, and fried steak. For a different setting, check out the Mellow Mushroom and enjoy a piece of pizza as you relax at the patio, or visit Mel's Diner for country-fried steak.

Head to Poynor’s Pommes Frites on the Island and experience the best of German cuisine. From freshly baked broetchen to handmade dipping sauces and spaghetti ice cream, this joint's menu is fingerlicking good. As the name suggests, this must-visit location also offers pommes frites, which have earned it stellar reviews.

The Country Tonite Theater is an iconic performing arts center that hosts country classics as well as the latest hits, comedy shows, dancing, and gospel programs.

The biggest variety show in eastern Tennessee, the Smoky Mountain Opry boasts spectacular special effects and laser shows. The cast consists of musicians, dancers, comedians as well as aerialists, in a show that regularly features Motown, disco, jive, as well as the country's greatest hits.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to almost 800 miles of trails and scenic routes, ideal for camping, hiking, and exploration.

At the Outdoor Gravity Park, visitors can try their hand at zorbing, which involves rolling down a 1,000 ft. hill in a human-sized sphere made of transparent plastic.

Pigeon Forge's festivals make it a holiday destination of choice. Are you a Jeep enthusiast? Visit Pigeon Forge in August for the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, which attracts about 2,500 vehicles, thousands of spectators, and vendor exhibits. Alternatively, if you're a fan of magic and are visiting in March, head to the Country Tonite Theatre for the Winter Carnival of Magic show.

A visit to Pigeon Forge in May will coincide with Wilderness Wildlife Week. Learn all about the Great Smoky Mountains through exhibits, hikes, and workshops. LeConte Centre hosts the week's indoor activities, whereas the national park hosts outdoor activities. End your spring vacation with laughter at the Improv Comedy Fest at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre.

Dollywood Theme Park

This 150-acre theme park is named after the legendary country singer Dolly Parton, an East Tennessee native and part-owner. The park is divided into ten unique sections that focus on the culture, music, and history of the East Tennessee and Southern Appalachian regions. The park is also home to 27 rides and 8 roller coasters.

Dollywood’s Splash Country

This sister-theme park of Dollywood is built across 35 acres in the natural mountain countryside. The numerous water-themed rides and slides at the park are designed to provide you with an exhilarating experience similar to swimming in the Great Smoky Mountain rivers.

Titanic Museum

If you want to experience what it felt like to be aboard the Titanic, the Titanic Museum is your best bet. It boasts authentic and interactive recreations of the ship’s interior, complete with over 400 artefacts from the actual Titanic.

Dinosaur Museum

This museum offers you a chance to walk among dinosaurs, or rather; terrifyingly realistic, life-size replicas of these primordial beasts. Among its star attractions, you can find a 45 foot long T-Rex and full-sized Allosaurus.

Pigeon Forge Mill

The town owes its name to this historic iron forge built back in 1817. Situated on the West Fork of Little Pigeon River, this historic gristmill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A popular attraction with visitors, it contains a mill-house, an old waterwheel, and a mill-dam, all of which are in working condition.