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The Perfect Itinerary for a Weekend Vacation in Pigeon Forge

June 8, 2023

Pigeon Forge is home to a variety of fun things to see and do. With so many options, what do you do if you only have a couple days to spend in the area? We want to help make sure you don’t miss out on the top attractions and things to see in Pigeon Forge. That’s why we’ve created the perfect itinerary for a weekend vacation in Pigeon Forge!

Day 1

Catch a Smoky Mountain Sunrise

Kick off your morning with one of the most beautiful sights — a Smoky Mountain sunrise. We recommend waking up early to catch the sunrise, and be sure to have your cameras ready so you can capture the view and enjoy it for years to come! If you’re staying in a cabin rental, you might get to see this gorgeous view from the comfort of your deck while you sip your morning coffee. You can also take a drive to the Great Smoky Mountains! Some top spots to catch a Smoky Mountain sunrise are the Newfound Gap Parking Area, Little River Road, and the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abrams Falls in the Smoky Mountains

Next, spend some time exploring the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! It’s the most visited national park in the country for a reason. The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 800 miles of trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, scenic drives, historic sites, and so much more. We recommend driving along Cades Cove Loop Road for the chance to enjoy history, scenic views, and wildlife. It’s one of the most popular areas of the park to spot black bears! You can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the Cades Cove Picnic Area before hiking to Abrams Falls, a 20 foot waterfall that makes up for its lack of height with volume. Other popular things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park include fishing, horseback riding, and biking.

Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

After a day spent exploring the Smokies, you’re sure to have worked up quite the appetite. Instead of an ordinary dinner, visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show for a four-course feast and an action-packed show! Our Pigeon Forge dinner show tells the tale of Captain Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in a battle on land, on deck, in water, and high above their pirate ships in the indoor hideaway lagoon. You’ll watch sword fighting, acrobatics, and more in a high seas adventure featuring pirates, mermaids, tropical birds, sea lions, and daring dogs. While you watch, enjoy a meal that will satisfy the hungriest of pirates and landlubbers, including a Buccaneer Biscuit, Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, Cracklin’ Pan-Fried Chicken, Swashbucklin’ Sugar-Cured Ham, Cob-O’ Buttery Corn, a Pirate Herb-Basted Potato, and a Walk the Plank Specialty Dessert.

Day 2

Breakfast at Frizzle Chicken Café

chicken and waffles at Frizzle Chicken Cafe

Start your second day off the right way — with a tasty breakfast at Frizzle Chicken Café! This Pigeon Forge restaurant serves up food and family fun. Enjoy the best Southern-style breakfast while being entertained by singing animatronic chickens. Kids especially love visiting, not only for the entertainment but for the delicious Bear Cakes! Popular breakfast items include Chicken n Waffles, Classic Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, and French Toast. Located right on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, you won’t have far to travel after breakfast for a full day of fun!

Spend the Day at Dollywood

Your weekend vacation in Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be complete without getting to spend some time at the world-class theme park that is Dollywood! Dollywood has fun and entertainment for all visitors. Face your fears on thrilling roller coasters, enjoy live shows and performances, shop for souvenirs, and taste some world-famous cinnamon bread — the list of exciting things to do at Dollywood goes on! Don’t forget to take a ride on the Dollywood Express, a 110-ton coal-fired steam engine that takes you on a breathtaking 5-mile journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Before you leave, enjoy a meal at one of the popular restaurants, like Aunt Granny’s or Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans!

Head Home With Long-Lasting Memories

family eating at Pirates Voyage

After a full weekend of fun, you’re ready to head home with long-lasting memories shared with loved ones! You’ve seen one of the most popular dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, explored the country’s most visited national park, and spent a day at a world-class theme park. We wouldn’t blame you if you started planning your next trip as soon as you got home!

Now that you know how to have the perfect weekend vacation in Pigeon Forge, it’s time to start planning! Take a look at our Pigeon Forge dinner show schedule and get your tickets to our show in advance!

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