The art of quiltmaking has always amazed me. My grandmother was a quilter and I remember as a child loving to watch as she tediously hand pieced each of her quilt tops together. I would search each one over to see how much of the fabric on it was a remnant from clothes that she had made me. The finished products were always beautiful even when all of the fabrics did not match. I was lucky enough to have several of her quilts passed on to me and they are truly my “treasured” possessions.
 

I have often pondered the thought of learning to quilt myself so that I would have something to pass on to my kids and then their kids. However, I am always scared that my perfectionist tendencies and lack of patience would get the best of me and I would never finish one. Luckily, my favorite vacation spot has me covered!
 

Pigeon Forge is gearing up for “A Mountain Quiltfest” which will be held March 14-17. This is the 18^th year of the event and it draws over 20,000 visitors to the area. Quilters of all different skill levels come to learn from the best. From what I hear, there is something for everyone to learn in the 60+ classes and seminars that are offered. The classes are taught by instructors from across the United States who come to share their talents.
 

There is also a quilt show where participants can enter their quilts and compete in over 10 categories for over $20,000 in prizes. This won't be me but I am looking forward to seeing the “beauties” that are entered.
 

Meal lectures, a dinner social, and a show and tell are other items on the schedule...sounds like some fun girl time to me! I am excited to spend the week with my mom learning this timeless art!
 

Would you like to win a trip to Quiltfest? Here’s your chance! Enter to win a Quiltfest prize package for you and a friend to take classes at this popular event.

We love that Kent Rollins will be back with his award winning recipes for the Chuckwagon Cookoff. I had never experienced anything like this. It’s amazing to see a full meal being prepared over a campfire. We are not talking a simple menu either…there’s chicken fried steak, gravy, mashed potatoes, beans, cornbread, and even peach cobbler. Best of all, it’s delicious! You will definitely want to go out early and check out all of the wagons and the cooks as they are preparing lunch.

This year’s Cowboy Dance on Saturday night will feature Stephanie Davis and the Roadrunners. Hubby and I enjoy two stepping together but we are definitely novices compared to some of the fine dancing that will be shown. It’s a nice end to a fun filled Saddle Up! day.

And it’ll be fun to finish off the weekend with some Cowboy Church over at Stages West on Sunday morning, complete with a chuckwagon breakfast.

Don’t miss out on this event…you will see the American West through new eyes!

To us, the essence of winter coziness is staying in a cabin on our trip. We love the idea of cuddling up near a fireplace, sipping on hot chocolate, and playing board games. Such a relaxing and fun break from our usual busy routine. Cabins provide us with the comforts of home but in a not so home like environment. It is the perfect winter retreat!

When the little divas get cabin fever from being cooped up too long, we love to venture out for some fun indoor activities. Friendly competitions of bowling at the Community Center or a movie at Forge Cinemas rank high with us. If the girls have lots of extra energy to release, a couple of hours at WonderWorks usually winds them down. The Titanic Museum Attraction is having an ice carving competition in January that sounds like a fun winter activity to check out too!

Comfort foods spell winter for us too. Luckily they are plentiful in Pigeon Forge. We like to fill up on great pancake and crepe creations over at Log Cabin Pancake House for breakfast. Breakfast really is my favorite meal of the day and their breakfast has become a must have on each of our visits. For lunch, we love to grab soup in a bread bowl at the Old Mill Pottery House Café and Grille. Best thing is the beautiful pottery dishes that they serve their food on. To finish out our day, a good, country family-style dinner at Mama’s Farmhouse does the job. We definitely don’t leave there hungry!

1. A weekend stay in a mountain setting 

2. Handmade pottery dishes

3. Southern comfort foods

4. Ariat cowboy boots

5. Tickets to a fun/adventurous theme park

If your Christmas gift giving list looks like this, then you are in luck! Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains have you covered. There are so many unique gifts from the area that are perfect for giving and most can be ordered from the comfort of your home.

You can knock out several great gifts at the stores in the Old Mill Square. From a basket full of Old Mill soup mixes, pancake mixes, or jams from the General Store to a box of bear paws, fudge, and peanut brittle from the Candy Kitchen. Even better, unique handmade pottery pieces from the Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery!  Their black bear pottery pieces are such great reminders of the Smoky Mountains. Also, you cannot go wrong with gift cards to eat at the Old Mill Restaurant.

The Inn at Christmas Place is a 2011 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner, as well as one of Time Magazine’s 9 Most Christmassy Places. Staying there is like having Christmas year round! You can even order fun personalized Christmas ornaments or collectible gift items from their store, the Incredible Christmas Place, and have it shipped right to your door.

Stages West has you covered for all of your cowboy couture needs and more. They’ve got Ariat boots, Miss Me jeans, Montana Silversmith jewelry, American West handbags, and even western home décor. Any western lover would be thrilled with a gift from this fine store.

Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains are home to an award winning theme park. Why not give the gift of season passes to Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country?  Both parks are filled with fun for the whole family.

Giving the gift of Pigeon Forge to your loved ones will definitely brighten the season!

 Stages West is one place you do not want to miss. They know cowboy fashion and style and I love browsing throughout this store. Their selection of boots is to die for! You can even have custom boots made just for you. They also carry a great variety of Brighton jewelry, purses, and belts. Our little divas love the fact that some of the boots and clothing are “blingy” and of course, pink. Dad doesn’t even mind hanging out in this store. They definitely make “cowboy” fashion fun and I can’t wait to see the newly expanded store coming in June.

If you are looking to hear some good country music and see some great dancing then you need to check out the Country Tonite Show. It is a class act. They combine classic country music with today’s new hits. We find ourselves singing right along with them!  Peanut likes to stand out in the middle of the aisle and dance along with them as they clog across the stage. The show also has youth performers which helps keep the little divas entertained. Then after the show, you can meet them! 

Dixie Stampede is another fun show. You can listen to some entertaining bluegrass and country music during the pre show in the Carriage Room. Then head on into the show and watch the horse riding stunts performed by the cowboys and cowgirls from the North and South. It is fun family entertainment and they will fill your “cowboy” belly up too with their country feast.  Don’t forget to visit all of the show horses on your way in!

Also mark your calendar for Saddle Up! in Pigeon Forge. It is 4 days of western heaven, scheduled for February 23 - 26, 2012. There will be cowboy poets, western music, a chuckwagon cook-off, a western dance, and even cowboy church. This weekend of fun will definitely inspire the “cowboy” in you. It is a great tribute to our American West heritage and something we love to attend.

So all of you western lovers, you’ll fit right in at Pigeon Forge!

As the holidays approach, “sweet” smells and treats are everywhere. The aromas remind me of the smell that exudes from Old Mill Candy Kitchen in Pigeon Forge. That store is dreamilicious, if that is a word! When we visit Pigeon Forge, it is our most favorite “sweet” stop. The smell of chocolate reminds me of their chocolate dipped marshmallows and cherries and their homemade fudge. The fudge is handmade daily in the store and there are so many varieties that it makes choosing a favorite very difficult.

Saltwater taffy is another “sweet” reminder. They still use a vintage machine at Old Mill to pull and cut their taffy. The little divas enjoy watching the machine do its work and of course, taste testing the different kinds. I love the colors and smell of taffy…it makes me feel like a kid. The Old Mill Candy Kitchen uses the best ingredients in all of their products. There is no skimping and your taste buds can tell! We have our pocketbooks ready when we visit because we can’t leave that store empty handed. We always want a little bit of everything for ourselves and if we are feeling extra “sweet,” we buy some to share with our friends back home in TX.

Another “sweet” reminder of Pigeon Forge is the mouthwatering display case of desserts at the Partridge and Pear Restaurant. Cake for Christmas Past, Christmas Bread Pudding, along with other house made selections are on their menu. Bread Pudding is one of my all time favorites. Put Christmas in front of it and it makes it even better!

Visions of “sweetness” are dancing in my head as I write. Oh Pigeon Forge, my sweet tooth misses thee!

Here’s a recipe for Stuffed French Toast right from the Old Mill:

Ingredients 

• 1 loaf of specialty bread from Pottery House Café and Grille (Cranberry Walnut, Cinnamon Raisin)
• 1 jar of Old Mill Pecan Honey Butter (any flavor)
• 8 oz. cream cheese softened
• 1 qt. eggnog

Directions 

• Spread 1 piece of bread with thin layer of honey butter
• Spread 2nd piece with cream cheese
• Assemble together as sandwich
• Slice in half
• Dip in eggnog and brown on both sides in hot griddle/skillet with melted butter

Winterfest runs this year through February 26, 2012. Several special events are scheduled during this time. The Trolley Tour of Lights runs until mid January and makes viewing the seasonal lights very simple. It is as easy as hopping aboard the trolley and sitting back while the tour guide shares with you some of Pigeon Forge’s history as well as the famous light displays. Wow…can’t beat that! What a great way to enjoy some stress free family time during the holiday season.
 

Wilderness Wildlife Week runs from January 7-14, 2012. It is a great event to help your family get close to nature…something that is beautiful and abundant in the Smoky Mountain area. Winterfest concludes with the Saddle Up! event in late February. This event pays tribute to the American West and the cowboy way of life. Fun times are plentiful during Winterfest.
 

I hope your family is able to make some of its own memories in Pigeon Forge during Winterfest this year!





 

Check out this great dish that would be a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Baked Corn Relish 

• 1 16oz. Old Mill Sweet Corn Relish, drained
• 1 cup Monterey or Colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup real mayonnaise
• 1 medium chopped onion
• Combine all ingredients, mix well. Place in ungreased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees
• Eat with tortilla chips as appetizer or use as side dish

Come Saturday your family might be tired of turkey. This dish can also be used as main dish by adding the following:

• Fold in sautéed chicken breast strips which have been cut into chunks
• May use canned or pouch cooked chicken (drained) instead of cooking your own
• Spread mixture into soft flour tortilla shells. Sprinkle additional cheese and sliced black olives (optional)
• Roll up and sprinkle with cheese and additional sliced olives on top
• Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes

Enjoy!

The Titanic is obviously a huge part of history and this a great time to visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge as they are celebrating the 100^th year anniversary of its sinking. You can take your kids back to the era of the early 1900’s as well as discuss the diversity of the passengers aboard from first class to third class. There is even have a little geography lesson to be had as you study where the ship began its voyage, where it stopped, and where it was headed.

The Tomb is a new attraction in Pigeon Forge. We have not had the pleasure of experiencing it yet but definitely plan too. It is an interactive game and requires some brain work to solve the clues and make it out of the tomb. A little lesson in archaeology as well as ancient Egyptian tombs and pharaohs can definitely be had here.

Another fun educational stop is the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine. Raw stones in their unique shapes and colors can be lots of fun. Our little divas love rocks, especially if they shine, sparkle, and are brilliant in color! Here you can purchase buckets of dirt and the miners show you how to sort through and find your treasure. You get to keep what you find and can even have your gems made into jewelry. A discussion on mining, fossils, rocks, and crystals waits to be told!

I say bring on the holiday travels…fun, education, and all!

If you are traveling to Pigeon Forge and are looking for events going on during your stay, be sure to check the Pigeon Forge Travel Planner. It offers a month by month calendar of events for the area, including concerts. Pick up your copy at the Welcome Center or order one online.

The Country Tonite Theatre is home to a first class show and also to some first class concerts. Check out the 2011 Celebrity Concert Series schedule by First Class Productions. Great acts like Loretta Lynn, George Jones, and Ray Stevens are sure to please. They also host the Patty Waskaz Show. Patty is a comedian, singer, and musician and hosts the longest running morning variety show in the Smokies. Look for specials on Country Tonite tickets when you purchase tickets to the morning show or the Celebrity Concerts.

Smith Family Theater is currently home to the TG Sheppard Variety Show along with several Lee Greenwood shows throughout 2011.

Dollywood hosts top notch shows and music year round. The annual Homecoming Parade in May has Dolly as the grand marshal. You might get to hear her sweet voice when she is around!

We have been fortunate enough to be in town for events like Saddle Up! and Patriot Festival this year. Wylie and the Wild West was the headliner for Saddle Up! along with other well known names in western music such as the Quebe Sisters and Brenn Hill. Patriot Festival is held on July 4^th. This year Restless Heart was the headliner. Other great performers included a Beatles Tribute band and Randy Montana, who has toured with Taylor Swift.

Lucky for us entertainment abounds in Pigeon Forge, including the musical kind.

What should you ask? 

As a mom, you always want to make the most out of every vacation and I feel obligated to make sure that everyone has a happy and safe time. There are many things to consider in cabins, especially if you are traveling with kids.  

1. Bedrooms: How many bedrooms are located on the main floor? What size bed or beds is in each room? Is there a sofa sleeper in the main floor living area?
2. Kitchen: Is the kitchen fully equipped?  Are there dishes, cookware, etc.? What paper goods do they supply?
3. Laundry: Are there laundry facilities in the cabin or on the property?
4. Housekeeping: Do they offer daily cleaning services or are you responsible upon checkout to do certain things?
5. How many levels are there? Are there any rooms on the second floor that are open to the downstairs that might be troublesome for toddlers.
6. Is there a fireplace? If so, is it wood burning or gas? Is there also central heat and air? Or are you wanting to rough it and take in something more rustic?
7. Entertainment: Is there a game room in the cabin? Is there a pool or other activities available on the property? 
8. Are pets allowed?
9. In certain seasons or during certain times, could you get a complimentary upgrade to a cabin with a better view?

How to decide? 

Once you have all of your questions answered, deciding on the cabin that is perfect for your family is the next step. For us, location is important. Knowing how far away the cabin is from the Parkway and area attractions weighs heavy in our decision making. For other people, a location in the more secluded areas may be important.

Cost may also be a factor. Most of the cabins offer lower prices during off seasons, typically winter, as well as a discounted rate for longer stays. Don’t forget to check the Value Card in the Pigeon Forge Travel Planner for discounts at several area cabins or check the website of the cabins you are looking at, as they often offer a discount for booking online.

With over 1,300 cabins and chalets in Pigeon Forge, you are sure to find one that suits your every need and more!

The “5 and under” group are probably the most challenging. However, we have been visiting Pigeon Forge since Peanut was 3 and have never had a problem keeping her entertained. One of the easiest stops is Dollywood, be sure to pack a stroller for all the walking. The little ones love the rides in the County Fair area as well as riding the Dollywood Express, steam engine train. If you are visiting during the summer season, Dollywood’s Splash Country has several areas that are reserved just for the little tikes in your family. Another of our favorites is Kids Country at the Track. There are plenty of rides in this area to provide hours of entertainment. Peanut will ride each one over and over until we tell her it is time to go!

Don’t forget the simpleness of walking along the Little Pigeon River and feeding the ducks. Most little ones love animals which, also brings to mind the Comedy Barn. This show features lots of fun barnyard animals and is full of action. The buildings of both MagiQuest and WonderWorks are intriguing and can be fun even for the little ones. Kids find the mirror maze at Magiquest exciting but, word to the wise, never let go of them while you are in there! Jellybean’s absolute, hands down favorite attraction in Pigeon Forge is WonderWorks. She loves every area there and would go there every day of our trip if it was allowed! WonderWorks has a bubble lab and a walk-on musical piano that Peanut has always enjoyed. We have even enjoyed a nice round of miniature golf as a family at Walden’s Landing Firehouse Golf. The firehouse and bear theme throughout the course gives the little ones plenty to look at.

“Grade School age” kids most often have fun wherever they are! At this age, they still have fun learning, especially in a fun environment. The Titanic is both educational and interactive. Jellybean loved learning about the young person that was on her boarding pass. Plus the interactive stations like, steering the boat and climbing on the inclined planks that simulated the ship as it was sinking, kept her very entertained. On our last visit, we went to the Wonders of Magic show inside WonderWorks. It is a magical variety show for all ages and is good clean family entertainment. This age group is sure to be entertained by the interactive action of MagiQuest. Dollywood just gets better and better to Jellybean as she gets older. When she is feeling brave, she likes the adventure course in Adventure Mountain along with riding the Mystery Mine roller coaster and the Dizzy Disk with her dad.

For the adventure seeking teens in the group, rolling down the hill at the Zorb or flying in the wind tunnel at Flyaway Indoor Skydiving are sure to please. There is also the ropes course and extreme 360 bikes at WonderWorks and bungee jumping and go karts at the Track. At this age, kids are more apt to get the humor at Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. For the movie buffs, there is the Forge Cinemas at Walden’s Landing and you can’t forget about how fun a friendly competition of bowling can be at the Community Center.

Our little divas have also enjoyed the fun and food at Dixie Stampede, the singing and dancing at Country Tonite, and are anxiously awaiting our next trip so that they can check out the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show.

Family friendly fun awaits you in Pigeon Forge!

Currently, each guest visiting the Titanic in Pigeon Forge is being given a single rose petal to place in a glass container in the Memorial Gallery. On April 15, 2012, these rose petals will be placed in the Atlantic Ocean by the US Coast Guard, where the Titanic went down. What a great way to teach our children the principles of honor, courage, and respect in remembrance of the passengers and crew aboard during the tragedy.

Also, for all of you fans of the James Cameron movie, Titanic, it will be re-released in 3D on April 6, 2012. The museum is going to have a special exhibit gallery featuring props and costumes from the movie. The displays at the Titanic in Pigeon Forge are already top notch, so I am sure this exhibit will be no different.

A special anniversary ceremony is scheduled for April 14 and 15, 2012. It will include a candlelight ceremony and the lighting of an eternal flame in remembrance of each brave soul aboard the Titanic.

Our family visited not long after the Titanic Museum Attraction opened, but I am so excited to go again! There are great activity ideas for kids on the education page of their website. During our next trip, I plan to download the Scavenger Hunt Form to use as a fun teaching tool on our visit. It makes the trip more fun and memorable for our little divas when we do hands on activities with them. The attraction now also offers audio tours- both for adults and children. This is another great way to keep your kids involved! 

Now the big decision of when to plan a trip is looming in our heads. All of the upcoming activities sound fun and exciting. However, I think I want to plan a trip on a weekend during the Christmas holiday season as the website boasts there will be “snow” at the Titanic!

MainStay Suites is one of the hidden treasures in Pigeon Forge. Nestled on a 25 acre farm about ½ mile off the Parkway, it s close to all the action but still offers a quiet, peaceful feel. The landscaping is beautiful and inviting. On our summer visit, the grass was thick and green and brightly colored flowers surrounded the entrance. There is even a creek that runs along the outer edge of the property. Our little divas loved watching the ducks and ducklings swimming along and were even more excited when they waddled up the bank to greet them! Since there’s a trolley stop on site, you can leave your car parked during your stay and take the Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley to city attractions.

Our family loves to be away from home but still likes to have some of the amenities of home too. This hotel definitely has the needs of a family in mind! We felt like we were staying in an apartment, not a hotel. Each room has a full kitchen which put a smile on this mommy’s face. It allowed us the option of staying in for meals along with being able to keep plenty of snacks available for the little divas, even cold ones like popsicles.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served in the lobby each morning. There were even teddy bear shaped waffles for the kids! Other features that won stars with our family were the nice sized private balcony overlooking the pool and the “as needed” housekeeping service. If we wanted our room spiffed up we could call for services that day and if we wanted our privacy, we could have that too! The laundry facilities on site also came in handy during our stay. We had the misfortune of a can of hairspray exploding in our suitcase while en route, so needless to say… mommy didn’t get a break from laundry.

Pool time completed our fun filled days, and there were water options galore. There is an indoor as well as an outdoor pool. Plus a hot tub along with the Lazy River and a kiddie pool that has an umbrella waterfall. The little divas did not know where to start! Jellybean got to practice her swim strokes in the big pool and Peanut got to wade around the kiddie pool and Lazy River without needing help from an adult. Meanwhile, Mom and dad got to relax.

At MainStay Suites there is a nice covered outdoor pavilion that is located on the back side of the property and even an indoor conference center. The beautiful scenery would provide a perfect backdrop for a family reunion or an outdoor wedding.

So, if your family is looking for a little home in your vacation plans or you are looking a facility to accommodate a large group, Mainstay Suites would be a great option!

Taking family drives or “auto touring” is always a fun time for us. The little divas love to play “I Spy” while dad and I enjoy looking at the beautiful scenery.  Some of our favorite fall drives while visiting Pigeon Forge are at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and out Wears Valley Road.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s website has a link for “Planning Your Visit.”  There you will find a Fall Color Report which is updated weekly. It offers information about the amount of color change in the leaves and the locations.

Some of the most popular fall drives in the park are Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road. Make sure to plan a full day in the park so that you are not rushed and can take in all the beauty that surrounds you. Believe me, you will not want to miss any of it! Another of our favorites is heading out Wears Valley Road from the Parkway. You start to see the more rustic side of Pigeon Forge.

Nice, relaxing fall drives can be such great family times. It is a great time to talk about nature and its ever-changing beauty. So, buckle up and have fun!

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has an abundance of scenic photo ops. The natural settings and colors lend themselves to beautiful pictures. There are the waterfalls and streams that you can hike up to, as well as the pioneer settings at Cades Cove.  The flower garden at the Sugarland Visitors Center is beautiful in the spring, and even if you choose not to do any hiking, there are many roadside pullover spots that allow you to have the mountains as a beautiful backdrop.

Another fun place for our family has been the mill at the Old Mill Restaurant. Although you cannot get right up next to the running mill, it can be a perfect backdrop from a nearby bridge. The Little Pigeon River also runs through the Old Mill area, and you can sometimes see ducks passing through. There are also other stops along the course of the Little Pigeon River as it flows through Pigeon Forge that allow for great nature photos.

We happened to stay at Mainstay Suites on our last trip. It is off the Parkway a bit and had plenty of beautiful landscaping. Cabins in the area are great too as they can provide a scene that is not your typical everyday look.

Dollywood is one of the most beautiful places on Earth during the Christmas season. The lights and décor are top notch and loved by families from all over. Also, the décor for Kidsfest in the summer and for the National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration lends itself for many great smiles!

Some of our more fun family pics have been at many of the area attractions. The Titanic Museum Attraction does not allow cameras inside, but on the outside you can capture this great piece of history from many different views. You can take pictures from the front of the boat where you see the front end in the water and the iceberg or you can take pictures from the parking lot side, where it gives the feel of you preparing to board the boat for a voyage.

WonderWorks is fun also as you don’t see many upside down houses in the world. The Incredible Christmas Place has a cutout picture prop outside with a winter snow scene, along with Santa sitting on a bench which kids love to go snuggle up to. The beautiful Christmas trees and decorations in the store provide some more formal spots. We have not forgotten about the humorous photos we took outside the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show. It is another scene that is not your typical everyday picture.

Let the cameras click away! So many places and so many opportunities await your family’s smiles!

The site has coupons to help you save on attractions, dining, accommodations and more! The Ways to Save page lists many great tips on how to keep cash in your pockets. I’ve found the Vacation Packages definitely offer more bang for your buck for each season of the year.

Another great tool on the website is a link to order a free Pigeon Forge Travel Planner and have it mailed to your home. Inside, there is a Value Card and it offers discounts at many local businesses. We have used it to save on lunch at Bennett’s Bar-B-Que and even on rooms at the Inn on the River.  If you forget to order it in time for your visit, just stop by the Welcome Center at traffic light #0 on your way into town and pick one up.

Be sure to check the My Pigeon Forge Fan Page for announcements about upcoming events along with comments/tips from other Pigeon Forge fans. I’ve heard that in October there will be something special just for the fans!

Don’t forget that Pigeon Forge showcases a plethora of award winning talent. Many of the area shows offer combo discounts. For instance, the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, Comedy Barn, and Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show currently offer a combo ticket price when you purchase tickets to two different shows. So if you are planning on seeing a couple of different shows while you are in town…this is the way to go!

You may also want to check the websites of the area attractions and shows as many offer a discount if you purchase your tickets online. This is one of my favorites right now- Titanic is offering discounted tickets on their website if purchased in combination with Dixie Stampede or Comedy Barn tickets. Our little divas love all three of these attractions!

Plus, Dollywood and Splash Country have a great deal of their own, “Arrive after 3 pm, and the next day is free.” Spend a few hours there the first day, then go back and spend the entire day there the next. This offer has allowed our family to be able to take in the whole park and not miss anything!

Remember having fun in Pigeon Forge can be affordable. Let these tips help you and your family enjoy more for less!

The newest show to hit Pigeon Forge when we were last there was the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. It was much anticipated by our family! We saw the building during the construction phase and were intrigued by its style. Curiosity had us all wondering what awaited us. Dinner shows rank high on our “to do” list each visit as they are always a nice ending to our days. So, excitement filled us as we headed over to check out the show.

The outside grounds have the feel of an over the top, comedic mountain people’s farm. There is laundry swaying on the clothesline, an outdoor shower and outhouse, and of course, farm animals. The little divas were not quite sure what to think about the outdoor shower and outhouse, since modern day bathrooms are all they know! The lobby continues with the farm feel. There’s a decorative Moonshine distiller brewing and cuckoo clocks sounding.

Some of the cast members were serving as hosts and guided us to our table. Our server promptly brought us drinks in mason jars and then the food started coming. Dinner arrived in metal buckets and included fried chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, pinto beans, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and creamy soup, with a chocolate pudding dessert. In true country fashion, we ate off metal plates. It felt just like we were sharing dinner in an old farmhouse along the way to find our own homestead.

After chowing down on the yummy food, it was time for the show to begin. The show is full of action, excitement, and plenty of comedy. It is about the long standing feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys over a stolen pig! From the sheriff and the mayor, to Ma McCoy and Pa Hatfield…lots of laughs quickly unfold. The Hatfield daughters and the McCoy sons share plenty of talent with their clogging and singing. There is no intermission but it was so entertaining that we didn’t need a break!

The show is filmed and a DVD can be purchased afterwards along with souvenir family pictures. The little divas did not have any time for shopping as they wanted to walk around and play on the “farm” some more. Peanut wandered away and we found her hanging out with the roosters.

The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show will entertain the whole family! It is a nice addition to the quality entertainment that Pigeon Forge offers.

Off we went up the trail, gazing up with awe at the vast array of trees that provided a canopy over us. The path is paved but winds up the side of the mountain. For some reason, we had all dressed more for fashion that day rather than for comfort and hiking… after a bit Peanut decided her stylish high heeled sandals were not such a great idea! We took frequent breaks along the way for photos as well as to just do some exploring. The naturally eroded rocks and the fallen timber were intriguing, along with the millipedes and the animal tracks that we saw. The sounds of running water kept us moving forward. It was the perfect nature lesson for the little divas.

After some whining and lots of convincing that we were almost there, we finally arrived at the Falls. The beauty that surrounded us was breathtaking. It was nature at its finest.  The water at the base was cold and refreshing. Of course, we had to put our feet in and check it out. It was a welcomed sensation to our toes, as summertime in our homestead of South Texas is nothing but hot! 

Once we finished gawking at the waterfall, we tried to proceed on further along the trail. However, the path was no longer paved and maneuvering over the rocks and the tree roots with little divas dressed in sandals became too challenging. So back down the trail we went where more fun awaited us. As we rounded a curve, we saw lots of people gathered and lots of cameras flashing. Up in the thicket of trees, a deer was grazing and wandering around. The noise of the crowd did not seem to scare it. We took out our camera also, to capture some pics. Peanut could have stood there for quite a while watching it…but Jellybean was ready to go. She said it felt like we had been hiking for 20 miles!

Even though we didn’t spot a bear, our trip over to Laurel Falls got the “It was a Good Day” seal from our family!

We lucked up on a new restaurant in town during our last stay. JT Hannah’s Kitchen had only been open for two weeks. From the outside to the inside, the restaurant looks like and has an old warehouse feel. On the front of the building, there is some history about JT Hannah. He was a prosperous businessman from the Great Smoky Mountains who operated the largest freight warehouse and stockyards in East Tennessee.  

We shared a wonderful appetizer of homemade chips and cheese sauce. Then, Peanut and Jellybean were more than thrilled with their fried mac-n-cheese bites. Dad had a nice, juicy Mexico City burger and I enjoyed a Tennessee pulled pork sandwich. The food was good and our service was exceptional.

For all you social media fans, we “liked” them on Facebook and got 10% off each of our adult entrées. It is always nice to save a little money! To top off our visit, we took of few pictures of the little divas posing around the restaurant. Jellybean pretended to be scared of the big black bear in the back that holds a barrel saying “will work for scraps!” Peanut just sat pretty by the water feature outside.

Another of our favorites is Mamas Farmhouse. We had eaten breakfast there many times, but had never had dinner there. An added bonus to going here, kids 5 and under eat free!

The dinner menu that day started off with our choice of vegetable soup or salad and some homemade biscuits and cornbread. Vegetable soup even enticed Peanut who usually doesn’t like to eat vegetables. Our main course came next and Jellybean just kept wondering when they were going to stop putting food on our table! We had fried chicken, meatloaf, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, fried okra, green beans, mac-n-cheese, and sweet corn pie. It makes me hungry just remembering all of it. Of course, you have to sample a little bit of all of it. Then our cute little waitress dressed in her overalls asked us did we want banana pudding or peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert. They do not let you leave hungry here, that’s for sure!

Our favorite part of Mama’s Farmhouse is seeing all the families sitting around their tables eating family style. The “home” feel of this restaurant definitely keeps our family coming back!

A night without kiddos, much less a weekend without kiddos, is a rare occurrence in our household. So needless to say, our recent trip to Pigeon Forge was treasured time!

We stayed at the Inn on the River with a balcony view of the Little Pigeon River. Meal time was so nice and relaxed… no cutting up food for anyone and no having to constantly remind two little divas to sit down and eat or to quit fighting!

We ate breakfast, not once but twice, at Log Cabin Pancake House. Pancakes Royale and Caribbean Pancakes do not disappoint hungry taste buds. Lunch at the Partridge and Pear Restaurant was such a treat and dinner at the Mellow Mushroom was groovy!  A stop at Dixie Stampede concluded on of our days.

Shopping at Stages West for 2 ½ hours was so much fun. We both tried on western clothes, boots, and of course, every girl’s dream…jewelry. They had such up- to- date and trendy western clothing. Dad even got to do a little shopping at the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson. He loves his Harley Fatboy and he also loves to shop for hats. However, he is way pickier than most girls I know! The store had some beautiful bikes on display and I am so glad I got to walk around and enjoy looking at them without trying to keep Peanut from trying to jump on one! There was even a little time for browsing at the Incredible Christmas Place. Who doesn’t love a little or a lot of Christmas!

Kidsfest is the largest kid festival in the South and runs at the theme park from mid June to early August. The little divas enjoyed meeting and hugging Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, and Corduroy as they were roaming around the park. One of the special shows was the Gazillion Bubbles Show. It was performed by Guinness World Record holder Fan Yang and was beyond amazing!

We chatted with many families as we waited in line for rides and enjoyed hearing about the highlights of their vacations. An air of “youthfulness” surrounded us as we played, laughed, and enjoyed our sunshiny day at Dollywood. The Parkway strip was buzzing with excitement too. Many of the attractions offer later hours for the season. This allowed our family to enjoy some much needed “sleeping in” time in the mornings and yet still be able to play at the Track until midnight!

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also full of “life” everywhere you look. The trees are full and provided great shade for our morning hike. For a mid morning snack break we got to sit along one of the lovely streams. The summer flowers glowed with the reflection of the sun yet the mountain air was cool and refreshing. Families filled the roadside stops and lots of cameras were flashing. I’m sure many Christmas card photos were being taken—including ours!

What do you do when you have 2 little divas with lots of energy and a need to be outside? Go to the Track! It is conveniently located along the Pigeon Forge Parkway and thus is very visible to a child’s eye, as you are traveling around the city. And yes, it caught the eyes of our little divas. So we made a stop and partook in the excitement!

The Track offers many avenues for entertainment…no one should be bored! They have blaster boats and bumper cars, bungee jumping and simulated skydiving, miniature golf, go karts, and arcades. Plus there’s the miniature theme park packed with rides for the “pint sized” travelers, Kid’s Country!

Kid’s Country was the little divas’ stop of choice. We purchased each of them some tickets. One by one they used up the tickets as they rode the carousel, train, swings, miniature Ferris wheel, swinging boat, and spinning tops. They both had so much fun riding the rides over and over again. For some reason, the train got quite a few of our tickets.

Jellybean wanted to venture out and try her luck on the go-karts. So she convinced Dad to ride doubles with her on the Wild Woody which is a three story spiraling wooden track. Next round, she grabbed Mom to go with her. She was all smiles as we headed down the track and all we could hear from her was “Go faster!”  

Peanut, who is usually the more energetic and more adventurous one, took her turn with Mom too. She enjoyed it but was more interested in heading back to Kid’s Country to ride the less speedy rides!

We never made it to the miniature golf or the bumper cars. The only brave soul in our family that would have tried bungee jumping and skydiving is Dad and he was not feeling it on this trip. Nevertheless, we all enjoyed our fun and had 2 tired little divas on our hands afterward.

The Track is another great reason Pigeon Forge is known for being a family friendly destination. It’s a great place for adults to be a kid again as well as to enjoy watching the joy and excitement on their kids’ faces. And for a kid, well…let the excitement begin!

When “Back to School” publicity starts surfacing, lots of emotions begin to bubble at our house. Sadness because it is time to finish up our summer fun and travels, happiness because it is time to start shopping for school supplies and new school clothes and shoes. Plus eagerness, because we desire a little more rest and relaxation before the routine hustle and bustle begins. 

Pigeon Forge is our final summer getaway this year. I plan to do some shopping to knock off some of our back to school list. The little divas just want to have fun and add more family memories for summer break. Dad- well, he is outnumbered and usually just goes along with what all of us girls decide! Yet, he really wants some down time from work and plenty of good food.

I am hoping for lots of sales because that means I can buy more with our money! Kids grow way too fast and it seems like their wardrobes need to be replenished way too often! We are planning on visiting the Belz Outlets. Outlets usually spell deals! Stages West is also on the agenda. I’m sure I can knock off some of the list there but also some things not on our list too!

Secretly, we are going to sneak in some learning to get the girls’ minds back in the “school” mode. The Titanic Museum Attraction is so intriguing with its grandness in size and I love that it has so many interactive stations. The little divas don’t have to know they are learning on top of having fun, right? The Sugarland Visitors Center and Cades Cove over at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are certain to stir up their inquisitive little minds. They love to search for new types of trees, flowers, and even bugs and animals.

Whether we stay in a cabin or a condo or even a hotel, I am sure we will find dad enjoying his coffee and relaxing on the porch or balcony. He will not be going hungry while we are away, especially with places like the Old Mill and Mama’s Farmhouse.  Maybe we can even convince him to take a nice peaceful stroll down by the Little Pigeon River or take in an evening hanging out at the new Hatfield and McCoy dinner show.

Can you tell I’m getting excited? This trip to Pigeon Forge will be the perfect ending of summer getaway and make “Back to School” time much more welcomed.

We have always been amazed during our visits that most of the shows make a special effort to recognize our military at some point during their performance. I love that the little divas are exposed to this so that they are aware that every day people are working to make the land we live in a safe place. It is an honor to recognize them!

War veterans of the county are honored with a memorial that is permanently housed at Patriot Park. This big open park has a walking trail around it that is lined with flags of the 50 states along with another “educational” piece- a replica of the Liberty Bell. This bell is lit up after dark and is a great reminder of our country’s history. 

If you are a freedom fighter, make sure to stop by the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center this month and pick up a copy of the Celebrate Freedom! brochure that lists all the area businesses and attractions that are offering discounts as well as any restrictions that apply. There is a little bit of everything from lodging to eateries to make your stay in Pigeon Forge a pleasant one.

Just another reason to love Pigeon Forge!

During our weeklong visit to Pigeon Forge, we wanted to take in as many shows as possible and revel in our time preparing and enjoying the season. As we got our tickets for the Tennessee Shindig show, Jellybean noticed that “Elvis” sang in the show and she remembered our visit to the Elvis Museum. She couldn’t wait to hear him sing!

Several members from the cast of the show greeted us as we entered the auditorium and escorted us to our seats. Both of the girls loved the attention from the cast members, especially when they told them how pretty they were! The auditorium is quite spacious and we got seats near the front in the center section. Peanut needs to be as close to the action as possible to keep her attention!

The first part of the show was filled with music of the decades from the 50’s to the 90’s. The little divas were of course not old enough to remember the songs that were sang… however, they sure had a good time clapping and trying to dance to it all! They enjoyed watching the pretty girls as they moved all over the stage. Their favorite was a singer/dancer that looked like and sounded like “Cher.”

Jellybean was all smiles too when “Elvis” sang his rendition of “Hound Dog.” Dad and I enjoyed the section from the 80’s and 90’s, complete with an appearance from “Michael Jackson.” “Uncle Bud” was the comedian of the show and he kept up the energy with his silly jokes and stage humor.

Later “Elvis” made another appearance and the humor continued as people from the audience were pulled up on stage for a few dress up acts.

Tennessee Shindig kept our family “shindig” in Tennessee going!

Nothing beats the summer heat better than splashing around an adventurous water park! Dollywood’s Splash Country has been voted one of “America’s Best Water Parks,” and our family agreed 100%! Nestled on 30 acres in the setting of the Great Smoky Mountains, this park has a little bit of everything with pools, raft rides, slides, and plenty of places to lounge around in the sun. There is fun to be had by the whole family from the daredevils to the less adventurous.

Our first family adventure was a trip down the lazy river. We laid back and floated down this 1,500 foot river while taking in the beautiful surrounding scenery. There is even a waterfall for those who wish to get a little wetter.  The next stop on the little divas’ agenda was the wave pool. They grabbed dad and waded out to wait on the waves while mom took camera duty! Waves are set to go off on fairly frequent basis so they did not have to wait long to enjoy the fun.

Neither of the little divas, nor mom, were feeling brave enough to take in any of the big slides. However, we took in 2 really fun family raft rides- Big Bear Plunge and Raging River Rapids. The whole family can ride together in a raft on both of these rides. Both offered plenty of twists and turns and lots of splashing.

After the raft rides, we made our way around to check out the 3 different kid areas. The Cascades is a lagoon style pool with slides and water sprayers and Bear Mountain Fire Tower offers lots of water and climbing. Both of these were a hit for our family. There were things in both of these areas that occupied both of the little divas. Little Creek Falls is more for the smaller tykes and has signature butterfly shaped shades. We did not spend a lot of time here but the little tykes that were there sure looked like they were having fun!

Of course, no outing is complete without snacks! There are plenty of snack shacks throughout the park. We took a break for a mid afternoon snack of nachos and chili dogs. Also, make sure to take your refillable Dollywood mugs or purchase one of them at Splash Country as they offer drink refills for considerably lower prices when you use them.

Dollywood’s Splash Country offers some great amenities for guests- life jackets and rafts/tubes are provided free of charge. Lockers are available to rent for storing personal belongings and are conveniently located within the park. For those who so wish, there are covered retreats and canopies for rent as well. The retreats are great for families who wish to have a place to take a break from the sun and the canopies are perfect for couples. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience this firsthand, but massages are even available to retreat and canopy guests!

If you are in the Pigeon Forge area between Memorial Day and Labor Day, then you will definitely want to check out Dollywood’s Splash Country!

During our recent mommy/daddy getaway, our first stop was at Stages West for a little shopping. The storefront is the perfect “stage” for a scene straight out of the Old West.  The Old West style carries over into the architecture of the store itself but not into the merchandise they sell! The beautiful wood floors hold rack after rack of very modern, up-to-date, and trendy western wear. The rows of wooden shelves display a plethora of beautifully crafted boots for both the young and young at heart.

I was so excited about the thought of browsing and trying on clothes without being interrupted by two little divas. “Where to start,” was the question of the day! 

We were surrounded by shirts, skirts, jeans, dresses, jackets, boots, belts, hats, and jewelry. This store has it all! Our problem was quickly resolved though as we were lucky enough to meet Marlene Houser, owner of the store. She was so gracious to take a few minutes and tell us about the store and about the new look/ branding the store is headed towards. They are showcasing our western heritage but with today’s fashion appeal.

It is evident by talking to her that customer service and satisfaction is at the forefront of her and her staff’s minds. During Saddle Up!, they even brought a guy in house to steam and fit cowboy hats as well as a rep for custom boots. The store will measure your foot and boots can be made just for you. Best part is that your information is kept on file in the store so if you call in and the lovely people at Stages West can take care of you!

Marlene introduced us to the beautiful and stylish Heather who personally assisted both dad and I for the rest of our shopping adventure. Heather was so patient with both of us and gave us her honest opinion as we tried on multiple outfits each. There was no stopping until she had the perfect fit on both of us. After lots of laughing and “modeling,” we were outfitted and accessorized!

Be prepared to lose track of time when you visit Stages West! Sophisticated western couture and more…you gotta see it all!

The Inn on the River is a recently updated hotel that more than met our expectations for our weekend stay. On our previous trips, we had stayed in a one of the Pigeon Forge cabins or condos with the little divas. However, given it was just dad and I on this trip we obviously did not need a lot of space, thus we decided to go the hotel route.

The hotel is nestled along the Little Pigeon River and several yummy restaurants, such as the Partridge and Pear at the Christmas Place and Mellow Mushroom, are within walking distance.

Our room was nice and cozy. It sure felt nice to not have to keep two little divas’ noise levels from disturbing the neighbors! We even had our own private balcony. Dad and I both enjoyed walking out on it in the mornings to drink coffee, while taking in the sights and sounds of the river. 

I was very impressed with the amenities this hotel offered. Mornings were made easy with a nice complimentary hot breakfast buffet, complete with a waffle maker and an omelet bar on the weekends. The lobby boasted a great fireplace with plenty of seating. It had a family “living room” feel. We witnessed several families enjoying game nights as well as just sitting around socializing. The staff popped fresh popcorn nightly. I happened to enjoy this several nights for my late night snack! Although dad and I did not have any extra time for swimming, there was also a nice indoor swimming pool and hot tub. There was even an outdoor pool located along the river side of the hotel.

Best of all, the Inn on the River is budget friendly and clean. In this day, those two factors weigh high on a traveler’s “must” list when planning a trip!

Life with two little divas involves lots of frills. They had seen the brochure for Lid'l Dolly's Factory Store in the brochure rack at one of our earlier stops of the day and were curious- one because of the name which involves dolls and two because of the frilly dress the little girl on the brochure was wearing. Dad was a good sport and decided to brave the “girly”ness and let the girls check the store out.

As you walk into to the store, you first see tons of quilts. From what we were told, they house the largest selection of patchwork quilts in the Southeast. I got lost in reminiscing of times as a little girl when I would watch my grandmother make quilts. She would use scraps of material from the different dresses and clothing that she made us grandchildren and then she would work her talents and end up with beautiful designs. My quilts from her are treasures!! Jellybean and Peanut did not share my enthusiasm in looking at the quilts though and kept pushing their way to the lace and ruffles.

The rows of dresses and the rainbow of colors was a little piece of heaven for Peanut. She first noticed that there were matching dresses for little girls and their dolls. She is such a doll lover and loved looking at the dolls that were dressed up from head to toe. Jellybean liked the western style dresses. She had enjoyed watching the young girl dance and yodel in the Country Tonite show and thought these fluffy dresses looked like one of the dresses she danced in. However, she also noticed that the frills were not made in her size.

This is a factory store and there is an area in the back of the store where actual sewing goes on. However, our visit was late in the day and the workers had already left. I would have liked for the little divas to see how much work and effort goes into these treasures for little girls. Mom and dad love teaching moments on our family trips!!

If you are into sewing and quilts or frilly little dresses, then don’t miss this stop along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. You can get lost in the designs on the quilts and in the rows of ruffles and lace on Lid’l Dolly’s dresses.

Since moving to Texas, I have missed real bar-b-que! In Texas, bar-b-que is mostly beef brisket which is much different from the pit cooked, pulled pork bar-b-que that I was used to growing up as a child in Tennessee. So needless to say, while visiting in Pigeon Forge, eating a nice pulled pork bar-b-que sandwich is a must do on our itinerary. Dad and the little divas are usually good sports and let mom have her way on this one.

I could just taste the yumminess as we pulled into the parking lot of Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The parking lot was crowded which is usually a good sign that the restaurant is liked and serves good food. We were quickly seated and greeted by a very pleasant waiter. Our drinks were ordered along with some fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. Fried green tomatoes are a childhood favorite of mine. I remember helping my grandmother in her garden and begging to pick the green tomatoes. She would usually let us pick a few and then she would batter them in cornmeal and cook them for us. What a pleasant and tasteful memory!! Jellybean and dad must have enjoyed munching on them too while we waited for our meals because the plate was quickly empty.

Our meals arrived and a smile came across my face. Bennett’s offers their own special bar-b-que sauce that adds extra yumminess to their food. You can even buy a bottle to take home. No problems with food being left on any of our plates after this meal. Two favorites in one meal-- fried green tomatoes and a yummy pulled pork bar-b-que sandwich. What more could you ask for!!!

If you are a lover of bar-b-que, then Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is worth the stop. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the staff is friendly, and the food is sure to please!!

The restaurant was extremely clean and we were quickly seated.  Jellybean and Peanut’s eyes lit up as they were given their kid’s menu along with a pack of Bendaroos to play with!!!!   Wow, not the typical crayons and coloring page.  I got their attention long enough to figure out what they wanted to eat and then it was on to creating crazy shapes.  Those bendable, sticky, colored sticks kept them entertained during the wait for dinner and beyond. 

There was plenty of variety on the menu, but they are known for their Black Angus steaks cooked over an oak fire.  Dad ordered himself a nice medium rare steak with the fixings but I opted for the oak grilled salmon.  The little divas weren’t very adventurous on this evening and went with their usual…..macaroni and cheese for one and a hamburger for the other.  However, we added a little excitement for them and ordered them a Shirley Temple to drink.  

We were not disappointed!!!  The food was delicious and best of all, dad was happy. 

The bowling alley was very quaint and extremely clean. It offered a great atmosphere for a little family competition. Jellybean and Peanut were not so excited about having to wear the “cute” bowling shoes but did because they were anxious for a little fun. They quickly put their shoes on and were off to pick out a brightly colored bowling ball. Because they were both into the cool colors instead of how heavy the ball was, they both came back with balls that they could barely hold. Mom reminded them that they were gonna have to throw these balls down the lane, so back they went for a second choice. Finally ready to roll, Jellybean took her turn first and was determined to do it all by herself. She tried really hard to throw her ball down the center of the lane but after a few gutter balls, she decided a little coaching from Dad would be ok. Peanut chose to sit on the floor and roll hers half the time and the ball very slowly made its way down the lane. Mom had to step in and help a few times to speed our game up!!! We ended up playing 2 games and as always, Dad was the winner.

Bowling was the perfect choice for letting the little divas burn off some energy prior to sitting for a couple of hours for the show. The Community Center has lots to offer including an aquatic center, basketball/racquetball courts, a wellness center, and even an indoor walking track. The fee to use for a non-member is extremely cheap. Since mom and dad both love to get their workouts in even when out of town, this little gem was a great find!!!

Have you ever wanted to roll down a hill inside a big inflated ball?? Well, Pigeon Forge is home to the only Zorb site in the entire USA. Of course Dad, being the risk taker/daredevil he is, wanted to give it a try. We loaded up and headed on over to the “hill.”

When we arrived, he was given a couple of choices in how he wanted to “roll” down the hill, ie. in water or not. It was a little cool out that day and since we didn’t bring an extra change of clothes with us, he opted for the non-water option (Zorbit). Jellybean wanted him to choose the water ride (Zydro) because up to 3 people can go together at a time and she kept telling him that they sell water clothes there that they could use!! She wanted to go so bad, and she was super disappointed when she found out the minimum age requirement is 8 years old!! So with a pouty face, Jellybean joined mom and Peanut as we prepared to cheer dad on.

After signing all the waivers and paying his fees, he unloaded all of his pockets and off he went. A van was waiting to take the riders to the top of the hill. I must admit at this point…..mom was a little nervous!! We couldn’t really see him once he got to the top of the hill. Dad said that once they got there, he got his safety briefing and then was harnessed inside the big ball. A staff member signaled to us when they got him to the edge of the hill and were ready to release him. Then it was down the hill he went!! The course was straight, but it was like watching a “weeble” wobble. The little divas giggled as we watched him bounce and roll for what seemed like several minutes. However, the actual ride time was only about 45 seconds. Once at the bottom of the hill, the staff took dad’s picture and a cd of his “roll” was available for purchase. Mom was also “clicking” away so that we had plenty of pictures for dad to remember his zorbonaut experience!!

Zorb globe riding is definitely a one of a kind adventure whether you are the rider or just a spectator. It is a great conversation starter!!

Pigeon Forge has become one of our family’s favorite getaway places and we miss it when we are not there!! Just the mention of the name brings up a sense of relaxation with thoughts of fresh mountain air, great food, and lots of family friendly entertainment. From our times experiencing “the mountain life” from a cozy cabin to our times walking along the Little Pigeon River holding hands and sharing in a game of “I Spy”……we love it all and it has become a “piece” of us.

The little divas frequently bring up memories of our trips in their conversations with people. Jellybean loves to tell anyone that will listen about her indoor skydiving adventure at Flyaway and Peanut tries to relive the “Christmas in the Smokies” show from Dollywood with her singing and dancing. We all laugh thinking about the fun times had at the Hoot n Holler dinner show and at the Comedy Barn variety show. Mom gets hungry thinking of the great Southern food we have eaten on our trips from the Pancakes Royale at Log Cabin Pancake House to the Chicken and Dumplings at Old Mill. Dad has been the only true adventure taker with his roll down the hill at the Zorb along with being the adult to indoor skydive and ride the Mystery Mine roller coaster at Dollywood with Jellybean. We have even justified the little divas missing a few days of school with our educational experience at the Titanic museum!! Lots of fun times and lots of fun memories!!

We are anxiously awaiting our next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains and the great city of Pigeon Forge. Hopefully a beautiful palette of fall colors will greet us along with some cool, crisp fall temperatures!!

Adventure Mountain was a new area that had opened since our last visit. We decided that we definitely wanted to check it out, so we started off in that direction. Along the way, we stopped to observe a glass blower in action. It was impressive to watch him and the masterpiece he was producing in front of our eyes! As hot as he must have been working around a fire in hot outdoor temps, he was still super friendly and stopped to answer questions and show the onlookers his work close up. Next we made a stop to let the little divas burn off some energy. They climbed around in the Dreamland Forest Treehouse and shot balls everywhere in the Beehive. It is such a happy parenting moment to see the smiles and joy in your kids when they are having a good time!!

Getting to Adventure Mountain was taking longer than anticipated but we were on vacation, so why rush?? As we passed through the Craftman’s Valley, we watched the blacksmith at work and then made a stop to see the bald eagles in their beautiful aviary. What amazing and beautiful creatures these birds are!! Mom got some great pictures of them and even a couple with them looking directly at the camera. The little divas also enjoyed looking at the red tailed hawk and learning about Buzz the black vulture.

 We finally arrived at Adventure Mountain, but much to our disappointment, we were not allowed to enter because we were all wearing sandals or flip flops. The worker stated that you must wear closed toed shoes due to the cables that are part of the climbing adventure. He said they had some Crocs for sale in the gift shop if we wanted to buy new shoes to wear so that we could participate. After looking at the multi-story obstacle course, it is evident that closed toed shoes would be necessary. It looks like so much fun!!! Tennis shoes will be part of our attire next trip. We took some pictures of Jellybean and Peanut in the area and then decided lunch was a good idea.

After lunch, we spent the remainder of our day with a train ride on the Dollywood Express and letting the little divas ride the rides in the Country Fair area. Jellybean was brave and did the Shooting Star drop tower ride with dad and Peanut was content to ride the Veggie Tales roller coaster , the Lucky Ducks, and the Piggy Parade over and over and over. They also had fun driving mom and dad around on the Rockin’ Roadway car ride. Happy little divas equal happy mom and dad!!!

As we were making our way towards the exit, we noticed that people were lined up along the walkways. Dad stopped to ask one of the workers what was going on and he was told that Ms. Dolly Parton was gonna be riding through shortly. Sure enough, shortly after, she was escorted through in an old timey car. “Wow!!!” said Jellybean. “We have gotten to see her twice in one day!!”

Dollywood never gets old!! They are adding new areas to the themepark consistently. SplashCountry was not yet open for the season, so that will definitely be on an agenda for a future visit!!

We were honored to be among the media and get to attend Dolly’s Anniversary presentation. The little divas had no idea what was in store for them!!! We received our passes and were each given a souvenir zippered notebook that was imprinted with “Dollywood 25th Anniversary.” Jellybean was so excited because she now had a notebook that she could take on all of her travels to draw in.

Once we were inside the Celebrity Theatre, we were directed towards the breakfast table. There each one of us was given a plastic souvenir lunch box that contained some breakfast snacks, fruit, and a bottle of orange juice to snack on while we waited for the presentation to begin. Peanut was the most excited about her lunchbox because she loves purses and such to store her goodies in. As we were waiting and snacking, Jellybean’s little mind was spinning and she began to figure out that we might actually get to see Ms. Dolly Parton!!! Dad just kept telling her, “We’ll have to wait and see!”

The presentation began with a reading of a proclamation from the mayor of Pigeon Forge declaring 2010 as the year of Dollywood in celebration of its 25th Anniversary. Many prominent city, county, state, and even national officials were either present or sent letters that were read celebrating Dollywood’s accomplishments and what it had meant to the city over the years. There was such a feeling of love and community resonating throughout the theatre as the presentations were made. But the best was yet to come…..Ms. Dolly Parton was introduced and made her way across the stage in all her glitz and glamour!! Jellybean looked over at dad and said “I was right!!” In her sweetest southern accent, Ms. Dolly greeted and formally thanked everyone for their support and contributions to the success of Dollywood over the years. You could definitely tell that she felt right at home!!

Jellybean and Peanut were both at the edges of their seats with their eyes glued on the stage…..they were taking this all in. After all of her thank you’s, Ms. Dolly sang 3 special songs and performed with cast members from several of the awarding winning shows from the themepark. What an honor it must have been for those performers!!

In the heart of the Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, nestled alongside a running water-powered grist mill is the well known Old Mill Restaurant. Since Mom likes to pass on her Southern roots to the little divas and it was dinnertime, we ventured on over to give their taste buds a special treat!!

We got a table where we enjoyed a great view of the Little Pigeon River. Mom had been anxiously awaiting her favorite comfort food all day.....chicken and dumplings and a nice tall glass of sweet tea. Jellybean decided to go with Mom’s instincts and also ordered chicken and dumplings. However, Peanut's strong will kept her from straying from her classic chicken strips and macaroni and cheese. Dad decided to do some venturing out himself and went for Southern style spareribs and sauerkraut.

It was a good thing we were all hungry!! The adult meals started with a cup of corn chowder, a salad, and homemade corn fritters. Our servings were large enough to share with the little divas which made Jellybean very happy. We all thought the homemade corn fritters were quite tasty. Just when our tummies were starting to feel a little full, our entrees arrived along with a bowl of mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade rolls. As we ate together, we enjoyed some great quality time together with mom sharing memories of eating her grandmother's great Southern cooking. When the waitress came around to ask us for our dessert selection, no one could imagine being able to eat another thing!! However we also knew that we did not want to deprive our taste buds of homemade apple cobbler, so mom politely asked for our desserts to go!!

With full tummies and happy little divas, we took a little walk over to the General Store after dinner. There they sell fresh ground grains and flours, as well as mixes for the restaurant's biscuits, pancakes, and soups. On the way over, Jellybean and Peanut caught a glimpse of either goose or duck eggs that were sheltered up against the building on the river bank. They were sad when they discovered that we were not allowed to walk down to that area so they could touch them. Their sadness turned back to happiness; however, as they discovered the candy section in the General Store. Aww…the sweet things in life!!

The Old Mill restaurant is a classic for Southern style cooking. Definitely a family favorite!!

The little divas picked up a brochure on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on one of our dining adventures in Pigeon Forge. They love to gather a collection of brochures on each of our trips and picked this one up because of the vibrant colors. Mom and dad decided that it would be a great show for them to see as it is the actual Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. So off we headed to the Miracle Theater to purchase our tickets and we were pleasantly surprised to find out kids are free!!!!

We were able to get seats in the center section and not far from the front of the stage. As we entered the auditorium, we were asked by one of the greeters if we needed a booster seat for Peanut. That was the first time we had been asked at any of the shows we have attended and it is a great idea for those little tikes who have a hard time keeping the folding seats down. The facility was very spacious as were the aisles of seating. We did not feel like we were sitting right on top of the people in front of us which was nice as mom did not have to worry about Jellybean or Peanut kicking someone during one of their fidgeting moments!!

The musical was vibrant and full of life from the beginning. The stage sets and costumes were phenomenal and the acting, singing, and dancing were top notch. The performers kept the story alive in a moving yet comical way. Jellybean and Peanut loved how on several of the acts the performers made their way out into the audience. This allowed them a close up view of the glitz and glamour of the costumes!!

Cd’s of the soundtrack were available for purchase at intermission and following the show, along with other inspirational souvenirs. The cast was available to autograph the cd’s following the show.

What a beautiful recollection of the story of Joseph- retold through song and dance. We felt like we were on Broadway!! The little divas were at the edge of their seats for the entire show, tapping their feet and clapping their hands. This show will be on our “must see” again list!!

After a nice Saturday lunch at Bennett’s BBQ, the family was in the mood for some miniature golf fun. The little divas had noticed the old timey fire truck outside Walden’s Landing Firehouse Golf multiple times and chose to head there.

First thing we had to do was take pictures of Jellybean and Peanut standing on the fire truck and then let them climb around and mess with the gadgets on the truck. Mom finally convinced them that we needed to head inside and get started. Once inside, Dad noticed numerous framed letters and patches hanging on the walls. As he got to reading them, he discovered that they were from firemen across the country “thanking” them for their support of firemen. How cool is that??

We each grabbed a ball and golf club and were ready to start. They offer 2 different 18 hole courses. The little divas chose the course to the “right.” They both took some practice turns on the practice holes and then off we went as a family on the 18 hole adventure. The landscaping was nice with lots of water flowing and plenty of fireman and firehouse themed props to entertain kids. The fun part about it was the firemen were all bears…adding to the Smoky Mountain fun. Mom started off in the lead but after about 6 holes she was losing to Dad. Jellybean was the first to spot out where each hole was located and of course, first to take a turn at each hole. Peanut took her turn at each hole and amazingly enough, stayed entertained for the entire 18 holes!! That is definitely an achievement!! Dad ended up winning with Jellybean and Mom not too far behind.

Walden’s Landing Firehouse Golf proved to be lots of fun and a perfect afternoon adventure for our family!!

Our family is always game for a good laugh and fun times, so we decided to check out the matinee at The Comedy Barn. We had heard that their show was the funniest in town and that the little divas would have a blast. Dad dosed up on Benadryl as we had also heard that the show involved animals and we headed on over to the big yellow and red barn located midway down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

The fun began as we made our way down the sidewalk to the entrance. The little divas spotted an outside vending area for foot massages. There were wooden barrels to sit on with a sign above that read “Relaxing Foot Massages, Only 25¢.” Jellybean and Peanut each hopped up onto one of the wooden barrels and put their feet onto the metal foot plates. Dad inserted the 25¢ for each of them. The laughter that followed was priceless!!!

After our outside entertainment, we finally made our way in and found our seats. Next thing we know, we have a lady asking each of the little divas if they would like to be a part of the show, to which both agreed. She handed them each a little coupon to hold onto and told them to come up to the stage when the dogs came out. Jellybean could hardly wait!!

Grandpa Duffy (a puppet) was the host of the show. He along with Granny started the show with The Comedy Barn musicians and dancers. Next we see the dogs making their way on stage so Jellybean and Peanut head down. Peanut started crying as soon as she got halfway down so Mom had to go with her. There were about 10 dogs that were all well trained and were full of tricks for the audience. Their last trick involved the 3 recruited audience members so we were pulled onto the stage and lined up beside a tall metal ramp. Several of the dogs made their way up the ramp and then jumped over us!! More fun entertainment followed including Slim Chance, a juggler and Eric Lambert, a comedian whose act did have us all laughing. The little divas had fun clapping their hands to the bluegrass/country music and tapping their toes as the cloggers did their dancing. There was an intermission at mid show in which we went down to the front and meet the dog trainer and some of the dogs. The trainer was very friendly and told us that all of the dogs were rescues. Jellybean and Peanut loved getting to pet and talk to the dogs!! After intermission, we were entertained by Farmer Clem, a magician who also used several kids from the audience for his act and Peter Pelican and his ventriloquist as well as more singing and dancing.


At the end of the show, the little divas raced to the concessions area to redeem their free gift coupon for helping with the show. They each received a little pink stuffed pig wearing a Comedy Barn t-shirt. They became their prized possessions for the trip!! Each show is filmed and DVDs of the actual show you attend are available for purchase soon after the show ends. After the fact, we decided we should have purchased one since our girls were a part of the show. They also boast about their t-shirts which are only $9.95 and carry a lifetime warranty!! That’s right, they said they would give you a new shirt if anything happened to your shirt!!

Informative and Interactive

Our visit to the Titanic Museum during our spring trip to Pigeon Forge had been much anticipated for months. We had visited the preview center and saw the construction area on our Christmas trip and were filled with excitement to visit the real thing. As we pulled into the parking lot and saw the enormous replica of the ship and the staff members who were dressed as members of the crew, we knew there was some fun to be had!!

We were greeted by a crew member and each of us received our boarding pass which had information about an actual passenger that was on board the Titanic during its voyage. The crew member instructed us to try to find out more about our person as we toured the museum and to find out whether or not they were a survivor. Interestingly enough, we were all 1st class passengers and our ages ranged from 19-48 years old. Mom luckily received the boarding pass of a famous fashion designer and Jellybean kept trying to trade even though her passenger was the cousin to the Countess of Rothes!! Dad was on a mission to determine whether or not his dog survived and Peanut was the daughter of the co-founder of Dixie Cup Company.

The museum is a self-guided walk through experience; however, there were crew members in each of the areas and they were extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Titanic, the passengers, as well as the dreaded crash and sinking. Peanut was mesmerized by listening to the crew members talk in beautiful accents. Mom found it interesting that much of the 1st class dinnerware that was on display had been recovered from passenger’s suitcases. What…. they were stealing it?? Jellybean learned that the Titanic was a Royal Mail Ship and learned that it was carrying mail along with the 2,208 passengers/crew members. She also loved finding out that the actual Titanic was 4 city blocks long!!! Peanut was actually too young to understand much of the factual information but was excited to play at each of the interactive stations. She and Jellybean got to shovel coal into a furnace, steer the boat, touch an iceberg, as well as put their hands in 28 degree water. Their favorite part of the museum, however, was the Tot Titanic area which was an area designed just for kids eight and under with plenty of hands- on activities. Peanut was enthralled by the area that simulated the different angles of sloping the boat encountered as it was sinking. In this area, they also got inside a lifeboat, learned to tie boating knots, looked through binoculars, and played a video game that involved trying to steer the boat away from the iceberg. Mom and Jellybean learned how to spell out their names in Morse code.

The Grand Staircase was stunning!! We were told that the original blueprints for the actual Grand Staircase were borrowed, so the one located in the museum is an exact replica of the original one. Mom and dad chuckled in disbelief as we were instructed that the flooring was the most expensive of all during those times and was a prized possession by the wealthy….don’t want to spoil that surprise for you so I will not tell you what it is!! No pictures are allowed inside the museum but mom sure would have loved to snap a few pictures in this area!!

One of our last stops was an area that showed a movie on the discovery of the Titanic remains. This area was the most interesting to mom and dad; however, Jellybean did enjoy seeing the little machine that crawled around on the ocean floor looking for remains.

Of course, a wonderful visit to the gift shop concluded our time at the Titanic Museum. Mom convinced the little divas to actually pick out a souvenir that would be memorable and not get broken or sold in our next garage sale. So, each of them picked out a book!!! Jellybean picked out 2 books that were actually on her reading level and she carried them around like prized treasures!! Peanut grabbed a shiny silver book that had lots of pull outs and flip up details in it.

The Inn at Christmas Place is captivating from the moment that you drive past it on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Besides the fact that the word “Christmas” struck up happy tunes for our family, the exterior of the hotel offered us an amazing picture of an old world style inn set in the mountains with a beautifully landscaped courtyard. The Christmas atmosphere began as soon as we pulled up to the front doors. There were life-size nutcrackers and carolers along with uniformed doormen who cheerfully assisted us inside. The smells and sounds of Christmas filled the air as we made our way into the lobby. Christmas decorations were everywhere from the beautiful lobby and hallway decorations to the Christmas pillows atop our beds.

We had a standard room with 2 very soft and comfortable queen beds. The little divas loved that the housekeeper left 4 Hershey’s kisses for us each day. Mom loved that we had our own private balcony which allowed her to slip away to sip coffee and enjoy some morning quiet time!!! Speaking of coffee, there was no need for Starbucks on this trip. The hotel has complimentary coffee in the lobby as well at the complimentary breakfast and it has some of their own special blends.

A complimentary hot breakfast is included with the room rate. It was buffet style but was served by their very friendly staff. The little divas and mom enjoyed the omelet bar and had made to order omelets each day of our stay. On Saturday morning, Santa made an appearance for breakfast. However, we only got to see him making his entrance as we were heading out for the day.

The best feature of the hotel for Jellybean and Peanut was, of course, the pool!!! The indoor pool and hot tub are open 24 hours a day. However, the little divas were more interested in the outdoor pool because of the figure 8 water slide. Pool time was a nice, relaxing end to our day. There was plenty of poolside seating and the weather was very pleasant. Jellybean took her turn over and over on the water slide while Peanut swam around with dad as she was not quite tall enough to stand up in any part of the pool.

We had tickets to an evening show so we missed the Saturday night concert followed by milk and cookies with Santa. The little divas were sad but are having to learn that we cannot be in two places at one time!!!

This great hotel has a lot to offer and because of our short stay, we did not get to enjoy as much as we would like. Guess that means we’ll definitely be making another stop at The Inn at Christmas Place.

We headed off for an early morning drive in the mountains prior to our flight home. The brisk morning air kept us awake and the fog over the mountains (which the little divas thought was smoke) was thick and breathtaking. The beauty had us captivated and we missed our usual turn off so we were headed down a road we had never traveled. However, it turned out to be a good thing!!! The new scenery was just as amazing and even took us through a couple of tunnels. Jellybean was on lookout for a bear which to her disappointment was never spotted. Dad kept capturing pictures with his iPhone and was having a great time playing with the settings to change the color levels or to make them black and white.

 

We made a couple of roadside stops to take in the beauty up close. The sounds of the streams, the birds, and the bugs was so relaxing. We were able to see some great views of the treelines and smell the sweetness of the wildflowers. The joy of the peacefulness and sereneness was broken as soon as Peanut fell getting out of the car on one of our stops. Drama, drama, drama…..it follows us!!!!

 

On our way out, we made a stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center for a potty break. The grounds were well maintained and blooming with flowers. Mom had to keep a close eye on Jellybean and Peanut because they both wanted to pick a few flowers!!

 

What a great way to end our trip!!! With no cell service, that meant no Facebook, no texting, and no twitter- all of which are normal routine for our family. It was just time to enjoy as a family and time to take in the beauty that surrounded us.

 

On each trip to Pigeon Forge, the little divas ask, “Will we get to see Dolly Parton?” They know of her from seeing her on episodes of Hannah Montana and know that Dollywood is named after her. Some of their favorite stops at Dollywood are the Chasing Rainbows museum which retells significant parts of her life as well as touring her old tour bus. In their eyes, she too is a diva!!!

Well on our spring trip to Pigeon Forge, their wish came true!!! Pigeon Forge hosts an annual Homecoming Parade to celebrate her contributions to the city. The parade is part of Springfest which runs from March to June each year. This year’s parade was special as it was the 25th anniversary of Dollywood. The theme was “Celebrate the Dreamer in You.” Dolly has the first float in the parade and of course, it was beautifully decorated.

Dolly’s entrance and boarding of her float is much anticipated by the parade attendees. We happened to be lucky enough to be behind the scenes and were within feet of her as the black SUV pulled up near her float and she exited. She looked stunning in her glittery outfit complete with butterfly wings that matched the butterflies and colors on her float. Jellybean and Peanut stood in awe as they watched her taking pictures with prominent city officials. Peanut caught Ms. Dolly’s attention and asked if she and Jellybean could take a picture with her. Ms. Dolly’s response was “Well, honey, I think we could get to that.” She continued on with her picture taking and with her busyness, we were not expecting her to remember a picture with the little divas. However, even with her people trying to rush her off, Ms Dolly stopped and called the little divas over!!! Peanut shyly made her way over but Jellybean rushed over. They stood right up next to her with big smiles glowing on their faces. Mom and Dad both were quickly snapping pictures with the camera and with phones so that we didn’t miss this moment!! After all of the picture taking was complete, Dolly boarded her float with other members of her family. She was laughing and joking as her wings kept getting in the way of her getting into her seat underneath a big umbrella. What a truly genuine and personable lady she is!!!!

The parade was ready to begin and mom was so impressed as it was officially kicked off by an opening prayer. Dolly’s float entered in behind a local color guard group, city officials, and the Sevier County High School Band. Over 100+ other entries followed behind her. The entries included area attractions/businesses, area marching bands, multiple area dance and twirling groups, as well as church groups and Shriner groups. There were some fancy old cars, horses, and even some old tractors. The route covered about 2.5 miles. Jellybean and Peanut were well entertained for the hour and a half that it took for all the entries to make it onto the parade route.

So, wishes came true on this trip for the little divas!!! It is truly evident that the city of Pigeon Forge loves Dolly Parton and she loves it. This was an experience our family will not soon forget!!

The little divas had no idea who“The King” was; however, mom and dad decided there needed to be a little education on this vacation!! So, we decided to make a stop at the Elvis Museum and Gift Shops. This Pigeon Forge museum is said to house the world’s largest private collection of Elvis memorabilia. What a great opportunity for Jellybean and Peanut to learn a little about “The King of Rock n Roll!!

Of course, the sounds of Elvis music were echoing as we entered the museum. Dad and Jellybean quickly picked up a pair of Elvis-like shades and were goofing off while mom purchased the tickets. The tour is self guided so we entered and casually began our lesson on “The King.” Inside, we found exhibits on Elvis’ sports days, his married days, as well as his tour days. His personal belongings and interests, gold jewelry, and clothing were nicely displayed along with pictures and information scripts that provided history on the articles. Best of all, two of his cars were on display!! There was a white Lincoln Continental stretch limo that was his last personal limo before he died as well as a red Cadillac Coupe de Ville that was used on Elvis and Priscilla’s honeymoon. The little divas were excited by a monogrammed bathrobe that was his daughter Lisa Marie’s and I loved seeing some of the fancy leisure suits that he wore in his shows. Another interesting piece was an ice bucket that was used at Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding.

Next, we hit the gift shops. This would have to be a piece of heaven for any Elvis lover!!! Lots of Elvis collectibles along with apparel and accessories fill the store. This would be a great stop if you need a gift for an Elvis lover or if you just want to add to your own personal collection. We had to quickly hurry through as I felt like a mother with two “bulls in a china cabinet” and did not want to have to purchase any broken items!

“The King of Rock n Roll” is a legend. We had fun remembering him and giving Jellybean and Peanut a little history lesson!!!

MagiQuest is housed in a building that looks like a four-story castle and it had Jellybean and Peanut intrigued every time we drove past it. They were filled with excitement and anticipation as we agreed to let them check it out. As we stepped in the doors, we were invited to experience four different adventures. There is Pirate Golf which is a blacklight 18- hole miniature golf adventure, Odyssey which is a mirror maze adventure, The Vault which is a timed laser challenge, and of course, MagiQuest which is a live video game adventure. You can purchase tickets for each individual adventure or a combo pack which includes all four adventures. We chose the combo pack because it all looked fun!!

Our first adventure was Pirate Golf. The little divas quickly chose their golf club and brightly colored ball and impatiently waited on mom and dad to gather their gear. Peanut was not very interested in actually playing golf. We had to find her each time she was up because she ventured off to play on the pirate ship, climb on the treasure box, and crawl through any opening she was small enough to go under. Jellybean enjoyed competing against mom and dad and was fascinated with the effects of the blacklights. On the 18th hole, you are supposedly rewarded with a serenade from Blackbeard and his friends when you get a hole in one; however, no one in our family was that lucky!!

Next, we were off to the 5,000 square foot mirror maze. The little divas were puzzled when the attendant handed each of us a pair of plastic gloves to put on and told us to keep our hands out in front of us. As we entered, Dad gave each of them a lecture about staying close so that we did not lose them amongst the mirrors. Early in our journey, we came to a disco room. The little divas found it super cool to dance and see themselves all around. Somewhere in this crazy maze we also went through what seemed to be a never ending forest. I think this is the point where mom decided we might be lost and started to panic a little!! But never fear, dad took control and we finally made our way out. I’ll just say that this was the little divas least favorite of our adventures!!

The first two adventures took us about an hour and a half. Before we began our last two adventures, we decided to take a lunch break. We headed next door to Flying Horse Grill for a tasty lunch and a ride on the carousel. Then, it was back to MagiQuest.

MagiQuest adventure was next up and we could not wait to get started. First off you get registered, pick your Magi name, and get “The Ancient Book of Wisdom which is your clues to unlocking and conquering each quest. You are also given a magic wand that knows you by name and is the key to your adventure. If you so choose, you may purchase your own wand which you can customize to your likes. The wand helps you gain powers, unlock secrets, and keeps track of the quests/ adventures that you have completed along the way. Word of advice though…your game adventure is timed and time starts the first time your wand is used so it is to your advantage to keep it pointed down until you are ready to begin. Once we were all signed in, we headed off to the instruction room where the fun unfolds. Mom and Peanut paired up and Jellybean and dad and off we went to try our luck at this live video game. Jellybean and Peanut were more interested in the mystical things that happened when they aimed their wands at the designated targets than actually in following the clues in the book and conquering the quests. However, we almost completed 4 quests before our time was up.

The Vault was our last adventure. Neither of the little divas would enter by themselves as it was a small, semi dark room. So, mom and Jellybean entered together. We quickly hit the floor trying to crawl under and dodge the laser beams. However, I am pretty sure our time did not put us in the top 10 for the day!!! Dad and Peanut went together and dad’s competitive nature had to be put aside because Peanut touched about every laser beam!!! As you can guess, no top 10 finish for them either.

If you are looking for a quaint place for lunch or dinner, Pottery House Café and Grille is the perfect spot. It is located in the heart of the Old Mill Square and offers great Smoky Mountain ambience with outdoor garden/patio dining as well as cozy indoor dining.

It was just the little divas and I on this particular day and we had the pleasure of having lunch there with a friend and her 2 children. We were all seated at a nice big round table in the back corner of the restaurant. Wise idea!!!! The little divas are loud and busy by themselves. However, double it and it is double the happiness!!!
 

Their lunch menu offers some great homemade soups, quiches, salads and sandwiches along with a few heartier entrees. The breads are made from scratch daily using stone ground grains. They also offer homemade desserts if you dare. I was in heaven with my Chicken Pot Pie soup and pimiento cheese sandwich which are truly two of my favorite childhood comfort foods. Jellybean enjoyed a cheeseburger and some nice big steak fries while Peanut had her comfort food of choice- Macaroni and Cheese.

All of the meals are served on handmade pottery which is made by locals in the Pigeon River Pottery Shop that is located next door. Even the sinks in the restrooms were handmade pottery. This stuff is beautiful and a great souvenir of the heritage of this area!!!

Known for it’s relaxing atmosphere, along with it’s great down-home flavor and comfort foods, Pottery House Café and Grille is truly a Pigeon Forge treasure. While you are in the area, Old Mill Square also houses some other great places to check out such as the famous Old Mill restaurant and General Store, the Farmhouse Kitchen, the Toy Bin, the Creamery, and the Candy Kitchen. The whole family is sure to enjoy!!!

Country Tonite houses a 1500 seat auditorium and there does not seem to be a bad seat in the house. The little divas like to sit as close to the front as possible at shows because they do not want to miss anything. They lucked out on this one because we happened to get tickets for the front row on the right side of the auditorium!!! The host of the show as well as the lead female singers winked and waved at Jellybean and Peanut a couple of times which made them feel extra special!!

They definitely sport some first class talent in all areas here! This 2 hour show is fast paced and includes plenty of gospel, country, and patriotic music, as well as amazing dancing. Jellybean and Peanut were fascinated with the many sparkling costumes that the singers and dancers wore and especially at how fast they seemed to change costumes. “Bubba the Redneck Ranger” is the comedian of the show and definitely kept the laughs rolling, even for dad who isn’t really a country music fan!! I was amazed by the talents of the harmonica player who had toured in the past with such well known artist as Loretta Lynn and George Jones. Best of all, the Country Tonite show includes youth performers!!! There is a young girl and a young man who are both under the age of 13. They both did an outstanding job singing and dancing and the young girl was amazing with her yodeling. Peanut kept trying her luck at yodeling for several days after we left.

There was an intermission between the 1st and 2nd half of the show. This was a good thing as it allowed Jellybean and Peanut some time to get out of their seats and run around. We also grabbed a snack from the concessions area. You gotta love munching on fresh popped popcorn while you are enjoying a show!!

The performers were available after the show for a meet and greet. The little divas were all smiles for their picture with the beautiful female singers and with the youth performers.

Country Tonite is quality entertainment and definitely a show worth seeing. It is evident why it repeatedly receives “Best Show in the Smokies” awards!!

After a long mid-day road trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, we had 4 hungry tummies that were in need of nourishment. So as we drove back into town, I began to look through our plethora of tourist magazines and brochures for some suitable options. The logo for Bullfish Grill caught my eye as it was a little different-- a bull with a fish hanging from its mouth along with a catchy saying “No bull, just great food.” We were intrigued at this point and decided to give it a try.

The outside of the building is nicely decorated and the inside sports a very clean and cozy environment. The menu was quite extensive for both lunch and dinner, ranging from salads to sandwiches, steaks to seafood, and pasta to gourmet sides and desserts. There was enough variety to cover the whole family’s interests which is always a big plus!!!

We settled on a light meal as we had reservations for a Christmas dinner show later in the evening and did not want to ruin our meal there. The little divas both ordered their usual from the kid’s menu…chicken nuggets and fries. After they finally wound down from being stuck in the car for a long time and from the snowball fights they had in the mountains, they both ate and devoured it …..must have been good! Dad settled on a nice juicy Black Angus Cheeseburger that was piled high with toppings. He too was smiling so it must have been good. I ordered a Fried Green Tomato BLT and I can tell you first hand that it was delish!! It brought back pleasant childhood memories of having fried green tomatoes in the summers at my grandma’s house.

We were treated with very attentive service and left with full tummies and smiles. Bullfish Grill got a thumbs up from our family!!!

Even little girls can like dinosaurs!!! We had a little time to use before our next Christmas dinner show, so we decided to make a stop at the Dinosaur Walk Museum. This is an adventure that can take you 15 minutes or 45 minutes depending on what you choose to do within the museum.

 

The little divas could not pass up the first stop which was a table set up with coloring pages and books about dinosaurs. Jellybean and Peanut both colored pictures of dinosaurs on skates and then decided to try the interactive computer game station for a bit.

 

Next they made their way around to see the dinosaur and reptile exhibits, including standing under the big T-Rex. Each display includes facts about the animal such as how big it was, what it ate, and when it lived. There is much to learn and teach in this area if your kids are dinosaur fanatics!

 

Jellybean found it fun to uncover different fossils in the fossil dig. Peanut was not quite big enough to understand fossils so she just continued to wander around and want to touch everything!!

 

At the end of the walk, there is a movie playing about these fascinating creatures. We got to sit only for a short time before the girls were ready to move on to the gift shop where they explored and wished for everything in there!!!!

 

Our family spent Christmas in the Smokies this year and we knew with a lengthy stay that we needed to stay somewhere that would allow us some of the luxuries of home, ie a kitchen and also a place that would have some activities for the kids. Well, Riverstone Resort did not disappoint! These fine, luxurious condos have it all.

Resort: We stayed in a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom condo which allowed the little divas to each have their own room as well as a nice big master bedroom for mom and dad. Each of the bedrooms was complete with a king size bed and TV, so there was no fighting over which TV show we were going to watch and Jellybean and Peanut felt like a princess in their own bed! The master bathroom made bathtime fun with its whirlpool tub and very large walk-in shower. Our living room was comfortable and cozy with a stone fireplace powered by gas logs and a big flat screen TV above the fireplace. The fireplace got lots of use while we were there!!! Santa found a spot on the buffet in the dining area to leave his presents and stockings for the little divas. Mommy was in heaven with the nice big kitchen with granite countertops and a nice long bar which the girls loved sitting at for breakfast and nightly rounds of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Our balcony overlooked the Little Pigeon River and we left our sliding glass doors open several times just to hear the sounds of the water running downstream.

Recreation: The large Club House on site houses an indoor heated pool/hot tub/kiddie pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a game room with plenty of arcade games and vending machines. We forgot to pack swimsuits because it was winter but managed to find some at the local Walmart!! There is also an outdoor lazy river but it is only open from May to September. Another spot we found to let Jellybean and Peanut run off some energy was the outdoor playground that had lots of slides, swings, and plenty of spaces for climbing. Unfortunately the outdoor temperatures did not allow us to take advantage of the outdoor grills and picnic tables, but I can imagine it would be a perfect spot in the spring and summer.

Gatlinburg Golf course is a premier 18 hole golf course and is located behind the Riverstone property. There are no avid golfers in our family so we just enjoyed looking at the beautifully landscaped greens.

Relaxation/Recharging: Every mom and even dad needs a little relaxation after packing and planning for a vacation. The Spa at Riverstone deserves a post to itself, so stay tuned!!! I’ll just give you a hint that my chocolate mint pedicure was heavenly!

Our family felt so at home during our week long stay at Riverstone Resort!!! It is located on the outer edge of town which made it convenient for our trip to Dollywood, the Christmas show at Dixie Stampede, and even a family walk along the Little Pigeon River on Christmas Day!

Well, it was the day before Christmas Eve and mom was feeling just a tiny bit overwhelmed by not being at home for Christmas and by making sure that Santa made his visit to the little divas. So, what did I do….went to The Spa at Riverstone for a chocolate mint pedicure!!!

I awoke early that morning for my 9 am appointment- guess I was just a little excited for some “me” time. When I arrived, I was greeted by their very friendly staff and quickly taken back to a very serene and peaceful waiting area. Ahhh, quietness!!!! As I waited, I tried to forget about what my agenda was for the remainder of the day and about stocking stuffers that still needed to be bought.

Since I had chosen the chocolate mint pedicure (which is seasonal I think), I also got served a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a peppermint stick along with a plate of Pepperidge Farm cookies and some peppermint Hershey kisses to enjoy during my pedicure. I was beginning to feel very spoiled!!!

My pedicure was amazing and my feet were very pampered. At one point, I even had warm chocolate smeared on my legs! Chocolate actually has moisturizing properties I was told! I also enjoyed a great conversation with the lady doing my pedicure. We got caught up in telling each other about our families, talking about the world in general, and I even found out that her husband and I shared the same profession!!

This is a full service luxury spa and they use Eminence products which are high quality natural products. Services that are offered include facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, as well as waxing and makeup services.

I wish I would have had more time to be pampered but I am not complaining because my 1 ½ hour pedicure was amazing!! Next visit to Pigeon Forge will have to include a little down time again for pampering, maybe even with the little divas!!

Four million—really--blue and green and clear ones on trees and buildings. Welcome to Dollywood. (www.dollywood.com). Of course it is named for star Dolly Parton who grew up in a two room cabin not far from here, pigeon forge, TN—you can even see
a replica of the cabin where she grew up with 11 brothers and sisters and it seems one bed.

The amusement park—which draws as many as 3 million visitors a year—draws something like 300,000 people just for their Smoky Mountains Christmas, complete with shows that are every bit as good as Broadway and draws families back every year (getting an entire 2010 pass for an extra 425!)

I’ve been coming for as long as I can remember,” said Justin Greer, who had brought his wife, kids and extended family from Mississippi. “It’s about getting the most for your dollar.”

I met another family who was taking their first extended family vacation in a decade—trading a Pensacola beach condo for a mountain pigeon forge cabin—and another family who are moving back to Florida after a year in Tennessee. “I feel like I haven’t done half the things on my list,” said Tamara Chilver, who had four kids with her between the ages of four months and fifteen years.

All around us were families enjoying the Christmas shows—from Babes in Toyland with the amazing Beijing acrobats (including some pint sized ones) to the traditional Christmas in the Smokies that has been here for the past nineteen years, drawing crowds of 1,ooo or more several times a day.

This is an amusement park unlike any other. There are the requisite rides—from the mini rides to the steam engine to the coasters but there is also the craft area where you can see glass blowers and blacksmiths and wagon makers and you can visit a replica of the two room cabin where Dolly Parton grew up as one of 12 children. I like that his park is all natural—an aviary for rescued Bald Eagles, with natural streams meandering through down from the mountains, where they serve the most amazing cinnamon bread and where, despite the economy, families make it a family tradition.

Earlier, I stopped at Wonder Works (www.wonderworkstn.com), which is kind of like a science museum on steroids—everything from a simulated earthquake ride, to the chance to play virtual hockey, to lay down on a bed of nails. There are optical illusions the chance to virtually finger-paint on the wall, or fly to the moon—more than 120 hands on attractions. I like that you can pay one price and leave and come back later—even getting a deal (kids free) on the dinner Hoot N’Holler Show.

That’s the thing about Pigeon Forge. You can spend the day hiking in the nation’s most visited national park just a few miles away or at Dolly Wood or a place like Wonder Works, all the while making family traditions.

And you can stay in an amazing huge log house with everything from hot tub to foosball and Jacuzzi tubs and bedrooms galore (Eagles ridge Resort www.1err.com).

Maybe you want to try the next best thing. Have you ever rolled down a hill in a giant ball. Here’s your chance--do it wet or dry in an attraction imported from New Zealand--a Zorb (www.zorb.com/smoky). I admit I was too chicken to try—rolling head over heels down a mountain strapped inside a giant rubber ball didn’t seem like my kind of fun—but it has appeal for a lot of people.

I was happy to see so many at Dollywood reveling in the shows, the lights, the funnel cakes and cinnamon bread, with kids in tow. Sounds silly, but the spirit of Christmas is all around. You can’t help but smile. I can’t wait to visit again.

It seems since I got to Pigeon Forge, TN (www.mypigeonforge.com), I haven’t stopped eating—corn fritters made from corn meal milled at the historic Old Mill that is on the National Register of Historic Places--continuously operating for 170 years. I started the day at The Log Cabin with country ham and fresh biscuits. Fried Green Tomatoes and freshly baked bread were on the agenda for lunch at the Pottery Café where they not only use the fresh corn meal but also produce their own pottery. (Gorgeous by the way) And I’m not even mentioning the stores that sell funnel cakes, homemade taffy and pralines.

And then there was dinner at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Of course this wasn’t just about dinner—though they served creamy vegetable soup, cheddar biscuits, succulent chicken, pork, corn, potato and apple turnovers to more than 1000 people—that’s right 1000 people and it was delicious. Did I mention you eat with your hands?

But while we ate, we were treated to a stellar show that ranged from trick riding to flying fairies, a live manger scene complete with camels and the three wise men, kids chasing chickens, a hilarious comedian named Skeeter, singing, racing…I could go on. There are only three in the country (www.dixiestampede.com) here, Myrtle Beach and Branson, Mo. It is clear why people make a stop here part of their Christmas tradition every year—even at more than $40 a ticket (roughly half for kids).

And even in this economy, they sometimes do five shows a day. Impressive! Up to 11,000 people laughing, clapping, stamping their feet and on occasion, volunteering to chase the chickens (kids) race on stick reindeer (couples) and play giant horseshoes (guys) and 30 costumed riders—red and green of course—racing and doing all variety of tricks in the big arena. It really is a good old fashioned time—with good eats, a chance to forget all of your troubles—and the world’s. At least 60 per cent of those who come have been here before. There is snow, music and magic—dancing toys and acrobatic jugglers flying to the ceiling. There’s also a video of Dolly Parton reminding all of us about what the season is about—to forget bickering and be at peace with one another. She’s a very popular figure here. “When she comes it’s a mad house,” says marketing manager Jim Bo Whaley.

But this isn’t the only show in town—far from it. We stop in where magician Terry Evanswood is wowing an audience with Magic Beyond Belief—Christmas themed, of course. He’s been here for 10 years. There’s dinner theater, Elvis impersonators and more. But you can also just cuddle up in a cabin in the woods with a fire—and a hot tub on the deck.

Where are the bathing suits?

(Hint: It isn’t Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon) It’s Great Smoky National Park—more than 550,000 acres that straddle Tennessee and North Carolina that attracts more than 9 MILLION visitors a year.

It may be because the park is gorgeous, with more than 800 miles of hiking trails, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. It may be because it is so easy to get to—within a day’s drive of half the US population east of the Mississippi River. It’s one of the few national parks that is free too.

There’s hiking and biking (along the Cades Cove Loop Road, fishing and horseback riding. Locals tell me they love hiking to the Le Conte Mountain Lodge –about five miles—where you can spend the night and have someone else cook for you –my kind of back country experience! Though there are plenty of places to back pack here too. Hike to a waterfall or a mountain peak with a panoramic view of the different forests. And because this park is so far south fall colors last into November.

Unfortunately, 80 per cent of those who visit have a "windshield experience," Leon Downey tells me as we tour the park. He’s the executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism (www.mypigeonforge.com) and an avid hiker who considers the park one of his favorite places—and that’s no small thing for a man who has traveled the world. Pigeon Forge, a town of just over 6,000 people is just six miles away and is considered a gateway toward the park.

Come in January for Wilderness Wildlife Week when free workshops, lectures and guided hikes are offered by volunteers. This is also a terrific place to learn a little—or a lot--about nature. There are more tree species than in northern Europe, some 1500 flowering plans and over 200 species of birds and 60 mammals (whenever there is a bear sighting, rangers call it a "bear jam" because traffic, especially in summer, gets so snarled). There is an excellent museum in the visitors’ center that shows kids what they might or might not see—deer and mink, river otter, skunks, brook and rainbow trout. Raccoons and red foxes, snapping turtles and wild turkeys (we passed some of those on the road!)

The Cherokee—who lived here first—described the mountains as shaconage, "blue, like smoke." All of the southern Appalachians were once Cherokee land but in the 1800s, the westward move of white settlers—along with fraudulent government treaties—ultimately forced the Cherokee on "The Trail of Tears" west. Some eventually found their way back and today, their descendants, The Eastern Band of Cherokee, now live on a reservation next to the park in North Carolina. Besides the wonders of nature here, this park is a good place to learn some history—including one of the country’s largest collections of log structures and buildings put up by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, when as many as 1,000 workers at a time camped in the park. There are more than 100 historic buildings—cabins, barns, churches, schools and even four grist mills have been preserved. On some trails, you might see the remnants of stone walls and even fireplaces from cabins.

It’s also amazing that more than half of this park was massively logged--concern about the threat to the forests was what spurred Congress to establish the park in 1934. It’s amazing looking at all of the different trees that so much of this has grown since then.

Unlike other parks, this one was created from private lands--including 1200 farms. That’s why the people of Tennessee and North Carolina always have considered this "the people’s park" and vowed that it would always be free.

All the more reason for us to get out of the car and enjoy it!

The Living room is beautifully decked out for the holidays with greenery, wreaths and a tree in all its glory. On the mantel in my bedroom, Santa shares space with golden elk and garland festooned with bright red holiday balls and ribbon. Even the lamp is tied with a big red and gold holiday bow and there’s a poinsettia (albeit a silk one) in the bathroom.


And I didn’t have to do a thing. (I don’t have to take down the decorations either. That’s because I’m staying at The Inn at Christmas Place (www.InnatChristmasPlace.com) in Pigeon Forge, TN (www.mypigeonforge.com) which is about an hour’s drive from Knoxville and is considered the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Did I mention the performances by Singing Santas and caroling bells—even a two-story glockenspiel!

Pigeon Forge (population 6,100) draws over 10 million visitors a year—an admirable 86 percent returning. They come for the homey atmosphere, the attractions—shows, restaurants (chicken and dumplings or chicken fried steak maybe?), mini golf (at least five courses!), Dollywood, and access to the National Park—the most visited in the country--and seasonal festivals.

Winterfest—celebrating its 20th anniversary—is especially popular with holiday themed shows all over town and displays of more than five million lights—400 light poles decorated with lit snowflakes, skiing bears and gingerbread men, the ten days of Christmas in 10 displays (I especially liked the six geese a laying), an Old Mill on a hill complete with river rushing by, a Blacksmith forging snowflakes, Santa on a Harley, a train…Mother Goose flying, and her tales spelled out in lights-the mouse going up the clock, Humpty Dumpty falling off the wall, the cow jumping over the moon.

No wonder there are nine trolley tours a night drawing something like 9,000 people over the season (which incidentally lasts until February). “It’s become a family tradition for a lot of people to come here to see the lights,” says Sue Carr, who grew up here and now works for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. It’s also become a tradition for families to gather here for Thanksgiving in well-priced cabins and condos—often bringing special foods with them from Louisiana or Mississippi, notes our Trolley Guide Marvelle Sewell who has been leading these tours for 12 years since they started.

I’m proud that Pigeon Forge has partnered with TakingtheKids.com as a featured destination. It’s nice to see a place that families can afford to visit (easy to snare a one-bedroom cabin for well under $100 a night) can visit the most visited national park in the country—and one of the few that is free—and do a little shopping (outlet style) play mini golf, go to Dollywood and eat till they bust.

Let me tell you about our dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant on Little Pigeon River (www.old-mill.com). The name of this town, I learn, comes from all the passenger pigeons that fed on beech tree nuts that were found on the river banks. Forge was Isaac Love’s iron works built on the east bank of the river. The Old Mill—which still grinds flour—including all that is used at the restaurant—is next door. I can feel the pounds added to my hips just thinking about dinner: corn chowder and corn fritters—with corn meal milled right here, of course—Chicken and Dumplings, southern fried chicken, ham, country fried steak. Should I go on? All accompanied by mashed potatoes, green beans—as much as we can eat.

Is there room for desert? Pecan Pie and ice cream—perhaps the best I’ve ever eaten. We practically roll over to the trolly depot to join the throngs for the five mile tour through town of the Winterfest Lights.

Everyone is in a good mood—at the hotel too. One local suggests it’s because it’s Christmas and no one had to do any work putting up lights or decorations, wrapping presents, cooking and cleaning for guests.

I like that idea. Is it time for breakfast?

Another of our great breakfast meals while staying in Pigeon Forge was at Log Cabin Pancake House. It is located at the edge of town and is a local favorite. They have been open since 1976- so that in itself tells you they must be doing something right!!!!!

We arrived on a Saturday morning and business was boomin'. They do things the old fashioned way....no names on a list, no flashing beepers...just some good ‘ole waiting in a line. However, our wait wasn’t long. When we were seated, we were quickly attended to by our cute waitress wearing an old fashioned gingham skirt. I loved that the little divas got to experience this Southern lifestyle and the Southern accents just added to the ambience as well!

Jellybean and Peanut quickly placed their orders which were chocolate chip pancakes for one and biscuits and gravy for the other. Dad ordered a not so manly but oh so yummy French toast special and well, mom had a hard time deciding between all the unique pancake options. I finally decided on Pancakes Royale which is pancakes smothered in some amazing cream cheese sauce and topped with banana slices and powdered sugar. Ohhh was it heaven in my mouth! No complaints from the rest of the table either on how yummy their food was.

We were told that they also serve a lunch buffet that is a great representation of Southern home cookin', complete with homemade desserts. May have to try this on another trip.

Our family left this cozy establishment feeling very full and happy! We all gave it a thumbs up for good service and good, no amazing, food! This will be a must stop for us each time we visit Pigeon Forge because we are on a mission to try several of their special recipe pancake and crepe menu items.

If you are as big of fan of Christmas as me, then you have to make a stop at The Incredible Christmas Place!! It is such a cute little village with lots of shops, food, and all the sights and sounds of Christmas.

There are ornaments, Christmas decorations, trees, and lights galore in the shops as well as many collectibles and even a Boutique that carries Vera Bradley bags, jewelry, and Crabtree & Evelyn products. Jellybean and Peanut were allowed to pick out one special ornament each to purchase. Peanut found hers right away…it was a cute little Abby Cadabby ornament. For those of you not schooled in the world of preschool tv, she is a special pink fairy from Sesame Street. Jellybean searched for quite a bit to find her special treasure and finally came up with a rock star ornament that had a guitar on it. She is taking guitar lessons and thinks she will be a rock star someday so it was quite fitting for her. We even bought a cute family ornament that had black bears on it to remind us of Pigeon Forge every time we look at. The best part was they personalized each ornament for free!!!!

The whole family enjoyed browsing around. We made our way around the stores and found a spot with a station to write letters to Santa. The little divas sat down, wrote their letters, and placed them in the mailbox in hopes that he would get their letters of requests before Christmas. Outside there was a cut out picture prop where we took a family picture and will probably use as our Christmas card picture this year.

Mrs. Claus has a Candy Kitchen amongst the village too. However, since we made our stop to The Incredible Christmas Place first thing in the morning, we didn't tempt the little divas with any extra sugar for the day! If the smells are any indication on how the treats taste, they must be heavenly!!

According to their website, they will be opening a restaurant in the summer of 2010. It will be called The Partridge & Pear at Christmas Place. I'm sure it will be a fine addition to this great stop.

Pigeon Forge is home to Flyaway Indoor Skydiving which houses a 22 foot vertical wind tunnel!!! This was an adventure that dad and Jellybean were confident that they wanted to try and mom was semi confident. Peanut again wasn't old enough and didn't weigh enough to take her try.

We walked in and signed ourselves up for the next session. Mom and Jellybean were going to do the 1^st session and then dad would do the 2^nd session so that he could stay for Peanut. Next we headed up the stairs to observe others on their "flying" adventure until the next safety/training class started. Well, let's just say, mom chickened out!!! My stomach started feeling queasy and an anxious feeling overcame me...sorry Jellybean, gonna have to do this with dad!!!!!

So, I took my name off the list and Jellybean and dad went to their training session with 2 other flyers. They were shown a video that went over the safety techniques. They were taught the proper body positions when flying, the proper way to fall once inside the wind tunnel, as well as hand signals which are used for communication between you and the instructor while you are flying. Next, they headed out to get their gear- a wind suit, goggles, earplugs, and a helmet. Jellybean was ecstatic because their super cool instructor Mike gave her a pink helmet!!! She was so excited but mom on the other hand was really nervous for her...what if she forgot to tuck when she fell and instead broke an arm or leg trying to brace herself or what if she freaked out when she got up in the air.

Well, no turning back. The class of 4 and the instructor headed off into the wind tunnel. Peanut and I got to observe through the little windows spread around the outside of the tunnel. It was really loud!!!! Basically it was a tall room with a huge fan under a mesh looking floor and cushions all around the perimeter. The 4 students spread themselves out around the cushions and then they began. Each student was given time with the instructor who coached them through the process and helped them get up in the air. They were each given 2-3 trials that were about 3-5 minutes each. So total time inside the tunnel was about 15 minutes. Dad took his turn and did fairly well…although he took a couple of falls. Jellybean did amazing!!! She communicated well with the instructor with her hand signals and he got her flying the first try!!! Once in the air, the instructor caught on to some handles on the outside of her wind suit and he flew with her. Next thing I knew, they were at the top of the tunnel!

When their time was up and they came out to take off and return all of their gear, Jellybean had a huge smile on her face! She was sooo proud of herself and so were her dad and I!!

So if you are an adventure taker, Flyaway Indoor Skydiving is for you! They have some amazingly talented instructors there and again a very courteous staff to assist you with all the details.

One of our delicious meals while staying in Pigeon Forge was breakfast at Mama’s Farmhouse. The restaurant is a little hidden as it is not located on the Parkway (the main street that runs through Pigeon Forge); however, it is only a small jaunt away and well worth it!! It has a cute barn and silo located right beside the restaurant and the front porch of the restaurant has nice wooden rockers on it…one for Mama and one for Papa!

We were greeted with a warm, friendly welcome and quickly seated. I was very impressed at the cleanliness of the facility. It is a fairly new restaurant as it opened in April 2009; however, it still looks brand new inside. The servers all wear overalls and are very attentive.

Much to our surprise, there was no menu!!! It is a family style, all you can eat meal and let me tell you that you won’t be disappointed. The server brought out our drinks, a plate (which was actually more like a platter….hmmm was that a sign that lots of food was on its way?), and our silverware which was rolled up inside a dish towel instead of a napkin. Then, our first course arrived which included biscuits, pinwheels, fruit, and sides of molasses butter and peach butter. I just have to say that Jellybean and I thought the molasses butter was really good! Not long afterwards, a bowl of eggs, a bowl of hash browns, a bowl of grits, a bowl of sausage gravy, a plate of sweet potato pancakes, and a plate of sausage, bacon, and fried chicken tenders were delivered. What a meal….not often do we get to eat this much food so we took advantage of it! The variety covered the tastes of our family so each of us was a happy camper :)

This was by far one of the family’s favorite meals during our trip!! It was a bonus that the prices were super affordable…$8.99/ adult, $5.99 for kids ages 5-12, and FREE for kids 4 and under! They also serve lunch and dinner. Don’t miss out on this Pigeon Forge

Well, Dollywood was everything good we had heard from others as well as more!! Dollywood covers some massive grounds. From the parking lot, it is recommended that you take a tram up to the entrance unless you are adventurous and anxious to do a lot of walking. But be advised……you’ll have plenty of opportunity for walking once you get inside the park!!

As with every Pigeon Forge attraction, we were greeted and assisted by very friendly down home locals. The little divas grabbed us a map of the layout of the grounds but they did not give us any time to look at it and plan our adventures! So off we went on a “go with the flow” day.

We happened to attend during the month of the National Gospel and Harvest Celebration. There were craftsmen of all trades spread throughout the walkways of the park exhibiting their talents. One of my personal favorites was watching a farmer and his horse grind sugar cane to make sorghum syrup and telling my girls about my memories of having sorghum syrup on homemade biscuits at my grandma’s house as a little girl. Made me wish times hadn’t changed!!! As for the special gospel music shows…. well, the little divas didn’t allow us the see any of them!! They only had “rides” on their minds!!

So, nevertheless, we hit at least 75% of the rides in Dollywood!! The only ones we missed were the water rides which are closed during the fall and winter months and a few of the high thrill attractions. Peanut got her share of time on the Village Carousel, the Flying Elephants, and the Busy Bees. Jellybean was very adventurous and took her first trips on “big kid” roller coasters with her dad. They rode the Tennessee Tornado which a 70 mph triple loop steel roller coaster and the Mystery Mine which was a unique roller coaster ride with a big 90 degree drop. Not even mom could handle those!!! However, I did take Jellybean on the Dizzy Disk which was a high speed spinning ride that had us both a little “dizzy” afterwards!! As a family, we took a 5 mile ride on the Dollywood Express, an old fashioned steam train, and a trip on an old fashioned ferris wheel!!

All this fun made us a little hungry so we stopped for a burger and hot dogs in the Country Fair area and oh yes, and a nice warm cappuccino for mom! The temperature outside was a little brisk but it didn’t stop us from enjoying our meal outdoors.

We did manage to make it to a few other stops. “Dreamland Drive-In” was a show that was a great rendition of dancing and music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. It was an hour long and the little divas got pretty restless by the end. Another stop was the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary which is a 30,000 square foot aviary that is home to a number of non-releasable bald eagles.

So whether you are up for a day of crafts and shopping, a day of shows and entertainment, or a day of rides and thrill seeking adventure, Dollywood has it all and is fun for the young and old.!!

We just returned from a fall trip to Pigeon Forge and let me just say the scenery was breathtaking!!!! We stayed in a beautiful condo at Whispering Pines and our view from the rocking chairs on our balcony was so amazing.  The leaves on the trees were brilliant in color and the crisp fall mountain air was very welcomed by our family!  The condo had a fireplace with gas burning logs in it which we used everyday just for the coziness of it and also a big Jacuzzi tub which made bath time for the little divas all the more fun!

The city was decked out for the 13^th Annual Harvestfest.  There were fall decorations and pumpkins throughout the city and at most of the attractions which made for great photo backgrounds.   Our little divas are used to mommy saying “Awe, isn’t that pretty….stand next to it for a picture.”

Our trip was a short one but we had 3 adventure packed days that included Dollywood, 2 fabulous dinner shows, MagiQuest, indoor skydiving, a Country Tonite show, a drive over to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, shopping, and of course, plenty of good Southern food and sweet tea.  Look for future blog posts on these attractions.

One afternoon, the girls and I rode one of the cute trolleys that runs throughout the city.  What an affordable ride if you just want to take everything in and not worry about driving or finding a parking spot.  It costs us a whopping 50 cents per rider and the driver was very friendly and helpful.

We also made a stop at the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair and got to check out the works of some talented locals.  From sand art, to jewelry, to home decorations, to stained glass, to personalized bags, there was plenty to see.   However, it was hard for mommy to do much shopping because she was constantly swatting little hands off of breakables!

When the day came for us to leave and fly back home, the whole family was sad and wishing that we could stay and take in more of the fall beauty in Pigeon Forge.

From the moment we drove into Pigeon Forge, the whole family knew that this would be an attraction that we definitely could not miss!! My 7 year old daughter, Jellybean, was enthralled by this building that was “upside down” and could not fathom how in the world we would be able to walk around inside of it. Kudos to the architect that designed this masterpiece……truly a creative genius!!

So needless to say, our first adventure in Pigeon Forge was a trip to WonderWorks. As we entered the front door and made our way through the crowd (good sign that this was going to be fun) to purchase our tickets, Jellybean and now Peanut, who is 3 years old, continued to be perplexed by the building and lobby that appeared to be “upside down.” However, we made our way through the laser light inversion tunnel and the whole family became amazed at the 120+ exhibits that awaited us.

First up was the Disaster Zone where we were juggled around in the Quake Café which simulated what an earthquake, 5.3 on the Richter scale, would feel like and then we were caught up in the hurricane force wind simulator which had our hair going all kinds of directions!!! Lots of laughs and giggles were had by all of us here. The Challenge Zone was next and an indoor rock climbing wall intrigued Jellybean. Tough and challenging for our sweet little diva! Peanut, not big enough to climb the wall, played around on the virtual reality bikes and other games in this area. Ready for more, we headed into the Space Zone and both of the girls loved getting inside a space shuttle and playing with the control buttons as well as standing inside a life size replica of an astronaut’s space suit. So much to learn in this zone and plenty of good photo ops!! The next hall led us to the Light and Sound Zone which had a sound lab that neither of the girls would go into because it was dark and behind closed doors!! I am not sure if this is where the Bed of Nails was or not, but it caught Jellybean’s attention. She laid down on the “bed” where almost 3500 nails slowly were brought up against her and somehow she felt NO pain! The Bubble Lab was close-by. Jellybean and Peanut made ginormous bubbles with the wands and laughed as they popped. It was very cute to see them amidst all of the big bubbles!!! My favorite section followed which was the Far Out Illusion Gallery. It was like walking through an art gallery with super cool illusional pictures hanging on the walls and there was a harp with what appeared to be no strings that somehow made music when you pretended to play the strings. Peanut loved drawing on the wall size Magic Finger Paint board. Nonetheless, something else here was grabbing all of our attention… a bathroom with clear windows!! Much to our surprise when we went inside and shut the door, the windows magically became frosted!!! Of course, we had to play here for quite a bit. Last of all, no adventure would be complete without an arcade, prize counter, and refreshments.

Fun times were definitely had!!! Jellybean drew pictures of upside down houses for the remainder of our trip and shared them with everyone we met. Both kids requested a 2nd visit during our stay in Pigeon Forge and you guessed it, their wish was granted!!! We spent about an hour and a half there each visit but we could have easily stayed longer. This is a GREAT rainy day activity!!!

My only regret is that we missed the Hoot-n-Holler Dinner Show that is on site. However, this fun attraction will be a “must do” when we make it back to Pigeon Forge, so we’ll make the dinner show a reality then!!!