Author: pigeon forge insider

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

One of the best burgers to be found in the Smoky Mountains – Five Guys Burgers and Fries is located at Walden’s Landing in Pigeon Forge.

ZAGAT Survey Rated since 2001

One of the best burgers that you will have in the Smokies is from Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  They are a national chain but their burgers are so good that if you don’t have one in your home town… drop what you are doing and go eat there.  The burgers are in their name for a reason – the burgers are fantastic, of course.  Right next to the burgers on the menu, and in the hearts of their fanatics, are the fries – mounds of them.  On top of the great food they are also centrally located so you always have a chance to eat there while you are on vacation in the Smoky Mountains.

I like a juicy, big burger.  The burgers at Five Guys Burgers & Fries are the juiciest and some of the biggest you will find in the area.  The burgers are made from smaller patties, stacked on each other and steamed on a flat top so that they have great flavor and they are done all the way through.  The steaming keeps all the flavor and juice inside the burger.  Then they take the burger and put it on a fresh bun and cover it with whatever toppings you want.  Read through the list of toppings on the left.  Is there anything missing there?  I don’t think so either.  Get your burger ‘all the way‘ (with the most popular toppings) and you are going to find it difficult to get your mouth wide enough to eat the burger.  And you may want to bring a change of clothes in case you make a mess.

Now to share a story:  The first time that I went to Five Guys Burgers & Fries, I ordered a large fry for my wife and a large fry for myself.  The guy behind the counter said that I only needed one.  I took him at his word and decreased the size of the order to only one large fry, knowing that if we needed another I could just walk back up and order another one.  When I went to the counter to pick up my food, I was shocked and amazed, we did not need another fry.  They gave me a BAG of fries.  There was a large cup of fries in the bag but it was resting on top of a mound of fries that took up almost half of the bag.  The fries are fresh:  fresh cut and fresh cooked.  The moisture slowly creeps out of the bag and the smell from the inside of that bag is the most comforting of comfort food smells ever.  But do be cautious when you order fries or you will take some home to eat for the next month.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries is located in the Walden’s Landing area of Pigeon Forge.  Firehouse Golf, plenty of retail locations and a stadium seating theater is there, right in Walden’s Landing.  You can find that you spend the better part of an afternoon and evening right next to traffic light 3 in Pigeon Forge.  Five Guys faces the road so they are easy to find.  With their own parking lot and plenty of seating, come get in line, place your order and let the anticipation build as you smell the burgers cooking.  Eat some of the complimentary peanuts and wait for them to call your number.  When you get back to your table open the bag close to your face and let the steam from the bag wash over you.  You may never look at burgers the same way again.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
2525 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-453-1445
Web

Patriot Park and Old Mill area (Heritage Days, Sept. 22)

Patriot Park and the Old Mill are two of the many attractions visitors in Pigeon Forge can take in away from the Parkway.

the-old-mill-pigeon-forge-tennesseeIn the center of Pigeon Forge is an area dominated not by Go-Cart Tracks and Mini-Golf but by lush green grass and quaint little specialty shops. Patriot Park and the Old Mill area are remarkable in their diversity, known for the scenery and a stop that everyone should add to their itinerary. The Old Mill restaurant boasts some of the best home-style food to be had in the county. The shops at the Old Mill range from toys to candy to pottery. Patriot Park is home to the main location for the Fun Time Trolley and is also a great walking track right in the middle of town. This area of Pigeon Forge has become a destination for some, and not just a stop on their visit to Pigeon Forge.

The area also holds its annual Heritage Days celebration (this year, September 22) where guests can see quilt demonstrations, a petting zoo, kid’s train rides, basket making, a farmers market and much more! You’ll get to experience life in the 18th century first hand as you learn to make such early American staples as lye soap and apple butter. People young and old enjoy Old Mill Heritage Days. It’s a festival not to be missed if you’re in Pigeon Forge.

In addition, the Old Mill Restaurant is one of the best known restaurants on the Tennessee-side of the Smokies. It’s a popular spot for photographs and just watching. This three-story building dominates the middle of town and sits beside the Pigeon River. Part of the charm of the restaurant is in fact its location. You can hear the river bubbling as it passes outside and of course you can walk down and snap a quick picture of the waterfall next to the water-wheel, one of the most photographed sights in the area. And though the location is beautiful, it pales in comparison to the food inside. Most restaurants have a dish that they are famous for, in the case of the Old Mill it is their corn chowder and corn fritters. The chowder is more than a soup it is a meal and the fritters are so good you will keep asking for more.

The shops at the Old Mill are as unique and varied as they come. The Toy Bin that faces Patriot Park carries those toys from by-gone years. Items that you may have grown up with in the 50s, 60s and 70s are back on the shelves and promise to fascinate a new generation. The Candy Kitchen also enjoys nostalgia with everything from Mary Jane’s to wax lips. Of course the main reason for going to the candy shop is their selection of salt water taffy. Every flavor under the sun plus some sugar free options in bins so that you can get the assortment that suits you best. Around the corner from the candy store is the pottery shop. The pieces they offer range from the usable to the beautiful. The salt and pepper shaker bears you will see in the Old Mill restaurant are available for purchase along with many other Smoky Mountains themed objects.

Patriot Park, which is home to many special events throughout the year, is also one of the best walking tracks in the county. Part of the trail follows the shore of the Pigeon River. The park itself is dedicated to the memory of the veterans that served wartime from Sevier County. One of the focal points of this exhibit is a Patriot Missile which of course was made famous during the first Gulf War. Around the track there are also flags from the 50 states and from the various branches of the armed forces. The parking area of Patriot Park is the hub of the Fun Time Trolley that services Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. You can park your car for free and catch a trolley to Dollywood or any point in Pigeon Forge. Whether you are jumping on a trolley headed for Splash Country or going to eat at the Old Mill the patriot park area of Pigeon forge is something to be enjoyed. Make sure you take time to take it in.

2013 Grand Fall Rod Run Car Show

Registration and event information for the 2012 Fall Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, TN car show. Info includes prices, where to stay, when to come, and what to do for the Pigeon Forge Grand Run!

As summer comes to an end and millions of visitors flock to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN to see the leaves change color in the fall , there is one last event that brings the town to life (well… to a stand-still really)… that’s the Fall Grand Rod Run September 12-15, 2013. Headquartered at the former Grand Resort Hotel and Convention Center, this year it’s no different. Locals have always called it the Fall Grand Rod Run, but apparently it’s called Grand Run Fall… whatever you call it, it’s a huge car show (or rod run) – that is mostly made up of… you guessed it… hot rods. This is the “sister” event to the Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, TN held in April.

As was suggested for the Shades of the Past Car Show, if you have no interest in car shows, then it is highly suggested to avoid Pigeon Forge, TN September 12-15 as you will not be able to drive anywhere on the weekend. Also, you can forget getting a good night’s sleep if you’re close to the parkway. There’s something about revving engines and peeling tires at 3 a.m. that just gets people fired up.

Now, if you do love hot rods, car shows, rod runs, and Pigeon Forge, TN then you are in luck! You’ll be in heaven as you walk the parkway, cruise the strip, listen to classic music, scope the tweaked out cars, etc. The Fall Rod Run is a rodder’s paradise.

*Insider Tip – If you plan to park in a parking lot along the strip, keep in mind that all of the spaces between the power poles and the parkway are owned by the city and have been “free” and “open” for parking. Anything between the power pole and the businesses the spots are in front of are owned by the business. You may be told to move and then towed if you don’t move. Just be respectful of the business owners as they are the ones that keep voting for car shows to return to Pigeon Forge year after year. Without their vote, you’d be attending car shows in some other town or not at all.

Grand Rod Run Information:

Official Grand Rod Run Registration for participants and vendors

  • Participants:
    30 Days Before Event = $30
    Within 30 Days of Event = $40
  • Vendors:
    Outside Space (9×16) = $135
    Inside Space (10×10) = $155
  • Sales Corral = $75

For more information about any of the Grand Rod Runs, contact:
MCS Promotions
865-687-3976
Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm EST

Hotels affiliated with the Fall Grand Rod Run:
(I in no way am recommending any of these hotels…these are simply the places affiliated with the event…in other words “owned by the same company as the host hotel”)

Family Inns of America – West
3114 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
865-453-4905

Family Inns of America – East
3785 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, Tenn
865-453-5573

Family Inns of America – North
3239 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, Tenn
865-453-7151

Family Inns of America – South
4112 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, Tenn
865-453-5549

Family Inns of America – Twin Malls
2647 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-429-2244 or 800-251-4444

Grand Inns of America
3206 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-0056 or 800-247-8282

Smoky Shadows Motel and Conference Center
4215 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-7155 or 800-282-2121

Again, For more information about any of the Grand Rod Runs, contact:
MCS Promotions
865-687-3976
Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm EST

For Pigeon Forge hotel information call: 865-453-6618 or 800-251-9752

Check out the full Pigeon Forge Car Show Schedule. You may also want to see our list of the best hotels in Pigeon Forge as well Pigeon Forge cabin rentals.

Have fun and enjoy the Fall Grand Rod Run 2013 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

2012 Shades of the Past Car Show

Entry forms for participants & vendors to the 2011 Shades of the Past car show, traffic tips, and more about Shades of the Past in Pigeon Forge, TN Car Show and Rod Run.

Shades of the Past Car Show Pigeon Forge TN
It’s that time of year again for the 2012 Shades of the Past XXX car show in Pigeon Forge, TN. Grease that hair back and dust off those poodle skirts. For lovers of classic cars, this is definitely a rod run you don’t want to miss. If you’re reading this, you probably already know about it and what it is. For those of you that don’t know about it and don’t have much of an interest in car shows or rod runs, then I highly suggest you do not come near Pigeon Forge between September 7-8.

The 2012 Shades of the Past XXX will take place on September 7-8 (Friday and Saturday) at Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, TN. During the show (and the days before & after) the parkway will turn into a parade of rods, customs, and classic cars with people sitting in lawn chairs all down the strip. You could literally walk from one end of Pigeon Forge to the other faster than you could drive through all of the traffic. Husbands, if you’re coming to the rod run with your wife (who doesn’t have the same interests) I suggest you drop her off early down at Five Oaks Mall in Sevierville. That should keep her happy and occupied most of the day while you’re at the car show.

For more information, contact:
Shades of the Past Rod Run Chairman
Dan Draper
3343 Big Springs Road
Maryville, TN 37801-8908.
FAX (865) 995-9097

You may also want to see our list of the best hotels in Pigeon Forge as well as Sevierville cabins and Pigeon Forge cabin rentals.

Car Shows and Rod Runs in September

Schedule and info for rod runs and car shows in Pigeon Forge during September. Get the dates, websites, phone numbers, maps, entry forms, etc to be a part of these huge car shows!

It’s that time of year again! If you love classic cars, then you’ve probably been to or heard of the monster car shows taking place in Pigeon Forge, TN during the month of September. If the simple thought of Shades of the Past and Grand Rod Run makes you reminisce back to your younger days when you’d count down the days until Christmas…well…you’re time has come once again! People get down-right giddy about these car shows as they line up and down the parkway in their fold-up chairs and will sit all day long in the baking sun to get a glimpse of that piece of machinery that gave them their first grumble in the stomach. There just seems to be something about rubbing elbows with 100,000 people that share the same love for real cars that were made to last…nope…they sure don’t make them like they use to.

Most of us remember the days of working on engines that had enough room to sit in and take a nap if we wanted. These days, if you drop a wrench in the engine you’ll probably never see it again…unless you have a 5 year old with a pencil-thin arm that can wiggle through the belts, hoses, wires, etc. The bodies of these cars could be fixed with a hammer, bondo, and paint. Now you have to know how to work with fiberglass and take half the car apart just to replace a bumper. Let’s face it…if the “old days” and these cars weren’t so great, these car shows would have faded into history by now. But no…these cars are amazing…the people that love them are passionate…and Pigeon Forge, TN is a great backdrop in the Great Smoky Mountains to show off these bad boys. It’s time to get these shows on the road!

Schedule of Pigeon Forge Car Shows in September

The links for Shades of the Past and the Fall Grand Rod Run will take you to pages with entry forms, maps, and other info…so be sure to check them out! This list is taken from our Pigeon Forge Car Shows Schedule.

September
7-8 Shades of the Past Rod Run XXX (more info)
Dollywood’s Splash Country
http://www.shadesofthepast.com
14-15 Fall Grand Rod Run (more info)
Former Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center
865-687-3976 or 800-251-4444 or 1-800-475-1188

Murder Mystery Dinner Show… You’ll laugh ’til you die!

The Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge mixes a “Who Done It?” thriller with the delicious tastes of a three-course meal in the heart of the Smokies.

Looking for something other than your typical Smoky Mountain fare? Well, look no further than The Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge. It’s a real “Who done it?” in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. It’s an evening of great food and entertainment at every show and with the talented group of actors and actresses, the show is constantly changing throughout the week. The Murder Mystery Dinner Show is located in one of the most intimate theaters in Pigeon Forge, it almost feels like you’re part of the show while dining at your table.

Fairly new to the area, The Murder Mystery Dinner Show began performances in the early 2000s in a quaint spot across from the Belz Factory Outlet Mall (now Pigeon River Crossing). Though they have expanded over the years, you still get the feeling of an enjoyable performance in an intimate theater. A few things are especially of note: you have a 360 degree view of the show, you are up close and personal with the actors and because this is live theater, you are a part of every show. Each and every show is a little different – something you can only do in a smaller theater.

When you purchase your tickets to the Murder Mystery Dinner Show you are guaranteed a great meal while you enjoy the everything the show has to offer. For starters, their creamy vegetable soup is delicious and that’s followed up with a garden salad. After that, it’s on with the main course – pork loin, oven-roasted chicken, vegetables, mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. That would sound like good southern cooking to anyone around here. You don’t even have to pick one; you get both the pork and the chicken. If you’ve got any room left there’s cheesecake for desert. It’s great food and even better service.

Following dinner, that’s when the mystery commences. Currently, the theater is running three shows each week – so be sure to check their website or call the box office to find out what show is playing each night. Moonshine Murders – a brand new show for this year – chronicles the misadventures of a moonshine family in the Smokies and features a “Dukes of Hazard-esque” cast. “Whodunit Lucy” is a parody of the I Love Lucy Show with a murderous beginning. “Frankly Scarlett, You’re Dead” is an evening of antebellum mystery, a la Gone with the Wind. Choose your favorite or just go see all three. All three shows are fun, funny and designed to crack you up with their off the wall humor.

It’s a dinner show with a delightful, macabre story to go along with your meal – that’s the Murder Mystery Dinner Show in a nutshell. Come for the meal and stay for the great show. Fair warning, once you’ve bought you’re ticket, you’re officially part of the show. Make sure that the Murder Mystery Dinner Show is a part of your next Smoky Mountain getaway.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show
2682 Teaster Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN
888-641-7195
http://www.murder-mystery-theater.com

Veteran & Active Duty Discounts in Pigeon Forge

Veteran and military discounts in Pigeon Forge, TN are just a part of Celebrate Freedom during the month of August. Get all of the details along with a list of business that provide discounts to these heroes.

If you are in any branch of the active military, a veteran, or a first-responder (firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical services) then August is a great month to visit Pigeon Forge, TN. Over 70 businesses in Pigeon Forge will be offering special deals throughout the entire month of August in honor of the annual event Celebrate Freedom! This community-wide salute is our way of showing appreciation to those that have fought to keep us free & safe.

One of the best deals is $10 off admission to the Smith Family Theater plus a complementary pass to another one of their shows. They also provide discounts to some family and friends as well.

In order to take advantage of these offers, you must stop by the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center on the right as you’re coming into town (on the north end in front of The Miracle Theater ). When you present proof of duty, you will receive a Celebrate Freedom! VIP card. Simply present the VIP card at any of the 70+ businesses below in Pigeon Forge to receive the special offers. (For more information call 865-453-8574)

Dollywood Nights

Dollywood Nights is back again this year as the park looks to close out summer with extended hours from July 30 to August 12.

Dollywood is bringing back the popular “Dollywood Nights” again this year – the annual end of summer celebration in which the park stays open through the evening hours so everyone can get their fill of rides, park food, and shows before settling in for the new school year.

For over one week, from July 30 to August 12, 2012, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge will operate on extended hours till 10 p.m. each evening. Each day, Dollywood will open at 10 a.m. during the Dollywood Nights celebration (except Saturday when the park opens at 9 a.m.) Most rides will operate during the extended hours. Aside from the evening hours during the park’s wintertime Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, Dollywood Nights offers a rare occasion to enjoy Dollywood’s rides, including the award-winning coasters Thunderhead, Mystery Mine and the new Barnstormer thrill ride — in the dark.

“Before school starts and everyone gets back into their routines, we thought Dollywood Nights would be a great time for families to visit Dollywood after work and enjoy the lazy dog days—and nights—of summer in the park,” said Barbara Joines, Dollywood Vice President and General Manager.

A special $25 (plus tax; no discounts apply) admission ticket will be offered exclusively for July 30 to August 12 which provides entry into Dollywood at 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dollywood season passes and valid park admission tickets will entitle ticketholders to the extended hours as well.

The number one ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood is an award-winning 150-acre family adventure park located in Pigeon Forge near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open nine months a year, Dollywood hosts four of the South’s largest festivals and offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including the new Barnstormer, Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction.

In addition to the 2009 Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows, Dollywood is the recipient of 15 Big E Awards in recognition of the park’s live entertainment which features country, bluegrass, gospel and Appalachian music. The Golden Tickets’ 2007 Publisher’s Pick for best theme park, Dollywood also is a two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event. In addition, a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region demonstrate daily. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com. Dollywood’s operating days and hours vary. Visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD for more information.

Lumberjack Feud to Host STIHL Timbersports Championships

The Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge will host the STIHL Timbersports championships June 1-3.

The Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge is well known for its performers and their log-cutting expertise. In June, the competition jumps up a notch as the Feud hosts the STIHL® Timbersports® Series US and Collegiate Championships from June 1-3. You can expect sawdust in the air and logs splitting at a high rate of speed as the Feud transforms from a show to a high stakes competition.

The event is being picked up by such national cable outlets as ESPNU, Outdoor Channel and TUFF TV. Tickets to see the event in person can be purchased at the Lumberjack Feud box office or online at LumberjackFeud.com.

“We’re thrilled to host the STIHL Timbersports Series Pro and Collegiate U.S. Championships,” said Rob Scheer, owner and president of the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud in a release. “Since many of our lumberjack performers have also competed in the STIHL Timbersports Series, this opportunity promises to provide fans with a double dose of lumberjack excitement and entertainment.”

Since putting on its first show featuring tree climbing, log rolling, dog jumping, and wood carving events, the Lumberjack Feud has entertained and “wowed” visitors from all corners of the country coming to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains to see their world-champion lumberjack athletes. The legacy of the American logger is not lost on the Feud with its action-packed show, carving and climbing competitions, and comedy interludes. Continue reading “Lumberjack Feud to Host STIHL Timbersports Championships”

Dollywood’s KidsFest

Dollywood’s KidsFest is packed with great shows to get kids laughing, learning and having a great time at Dollywood. It’s a fun for all ages show.

The Gazillion Bubbles ShowIt 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.