MagiQuest

MagiQuest is good family fun in Pigeon Forge packed into large castle right on the parkway. By entering into the MagiQuest kingdom, you’re immediately cast into a realm where fantasy and illusion rule the day. A magic wand is all you’ll need here.

At MagiQuest, your adventure begins in earnest as you search for treasure, battle dragons and goblins, all while searching for secret passages to give you a leg up in the game. If that’s not your style or have someone else that wants to explore the castle, they can play MagiQuest’s 18 hole SpecialFX Pirate Golf course, explore the world’s largest mirror maze in the Odyssey, or race through the Vault laser challenge.

When you visit MagiQuest in Pigeon Forge, you determine the course of your day. It’s your adventure, however you choose it. At MagiQuest, you’re an integral part of the game. You live it.

Everyone is issued a Magic Wand at MagiQuest. It’s yours. It knows your name and records everything that you accomplish during the game. You’ll come to be amazed at the wonderful creatures and characters you meet during the game. Test your bravery, as well as your skills and knowledge.

The MagiQuest Pigeon Forge Ultimate Package includes the following: a MagiQuest wand and 90 minutes of game play time. You’ll also get to play a round of Special FX Pirate Golf, Odyssey – the World’s Largest Mirror Maze and The Vault laser maze.

MagiQuest is unlike anything you have ever experienced. You begin by selecting a Magic Wand that is yours to keep, forever! You’ll use clues and hints to go on quests, battle dragons and embark on adventures. When you return you pick up where you left off on your last visit.

MagiQuest
2491 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 686-5586

Dolly’s Christmas Chapel

One of the most picturesque scenes that occurs every Christmas at Dollywood takes place at Dolly’s Christmas Chapel. The peaceful chapel stands out among the other park buildings and rides as its draped in thousands of Christmas lights and offers special services throughout Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

Dollywood’s country church, complete with just one room, simple wooden pews, and hardwood floors serves as a Christmas memory for many who come to Dollywood during the holidays in order to experience Christmas in the Smokies at its finest. Experience the chapel at Christmas, named in honor of Dr. Robert F. Thomas who delivered little Dolly Rebecca Parton, for services each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. during the Christmas season.

The chapel itself is found nestled in behind all the rides, attractions, and restaurants at Dollywood. Each is lit up in their own special way during the Christmas season, but none as magically appealing as the chapel. From its chiming bell to the wreathes and garland hung around its windows and doors, its the perfect holiday setting.

The Christian Christmas service starts at 5:30 on the dot and lasts for a half hour. Church-goers can light candles and step back and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas amongst all shining lights and musical performances of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.

As mentioned, the Robert F. Thomas Chapel is named for the doctor who delivered Dolly, he also helped deliver a number of her siblings. He served as pastor of the chapel which bears his name until his death in 1981.

According to Dollywood Chaplain Joey Buck, God has been at work in Dollywood and continues to be through the many people who come to the chapel during the park’s Christmas celebration and throughout the year.

The chapel is also a wonderful opportunity to people traveling to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood to attend church services even while they’re on vacation. Many people choose not to go to church services while they’re out of town, this is just an opportunity for those looking to continue that aspect of their lives when they’re in Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.

“People come from around the world, from across the country, and many different backgrounds, many different traditions and together we meet and call ourselves a church. And what we can do is celebrate what we have in common and that is Jesus Christ,” Buck said.

Dolly’s Christmas Chapel hopes to see everyone that comes through the park this Christmas season. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to stop by.

The Patty Waszak Show

One of the funniest women in the South just so happens to headline her own show at the Smith Family Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. Patty Waszak’s show is the longest running morning variety show in the Smokies and has been performed in front of millions of people throughout the Southeast.

Known for her high energy, Patty Waszak’s heart warming variety show features some of the most popular big band favorites, polkas, 50s and 60s rock, country, 70s disco, Broadway hits, 80s and 90s pop, and all the current hits. Hum and sing along to the songs you grew up with and hear on the radio today. Patty is also bog on audience participation and music trivia, so be ready when you come to a show you just might get picked out of the audience. And of course what would a show be without a number of Patty’s original songs.

She’s a musical wonder. As a part of the show, Patty shows her ability to play thirty instruments.

Not only is she a musician, she can sing, tell a ton of funny jokes, sprinkle in some comedy, and can dance when she has to. It literally feels like every show is brand new. Patty’s enthusiasm is contagious and gets everyone going from the moment she hits the stage. Her sincere love for those who come to her show is evident in every performance. Just like she says, she’ll “re-charge your battery” through each performance. And it’s a great show to bring the kids to. It’s put together with families in mind with an emphasis on healthy values and produced to the highest artistic standards.

As mentioned, Patty Waszak has performed all across the country at festivals, fund raisers, cruises, reunions, state and county fairs, luncheons/dinners, conventions, travel shows, theatres and dinner theatre events. Patty also performs a modified version of her show at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The show is 90 minutes long when there is no intermission or 2 hours long when there is an intermission.

(865) 774-9454

Tennessee Shindig

The Tennessee Shindig is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular theater attractions featuring live music, dancing and celebrity impersonators.

Tennessee Shindig has closed. Information below remains for historical purposes.

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

Top 10 Pigeon Forge Attractions

Top 10 Pigeon Forge Attractions from Dollywood to Wonderworks. Pigeon Forge has something for everyone in your family and more.

Is there an easier question to answer than ones like “What sets Pigeon Forge apart from other Smoky Mountain towns like Gatlinburg, or even Asheville, NC?” It’s the attractions of course! Pigeon Forge, Tn has become a destination spot in the Smokies because of its numerous parks, theaters, and museums. It seems that every year there is something new that pops up in town. Just recently, the Lumberjack Feud and the Hatfield & McCoy dinner show make their presence known in the area and have gotten wonderful reviews.

With everything new that’s coming into Pigeon Forge, one would think anything dated might just pack up and leave. Not so, the No. 1 attraction around here has been here for a while and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Of course, we’re talking about Dollywood. And with new rides like the Wild Eagle being built every few years, Dollywood has found a great way to renew itself while still keeping its mountain charm. Now, without further ado, on with the list.

Our Top 10 Pigeon Forge attractions:

  1. Dollywood – What else can be said about the hometown girl’s theme park. From great shows and rides to festivals like Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, the Pigeon Forge theme park keeps getting better each year. As mentioned, check out the new Wild Eagle thrill ride as well as the Barnstormer – a recent addition to the park. The food isn’t too bad either so come hungry, especially if you’re into carnival-like fare.
  2. Dollywood’s Splash Country – Dollywood’s next door neighbor and next-of-kin is THE outdoor water park in the area. Featuring 23 water slides and thrill rides, Splash Country is a great place to spend your summer int he Smoky Mountains.
  3. Titanic Attraction – Come explore the Titanic museum and attraction in Pigeon Forge and get a closer look at the events surrounding that fateful day. You’ll see part of the actual ship that were recovered from the ocean’s depth and you’ll be able to touch water as cold as the waters surrounding the iceberg that brought the luxury liner to its knees.
  4. Dixie Stampede – Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show combines the drama of the Civil War with country cooking. Watch as the North battles the South once again while you sit and eat some of the finest rotisserie chicken, pork loin, sides, and deserts. It’s not only entertaining, but very tasty.
  5. Wonderworks – This interactive science museum allows you feel hurricane-like winds, what an earthquake feels like, and they’ll let you lay down on a bed of nails – if you want. There’s something for all the senses here and its a great place to take school groups as well. You can’t miss its upside down exterior lying off the Parkway.
  6. Smoky Mountain Adventures – Pigeon Forge’s new dinner show has opened to rave reviews. Cheer on your team for a demonstration of unbelievable ability and agility during a head to head competition at the annual Great Smoky Mountain Family Contests!
  7. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show – Will these families ever settle their differences? Not the way this show is going. The “Dinner Feud” features great country cooking, bluegrass, comedy, and the two orneriest families ever to come across one another. Will they settle their differences? Not likely, but come by and see just in case.
  8. The Comedy Barn – The Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge prides itself on clean family humor. Don’t worry, you’ll still fall over in laughter at this show. Years and years of big crowds and even bigger laughs and he haws will back that up.
  9. The Track – Want to race and have a great time flying around a specialty track against your friends and family? The Track is the place. They also feature bungee jumping, bumper boats, and much more.
  10. Country Tonite Theater – From celebrity performances from the likes of George Jones to their classic country shows, Pigeon Forge’s Country Tonite Theater is a great place to catch a live performance from some of the most talented acts in the Smokies. You’ll be humming along and tapping your toes to some of the most popular country hits from yesterday and today.

So, see something we might have missed or think you’ve got a better suggestion? Let us hear from you in our comment box below.

Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

The Eagle Mountain Sanctuary on Dollywood’s property is the largest aviary of non-releasable Bald Eagles in the world.  These eagles have been wounded in the wild, or orphaned in their nests and brought to East Tennessee to be raised in captivity and cared for by the good people of the American Eagle Foundation.  Eagle Mountain Sanctuary is located in Craftsmens Valley across form the blacksmith’s shop, right next to the Wings of America Theater.  This makes it easy to find and of course the ability to look up the side of the mountain and watch eagle sin nature on the side of the Great Smoky Mountains is simply wonderful.

As you walk toward the netting that is used to protect the eagles and keep them safe inside the sanctuary you will feel as if you are stepping out of yourself, and certainly stepping out of Dollywood.  It is almost otherworldly.  The eagles have built nests and inherited nests on the side of this mountain.  You get a feel for the enormity of the nests, the size of these beautiful creatures.  You also get to hear them as they interact.

You might even hear the eagles before you see them on the mountain.  They screech and chirp to each other making the wonderful noises you will ever hear.  They are very social animals.  They do not usually live in quarters quite this tight but they seem to get a long and they are well cared for.  The eagles in the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary are being rehabilitated or can simply not be released back into the wild.  This is as close as you will ever get to a bald eagle.

Unless of course, you turn around and go to the smaller pens near the eagle gift shop.  Here some of the more well behaved eagles are in smaller enclosures that allow you to get much closer to the eagles and see them moving around and interacting with their environment.  Especially for young people and people that have never seen eagles before this is a treat and you will find that you spend countless minutes watching the birds hop and flit from tree to tree.

The Eagle Mountain Sanctuary is one of the most wonderful attractions and exhibits in Dollywood.  They have an amazing exhibit and they do a great deal of good for the bird that is the symbol of our country.  It is hard to believe that some of these eagles have been injured by hunters and cannot return to the wild but it is good to know that the professionals that are taking care of them have the best interest of the eagles at heart.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain River Rampage

The wettest ride at Dollywood is the Smoky Mountain River Rampage.  This white water rafting style ride promises dips, plunges and lots and lots of water.  Stepping into the circular boat means that you have agreed to get drenched in the fast moving water.  The ride is located at the front of the park, in Rivertown Junction, making it easy to find and of course, making it a perfect last stop after a hot day in the park.

As you enter the line, you are going to notice one thing right off the bat, the line can get very long.  It has one of the longest, and most winding queues in the park outside of the roller coasters.  This line can really stack up.  The wait can take a good bit of time, but the folks at Dollywood have made sure that you stay under the cover of trees and buildings most of the time so that you don’t get too hot before getting really wet.  On a similar note, if it starts to rain, that’s the perfect time to head for this ride. For whatever reason, if it is raining people tend to leave the lines for water rides.  It doesn’t make a lot of sense but it does seem to happen.

River Rampage2After standing in line for a little while, you will reach the front of the line and you will see a line of circular boats lined up in front of you.  The people running the ride will help you into your boat. Make sure that you are secured in your seat before setting off on your journey.  The boats bounce merrily along the course before they begin their journey up the first hill.  This hill is the start of the fun part.  As you top the hill, you get a great view of the surrounding area outside the park, before plunging down the other side.  If you are on the downhill side of this plunge, get ready to get soaked.  After this plunge, you will be on a twisting course through rapids, beside cascades and close to waterfalls, all designed to get you as wet as possible.  Add to that, the fact that the people that are watching you get soaked can add to the fun by firing water cannons at you and you have a ride that is guaranteed to make sure you are cooled off after a hot day in the summer sun.

Once your ride is over, you arrive back at the docks, ready to disembark.  After you have gotten out of your boat you can exit, or get right back in line to ride it again.  And, if you are lucky and there is no one else in line, they might just let you ride through again without getting out of the boat at all.  Either, way you have just been on the wettest ride that Dollywood has to offer.  It is exciting, it is fun and it really knows how to take away the heat.

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud

If you’re wonderin what all the noise is coming from the barn next door to Pigeon Forge’s Wonderworks, well you’re not alone. In fact, this brand of noise has been going on for over a century as two feuding families – the Hatfields and the McCoys, have tried in earnest to settle their differences. It just doesn’t seem like it’s going to work.

What is going to work is the new Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge. Why not try top settle our differences with a big ole barn dance while chowin down on some good Southern cookin. Will it be peaceful? Who knows, but at least you’ll get to eat and enjoy some great bluegrass tunes. I guess someone decided it’d be smart to invite both the Hatfields AND the McCoys to the party! These two families mix about about as well as broccoli and chocolate pudding. Needless to say, the new sheriff is going to have his hands full with this group.

Oh, and remember we said a little something about the food, well that’s Granny’s secret plan. Hopefully that will soothe the savage beasts. We’re talking about finger-licking country cookin’ the likes of fried chicken, down-home pulled pork bbq, mashed taters, corn on the cob, slaw and desert if you’re good. Just try to resist some of Granny’s cooking. Granny said it’s just her way of calming the natives. These families, as well as anyone else in attendance, will be too full to do anything but sit back and enjoy the toe tappin’ music we got lined up.

One more thing, our morning show, The Country Jamboree Breakfast Show featurning the Blackwoods, is not to be missed either. Start your morning off with some good country cookin’ including fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, farm fresh sausage, crispy hash browns and buttermilk biscuits. All while listening to a batch of hit country songs from the past and present.

Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum

Located just over the hill from Pigeon Forge, Townsend, TN is home to the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum – a lasting reminder of how the Smoky Mountains were settled and how we got to where we are today.

Located on the “peaceful side of the Smokies”, in Townsend, TN, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum is one of the hidden treasures of the Smokies. The museum offers a great history of the area you will gain a new respect for the inventive, courageous nature of the American spirit. The men who worked in the lumber industry, in the very area that would become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, had to adjust to their environment, make their equipment fit the conditions they worked in and indirectly helped establish the roads that we still use today. This museum should be on the list of things to see and do of every history buff and railroad enthusiast that visits the area.

Even from the road you will start to see the artifacts and exhibits that are part of the collection. Some of the outdoor exhibits you will encounter are: a Shay Engine, a caboose, set off houses and a water tower. These items are actually pieces from the early 1900s and were used in the logging industry. The Shay engine is the cornerstone of the exhibit. This type of engine was used by the lumber company to pull the cars of logs back down the mountain to the sawmill and to take the workers back up the mountain to work. The Shay engine was the backbone of the Little River Railroad. For train enthusiasts, this is a must see, as not many of these engines remain. Certainly it is hard to find one as beautifully maintained as this one.

After taking a look at the outdoor exhibits, head inside and take a look at the photos and information about the logging industry in the Smokies. The exhibits start with the natural history and the settlers of the Elkmont areas in the Smokies. Then you will learn about the growth of the industry and the types of tracks and locomotives that they people used while logging. One of the most fascinating parts is how inventive and industrious these workers were. From designing new types of rail cars to a swinging bridge for flatcars, you will be amazed to see what they did to make the transportation of the lumber possible. Of course no exhibit of this type should be concluded without including the introduction to the National Park.

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum is a slice of Americana, mixed with the excitement of hard work and adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. This museum captures the American spirit that has made this country so great. You get to learn about the Park and how the land was used before the Park was founded. Take some pictures with a piece of history outside, read about the logging industry of the early 1900s or just soak up the feel of the people that called the mountains home; either way you are going to have a remarkable experience.

Smoky Mountain Wheel

Remember back to when you were a kid when going to the county fair or theme park was the highlight of your summer… Looking forward to riding all the rides, and especially the giant Ferris wheel.  Those Ferris wheels captured many a summer romance back in the day for a number of us. Good news for local kids, the Ferris wheel is back in Pigeon Forge and ready for the summer crowds.

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel takes folks to new heights at The Islands, located off Smoky Drive in Pigeon Forge. The 200 foot structure consists of 42 fully enclosed gondolas with air conditioning. Quite a step up from the county fair wheels of yesteryear that were for the most part open-air

For those of you planning on taking a ride, each gondola can hold 2-6 people. So, if you don’t have a night of romance planned for you and your honey, take the family and enjoy a day out in Pigeon Forge.

Rides last 10-12 minutes. Each ride is a chance to see Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas, including parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Comparing the Smoky Mountain Wheel to other area attractions, the view at the top would put you half way up the Gatlinburg Space Needle. That’s about as high as you’re going to get on a land locked ride.