Tag: Pigeon Forge Attractions

The Track

Family Recreation Center

Are you looking for a place to spend a great day of family fun in the Smokies?  The Next time you are in Pigeon Forge, check out The Track.  Now I don’t just mean one of the many go-kart tracks I mean – The Track.  Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge at Traffic Light 3, The Track is hard to miss.  You can walk to it from lots of the hotels and if you are hanging out at Walden’s Landing, you are just across the street.

When you first get to The Track, one of the first things you are going to see is the Wild Woody.  This was the first wooden multi-level go-kart tracks in town.  You race from the bottom to the top of the spiral and then back down.  Feel like some traditional go-karting?  You can always take in the namesake track – The Track – which is a classic go-kart track.  Or you can take the Rookie or the Kiddie track for those younger members of your family or traveling party.  On the kiddie track you only have to be three feet tall to drive.

And while you are at the Kiddie Track you can also let the youngsters play in Kids Country. – carusels, fair rides, swings and much more.  Take a break from adult excitement and let the kids go crazy.  Put them on the Ferris wheel or the train and watch for the wonder and excitement in their eyes as they play in an area geared just for their age group.

Or maybe you are looking for some harmless collisions.  Jump in the bumper boats or the bumper cars.  The bumper cars are a classic amusement ride, drive into one another, no lanes, no course just good cushioned fun.  Or, if you are looking to play in the water, try the Bumper Boats.  And trust me you will get wet!  The bumper boats are round inner tubes with an engine and water guns.  You pilot your tube around in the water trying to crash into the other bumper boats all the while shooting people with your water gun that is built into the boat.  Hours of fun and if you are standing next to the bumper boats, be aware, you might get sprayed as well.

The Track also has a great miniature golf course.  This is not your typical minigolf.  You take a journey through an exotic jungle, full of wild animals, dark tunnels and challenging holes.  The golf course is located next to the river so you also have a wonderful view while you compete with your friends and family.

But if you are looking for the ultimate thrill ride, the Bungee Jump and SkyFlyer are the place for you to start.  The Bungee tower at The Track is one of the most visited roadside attractions in the Smokies.  The view from the tower is worth the walk up the stairs.  At the top you are treated to a glorious view of Pigeon Forge and the surrounding mountains.  You step to the edge of the tower and take the plunge.  You get to experience the free fall (65 feet worth of free fall) before the cord snaps you back up.  Or maybe you want something a little different.  Get in line for the SkyFlyer.  You and a friend get strapped into the SkyFlyer, you are pulled up to a tremendous height and then… you swing forward as gravity takes control.  Your swing takes you out over the parking lot, toward the Parkway.  This might be one of the most unique ways to experience the views of Pigeon Forge and it is certainly one of the most exciting.

Put The Track on your itinerary.  Take the family for a full day of thrills, rides and much, much more.  The Track is a family amusement park for all ages.

The Track
2575 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-453-4777
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.

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

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.

Lumberjack Feud

The Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge, TN is the Smoky Mountain’s newest entertainment attraction. A live dinner show, the Lumberjack Feud is one of the first non-musical shows in Pigeon Forge in quite some time.

The Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge, TN is the Smoky Mountain’s newest entertainment attraction. A live dinner show, the Lumberjack Feud is one of the first non-musical shows in Pigeon Forge in quite some time. The Lumberjack Feud is located right off the parkway between traffic lights 3 and 4 in a brand new state-of-the-art theater.

The theater itself is split between seats made for dinner and the show and seats that are specifically just for people coming to the show. One there your picture is snapped with your entire party and then you are escorted to your seats. The Lumberjack Feud cast actually helps seat the audience. There is also a concession stand for snacks if you choose just to watch the show.

Danny Black, the ‘world famous lumberjack of the Smokies’, is everyone’s tour guide tonight. Danny really moves the action along while hosting and makes sure everyone keeps up with the goings-on during the show. Black is also extraordinarily witty, a talented juggler and physical comedian to boot. Crowd interaction starts immediately as well as Black wastes no time getting everyone involved, with various people in the crowd being brought to the stage and incorporated in to the show.

You’re introduced to two Smoky Mountain logging families. The show starts off around the inception of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This is a time when logging in the Great Smoky Mountains is beginning to dwindle and the two families are coming to that realization. They can see that they are not going to be logging in the Smokies much longer so a competition is born to decide which family has the best lumberjacks and lumberjills in all the region.

The competition portion is just a treat if you’ve never been to a lumberjack tournament. These are professional lumberjacks that compete in traditional lumberjack sports including: the standing chop, log rolling, cross-cut saw pull, among others. The hot saw is a crowd favorite, and a loud one at that. The saws are ripped, engines warmed up and then they make two of the fastest cuts you will ever see made outside a true lumber yard. Of course, a dinner show put together with lumberjack games isn’t exactly commonplace anyways. Pets even get in on the action with a series of dog games including a long jump into the pool that takes center stage.

The pool’s main attraction is the log rolling competition that ends the evening pitting family against family and determines the winner of the night’s show. You’ll cheer on your family (the audience is divided in two halves to cheer on the different families) as two of the lumberjacks take to the log and began to roll against one another. It’s a feet-flying, water-splashing good time as you wait for someone, anyone, to get put into the drink. It’s a best of three tries competition and the highlight of the show.

Next time you’re down this way, check out the Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It’s spanking new, and completely different from any dinner show you’ve ever seen. It’s a top-notch facility; there’s a great cast and it’s something completely different from the traditional variety show that you’re used to hearing about in Pigeon Forge.

Wild Eagle – Coming to Dollywood, 2012

Tell your friends! Dollywood’s newest roller coaster – Wild Eagle – lands in March 2012.

The first ride of its kind in the U.S., Wild Eagle is perched 21 stories above Dollywood and takes riders on a unique, 61 mile per hour experience that feels as if they are actually soaring high above the Smoky Mountains.

Instead of on the track, Wild Eagle seats riders on either side of the track so that there’s nothing but air above and below the rider!

For more about the biggest addition in Dollywood’s history and to watch as the Wild Eagle rises above the park, visit Dollywood2012.com for more Wild Eagle details.

Titanic Attraction schedules busy year leading up to April 15 – 100th Anniversary of the Titanic Tragedy

The Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge has a number of events scheduled this year, all leading up to the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic – April 15, 2012.

Not since James Cameron brought the Titanic back to life to moviegoers across the nation in 1998 have expectations been so prevalent as they are for Titanic lovers in 2011.

Leading up to April 15, 2012, when it will have been 100 years since the RMS Titanic was lost, Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tn, as well as Branson, Mo., will honor the 2,208 passengers and crew members with an ongoing series of special events, activities and ceremonies.

One of those events includes a tribute/contest involving the birthplace of the RMS Titanic in Ireland. In all, six 11-day trips for two to Belfast, Ireland (where Titanic was constructed) will be given away at the Pigeon Forge and Branson Titanic attractions. Officially titled the “Back to Titanic 100th Year ‘Tour
Ireland’ Sweepstakes” the contest starts June 13, 2011 and contestants can enter daily online at TitanicAttraction.com. Winners will be announced Feb. 14, 2012.

The Titanic Attraction’s Grand Staircase

Meanwhile, the Titanic museum itself will offer glimpses into the luxury liner’s past in a one-of-a-kind way by letting guests walk what the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic would have been like in its day. These confines also showcase some 400 artifacts pulled directly from the ship and its remains on the ocean floor. Visitors can also touch a real iceberg, put their hands in actual 28-degree water, and try to balance themselves on the sloping decks as they would have been when the ship was sinking.

During 2011 and 2012, Titanic remembrance events are scheduled around the world, Titanic Museum Attractions will be the epicenter of remembrance for passengers and crew. The Titanic Museum Attractions will honor and respect those brave souls who perished in the wreckage with the following events:

• In July, Titanic Museum Attractions will allow every single guest who visits the museum to personally deposit a single rose petal into a container in the Memorial Gallery. On April 15, 2012 – exactly 100 years after the RMS Titanic was lost – each of the rose petals will be carefully laid onto the surface of the Atlantic Ocean directly where the Titanic sank.

• Beginning Aug. 1, 2011, future brides and grooms can enter to win their own “Royal Wedding” in April 2012. Titanic Museum Attractions will pay homage to the 12 honeymooning couples on board the RMS Titanic with its “Royal Wedding” contest. Online voting will select a winning couple to be married on the Titanic Attraction’s $1 million Grand Staircase.

• Many descendants of Titanic passengers and crew members will make appearances at Titanic Museum Attractions throughout 2011 and 2012, including descendants of Second Officer Charles Lightoller, the most senior crew member to survive the Titanic. Lightoller, whose family now lives in Ireland and Scotland, fled the sinking ship in a collapsible life raft and was one of only four officers to survive.

• April’s re-release of James Cameron’s “Titanic” movie in 3D will mark the opening of a new gallery (at both the Pigeon Forge and Branson locations) featuring props and costumes on loan from collectors.

• On April 14 and 15, 2012, the Pigeon Forge and Branson locations will each hold a two-day remembrance event. Both will culminate with a candlelight service and the lighting of an eternal flame which will burn all year in honor of the 2,208 who perished onboard the RMS Titanic.

Throughout the year Titanic Museum Attractions provide a gateway to 1912, where crew members bring the stories of the fabled ship and its fascinating passengers to life in vivid, dramatic detail. The over 400 priceless artifacts displayed throughout the museum shed additional light on the lives of those passengers and crew members onboard the Titanic’s maiden voyage… A collection valued at over four $4.5 million.

Try your hand at shoveling coal into the Titanic’s furnace.

The 2,208 people who died in the wreckage are listed on the walls in the Titanic Memorial Room. Guests can match their boarding pass, which lists a passenger’s name, with the pass-holder’s fate there.

And you definitely will not want to miss the Grand Staircase. Constructed from the original Harland & Wolff plans with its oak carvings and cherub statue, the Grand Staircase is a work of art in its own right. Its oak wall paneling and elaborate railings and iron scroll work come alive in the light. Listen carefully to hear what the floor was made of – something considered most expensive for 1912.

A few of the activities guests can enjoy while touring the museum include:

– Simulating loading coal into a burning furnace. Get into an actual size lifeboat. Sending an SOS signal, and tying rope knots.
– Steering a ship.
– For young guests eight and under, there is a special section (Tot-Titanic) devoted to them with various interactive games and stations.
– Stand on the Titanic’s bridge and hear the Captain’s commands.
– Stand on the deck of the ship’s stern and experience the different precise angles of the ship as it gradually descended into the water over a span of 2 hours and 40 minutes.