Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee: Fun-filled Entertainment and Smoky Mountain
Charm
 Within
the confines of North America there are dozens of spectacular
natural wonders to choose from when it comes to choosing a vacation
destination. Some however, stand out above the others for their
unique character and quality. The
Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Eastern Tennessee
and North Carolina is an example of the all-natural vacation
destination that stands out from the crowd. Beyond the stunning
natural vistas the Smoky Mountains offer, another aspect to
the draw of the area is the recreational variety and charm of
places like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Pigeon Forge may not be
a natural wonder- but it's a manmade attraction that only adds
to the excitement of a trip to the Smoky Mountains. What started
as an out of the way lumber and fishing spot has grown into
a world-class resort city.
At one time Pigeon Forge wasn't much more than a smudge on the
map of East Tennessee. Early on settlers came through here from
the Carolinas following old Indian trails that traced alongside
the Little Pigeon River. It is in fact the pigeons that populated
the area around the river in the early 19th century that led
to the christening of Pigeon Forge. The other half of the name
comes from the Iron Forge that an early settler named Isaac
Love established here in 1820. Once the iron forge was built,
other industry began to pop up in the area. Still the town grew
humbly in numbers. It wasn't until well into the 20th century,
when tourism began to emerge as the largest industry in the
area of Pigeon Forge and East Tennessee that the population
began to grow exponentially.
The Pigeon Forge of today boasts a population of approximately
4,000 year round residents. While Pigeon Forge may seem more
populated than that, it is the tourists that flock here to experience
Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg
and the Smoky Mountains that really adds to the numbers. Once
city planners in Pigeon Forge began to realize that tourism
had a bright future in the area because of the natural draw
of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there was a concerted
effort to develop a resort city that could host and entertain
the year round visitors to the Smoky Mountains.
 The
city of Pigeon Forge has maintained both a remnant of the old-town
feel that reflects its humble beginnings while also growing
a modern entertainment industry that can compare with any recreational
center in America. In Pigeon Forge circa 2005 you can still
visit historic monuments like the Old Mil and General Store-
built by the son of Pigeon Forge's founder, Isaac Love. Perhaps
the most well known of modern highlight in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood-
the exciting theme park named after Pigeon Forge's most famous
citizen, Dolly Parton. Dollywood offers thrill rides, a fun-filled
water-park, and plenty of other Smoky Mountain cultural attractions.
Besides the unique recreational flavor of Dollywood, Pigeon
Forge has many other popular entertainment attractions to enthrall
visitors to Tennessee. Tourists who like to ride "in the fast
lane" will enjoy the Nascar Speedtrack and the Speed Zone Fun
Park. At these two recreational sites the entire family can
enjoy some competitive racing that is both fun and very safe.
Other popular Pigeon Forge attractions include Ripley's Aquarium
of the Smokies, the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, the Dixie Stampede,
the Smoky Mountain River Run, and the Dinosaur Walk Museum.
Pigeon Forge is also famous for the dramatic theatres and live
shows that are located here. The variety is just as much a draw
as is the quality of these live shows. Some of the favorites
include: the Country Barn- where laughs are the main attraction,
the Black Bear Jamboree- which offers a combination dinner and
show that the whole family will enjoy, the Murder Mystery Show-
where you play the role of sleuth, and Terry Evanswood's Grand
Illusion Show- which offers an amazing thrilling collection
of illusions and magic. Music is perhaps the biggest entertainment
attraction in Pigeon Forge. There are a multitude of musical
shows offering live performances for you and your family to
enjoy. These include: the American Jukebox Theater, the Smoky
Mountain Jubilee, the Fiddler's Feast Supper Show, the Ole Smoky
Hoedown and the Triumphant Quartet Show.
Dolly Parton is not the only famous citizen of Pigeon Forge.
The Louise Mandrell Theatre shows of the talents of another
of Pigeon Forge's most famous musical superstars. Considering
Tennessee is in the heart of country and western style music
it's no surprise that Pigeon Forge offers plenty of country
music entertainment as well. Among the many popular country
music theaters in Pigeon Forge are the Country Tonite Theater
and the Smith Family Theater.
When one considers all the exciting attractions available in
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee it's no surprise that the city has grown
up alongside Gatlinburg, Sevierville
and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park- to become a major
tourist attraction in its own right. The area boasts live musical,
comedy and dramatic theatres, magic and illusion shows, historic
monuments like the Old Mill, fun-filled theme parks, and plenty
of Smoky Mountain charm. And best of all, all this is available
in a world-class resort city that offers next door access to
the natural wonder that is the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. Come visit Pigeon Forge today- where entertainment and
Smoky Mountain character reigns supreme.
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