Local lists the cheesiest attractions around Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Part of Sevier County’s tourism industry is the natural beauty that surrounds Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. But the founding fathers of the tourism industry realized early on that while it ain’t easy bein’ cheesy, it certainly pays the bills. That’s how Carbo’s Smoky Mountain Police Museum, whose claim to fame was Sheriff Buford Pusser’s stick, made famous in the 70s classic “Walking Tall”, stayed in business for years and years. Ultimately, cheese is in the eye of the beholder. I like some of the cheesy attractions. And how and why you find your joy is your own business. But with that said, here are a few attractions I’d say are pretty cheesy in the Smokies:
The Smoky Mountains were made famous by its natural beauty. But, the tourism business built around it can sometimes be a bit cheesy. Here, a local ranks some of the most cheesy attractions, which include shows with Hee-Haw style comedy or a restaurant with singing animatronic chickens.
1. The theaters and dinner shows
Pigeon Forge is awash in theaters, and there ain’t a one of them gonna put on a production of Les Mis. How cheesy the entertainment within the various theaters is depends on the venue itself. Some, like Country Tonite, feature talented performers doing credible versions of country music classics. This is, on a relative scale, not overly cheesy. But if you’re not much of a country music fan, it can provide a bit of a culture shock.
As a general rule for theaters in Pigeon Forge, the more comedy featured in a show, the more chance you have to see some real authentic East Tennessee cheese. The Comedy Barn, which features magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians and live music, is your best bet in this category. Other fan favorites in the area include Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage and Hatfield and McCoy. But if you want the most cheesy, The Comedy Barn is located at 2775 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. It’s a little less expensive than the other shows, but that is because a full dinner is not included in the price.
2. Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Café (Pigeon Forge)
Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse is like a hillbilly version of Disney’s Tiki Room but with a country breakfast and a variety of animal-themed pancakes for the kids. It’s as if Gonzo from the Muppets opened a restaurant built on his fondest desires. Every 30 minutes or so, the animatronic chickens break into song. The food itself isn’t the best breakfast you can get in the area, but the experience will be one that you and your kids remember for years to come. The restaurant is located at 2785 Parkway in Pigeon Forge and is only open for breakfast and lunch.
3. Goats on the Roof (Pigeon Forge)
Shockingly billed as the only attraction in the Smoky Mountains with live goats on the roof, this is the best example of a business leaning into the kitsch. Goats on the Roof is the essence of Sevier County cheese distilled into one stop. You can buy a can of goat chow, ride the goat mountain coaster, hop on the goat cycle – a pedal-powered conveyor belt – and transport the chow up to the hungry goats. What else is there to do?
Don’t let me get in the way. Here’s the word straight from the horse’s (goat’s) mouth: “It’s the goat-feeding-est, gem-mining-est, fudge-eating-est, ice-cream-licking-est, cool-gift-shopping-est attraction in Pigeon Forge!” And just in case you were wondering, yes their Amish rocking chairs are authentic. The attraction is located at 1341 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge and is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, although hours may vary by season.
Do you have any picks for cheesy places around the Great Smoky Mountains? Let us know down below!
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