Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Great Smoky Mountains

Pigeon Forge, TN was originally named Fanshiers after one of the early settlers in the area. The town was later renamed "Pigeon" from the river and "Forge" from the iron works at the Old Mill on the river. The Old Mill (right) is now on the National Register of Historic Sites and serves as a memorial to the pioneer community that once resided on the Pigeon River.

In 1996, Southern Living magazine's Readers' Choice Awards ranked Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as the number-one shopping spot in the South. A true shopper's paradise, Pigeon Forge boasts some of the best outlet shopping in the South with more than 100 outlet stores. You can spend days shopping and checking out Z-Buda, River View, Belz and Tanger outlet malls. Some of the companies represented are: Coach, Liz Claiborne, Eddie Bauer, Nautica, Oshkosh, Nike, Rockport, Tommy Hilfiger, Samsonite, and dozens more.

This fast-paced resort town is home to Dollywood theme park, founded by Dolly Parton, that highlights the rich southern heritage of the Smoky Mountains region. Tennessee's most visited attraction, Dollywood Park draws between 2 and 3 million visitors each year and offers theme rides, live entertainment shows and craftsmen's work. Next to the theme park sits Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park, with rides for all kids aged 8 to 80. Other Pigeon Forge entertainment includes country music, bluegrass, comedy clubs, gospel and rock 'n' roll.

Smoky Mountain lodging in Pigeon Forge includes: a luxury selection of rental cabin , hotels and motels, B&B inns, and condos ensure that you'll find a place to rest your head. You can enjoy the amazing Smoky Mountain views from your own Tennessee cabin, get pampered at a B&B, or be close to the Parkway in a Pigeon Forge, Tennessee hotel or motel.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee attractions and things to do include fishing, whitewater rafting and river tubing, golf, museums,putt-putt, musical entertainment and comedy, bumper cars, carnival rides for kids, skiing, aquarium, horseback riding, crafts, and more. Winters are fun in the Smoky Mountains too. Winterfest offers the Pigeon Forge traveler a myriad of fun things to do including a parade, festival and great food, plus live entertainment.

An exciting and memorable family vacation destination, Pigeon Forge TN has something for all ages. Besides offering shopper's a cornucopia, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is one of the main gateways into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), which offers backpacking, camping, hiking, and whitewater rafting.