Here are five sweet things to do when celebrating Valentine’s Day with your kids in Pigeon Forge.

1. Give Your Valentines a Sweet Treat 

A delicious way to kick off your Valentine’s Day is with a trip to one of Pigeon Forge’s local confectionaries. A visit to The Old Mill Candy Kitchen will often leave us with a delectable assortment of hand-dipped chocolates and a slice of Peanut Butter Fudge. The kids will be enamored being able to watch the candy-making process right before their eyes. Then when they pick out their special sweet treat it is guaranteed to be love at first bite.

2. Cozy Up in a Pigeon Forge Cabin 

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and strengthen that family bond. Make lasting memories by staying in one of Pigeon Forge’s spectacular cabins. Enjoy a family game night, a relaxing movie by the fire or make a special Valentine’s Day meal together in the cabin. Discover great rentals at here to find your perfect cabin. We particularly love the free attraction passes that come with each night’s stay.

3. Dance the Night Away with Your Little Sweetheart

It’s time to get out those dancing shoes for an evening that will be cherished for years to come. The Annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be held on February 8th, 2020 at the Courtyard Marriott. Families are welcome to come and dance the night away but be sure to save a few special dances for daddy’s little girl. Treat your little princess to a corsage for the special occasion from one of Pigeon Forge’s local florists.

4. Treat the Kids to a Dinner Show Feast

Spend Valentine’s Day taking in one of Pigeon Forge’s delightful dinner shows. The shows are bound to leave your family with full bellies and hearts. Our equine loving daughter always enjoys Dolly Parton’s Stampede while the belly-laughing at the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show is hard to beat. Regardless of what show you choose to attend arrive early for good parking because the shows fill up fast!

5. Craft a Unique Gift at The Old Mill 

Looking for truly unique things to do this Valentine’s Day with your family? Consider signing the family up for beginner blacksmith lessons at Iron Mountain Metal Craft. Learn the history and skill that goes into blacksmithing while crafting your own custom souvenir to take home.

Show your sweeties just how much you love them and take them to Pigeon Forge this Valentine’s Day. Share the love on Instagram by tagging @mypigeonforge on Instagram.

About the Author: Consistently Curious is an inquisitive family seeking to discover, create and inspire unique adventures and experiences. Stephanie, Afshin and their daughter Sophie are on a mission to motivate families to collect moments and not things. Their family travel blog explores places off the beaten path to spark your curiosity. When they are not traveling, they enjoy being tourists in their hometown of Cincinnati.

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On our last visit to Pigeon Forge we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try some new things. In fact, we visited three new restaurants, stayed at a different hotel, and visited eight new attractions in Pigeon Forge that we never had before! While we thoroughly enjoyed all of them, we definitely added a few new absolute favorites to our list of things to do in Pigeon Forge.

1. Local Goat. I’ve heard everyone raving about this interestingly named restaurant and now I know why. Be sure to put it on your itinerary for your next visit if you haven’t already. And order the Steak Nachos… trust me!
2. Pigeon Forge Snow. This attraction is a must as well. We’ve drove by numerous times, finally went in, and we’ll definitely be going back. There’s nowhere else where you can go snow tubing without having to climb up a huge hill while freezing!
3. TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena. My husband loved this as much as the girls after he took a turn on their indoor adventure park. If you love American Ninja Warrior, it’s a must!
4. Dolly Parton’s Stampede. While this isn’t new for us, we hadn’t been in a few years. The food is amazing, the entertainment is even more amazing, and the memories are priceless! If you can, go during the holidays to see their festive Christmas show!
5. MagiQuest. Last but not least, my Harry Potter loving girls absolutely fell hard for this castle. The iconic building has always made us wonder, but we had never visited… now the girls declare we’ll visit every time we come to Pigeon Forge! The interactive scavenger hunt type game is played with enchanted wands and keeps you walking, hunting, and strategizing for hours! All four of us loved it!

If you visit Pigeon Forge often, I definitely recommend trying something new. If you’ve never visited before, I highly recommend some of our new favorites. The city has hundreds (literally) of family-friendly attractions to discover. Who knows… you might just find some new family favorites like we did!

About the Author: Lindsey Galvez grew up in a small town in Northeast Tennessee and still lives there today. She visits Pigeon Forge often with her husband and two young girls because of their love of the mountains and many family-friendly attractions! Lindsey is the author of So Easy Being Green and has been since 2010. Her website is a resource for parents who want to make small changes that would make a big impact on a better world and their family. She also loves to share about her favorite people, moments, travel experiences, recipes… and everything in between!

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1. MAGIQUEST

Imagine you are inside a video game and on a daring quest. The entire family can enjoy this interactive game. MagiQuest is an indoor wonderland that is exciting for all ages. Your children will especially enjoy the real magic wands they use to solve the mystery. A ticket also gets you a round of mini-golf and a mirror maze.

2. PIRATES VOYAGE DINNER AND SHOW

Join Blackbeard and his pirate crew as you journey through sword fights and cannon blasts. Not only can you enjoy the pirates, but you will also see Salty the sea lion and a few mermaids. They also have several dietary accommodations, which are pretty impressive.

3. WONDERS OF MAGIC AT WONDERWORKS

If you are looking for something that your teens will enjoy, then look no further. The magic at Wonderworks is awe-inspiring. The magician, Terry Evanswood, is recognized as an elite magician along with others like David Copperfield. Wonderworks is a must-do on a cold winter day!

4. HOLLYWOOD WAX MUSEUM

If you are looking to mingle with Hollywood stars, then your chances are high if you check out this wax museum. If wax figures aren’t your thing, try out the museum’s exciting 5-D experience and a mirror maze.

5. TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION

If you want a chance to see actual Titanic items, this is it. The interactive museum houses over 400 genuine artifacts. You can even experience 28- degree water for a sincere appreciation of the fate of the victims. They also have an actual lifeboat for you to try.

6. PIGEON FORGE SNOW

If you never get to see snow or participate in any snow activities, then this place is for you. The indoor snow facility is the first one in the U.S. that has real snow, the only ingredient is water. You can enjoy snow tubing and a large snow play area. Imagine a snowball fight even in the summer.

7. TOPJUMP TRAMPOLINE & EXTREME ARENA

If you are looking for the perfect way to tire the kids out, this is the place. TopJump is a trampoline park plus an arcade, a candy store, and a sweet place for parents to unwind while keeping a close eye on the kids. TopJump is a great way to get rid of energy on a cold winter day.

8. CRAVE GOLF

Crave Golf has many options for a perfect winter vacation. Not only is it the number one mini-golf course in the US, but it also has several other options for every family member in your group.

Teens will enjoy the escape room, while the younger kids can enjoy a game of mini bowling. After playing, everyone can grab an ice cream cone or a bag of candy.

9. COMEDY BARN SHOW

A comedy show that your entire family can enjoy, with clean and funny humor. Even the kids will be thrilled with the magicians, animals, jugglers and so much more. The Comedy Barn is celebrating more than 25 years of entertaining visitors coming to Pigeon Forge.

10. LIVE MUSIC IN PIGEON FORGE

A foolproof plan for a cold winter night in Pigeon Forge is to hear live music. You will especially love Hard Rock Café, the newly opened Puckett’s Grocery, or Smoky Mountain Brewery for both the live entertainment and food options.

Stay warm in Pigeon Forge this winter and share your fun on social media using #MyPigeonForge.

About the Author: Hi there! I’m Trish, like most of you I wear many hats: mom, Labor RN, and blogger. Habibi House has given me a platform in which my creativity, expertise, and love for all things surrounding birth, family travel, and motherhood can meet.

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Go on an Adventure in the Smoky Mountains

Is there anything more fun than spending the day in the Smoky Mountains? We love heading into the mountains and having a picnic. We also spend the day exploring places like Cades Cove. My kids love scenic drives looking for wildlife. We have seen elk, turkey, bear, deer, and more!

Visit Dollywood

Pigeon Forge is home to Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood. A visit to this Smoky Mountain theme park will be a ton of fun for all members of the family. From thrilling roller coasters to award-winning shows, there really is something for everyone. I can’t forget to mention the food. Their famous cinnamon bread is made all day and sells as fast as it can be made. They also have mouth-watering saltwater taffy and all the Southern favorites.

Check Out Local Parks   

One of our favorite things to do in any town we visit is explore the local parks. If you get the chance, stop by Patriot Park located right along Old Mill Square.

Explore an Interactive Museum

We love how all the museums are hands-on and encourage education for our kids. Our family’s favorite museum is Titanic Museum Attraction. The kids love that they give you a name of an actual person on the ship and you learn about their time on the Titanic and if they lived or died. There are artifacts from the ships, a recreation of the grand staircase, an ‘iceberg’ for you to touch, and so many more hands-on areas.

Another museum we like is Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Our favorite part is that they have a scavenger hunt for kids as you wander through decades of stories behind famous criminals.

Take in a Dinner Show

It’s no secret Pigeon Forge is known for their dinner shows. Not only do you get a great meal, you also get a fun and interactive show. My kids’ favorite dinner show right now is Pirates Voyage. They love all the action!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Pigeon Forge for everyone. Are you visiting soon?

About the Author: Danielle Leonard is the writer behind Our Roaming Hearts, a travel photographer, and mom of 5. She loves traveling and showing her kids new places but her family is happiest in National Parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Top 5 Reasons to Spend Christmas in the Smoky Mountains

1. Shopping for Gifts and Souvenirs: The best gifts can’t be added to wish lists. Shop for handmade items from Pigeon Forge’s maker community like Pigeon River pottery, specialty jewelry, or forged knives. Can’t forget about a visit to Christmas Place either. This year-round Christmas store has everything you could possibly dream of. Including visits from Santa!
2. Winterfest and Its Holiday Lights: Smoky Mountain Winterfest is one of the biggest annual events, covering the Pigeon Forge Parkway and surrounding areas in twinkling lights. You can even see them on a self-guided driving tour through mid-February. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas also has holiday lights and performances.
3. Holiday-Themed Shows: Your favorite dinner shows and theaters put on special performances every holiday season. Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry and Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede are two that you do not want to miss out on! Here is the full list of holiday shows.
4. Comfort Food: Pigeon Forge knows how to do Southern hospitality with family-style eateries serving home cooked favorites. The Old Mill Restaurant is a can’t-miss no matter what season you visit. Here is a list of restaurants open during Christmas.
5. Cabin in the Woods: Cozy up beside the fire at one of the many cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge. They come in all sizes: small and cozy to larger ones with space for the whole family. You can also select one with amenities like hot tubs and a pool table!

Christmas in Pigeon Forge is a magical place! Share the holiday fun on Instagram by posting your photos with #MyPigeonForge.

About the Author: Caroline Eubanks is the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. She is also the editor of the website of the same name, This Is My South, and has been published by BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveler, and Afar.

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Indoor Activities for Kids (of all ages) in Pigeon Forge:

Pretend to be an astronaut at WonderWorks. You can’t go wrong with this interactive “amusement park for the mind!” The kids can spend hours exploring and playing in six different wonder zones. They can experience hurricane force winds and the power of an earthquake in the Natural Disaster zone and even pretend to be an astronaut in the Space Discovery zone. Your admission ticket is good for all day use on the day of purchase, so come and go as many times as you like!

Race against the lasers at Magiquest. It’s like playing in a real-life video game as you wander around being a magi, solving quests and adventures with the wave of your magic wand. In the same building, you can do a round of black light Pirate Golf, wonder through Odyssey mirror maze, and race against the lasers in the Vault.

Catch a show at The Comedy Barn. Their show is family-friendly and complete with lots of comedy, music, and even some amazing animals. A little laughter will be good for everyone!

Winter Activities for Toddlers in Pigeon Forge:

Have a blast in the giant ball pit at TopJump Trampoline Park. The toddlers can have a little fun of their own in the Kid’s Zone while jumping on the trampolines and playing in the giant ball pit and foam pit.

Plan a picnic at Wear Farm City Park. With two full size playgrounds and plenty of space for running around, those little toddlers will burn off lots of energy. There are even covered pavilions so that you can add in a little picnic fun!

Fun Indoor Activities for those Hard-to-Please Teenagers:

Have a little selfie fun at the Hollywood Wax Museum. They will enjoy posing next to the wax figures of their favorites stars, both past and present. Afterwards, they can head up the hill for some fun at the Castle of Chaos, Outbreak Zombie Experience, and Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum is another great stop. From the original crime artifacts to the interactive exhibits, they will have some fun while they learn. There is so much to check out here!

Winter Activities for When There’s Snow Outside:

Take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Put the boots on and bundle up, then head off to explore. You will be amazed at the sights and sounds of winter in the Smokies.

Ride down the hill on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. Enjoy the thrills of this self-controlled ride and take in the scenery while you are at it.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Pigeon Forge to see holiday lights. Winterfest lights will be glowing all around and you may just see snow glistening on the trees.

Visit Pigeon Forge and try out these winter activities for the kids. The Center of Fun in the Smokies will not disappoint!

We love seeing Pigeon Forge through your lens. Make sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #mypigeonforge for the chance to be featured on our website.

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Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival will be held at the Evergreen Smoky Mountain Lodge & Convention Center on December 11th-14th.  It is four days filled with the best bluegrass music around.  Christmas has never sounded so good!

The Inn at Christmas Place will host the Christmas in December Parade on December 7th at 4 pm.   Throughout the month of December, they will have daily Christmas activities like stringing popcorn, making gingerbread houses, cookie decorating and visiting with Santa.

The Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights is the perfect way to spend a night of Christmas fun with the family.  The city shines bright with holiday lights and Christmas displays from corner to corner.  Pick up a map at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center or the Pigeon Forge Trolley Office, grab some hot cocoa, and you are all set for a good time.

The award-winning Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is spectacular year after year and it gives you all of the warm and fuzzy feels of the Smokies.  It is a one-stop place for a day full of holiday cheer for the whole family.  With rides, shows, Christmas activities, amazing food, and even a nightly light parade, the memories will stack up!

The shows in Pigeon Forge are amazing year round, but the holiday shows kick it up a notch.  Hatfield and McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Show, Christmas Show at Country Tonite, Christmas at Smoky Mountain Opry, Comedy Barn Christmas Show and Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede not only put you in the Christmas spirit but they are also a great reminder of the true meaning of the season.  With several show times a day, it is easy to catch them all!

Titanic Christmas and Winter Celebration will take you back to what Christmas was like in the era of the Titanic.  The outside and inside of the ship are filled with stunning décor from the Edwardian period.  Have fun exploring the museum and enjoy the photo ops for the kids with live reindeer and with Father Christmas.

Come and see why the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year in Pigeon Forge! Explore more things to do during Christmas in Pigeon Forge.

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Use this Pigeon Forge holiday shopping guide to help you find gifts for everyone on your Christmas shopping list.

The Incredible Christmas Place is your one stop shop for Christmas gifts. 

This place makes holiday shopping so easy. They offer many unique Christmas ornaments that can be personalized for that added touch of love. They also carry many different lines of collectibles and Christmas décor galore to cover almost any theme you may want. 

If you take the kids along, you will find some cute photo opportunities and maybe even a look at Santa himself. You will surely check off several gifts on your list here!

Old Mill Square is filled with all things Pigeon Forge!

Not only is it a fun place to walk around, but it’s also a great spot to gather up the perfect gifts representative of the area.  Pigeon River Pottery offers many one-of-a-kind and original pottery pieces, as well as the dishes you love at the Old Mill Restaurant and Pottery House Cafe’ and Grille.  If you are lucky, you may be able to see the potters in person crafting these beautiful pieces.

Fill up a gift basket filled with soups, jellies, and mixes that are served at the restaurants. Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen can help you with that. Don’t forget about those candy lovers! The Old Mill Candy Kitchen makes homemade taffy as well as fudge and so much more right in the store. Who wouldn’t love some of this deliciousness?

Check those western items off your list at Stages West. 

Stages West is locally owned and the staff offers up some of the finest Southern hospitality around.  You will find the most up to date trends, from boots to custom hats to western apparel, for the whole family. 

Your friends and family will look their best and have you to thank for it.  Don’t forget to find yourself up a new outfit for all of those fun holiday parties while you are there!

The Island is booming with over 40 shops filled with all things fun!

You can truly find something for all ages here! Check out Doc’s Magic Shop for all of those magic lovers on your list. Who knows, you may even learn a trick or two yourself while shopping! 

Puzzled is a store filled with over 10,000 unique puzzles and games. With this many options, you are sure to find the perfect one for the puzzle fanatic on your list.

Head over to Emery’s 5&10 if you are looking for nostalgic or hard-to-find gifts. You will be surprised what you can find there!

Walden’s Landing has a little bit of everything to help finish off your list. 

There is a little bit of everything…..art, jewelry, clothing, and more. Stop by Outback Leather for all of your leather and jewelry needs. They carry Brighton and Pandora, along with some unique leather gifts.

If you are looking for art, Gallery of Light carries beautiful artwork from some local and national artists as well as well known Thomas Kincade. You may even see some pieces of the Great Smoky Mountains come to life as your browse the gallery. 

Don’t let that holiday checklist stress you out, visit Pigeon Forge this holiday season for all of your holiday shopping needs!

 We love seeing Pigeon Forge through your lens. Make sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #mypigeonforge for the chance to be featured on our website.

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Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Who doesn’t love food, music and a show? Plus, there’s music and a wonderful down-home ambiance as well. While Dolly Parton’s Stampede is open all year long, buying tickets to the show during Christmas is the perfect time to join in on all the phone. Their Christmas celebration show is one that will have you talking long after the holidays are through.

Hatfield and McCoy’s Dinner Feud

Speaking of dinner shows, you won’t want to miss out on this one either! Known for their famous fried chicken and Ma’s Creamy Vegetable soup, you’ll want to arrive hungry so you can eat every last bite. (impossible…but I dare you to try!)

This would be such a wonderful venue for an anniversary dinner or even a fun birthday surprise. Being surrounded by homecooked food, fun, and friends is what the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show experience is all about.

The Local Goat

The Local Goat offers so many delicious choices. Full of drinks and farm-to-table food options, you won’t find a better menu offering than here.

This restaurant offers a great atmosphere and perfect for celebrating work promotions, anniversaries, or for catching your favorite sports team on their HD TV’s. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance!

The Old Mill Restaurant

There’s something special about this restaurant. Did you know The Old Mill was built in 1830 in Pigeon Forge, TN and still running today?

Feast on true classic favorites like southern fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, or homemade meatloaf.  Oh, and you can’t forget to try their scrumptious corn fritters!

Dining here is a great way to have a celebration that everyone in the family can love. And sometimes, just celebrating the love of family and friends is what it’s all about. Everyone will love everything that The Old Mill Restaurant has to offer, which is just another great reason to choose this location as a fun way to celebrate all things life. Don’t forget to stop at The Old Mill Store on your way out and pick up some favorites.

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria & Arcade

When it comes to Big Daddy’s Pizzeria & Arcade, one type of celebration comes to mind. The next time your child has a birthday, you need to hold it here. We’re talking delicious wood-fired brick oven pizza and any type of topping you can imagine. The delicious menu options, relaxed atmosphere, and huge arcade room for the kids make it the perfect setting for an unforgettable birthday party.

See how many great restaurants Pigeon Forge has for celebrating life’s changes and accomplishments? Now that you have this list, you’ll know exactly where you need to go!

About the Author: Winona Rogers is the author of Life Family & Fun, a national blog focusing on parenting teens, Food, Home & DIY, Lifestyle and Family Travel. She has been featured on Atl & Co sharing her travel expertise and ranked Top 10 Atlanta Parenting Blogs. She loves to inspire families to travel more, enjoy more mealtimes together, have fun, and enjoy life fully. Winona and her husband have four children and four grandchildren.

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Winterfest Lights Driving Tour

Pigeon Forge is all decked out with over 5 million twinkling Winterfest lights that can be seen throughout the city this time of year. Enjoy the light displays at your own leisure on a Winterfest Lights Driving Tour. Just pick up a driving tour guide at the Welcome Center at traffic light #0 or at the Fun Time Trolley Office at Patriot Park. If you’re not able to visit during December, don’t worry, the Winterfest lights shine bright from mid-November through mid-February each year.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

In addition to Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest lights, Dollywood strings up another 5 million lights inside of the park. If you’ve never seen Dollywood in December, this will truly be a special treat for your family. Enjoy a hot wassail while admiring trees with every branch glowing with lights. Santa will also make an appearance every night that the park is open and twice on Saturday in the Christmas parade. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends have returned to Dollywood for another year. You can visit them at Holly Jolly Junction.

The Incredible Christmas Place

For most of us, December is spent counting down the days until Christmas, and no place will get your more excited for the holidays than the Incredible Christmas Place. Whether you are looking for a special gift, an addition to your family Christmas tree, or just wanting to bask in all things Christmas-related, this is the place!

Holiday Shows at Local Theaters

Many of the theaters in Pigeon Forge transform their shows just for the holiday season, beginning around the first of November, and continuing on through Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Enjoy singing, dancing, and laughing along to award-winning festive performances.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Although visitation tends to be lower during the winter months, December is actually a great time to visit the national park. The leaves have all fallen which makes for some incredible views. You may even get to see some snow on the Smokies, so be sure to bring your camera for those winter wonderland photo opportunities.

Explore more fun things to do this winter in Pigeon Forge.

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