Things To Do
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Category: Nature/Hiking This one kind of speaks for itself. It's the most visited national park in the US. Specific Recommendations: Laurel Falls: A paved, 2.6-mile roundtrip hike to a stunning waterfall. Very popular. Alum Cave Trail: A more strenuous hike featuring geological wonders like Arch Rock. Cades Cove: An 11-mile driving loop (or biking loop) offering the best wildlife viewing (bears, deer) and historic cabins. Note: You now need a parking tag to park anywhere within the National Park boundaries.
Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar
The Vibe: Industrial-chic distillery and restaurant. The Food: Elevated bar food, BBQ, and artisan cocktails made with spirits distilled on-site. Why go: A great spot for adults who want to combine a tasting flight of bourbon or moonshine with a high-quality meal. They have a couple locations, one in Sevierville and the other in Pigeon Forge. Check out their website!
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Category: Shopping & Entertainment This is a massive entertainment complex featuring the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (a 200-foot observation wheel), dancing fountains, retail shops, and restaurants (including Margaritaville and Paula Deen’s). Why we recommend it: Entry and parking are free; you only pay for what you do. It is the center of nightlife in Pigeon Forge.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen
The Vibe: Rustic, timber-frame interior inspired by the Ogle family farm. The Food: BBQ, steaks, and heavy breakfast platters. Their cinnamon rolls are the size of a dinner plate. Why go: The quality of ingredients is higher than most tourist traps. The "Supper" menu features excellent open-faced pot roast.
Titanic Museum Attraction
Category: Museum This is a half-scale replica of the original ship. Upon entry, you are given a boarding pass with the name of a real passenger; at the end, you discover if you survived. Why we're recommended: This is not a "cheesy" roadside attraction. It holds over 400 genuine artifacts and is curated with immense respect and historical accuracy.
Local Goat New American Restaurant
The Vibe: Modern American aesthetic with a lively atmosphere. The Food: A scratch kitchen specializing in gourmet burgers, jumbo wings, and craft beer. They bake their own buns and grind their own meat daily. Why go: This is widely considered the best "modern" food in town. It offers a break from the traditional buffet style found elsewhere. Try the "Elvis" burger with peanut butter and fried bananas.
Tanger Outlets Sevierville
Category: Shopping This is a massive outlet mall complex with everything you shopping fiends could need. Brands like Nike, Disney, Coach, and Under Armour, etc. Why we recommend it: It is the premier shopping destination in the Smokies. People travel from surrounding states specifically for the tax-free weekends and deep discounts here.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
The Vibe: A sprawling farmhouse estate surrounded by orchards. The Food: Southern comfort. Every meal comes with their famous Applewood Julep (non-alcoholic) and a basket of fresh apple fritters with apple butter. Why go: It is legendary for breakfast. The apple fritters alone are worth the wait, which can be long on weekends.
The Old Mill Square
Category: History & Shopping Surrounding the Old Mill Restaurant, this square has the General Store (selling fresh ground grits and flour), a blacksmith shop, a candy kitchen, and a pottery shop. Why it’s great: It feels like stepping back in time. Watching the blacksmith work or seeing the giant water wheel turn offers a slower pace compared to the rest of the Parkway.
The Old Mill Restaurant
The Vibe: Historic and Iconic. Located in a grist mill built in 1830 that is still operational today. The Food: Classic Southern family-style dining. Every meal starts with a bowl of corn chowder and corn fritters (made from grain ground next door). Why go: It is the quintessential Pigeon Forge dining experience. The history is authentic, and the portions are massive.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Category: Thrill Ride The longest downhill ride in the United States. You control the speed of your own sled as you wind down the mountain track. Why it’s top tier: It runs rain or shine (and even in snow). Riding it at night, when the track is lit up with LED lights, is a unique experience.