Mermaids at Pirates Voyage

Top 5 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge for First-Time Visitors

July 22, 2024

Are you planning your first-ever trip to Pigeon Forge, TN? With the many opportunities for fun and excitement, it may be hard to decide which activities to fit into your schedule while you’re in town. Whether you’re searching for things to do for kids, families, or couples, we’re here to make sure you don’t miss out on the top picks for your first visit! Here are the top 5 things to do in Pigeon Forge for first-time visitors:

1. Visit a Dinner Show

Your trip to Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be complete without visiting a dinner show! You won’t find the same quality of entertainment and food anywhere else. Pigeon Forge is home to a great selection of dinner shows for all ages. Our Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show attraction offers Fun, Feast, and Adventure™ for the whole family! You’ll witness Captain Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, leading the Crimson and Sapphire crews in a battle for the coveted treasure. Mermaids and live animals also take part in the show, captivating the audience with their tricks. While you watch, you’ll get to enjoy a pirate feast with four courses!

Other popular dinner shows in Pigeon Forge include Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. Dolly Parton’s Stampede features a high-spirited adventure and a four-course country feast. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud invites guests to become a part of the longest-running family feud in history, complete with an all-you-can-eat, Southern homestyle dinner. You can’t go wrong with any of the dinner shows! If you prefer a show that doesn’t serve a meal, head to The Comedy Barn. This award-winning show provides guests with an evening of a thousand laughs!

2. Experience Everything Dollywood Has to Offer

Dollywood sign at Showstreet Palace Theater

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience everything Dollywood has to offer while you’re in Pigeon Forge! This world-class theme park is a must-visit on your vacation. With everything from thrilling roller coasters to live shows, there’s something for everyone at Dollywood. Popular rides at the park include Wild Eagle, Big Bear Mountain, and the Dollywood Express, but guests also love browsing the many unique shops, trying the delicious food sold throughout the park, and visiting the Dolly Parton Experience. Before you leave, stop by the Grist Mill for some world-famous cinnamon bread!

If you visit during the summer months, head to Dollywood’s Splash Country for even more fun!

3. Tour the Titanic Museum Attraction

Do you love learning about the RMS Titanic and what happened on that fateful night? Then you won’t want to miss the chance to take the self-guided tour through the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge! This museum is fun for all ages and is a celebration of the ship, the passengers, and the crew. Throughout the tour, you’ll be able to experience what it was like to be a passenger on the ship as you walk through the cabins, hallways, and parlors. Highlights of the museum include the replica of the Grand Staircase and interactive exhibits. Guests will have the opportunity to stick their hand into 28-degree water, sit in lifeboats and hear real passenger stories, shovel coal in the Boiler Room, and more. Both kids and adults will find entertainment at this museum!

If you plan to visit both our show and the Titanic Museum Attraction, take advantage of our combo tickets!

4. Dine at Frizzle Chicken Café

animatronic chickens at Frizzle Chicken Cafe

When you’re visiting Pigeon Forge, you’ll be surrounded by delicious places to eat, but our top restaurant suggestion is a place you won’t find anywhere else. Frizzle Chicken Café provides a dining experience that’s unlike any other. Visit for breakfast or lunch for a delicious Southern meal. Breakfast dishes range from omelets to biscuits and gravy, and lunch offers a variety of sandwiches and burgers. It’s also one of the most family-friendly places to eat in town! That’s because while you dine, you’ll be entertained by singing animatronic chickens that’ll keep a smile on your face. You’ll love this one-of-a-kind experience.

5. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Pigeon Forge is just a short drive from the most visited national park in the country, so you won’t want to leave without seeing what it has to offer. With stunning mountain views, a variety of wildlife, historic structures, and more than 150 hiking trails, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We recommend taking a scenic drive through Cades Cove and exploring, or hiking to a gorgeous waterfall, like Rainbow Falls! You can also enjoy a picnic lunch, fishing, or horseback riding. The fun never ends in the Smokies!

These are some of the best activities in Pigeon Forge for first-time visitors! For more ideas of what to do, check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Pigeon Forge.

black wooden board