Inside Pigeon Forge TN

Next time you’re in Pigeon Forge, or passing through, stop by and try Little Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar, you won’t regret it. Their hibachi grill is one of the best pieces of culinary entertainment in the Smoky Mountains and their sushi rivals that of some of the country’s most artistic chefs. But it’s not just their exceptional food; whether you’re looking for a festive atmosphere suitable for the whole family or a more romantic dinner for two, Little Tokyo answers the call every time. If you’re looking for something completely different from your normal East Tennessee fare, Little Tokyo is that eclectic spot that will become a destination for you.

Hibachi is a very popular dining option in most U.S. cities nowadays. Just take a seat around one of the grills at Little Tokyo and watch the food come alive. Come in with a large group and you will likely have one of the grills all to yourselves, which makes it even better. Each meal begins with miso soup and a salad. A side of sushi to go along with your meal is the perfect in between. After placing your orders, the chef begins to ready your table for the meal to come; this is where the fun starts. Whether it’s the chefs flinging rice balls or the flaming onion volcano, everyone is in awe of the chef’s culinary tricks. While your food is being prepared before your very eyes, chefs are demonstrating their skilled knife work and a food juggling act that usually involves eggs and some other ingredient.

So it’s not hibachi that you’re in the mood for on this day? Maybe it’s something a bit more raw you’re yearning for. Little Tokyo’s sushi bar is second ton none in the Smoky Mountains. Their two page list of sushi is enough to satisfy even the staunchest of sushi-lovers. These plates could be considered edible works of art. Little Tokyo’s chefs are skilled in the delicate art of sushi creation. There isn’t a bad piece of sushi to be found on their menu. Here’s one recommendation – the Kiwi Roll. This sushi roll has lobster meat inside with kiwi sliced thinly over the top and drizzled with coconut sauce. For you sushi connoisseurs, sit at the sushi bar next time and watch the sushi chef work.

Little Tokyo in Pigeon Forge is a great place to take the family if your looking for an upscale dining experience in the Smokies. If you are looking for something a little more romantic, Little Tokyo can provide that too. Visit our dining room and have your own little slice of solitude without the big group feel of the hibachi grill. The lights are low, the room is quieter and you can have that intimate dinner for two that you are looking for on your weekend getaway in the Smokies. If you are looking for that place that is out of the ordinary while you are in the mountains, try Little Tokyo and add it to your favorite places to eat while you are on vacation in Pigeon Forge.

Little Tokyo
2430 Teaster Lane, Suite 212
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-908-0555

So you, your family, and friends have decided to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN for the day and you’re looking for some tips on making the experience more enjoyable. Well you’ve come to the right place as we’ve compiled the best tips on Dollywood coupons, the best days to visit, what to wear, ways to save money, and more! Here’s our list of 10 tips that will make your day at Dollywood much more enjoyable!

1. It’s Dollywood…not Dollyworld or Dolly World – Many people mistakingly call the theme park “Dollyworld” I suppose since it sounds close to “Disneyworld”. Dolly’s theme park, though, is named Dollywood as a play on words to Hollywood. So now that you know how it’s pronounced, spelled, etc you don’t have to come to town asking for information about Dollyworld. This should save you at least a laugh or two!
2. Ride the Trolley – Parking is $6 for a standard-sized vehicle and $9 for RV’s or anything larger. A trolley ride is .50 per person and it will take you right to the entrance of Dollywood. So yeah, you would have to have 24 people riding the trolley to equal the cost of parking! You can park at Patriot Park for free and then hop on a Dollywood trolley that runs every 15 minutes.
3. Eat Before You Go – This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember. Food at Dollywood can be pricey, so try to fill up before you enter the park and then try to make it through the day on snacks purchased at Dollywood or a single meal. A local favorite is Red’s Diner in the 50′s section. The burger, fries, and shakes are great!

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It seems like Dollywood is consistently making itself over each year with a new show, roller coaster, addition to Splash Country, what have you. They really like to keep things fun, fresh, and kid-minded around there. With that in mind, every year the park turns its spotlight on its most valued customers with the annual KidsFest (June 22 – July 29) at Dollywood.

Blowing bubbles takes on a whole new meaning with The Gazillion Bubbles Show that will be a part of KidsFest throughout 2012 season. They’re not just for birthday parties and wedding receptions. This interactive show will present eye-popping displays filled with lasers, spectacular lighting effects, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry.

Appearing on Dollywood’s Showstreet, The Gazillion Bubbles Show has been seen on every major television network and several cable news shows. This summer, you can see it at Dollywood six days a week. No shows on Monday.

Also headling this year’s KidFest will be Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience – a brand new show featuring the acrobatics of man’s best friend. Watch your head for the flying dogs as a dozen of America’s most talented canines defy gravity and perform incredible jumps, tricks and stunts as seen on such popular shows as the Oprah Winfrey show, Nickelodeon and Animal Planet.

This summer, Dolly’s Imagination Playhouse will feature the Penguin Players (June 15 – August 5). This talented group of actors and actresses will bring three popular kids stories to life onstage at Dolly’s Imagination Playhouse. These musicals last about 20 minutes and are filled with songs you can sing to, including some written by Dolly herself!

The first story is a classic that most of us have heard and some even grew up on – The Little Engine That Could. This determined Little Engine triumphantly pulls a train full of toys to the waiting children on the other side of a mountain, and all despite lacking in size than most trains. Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad is a tale about Lulu, a little girl who loves to dress up in her ladybug costume and use her imagination to turn every moment into an adventure. The final play, Otis, centers around a tractor who roams the fields after a hard day’s work and plays in the haystacks, but it’s his determination that shows there’s a place for everyone.

No matter what age you are, you sure to have a great at this summer’s Dollywood KidsFest. Bring a friend or 10 and get ready for fun times, laughs, and the best that Dollywood has to offer.

When it comes to live shows, Pigeon Forge can line them up with anyone short of Broadway. Next time you’re coming into town, make sure that at least one show you see is the Tennessee Shindig. This is by far one of the best Pigeon Forge has to offer. You’ll see one of the best stage bands in the area as well as a great quartet and a host of celebrity tribute artists. Looking to grab a meal while you’re out? Well, just sit tight. The Wood Grill Buffet is tied in with the show, so purchase a combo ticket for the show/dinner combo.

The celebrity tribute artists are the bread and butter of the Tennessee Shindig and what keep the guests coming back year after year. From Ray Charles and Reba McIntyre to Garth Brooks and Stevie Wonder, the theater has seen its share of celebrity performers over the years. All these performers are professionals who are known the world over for their talents. You won’t find the Blues Brothers on the same stage with Marilyn Monroe at many places, if at all. At the Shindig, it’s one of the most popular shows.

The Soundsations – a men’s quartet, star in the Tennessee Shindig each night. Their “1,000 Moves” show is worth the price of admission alone. These four guys can cover any type of music and their voices leave nothing to the imagination. Their convincing country, 50s, and gospel performances are just the start. The Soundsations mix harmony with their ability to entertain. And one of the members doubles as a part of the band. The Shindig’s band is one of the most impressive in the area. They easily slide from country to bluegrass to rock and roll without missing a beat. You’ll be amazed at the band’s ability to keep the show blazing along.

Right next to the Tennessee Shindig is the Wood Grill buffet. They have discount packages that feed a group for next to nothing. The combination of a great show with great food that the whole family will love and at a great low price is just another aspect of the Tennessee Shindig that keeps people coming back every time they visit the Smokies. Though it’s not a dinner show, there is the option of eating dinner before the show at a restaurant right next door to the theater. After dinner, just leave your car parked where it is and walk to the theater.

The Tennessee Shindig is a show that you don’t want to miss while you’re in the Smoky Mountains. Located at the corner of the Parkway and Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge at traffic light No. 2, they’re easy to find and just a short walk from some of the town’s most popular attractions, restaurants and hotels. And don’t forget the rest of Pigeon Forge while you’re here… Grab dinner and a show ticket and watch one of the best shows in the area. Spend a great evening with the cast of the Tennessee Shindig.

Tennessee Shindig
2385 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
1-888-908-3327
www.tnshindig.com

My, how the time has flown! This year marks the 12th year of the Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show. Despite the numerous events and exhibitions gearhead-related in Pigeon Forge each year, the Pontiac show is always one the area’s most anticipated.

If you want to see some of the most gorgeous Pontiacs around – GTOs, Trans-Ams, etc, be sure to attend the 12th Annual show on June 1, 2, and 3, 2012. The show will be held at The Music Road Hotel in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

As if this show needed any added incentive, this year the event features a $1000 payout to be split by the Best of Show winners in both the stock and modified classes. And be sure to bring the whole family as there is something in Pigeon Forge for everyone! Whether you want to hit the waterslide into the heated pool at the Music Road Hotel, visit Dollywood Amusement Park just down the parkway for some serious thrills and rides, or shop till you drop at the Tanger outlet malls, we assure you that this will be a weekend you won’t forget.

If you’re heading to Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge don’t be surprised if you do a double-take to your right on the way there. That’s right, that was a huge catfish you saw. Around here, it’s Huck Finn’s Catfish restaurant’s calling card. But don’t just keep going, stop in and grab a bite to eat. This is one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge, no less the Smoky Mountains. Their menu consists of everything from catfish to country cooking you grew up on. Their service is second to none in the area and they feature live music almost every night. Huck Finn’s will have you coming back for more and bringing your friends with you.

Obviously, when you’ve got catfish in your name, you’re specialty is catfish. Or at least it better be. Whether you want it fried, golden-brown and served in fillets or whole fish, Huck Finn’s has mastered catfish cooking. They bring in the best catfish from farms in Mississippi. You won’t find any puny or under-prepared catfish here.

So you’re looking for something other than the usual? Place an order for fried chicken. It’s so crispy my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Can’t decide between the two? Try the catfish and the fried chicken. At Huck Finn’s Catfish, it’s all-you-can-eat so, they’ll keep serving it up if you keep asking for it. And be sure to at least take a glance at the menu, there are many more seafood choices that you might want to try next time.

Each meal comes with a family-sized portion of sides. You could fill up on the vittles alone, though I wouldn’t suggest it. The catfish and chicken are just too good. Tempting though, especially when your server brings out hushpuppies, cole slaw, white beans & ham, onion and pickles. This is also all-you-can-eat, so don’t worry about taking too much. Ask for as much as you like. In our opinion, you can’t ever have too many hushpuppies.

Huck Finn’s Catfish isn’t a Johnny-come-lately establishment, it’s become a Smoky Mountain destination over the years. Part of the reason they’ve been so successful for such a long time are their knowledgeable and hard-working servers. Huck Finn’s wait staff works really well together- most are from the area and truly enjoy their job. Not only is the food prepared quickly, but exactly to your order and drink refills are prompt as well as the all-you-can-eat sides, catfish, and chicken. On top of that, live music on the stage almost every night makes Huck Finn’s a pretty happening place even during the week. It’s easy to see why they’ve been around for so long.

Got a craving for some of the best seafood and country cooking in Pigeon Forge? Huck Finn’s is the answer. Looking for a great all-you-can-eat restaurant specializing in southern foods like catfish and fried chicken: stop by Huck Finn’s, you won’t be disappointed. Looking for live entertainment any day of the week to go along with a great staff? Check. Huck Finn’s has what you’re looking for. Whether you’re coming through Pigeon Forge on vacation, or just enjoying a night out on the town, make Huck Finn’s Catfish Restaurant a destination and enjoy their local culinary delights.

Huck Finn’s Catfish
3330 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-429-3353
www.huckfinnsrestaurant.com

The Synchronized Fireflies return to Elkmont June 4-12.

If you want to see a show while you’re in town that you can’t see anywhere else in this hemisphere, then you should see the synchronized fireflies in Elkmont. It’s simply an amazing experience that lasts for about one week out of the year (around the second week of June… 4-12 this year). These lil’ critters fire up around 9:30 p.m. and start a show that can only be seen in Gatlinburg and Southeast Asia (who knew we had something in common!). They start flashing random at first and then all of a sudden they start blinking together in bursts that last up to six seconds! It has become more and more popular in the last few years, so the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has imposed some rules if you want to see the show. Our sister site, Inside Gatlinburg, has the scoop, so hop on over using the link below to get the details!

Synchronized Fireflies in Gatlinburg

What They Say:

The Comedy Barn Theater, located in Pigeon Forge, TN, is the award winning family comedy variety show in the Smokey Mountains. Our show features magicians, fire-eaters, jugglers, ventriloquists, clean family comedians, live country and gospel music as well as fun barn yard animals. The Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge offers clean comedy for an enjoyable evening of family fun. You’ll laugh until you can’t laugh anymore. Don’t forget to stop in on your next trip to the Smokies in Pigeon Forge!

What The Pigeon Forge Insider Says:

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There are plenty of places to eat in Pigeon Forge from chain restaurants to small hole-in-the-wall places that you’d probably never think about stepping foot in. Some restaurants are incredible while others are…well…not. The best thing to do when getting into town (or any town for that matter) is to ask the person behind the desk of wherever you’re staying where they like to eat. Finding out where the locals go will lead you to numerous places you’d never even think of trying. While the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille isn’t a “hole-in-the-wall”, it is located right across the street from the much larger (and more popular) Old Mill Restaurant so it often gets bypassed by numerous visitors. Their loss! Don’t make the same mistake.

If you’re looking for a unique place to eat that offers a variety of foods you most likely have never tasted, then definitely check out the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille in Pigeon Forge, TN. Located off traffic light No. 7 in the heart of Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille has a setting as unique as its menu. If the weather is nice, then sit out back in the garden area where you will find a water path surrounded by flowers and foliage. It’s as perfect for a date as it is for an entire family. The inside of the restaurant has a slightly rustic feel and is just as nice to dine in.

The menu, though, is what sets the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille apart from every other restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN. The local favorite off the menu is the Chicken Reuben with homemade potato chips. If a chicken reuben sandwich sounds unappealing, don’t worry…it sounded awful when I first read it. After the waitress talked me into it as it being the favorite item on the menu, I haven’t looked back or even thought of ordering anything else! I’ve taken family & friends to the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille and they have had a variety of dishes and loved all of them. I’ve honestly never seen someone order something that didn’t make them point out how great it tasted! Continue reading ‘Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille’

If you love bluegrass music, then it doesn’t get much better than Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN during May and June! If you also love barbecue, then it definitely doesn’t get better than Dollywood’s BBQ & Bluegrass going on from May 26 – June 10, 2012.

The park will be filled with numerous bluegrass entertainers playing your favorite hits as well as some tunes you probably haven’t heard before! When you get hungry, you can chow down on some of the finest BBQ the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer. The BBQ action takes place at Market Square where visiting chefs will be cooking up some of the tastiest barbecue your mouth will ever taste. They’ll even be giving demonstrations on cooking BBQ so that you can be the king of the grill in your own neighborhood!

Park admission gets you 300 free concerts by a handful of the greatest bluegrass acts in the country, plus some great barbeque and apple pie. Musical acts this year include Grammy award-winner Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder, Riders in the Sky, Rhonda Vincent as well as a number of local and renowned national performers!

The list of performers for the bluegrass festival this year looks great! They have a great mix of big names as well as up-and-comers that are sure to leave the audiences beggin’ for more. If there was ever a reason to purchase a season pass at Dollywood, this is it! If you are lucky enough to make it to this bluegrass festival, be sure to share your experience in the comment area below! Also, be sure to check out our tips for visiting Dollywood.

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