Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Just outside of Gatlinburg at the base of the Smoky Mountains, is Pigeon Forge. Named for the Pigeon River and the 1800’s iron forge, Pigeon Forge is a great place to rest and rejuvenate. You can stay at one of the national chain hotels or choose a bed and breakfast like the Hilton’s Bluff (www.hiltonsbluff.com), but no matter where you stay, be sure to take time to play!

One place to get some adventurous playing is at the Flyaway Indoor Skydiving. Here you will learn how to maneuver your body to soar, turn and descend in a vertical wind tunnel. Do you love classic and eclectic automobiles? Then you don’t want to miss the Smoky Mountains Car Museum () where more than 30 gas, electric, and steam cars are on display. You can see Hank Williams, Jr., “Silver Dollar” car, Al Capone’s bullet-proof Cadillac, Elvis’ Mercedes and many other celebrity and memorable movie cars. There are also Burma Shave signs and a historic gas pump globe display.

If you love music and dance, then Pigeon Forge has several places to choose from. The Comedy Barn offers a family comedy variety show complete with magicians, jugglers, comedians and live music. For musical tributes for legends like Tom Jones, Elvis, Kenny Rogers or Buddy Holly, then visit Memories Theatre. At the Country Tonite you can see a 2 hour show filled with singing, dancing, and comedy. Other music related entertainment can be found at Elwood Smooch’s Ole Smoky Hoedown () and Smoky Mountain Jubilee ().

Live Bears Picture by Brent K. Moore