It’s about time people started realizing how much their country has to offer. We often fail to acknowledge how many sites there are to see in the US. From scenic beauty to manmade entertainment options, mainland America has just about everything you could ask for and more. However, not enough people give it a chance, therefore, not many people know about the fun stuff.
When we speak of Tennessee, fun might not be the first thing that pops into your mind. You may think about the major cities and how they have become metropolises, but fun and beauty aren’t part of the schematic thought.
This article aims to tell you about how great Tennessee is, especially this little town called Pigeon Forge. From the Smoky Mountains to the thrill of Dollywood, we aim to give you a complete guide to Pigeon Forge and tell you why it’s becoming such a hot tourist hotspot.
Here are some of the most common reasons you should visit Pigeon Forge as a fast-growing tourist destination.
Dollywood
World-famous actor and musician, Dolly Parton created one of the largest theme parks in the US. Its nothing short of mesmerizing and has been voted one of the best theme parks in the country, several times. If you are interested in theme parks in general and are looking for things to do in pigeon forge, this would be the place to go.
The park itself is huge and spread over acres of land. Therefore, make sure you have your walking shoes on because you will have to move around quite a bit. With some of the most fun rides, affordable food and drinks and the mountains creating the perfect backdrop, a trip to Dollywood could give you the excitement you need.
While you are there, try and check out the stampede, it’s one of the hottest attractions and one of the major reasons why the theme park is and continues to become so popular in the area.
White water rafting
Once you move into the mountains, you have the chance to take advantage of all the mountains have to offer. With rivers and streams making their way through the rocks, this would be the perfect chance for you to go white water rafting.
However, note that the experience is as thrilling as it is potentially dangerous. Though the statistics of casualties or injuries are low, the adventure isn’t for the faint-hearted.
If white water rafting scares you, maybe opt out. However, for those who can handle stress and adrenaline rushes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
The charm of the mountains
The proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes things so much better. Not only does it makes for the sight of a lifetime, but it gives you a chance to engage with nature in ways we often take for granted. Many of us come from a city where nature isn’t close enough for us to engage. For this reason, millions of people in the US, never get to see vegetation up-close.
Something as mundane as driving through the mountains can give you a newfound appreciation for the environment. Simply embracing the winding roads surrounded by trees is often enough to teach children the importance of environmental conservation.
Simply hearing about it in class or watching it on tv isn’t enough to instill the values they need to make a difference. Being up close and experiencing nature is often one of the best ways to harbor the idea of change and play individual roles in the fight against climate change.
Authentic cabins
Another major attraction for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is the cabins in the mountains. These cabins give you the authentic mountain experience and let you experience nature to its fullest. Open your windows and embrace a fresh gust of mountain air!
Moreover, walk around and appreciate how close you are to nature in everything you do. Some would argue that you are too close, and the wildlife gets a bit too close for comfort. Whether or not that is your thing, you can’t help but marvel at how authentic these cabins are and the charm they hold.
Other than that, they come equipped with just about any kind of amenities that you would want. They come in a diverse range of sizes, with pools, Wi-Fi, or whatever else you specify when booking the place. Just make sure you pack warm because the mountain breeze can take you off guard and it can get pretty cold at night.
Ripley’s Museum
Believe it or not, Ripley’s is just a short drive away if you are interested. The house of all whacky, wild, and spooky things is just a few minutes away if you are ready to make the commute. Some people find the content that Ripley’s puts across hard to digest, but if you aren’t worried about that, go ahead and check it out as a family.
If nothing else, it’s a chance to teach the little ones a thing or two. Learning facts is a great way to improve general knowledge, which helps socialize them in the real world.
Though Ripley’s is known for somewhat spooky/ gory details, you can always visit the children-friendly section of the exhibit.
Some of the clearest skies in the country
This part of Tennessee is known to have incredibly clear skies. Not only is there minimal air pollution, but there is little to no light pollution in the area as well. You could see just about every star in the sky if you looked attentively enough. The moon shines brighter, the air is clearer and it’s generally a very relaxing feeling to look up at the night’s sky.
The newfound gap is the highest point in the mountains. It gives you a clear sight of the stars and teaches you how important it is to appreciate the little things. Stargazing is one of the most fun activities that people are actively engaging in when they visit the area. We suggest that you try it on your next visit to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Conclusion
There we have some of the most common reasons why Pigeon Forge is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Most people are tired of visiting the big cities. The big cities’ charm tends to die out soon and more and more people are opting for a nature retreat.
From Dollywood to Ripley’s and the general excitement that the mountains can give you, we have talked about Pigeon Forge and why we think you should visit it this year.
With restrictions lifting, this would be the perfect time to visit. If you have the chance, seize it, you never know when you will have the opportunity to go again.