TOP 5 REASONS TO CONSIDER A PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE VACATION!
With three kids, 19, 17 and 12, where can we go on vacation to spend much needed quality family time that would keep everyone happy? Somewhere that’s within driving distance and wouldn’t cost us an arm and a leg? Well, we first thought of trying a hotel on the Ocean City MD strip … but mixed reviews had us worried. We ultimately deciding to try Pigeon Forge, TN – where?? That’s the question we heard most … but we have to say, this part of the country is truly a hidden gem that offers something for everyone! http://www.smokymountainskids.com/
I had been to Pigeon Forge on a short trip for work a few years ago and was amazed at the variety of options, attractions and also free things to do. My husband and teen son were not as enthused as the rest of us. However, we just returned home we would all agree that it was likely our BEST vacation ever – no lie!
If you are wondering what? Where? Let me share -- with the help of the family, we put together our TOP 5 Reasons for why you should consider this destination for YOUR next family getaway – along with a list of our Top 10 Things to Do – maybe you will consider this for your next long weekend or even summer get away!
1- EASY TO GET TO – situated on the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Forest – this place is an easy 8 hour drive from Pittsburgh, and really an easy drive from a MULTITUDE of cities all across the east and middle east of the country! 1 tank of gas – and gas in TN is only 1.99/gallon!
2- FAMILY ORIENTED – It’s almost like stepping back in time when life was simpler – Pigeon Forge is actually a dry town – with no liquor stores – but no worry – you can still purchase a cold one with your meal – just no Happy Hour or drunken folks to tend with. Truly a family oriented destination with TONS of fun at every turn. We heard it said that Pigeon Forge is the #2 family destination spot just behind Orlando – and NO LINES!
3- ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – AGES 2-102 – Someone said Pigeon Forge is the “Las Vegas for Families” and would totally agree. After visiting Vegas for my first time earlier this year – I would say it’s a great analogy. Clean fun, abundant options and something for everyone. On my last trip, my Mom joined me (73) and completely enjoyed the variety of shows – particularly The Comedy Barn and Smoky Mountain Opry.
4- VARIETY – Both in LODGING and ATTRACTIONS– I believe it’s safe to say that you could travel to this destination on several separate occasions and have a different experience on each visit! First, the variety in accommodations – you can choose a hotel on the “strip” for walkable fun to numerous attractions, a hotel off the beaten path for a quieter, relaxed stay but close enough to the attractions, or a cabin in the Smoky Mountains for serene views and nature. Along the “variety” line, this whole trip would be a totally different experience with the fall foliage in the background as opposed to the summertime.
In terms of entertainment, this trip offered the whole family MORE in terms of choices … and the educational aspect was FUN. For example, Alcatraz East, the newest attraction in town, took up 5 hours of our day – and left everybody wanting MORE. There was so much we experienced and yet STILL so many things we didn’t try – we can’t wait to go back!
5- GREAT VALUE – I’m convinced that there is no other single destination that can offer a family such variety and value! Sure, there are a ton of attractions that cost you money … but the VALUE is so there. As a vacation destination, there are always deals to be had – in fact, USFamilyGuide.com is proud to work with many of the amazing attractions to offer you great SAVINGS on your trip. Not to mention, with the great Smoky Mountain national forest right next door – you can easily stretch the dollars and the fun by alternating your plans. For example, we chose to spend 4 days in Pigeon Forge, then 3 days in Gatlinburg – and sprinkled in hikes and trips to see the awe inspiring nature trails and waterfalls! This gave us lots of variety, keeping all happy and never bored!
