This post is sponsored by the Pigeon Forge TN Department of Tourism. All opinions are my own.
I grew up in East Tennessee and spent many moments of my childhood, and also adulthood, living it up in the Smoky Mountains. I would hit up the strip and my school would take us to Dollywood each spring. Cut to adulthood and Matt and I visited Pigeon Forge TN during both of my pregnancies to enjoy some family time. We hold fond memories of this area and the warmth and kindness of the people in East TN will bring you back time after time. So let’s talk about our fun filled weekend and what we did.
Pigeon Forge TN
Where To Stay:
We usually stay in one of the amazing cabins when we visit the Smokies but this time opted to stay closer to the action at Black Fox Lodge. We had an adjoining room with a view of the river and I loved having my morning coffee out there. Also each morning the hotel has Continental Breakfast and you can purchase breakfast as well. Things we loved: The staff is extremely friendly, the pool has a really fun slide and isn’t crowded, and there is a restaurant and bar on premises for when the kids go to bed and you need to grab a drink. There is also a fire pit for unwinding at night after dinner. ALSO it is extremely convenient and within walking distance to so much in Pigeon Forge.
Where To Eat:
There are so many good spots to eat, especially down home food. We were only there for the weekend but since I’ve spent many fun weekends there in my day I have a pretty good lineup for you.
Breakfast:
- If you’re looking for down home cooking… Mama’s Farmhouse.
- If you wanna try the trusted favorite that tourists always come to…The Old Mill. The portions are very generous. They also serve lunch and dinner. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop or take a tour of the Mill. This place is full of history. Recommended: The shrimp, pot roast and corn chowder.
- If you’re looking for something the kids will love…Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe.
- A fun family atmosphere… Little Black Bear Cafe. It’s a super cozy cafe to grab breakfast or lunch.
Lunch & Dinner:
- If you’re looking for a place that checks all the boxes…Bullfish Grill. There is some good food in Pigeon Forge but in all honesty this was the best place we ate at and here’s why: 1) There are so many options so we weren’t limited at all to what we could order. There are so many unique items and they are all so good. 2) It’s an escape from the typical southern food in East TN. It is an absolute must if you visit. Here’s what we ordered (plot twist; it’s a lot): Appetizers – Ahi Tuna Wonton Stack & Spicy Shrimp. Courses – Pistachio Encrusted Trout, New Orleans Shrimp Pasta and The Prime Rib. Dessert – honestly you can’t go wrong, we had all of them at our table and each person had a different flavor as a favorite. The Mason Jar margarita was also delicious.
- If you’re looking for a trusted East TN treasure with good steaks…Calhoun’s. Calhoun’s is a trusted treasure for those of us familiar with UT football. It was where we always went before or after the game to eat. It tasted just as good as I remembered from my college days. Suggestions: All the bread obviously, Bacon Wrapped Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and White Chicken Chili. Main Courses – The Ale Steak is so delicious and unique to Calhoun’s. You definitely need to try it! We all ended up ordering the exact same thing because our waitress sold us on how good it would be and she wasn’t wrong!
- If you’re looking for a community southern dinner… Paula Deen’s. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is a family style restaurant and you can choose between 2 or 3 main courses with 4 sides and unlimited refills. You pay per person and kids under 5 eat free. We ordered the Southern Fried Chicken and Pot Roast with green beans, baked Mac and Cheese, Tomato Cucumber Salad and Poppyseed Tossed Salad. It was really good and the cheddar biscuits you get pre meal are divine. Everyone also gets to pick a dessert, so get the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake!
- If you’re looking for a great brunch spot with Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas… Brick & Spoon. We loved their Bloody Marys and mimosas because in Nashville that’s a typical brunch situation for us and a lot of places don’t offer that in PF. I was basic and ordered the American breakfast but everything was really good!
- If you’re looking for a family owned restaurant with yummy fried food… Huck Finn’s. I had the Rocky Top Boom Boom Shrimp and Battered Corn Nuggets. The all you can eat meals come with free beans, excellent coleslaw, awesome cornbread, and pickles.
- If you’re wanting Game Day food…Blue Moose Burgers and Wings
- If you’re in the mood for pizza…Big Daddy’s
- Alamo Steakhouse.
- If you want a blast from the past…The 50’s Diner
- If you’re looking for unique southern food…Puckett’s
- If you’re looking for craft food…Local Goat.
Activities To Do:
There are so many things to do in Pigeon Forge everywhere you turn. Snowtubing, Dollywood, ferris wheels, arcades, mini golf, rafting, theater shows and so much more. There is so much to do that I highly suggest you make some sort of itinerary so you make sure you cover all of the things you really want to see and do. Here’s what we did…
DollyWood
Dollywood is one of Pigeon Forge’s greatest treasures, created by Queen Dolly herself. If you’re worried about going during the craziness right now, don’t be. The staff at Dollywood make everyone feel safe by disinfecting each ride after use, making sure everyone is wearing masks and only opening at around 1/2 capacity. I grew up going to Dollywood every year so it tugs on my heartstrings a bit.
The Island
The Island is the place to be in PF, as it has shopping, rides, restaurants and so much more. The majority of people had on masks but it was busy. Our favorite parts were:
- Ole Smoky Moonshine. We experienced a moonshine tasting and it was so fun and delicious. Their moonshine is made at the barn and sold onsite. We grabbed a couple to take home. Side note: their canned cocktails are heavenly too!
- The Fountains. Have a seat and relax while you watch the fountains move and light up to different songs like Devil Went Down To Georgia.
- Getting sweets from Big Rock Candy Kitchen and Sweet! The candy kitchen has all kinds of homemade treats like water taffy, creamy fudge, crisp caramel apples, gourmet popcorn and gelato while Sweets has any kind of candy you desire, both current and nostalgic.
- Arcade City. We played more claw machine games and basketball than we ever have! Y’all know my family’s love for arcades.
- The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. View the Smokies from 200 ft up in the air in a glass gondola.
- Emery’s 5 & 10. The oldest five and dime in the South, this family owned store was originally created in 1927 and there are black and white photos and decor from the original store. It’s full of nostalgia from your childhood and as a kid who grew up in East TN, it gave me all the old time feels. Grab an RC Cola while you’re there.
Wonderworks
I’ve driven by this place so many times without venturing in and I’m so glad I did this trip. It has so many family friendly attractions. Some of the things are currently closed with COVID19 (which I’m ok with since they are hands on attractions) but even with that we really enjoyed it.
Crave Golf
This ended up being one of our favorite things we did. It was very easy to social distance. The girls had a blast and each hole was a fun photo opp. Sunday was also the perfect day to be outside and golf.
What Else To Do:
- Rafting in the Smokies
- Beyond The Lens
- Pirates Voyage Dinner Show
- Rockin Raceway
- Magiquest
- Comedy Barn Theater
If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway with the family, Pigeon Forge is it. We have had so many wonderful memories as a family in the Smokies. I know your family will love it as much as I do.
Have you been to Pigeon Forge TN before? Where have you and your family been recently? Let me know in a comment below!