Planning the Perfect Weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

For more information on Pigeon Forge, visit their official website.

I was recently invited to spend a weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a destination I wasn’t too familiar with, but excited to explore! The little I did know about Pigeon Forge focused on its positive reputation as a family friendly destination perfect for kids. As an adult visiting for a much needed getaway with a friend, I couldn’t help but wonder if we would find enough to do to fill the weekend.

After a trip that went by way too fast, there are a few things I can confirm. Yes, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a fantastic family destination. The options of activities for all ages of kids seemed truly endless. Better yet, I can also confirm that YES, as adults visiting with a significant other or group of friends, there was a ton of fun things to do! One weekend wasn’t nearly enough time to see and do it all.

Where to Stay

Margaritaville Island Hotel

The Margaritaville Island Hotel was hands down the perfect place to stay. It completely plays up the island vibe making it feel like a resort somewhere tropical. At the same time, it sits in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. The combination of a resort vacation feel mixed with the incredible mountain scenery is truly unique.

What to Do

The truth is, after spending only a weekend in Pigeon Forge we barely scratched the surface of everything there is to do. Even as adults without kids in tow one of us was always saying “Look at that, let’s try it!” as we passed something new. After squeezing in as much as possible, there were a few standout favorites.

1. Rafting in the Smokies

Having never been whitewater rafting and finding the idea slightly terrifying, it was obviously something I had to try. We drove about 45 minutes to the Rafting in the Smokies Pigeon River Outpost, geared up with life vests and helmets, and hopped on a bus for a quick ride to the launching point.

The staff went over detailed safety procedures and before we knew it we were heading down the river. During the 5.5 mile trip we bounced between paddling through Class III & IV rapids and floating down calm waters taking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest along the river. The entire trip lasted about an hour, we got completely soaked and wanted to do it again immediately.

2. Alcatraz East Crime Museum

As a true crime junkie the Alcatraz East Crime Museum blew me away. The sheer amount of exhibits and artifacts was a surprise, and we spent way more time wandering around than expected. Even someone with the slightest interest in crime or history will find something memorable here. The galleries began with a history of American Crime, and continued into Consequences of Crime, Crime Scene Investigation and Counterfeiting, just to name a few.

Things turned much darker and serious when we got to the Serial Killer exhibit, but even so it was a standout with the quality of information and objects on display. Charles Manson’s guitar, John Wayne Gacy “Killer Clown” suits, and floorboards stained with Jesse James’s blood are just are chilling as you could imagine.

3. The Island & Margaritaville

I don’t think I’ve ever recommended an actual hotel as a favorite thing to DO before, but Margaritaville Island Hotel has to be on the list. This is where that ” island resort meets mountain beauty” vibe really comes into play. After rafting and spending most of the day outdoors, relaxing by the the rooftop pool, pina colada in hand, it suddenly felt like a completely different vacation. Add in a massage or facial at the St. Somewhere Spa and you may be hesitant to leave the hotel at all.

What really makes Margaritaville extra special is The Island; the area surrounding the hotel made up of restaurants, shops, and activities. Everything is right outside the door, only steps from your room. There are too many attractions for kids and families to begin to list, but even as adults we found ourselves with plenty we wanted to do as well. At the top of the list were moonshine tastings at Old Smoky, popping in and out of shops, and riding The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.

Where to Eat

Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant

Paula Deen’s Restaurant was at the top of our list of “must try” restaurants and it did not disappoint. It’s located in The Island, just across from the hotel. Before rafting, we stopped in for a big breakfast. It seemed like the perfect excuse for a few extra carbs. The menu is served family style, which meant we chose dishes to share. Breakfast was 6 separate dishes. Yes, it was a lot of food, but I was happy to see that the portions they brought were perfect for two people. The stand out dish: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Pancakes made from butter cake batter, and one of my favorite things I ate all weekend.

Brick and Spoon

Brick and Spoon is tucked away off the main road, less than a mile from the hotel. They serve sophisticated yet casual southern dishes during breakfast and lunch. Everything we tried I would recommend. The Crab Cake Benedict was a favorite, and whoever decided to create Breakfast Fries (French fries topped with sausage gravy, hollandaise sauce and a poached egg) really deserves a raise. The mimosa trio is also a must; we picked pineapple, strawberry and wildberry to try. The strawberry was one of the best mimosas I’ve ever had, and trust me I’ve had many.

Weekend in Pigeon Forge Tips & Tricks

1. Being in the Smoky Mountains, we would have loved to spend a day, or long afternoon hiking, but finding so much to do there was never time. If hiking and exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must, consider adding an extra day to your agenda!
2. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is the perfect way to admire the beautiful scenery around The Island. We went at nighttime to see it all lit up, but I would have rather gone during the day to take to take advantage of the Smoky Mountain views. Ideally, do both!
3. Although it didn’t make the list above, a close contender for favorite activity was the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. After all the “grownup” things we did, riding a coaster through the mountains was the silly kind of fun we didn’t know we needed. This is one you do want to go to at night to see lit up.
4. For an ideal day at the pool, renting a cabana is a must. Each shaded cabana is full of comfy furniture for lounging, coolers for drinks and even curtains for a little privacy. We definitely felt spoiled in that extra little oasis, which is exactly what a vacation is for!

Get planning

Ready to book your weekend in Pigeon Forge? I’d love to help and answer any questions you have. Comment below and let’s start planning!

“Regarding the Pigeon Forge attractions & businesses mentioned in this blog, please check their respective websites for an update on their COVID-19 operational updates.”

This post was sponsored by the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. As always, all opinions are my own. #sponsored