Pigeon Forge is located within Sevier County and is roughly 5 miles away from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This town is home to many historical sites, country music clubs, and amusement parks, making it an ideal vacation spot for creating memories. There’s plenty for people of all ages.

But no trip is fun without proper planning. Whether listing budget-friendly activities or pinning down the right place to stay, planning everything to the last detail is essential. And planning sooner is better than at the last minute. Here are some helpful tips for planning a fun vacation in Pigeon Forge.

Plan an off-season trip

 Pigeon Forge has a fairly moderate climate, meaning it is neither freezing during winters nor unbearably hot during summers. Although summer and spring are the ideal seasons to marvel at nature’s beauty, it’s equally beautiful during the other seasons too. You can visit this town all year round depending on your holidays and how you plan to enjoy your vacation. If you are up for some thrilling adventures in the Smoky Mountains, consider visiting in June and July.

However, summers and fall are also peak seasons, and traveling during these months might throw you off your budget. If you want to avoid pricy travel, lodging, and entertainment, plan your trip for winter and spring. You might be able to get better deals, and there might be fewer people.

Consider your lodging options

Although plenty of options are available, you may want to consider renting a cabin. Cabins are like a home away from home. They offer more privacy and also provide more amenities. You can rent cabins with indoor and outdoor pools, fire pits, hot tubs, fully-equipped kitchens, and much more.

Many cabins in Pigeon Forge also provide travelers with a scenic view of the town, making your vacation even more endearing. You can choose from options with multiple bedrooms if you’re planning a family vacation or something cozier if you’re going on your honeymoon. Since there are many things to consider, be thorough with your research. You may be able to get your hands on good vacation deals.

List down the attractions you want to experience

Whether you are a city sightseer, adventure enthusiast, theme park junkie, history buff, or nature lover, Pigeon Forge has something for you. Since there is so much to do in Pigeon Forge, you’ll never run out of options, and you may be tempted to fit as many things into your itinerary. But it is better to make a list based on what you want to do the most rather than cramming too much into a small window of time and not enjoying anything at all.

Some tourist attractions like the Smoky Mountains Ghost Tour are open only on specific days during the week. Also, some theatre shows, such as Steven Best’s Unbelievable Magic Show, require pre-booked tickets. Thus, plan your trip itinerary timely so you don’t miss out on anything. While at it, ensure that your schedule is realistic and doesn’t exhaust you. That would defeat the purpose of a natural retreat.

Find ways to save on your trip

Want to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank? Here are some tips for you:

  • Buy discounted tickets for rides, museums, and amusement parks online.
  • If you love theatre shows and want to enjoy several performances, buy a ticket for Hatfield & McCoy Dinner show ticket and get a discounted price on four other shows of your choice.
  • Two of the most famous attractions – Dollywood and Dollywood Splash County – offer parking for $10. A good way to avoid paying this fee is to ride the Pigeon Forge Trolley, which starts at Patriot Park and takes tourists to most of the famous attractions. In town
  • You can get special discounts if you travel as a group.
  • There is a chance to get a free day at Dollywood if you buy the tickets after 3 pm.

Spare some time to spend outdoors

Pigeon Forge is a town that offers activities for people of all ages and interests. This town has everything, whether you are into history, arts, nature, culture, or southern country music. But it also provides an opportunity to connect with Mother Nature and unwind.

A vacation is meant to relax and soothe your mind, body, and soul. So, spare some time for your health as well. Take your hiking gear and go for a hike in the Smoky Mountains, which are just a few miles away from Pigeon Forge. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some splendid views along the way. These few activities will help your body rejuvenate your mental and physical well-being.

Have some pancakes before you leave!

A trip to Pigeon Forge would be incomplete without a breakfast of sweet, fluffy, and savory pancakes. Pigeon Forge is known as the go-to place for pancakes. To your surprise, there are numerous pancake houses in Pigeon Forge that you will have difficulty deciding where to stop for some.

You can never go wrong when you decide to pull over for some pancakes at the Smoky Mountains Pancake House. You can also have a perfect start to the day with some energizing pancakes from the Red Rooster Pancake House. Old Mill Restaurant and Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin are also some good picks. So when you do visit, capitalize on the authentic pancake capital experience. 

Conclusion

This small mountain town of roughly over 6000 people can take you by surprise. There’s plenty of stuff to do and enjoy in Pigeon Forge, and proper planning will ensure you have a blast. Plan your off-season trip and book your tickets and lodging in advance to enjoy discounted prices. Check all the attractions available and make a checklist of what you want to experience. Don’t forget to bask in Mother Nature’s splendor and give yourself a much-needed break you deserve.