A weekend getaway in Pigeon Forge is perfect for a break from routine. You can let loose and enjoy delicious food, indulge in fun-filled activities, and explore different attractions in this little mountain city. The only problem you will have is figuring out how to fit everything you want to do within two days. Well, that’s exactly what we’re here for. We have compiled some of the best activities and attractions to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your weekend trip!
⦁ At Pigeon forge :Nature at its Best
Pigeon Forge is around 48 km from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which means you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities while in town. However, with only a weekend, you likely won’t be up for intense activities such as ziplining or hiking. Friendly Falls is a hidden gem of the Great Smokies that you can explore without enduring an hour’s hike. A gorgeous waterfall surrounded by trees and wildlife, Friendly Falls is located at 2135 Wears Valley Road in Sevierville, which is about 4.5 miles from the Parkway . You can sit for a snack on the covered deck above the waterfall or in the garden next to it and enjoy nature at its finest.
⦁ Savoring the Spice: Mexican Restaurants
You might think that you will only find Southern cuisines in this charming tourist place. However, you will find some popular and delicious Mexican cuisines in this mountain town. Latinx residents account for over 13% of the city’s population. Hence, you will find many Mexican restaurants there that offer the most tasty and authentic Mexican flavor. From varieties of salsa, chimichangas, fajitas, and burritos, there is nothing that you can’t find in the local Mexican eateries. Therefore, stop for lunch or dinner at one of the many Mexican restaurants on this weekend getaway. Trust us; you will rave about the food for years!
⦁ Birds Galore: Parrot Mountain and Gardens
The Parrot Mountain is another hidden gem only locals know of in this resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee. Referred to as ‘the Garden of Eden’ by visitors, the Parrot Mountain and Gardens are spread across 4 acres of land and are home to a diverse range of tropical birds and many trees and plants. The parrots live in their cottages, each intricately designed to fit into the scenery as a gorgeous structure. As you move into the gardens, you will see many free birds peacefully soaring through the area, including toucans and magpies. However, the best part is the baby bird nursery on-site, where you can feed and pet the most adorable young birds. If you’re a nature lover, a trip to Parrot Mountain and Gardens is a must!
⦁ Local Crafts: Sandman’s Workshop
Sandman’s Workshop is a premium artisan workshop for carved rocks and stones. If you’re looking for something special to take with you from there, you’ll find exactly what you need at Sandman’s Workshop. The store has a large collection of ready-to-sell items such as salt lamps, photo slates, stone crosses, and rock oil lamps. However, you can also get your personalized souvenir or gift, such as an engraved stone slate, a pet memorial, or a custom-built concrete bench. The best part is that the artisans available on-site will have your personalized memento ready to go within an hour. So to truly take back something unique from your trip, visit Sandman’s Workshop.
⦁ Wildlife Lovers: Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo
A unique experience you should check out while in Pigeon Forge is the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo. It is located in Sevierville and is around 11 miles away from this mountain gateway destination. It is home to deer, donkeys, zebras, kangaroos, reindeer, and other wildlife species, which you can see up close and interact with. While visiting the farm, you and your family can walk among these creatures and even feed them by hand! Plus, for adventure seekers, the farm also has a fully functional riding stable. That means you can live out your wild west dreams of riding a horse while taking in the gorgeous natural beauty of the surrounding Great Smokies.
⦁ Fun & Excitement: WonderWorks
Wonderworks in this mountain city is one of the captivating attractions that promises an extraordinary experience for visitors of all ages. This unique upside-down building immediately captures attention and sparks curiosity. Wonderworks lets you embark on a journey of discovery through its interactive exhibits, blending education and entertainment seamlessly.
Inside Wonderworks, many mind-boggling exhibits and hands-on activities await. From the thrilling Hurricane Shack, where one can experience hurricane-force winds, to the mind-challenging Wonder Zones featuring illusionary artwork and optical illusions, there is something to captivate every imagination. The popular Space Discovery Zone lets visitors experience the wonders of outer space, while the Xtreme 360 Bikes and the Indoor Ropes Challenge Course offer exhilarating physical adventures.
In addition to its interactive exhibits, WonderWorks hosts educational shows and workshops, allowing visitors to delve deeper into various scientific and technological concepts. From learning about natural disasters to exploring the wonders of physics, there is no shortage of educational opportunities at WonderWorks.
Whether you’re seeking family fun, educational enrichment, or simply a day of entertainment, WonderWorks here is an exceptional destination that will inspire you.
⦁ Adventure & Thrill: Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
If you’ve explored all the little hidden treasures of Pigeon Forge but are missing the adventure element, we have just the thing for you. Drop down to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, one of the oldest crowded mountain coasters you can visit in the area. The coaster takes you 1 mile downhill as you control the speed of your cart. If you’ve not yet been on a mountain coaster, this is an experience you will truly relish!
Final Words
Pigeon Forge is home to many wonderful activities and attractions. However, since you’re short on time, spend your weekend breaking away from the crowds and exploring the hidden side of this wonderful mountain city. It will make this a trip you will always remember fondly.
