Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has become one of the largest draws for tourism in the east Tennessee area.  Occupying the space between its sister cities of Sevierville and Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best family fun to be had in the southeast.  Dolllywood, Dixie Stampede and many other attractions call this town home.  Hotels, inns and cabins cover the landscape and make finding lodging easy to find and a bargain.  Pigeon Forge is a great vacation destination in the heart of the Smokies.

History
The city of Pigeon Forge grew up along the banks of the Little Pigeon River. The focus of the city for the longest time was the mill and the blacksmith.  Long before the European settlers came to the area, what is now Sevier County, belonged to the Cherokee Indian Nation.  With the establishment of forts along trade routes the first settlers arrived in the Pigeon Forge area. From the late 1700s through the early 1900s Pigeon Forge, like Gatlinburg, was just another small mountain town. All that changed in 1934 with the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Gatlinburg grew into a tourism based economy very quickly but they are hemmed in by their natural barriers.  The obvious place to grow was Pigeon Forge. Starting with a few hotels and a few shops around the Old Mill area, Pigeon Forge began to become an attraction unto itself. In 1961 Rebel Railroad, the theme park that would become Dollywood was opened and the growth spurt began.  Now Pigeon Forge is a travel destination for millions of visitors each year.

Attractions
There is enough entertainment in Pigeon Forge to fill your vacation time.  In fact you could probably spend your entire vacation just in Pigeon Forge and not be bored a single minute.  There are few places that offer theme parks, family fun centers, shopping and live theater in such volume.  Dollywood is a huge draw for the area.  Bringing people looking for the numerous special events they offer each year and for the traditional theme park enthusiasts.  Shopping is certainly another draw for Pigeon Forge visitors.  Outlet malls have always been part of the fabric of the area and people love a good deal.  At night there are plenty of places to go see great live theater.  From Broadway-style musicals to reviews you can find a theater to fit every taste.  Some of them will even fit your taste buds because they are dinner shows.

Restaurants
Pigeon Forge is a family dining paradise.  Buffets, familiar faces and some unusual offerings are found on both sides of the Parkway.  A buffet is a great place for families.  Being able to chose from a buffet where everybody gets to choose their favorite is much better than part of the group not liking the meal for the evening.  Pigeon Forge also boasts a lot of familiar restaurants that provide comfort food to the whole family.  There are also some unique places that you may not find where you live.  From exotic foreign food to intimate cafes Pigeon Forge is a delight.

Lodging
Pigeon Forge lodging is user friendly.  Every type of lodging is present and amenity that you can imagine is represented.  If you are looking for a high class hotel or motel with a penthouse-style suite, Pigeon Forge has it.  If you are looking for a cabin in the woods with plenty of seclusion, Pigeon Forge has it.  If you want a bed & breakfast or an inn for the more homey feeling, Pigeon Forge has it.  Lodging abounds and fits all tastes.