Pigeon Forge

dolly stampede

A Local’s Honest Review of Dolly Parton’s Stampede in the Smoky Mountains

TN native offers tips, what to expect at the Dolly Parton Stampede in Pigeon Forge Dolly Parton’s Stampede, formerly known as the Dixie Stampede, is one of the most popular dinner shows in the area. And while I’m on the record for preferring Pirates Voyage, I still appreciate the top-notch, talented cast and impressive trick riding that the Stampede offers.

Goats on the roof, pigeon forge tn, smoky mountains

The Roof, the Roof, the Roof Is … Home To Several Goats

Things not to do at Goats on the Roof Pigeon Forge In Pigeon Forge where the competition for tourism dollars is fast and furious, you have to do something to stand out from the crowd. Does that mean develop a luchador mask-wearing Gorilla mascot to help sell Mexican-adjacent food at your new taco stand? Unfortunately, yes. Does it mean making

dolly parton documentary dollywood

Dolly’s Dream Worked – The Dollywood Documentary

Dollywood debuts a documentary 40 years in the making Somehow, it’s a story that has been undersold. In the early 80s, Dolly Parton was certainly a multimedia icon. But she also had a vision on a scale only matched by Walt Disney. She dreamed of building a theme park in the Smokies, near her hometown. A place much, as Disneyland’s

Wilderness Pass Restaurant July 25

Now Open! Dollywood’s Massive New Restaurant Wilderness Pass

There’s a new restaurant, Wilderness Pass, that recently opened at Dollywood, and here’s what we know so far Choosing from the many Dollywood dining options is one of the great joys of visiting the park. Do I want a sit-down meal from Aunt Granny’s? Or maybe some delicious mountain barbecue. On some trips, I’m craving ham and beans. But there

Christmas Place

Things Not To Do at the Incredible Christmas Place

Navigating the place in Pigeon Forge where the Christmas spirit is in full swing all year long In the heart of Pigeon Forge is an unlikely complex – split in half by the parkway – in which the spirit of Christmas is alive and well all year long. The Incredible Christmas Place shops as well as the Inn at Christmas

dollywood entrance at christmas

Dollywood at Christmas, Your Guide to This Year’s Festival [2025]

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas event is a favorite for Dolly Parton, who enjoys bringing families together for a magical holiday celebration each year. The Dollywood crew traditionally works behind the scenes beginning mid-June, stringing lights on days when the park is closed, overnights and early mornings. The park usually closes for about a week after the Great Pumpkin LumiNights and

Dollywood’s Chapel: How a Real Church Ended Up Inside a Theme Park

The active chapel in one of America’s largest theme parks that holds weekly church services Years ago, I had a friend named Charlie who was a jack-of-all-trades kind of guy. A musician and an electrician, Charlie was a bon vivant, a Labrador of a man who made friends quickly and easily, often through the sheer force of his enthusiasm. So

Scenes from magic world

7 Lost Attractions in the Smoky Mountains That Will Make You Nostalgic

Remembering attractions that no longer exist in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Maggie Valley The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, with an estimated 12.5 million visitors annually. So it’s no surprise that entrepreneurs come to the area with high hopes of building the next big attraction to entice visitors on their way

The Island from above in Pigeon Forge

What You Can Skip at This Popular Smoky Mountain Tourist Destination

Top 5 things not to do on The Island at Pigeon Forge Having grown up around the chintzy neon glow of Pigeon Forge, I feel like I’ve got a pretty good handle on how this top-tier tourist destination works. You give the people what they want. Does that mean we end up with repetition more than innovation? Yes. Are we

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen is located at The Island in Pigeon Forge (photo by Alaina O'Neal/TheSmokies.com)

An Honest Review of the Famous Paula Deen Restaurant in Pigeon Forge

Tennessee native lists pros and cons of this famous Smoky Mountain eatery Typically, I find that people have really strong opinions about Paula Deen’s restaurant in Pigeon Forge. Some people love it. But others … not so much. First of all, you could say that this restaurant might feel out of place in the area. After all, Deen is a