So you’ve been wanting to take a vacation, but are having a difficult time figuring out how to get the most out of your budget…especially after the rising gas prices and everything affected by it. Fortunately for you Pigeon Forge, TN has a lot of ways to save you quite a bit of money during your vacation! We’re going to show you some of the most popular ways to save money as offered by the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, plus we’re going to reveal some other less-known ways to save even more money! So put away the credit card and don’t beg your family and friends for money just yet so that you can take your family on a vacation. Find out how you can visit the Great Smoky Mountains and save plenty of money with our Pigeon Forge on a Budget list.

1. Ride the Trolley - Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN have trolley systems that literally run all over both cities. You can get to just about anywhere by riding the trolley. It only costs 50 cents per person and you could ride it all day long….if you wanted…I wouldn’t suggest it, though, because there’s much better things to do in Pigeon Forge!
2. Walk - This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you combine this with riding the trolley you can cover a lot of ground, get some great exercise, see things you might have missed otherwise, and most of all…save money! Don’t limit yourself to simply walking the parkway with the attractions, restaurants, and shops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg either. Hit the mountains and find some trails. Cades Cove is a wonderful place to experience the Great Smoky Mountains for practically free!
3. Get the Pigeon Forge Value Card - The official Pigeon Forge Value card offered by the Department of Tourism is a great way to save money as it includes discounts on lodging, restaurants, attractions, shopping, entertainment, and more! Best of all, the cards are FREE! You can get it in one of three ways:
   • Go to www.mypigeonforge.com and order the free travel planner. You’ll receive a free value card with it in approximately 2-3 weeks.
   • Call 1-800-251-9100 to order the free travel planner just as above
   • Or if you’re afraid the travel planner won’t get to you before you leave, you can simply stop by the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center on your way into town at Traffic Light #0 in front of The Miracle Theater.
4. Get a Free Day at Dollywood - When you arrive at Dollywood after 3pm to purchase your tickets, you get to go the entire next day for FREE! This is highly suggested as it is getting increasingly more difficult to do everything that Dollywood has to offer in a single day.
5. Dollywood Coupons - In order to get the best deal at Dollywood, visit their official special offers page. Also, you can call Dollywood at 1-800-365-5996 to see if they have any other offers. They have a military discount of 30% with proper military ID.
6. Dollywood Season Pass - If you plan on visiting Dollywood more than one time during the year, then you’ll want a season pass. Why? Because a season pass is cheaper than going just twice! So if you visit Dollywood only two times throughout the year, you’re going to save money!
7. Pigeon Forge Coupons - There are a ton of coupons for Pigeon Forge online, so how do you know where to find the best ones? Fortunately for you, we’ve done all of the hard work and made a list of the best websites for Pigeon Forge Coupons! Just click the orange link above to see the list.
8. Eat Cheap - Before you book a room somewhere, consider the fact that many places offer free breakfast. This could save a load of money…especially if you have a large family! Another option is the many cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge that have kitchens you can use to make your own meals. If that’s your thing, then you can make a trip to the store when you get into town, load up on meals, and eat in for your entire vacation to save even more money!
9. Theater Combo Tickets - Many of the theaters in Pigeon Forge (the “show” kind of theaters….not movie theaters) offer combo passes where you can see multiple shows for a discounted rate. So if you’re interested in any shows, be sure to call ahead and ask if they have any combo deals.
10. Free Things for Kids To Do - Besides taking your kids to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, there are plenty of other things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids under 12 that are free!! Quite a few shows allow 1 child under 12 per paying adult in for free! Some of the more popular shows are:
    • Comedy Barn
    • Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show (yes, the kids get to EAT free too!)
    • The Miracle Theater
    • Magic Beyond Belief
11. Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - While you’re in Pigeon Forge, you’ll be in the heart of the most visited National Park in the entire United States. Take advantage of the numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, breathtaking scenic views, unique wildlife and more. If you’re visiting in June then be sure to see the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont. This is one of only two places in the world to see this event! Also, Cades Cove in nearby Townsend offers plenty of free entertainment for the entire family. Make sure you take some time to step into the Smokies and experience the “natural” side of things to do. It’s free, fun, and an amazing experience you won’t get back home.

If you have more ways to save money on your vacation to Pigeon Forge, please share them in the comments section below!

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

Save Money on Your Pigeon Forge Vacation

The 2008 University of Tennessee football season is kicking into gear and we have exactly what you’re looking for! Below you will find the complete 2008 University of Tennessee football schedule that lists all of the dates, who the vols play, when is kickoff, what channel the game will be on television, and more! Some of the times and channels will become available as the Vols football season progresses, so bookmark this page, share it with your friends, and enjoy the 2008 UT Vols football season! If you’re into UT football, then you love hearing “It’s football time in Tennessee”!

If you’re going to be staying in Pigeon Forge, TN or Gatlinburg, TN, then be sure to check out the following guides:

• Top 10 Hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN
• Top 10 Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN
• The Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, TN
• The Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg, TN
• List of Pigeon Forge Coupons

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

2008 University of Tennessee Football Schedule

It’s that time of year again for the 2008 Shades of the Past XXVI car show in Pigeon Forge, TN. Grease that hair back and dust off those poodle skirts. For lovers of classic cars, this is definitely a rod run you don’t want to miss. If you’re reading this, you probably already know about it and what it is. For those of you that don’t know about it and don’t have much of an interest in car shows or rod runs, then I highly suggest you do not come near Pigeon Forge between September 3-7. The 2008 Shades of the Past XXVI will take place on September 5-6 (Friday and Saturday) at Smoky River Ranch in Pigeon Forge, TN. During the show (and the days before & after) the parkway will turn into a parade of rods, customs, and classic cars with people sitting in lawn chairs all down the strip. You could literally walk from one end of Pigeon Forge to the other faster than you could drive through all of the traffic. Husbands, if you’re coming to the rod run with your wife (who doesn’t have the same interests) I suggest you drop her off early down at Five Oaks Mall in Sevierville. That should keep her happy and occupied most of the day while you’re at the car show.

For those of you attending Shades of the Past Rod Run this year, here are some links to the official maps & entry forms:

• Participant Entry Form
• Vendor Entry Form

How to get to the car show:

They also have a map of the actual car show site. You can download it here.

For more information, contact:
Shades of the Past Rod Run Chairman
Dan Draper
3343 Big Springs Road
Maryville, TN 37801-8908.
FAX (865) 995-9097

For other rod runs and car shows in Pigeon Forge, check out the Pigeon Forge car show schedule.

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

Shades of the Past Car Show

When you visit Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, TN and are planning to stay in one of the many cabin rentals in town, then we definitely suggest Carey Cabins in Pigeon Forge, TN. Carey Cabins describes themselves as “luxury log cabins” and we highly agree. They have some of the nicest, cleanest, and well-equipped cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN and even Gatlinburg. The breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and quiet surroundings all work together to making cabin rentals an extremely popular choice for lodging.

Carey Cabins has some of the most amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Imagine yourself pulling up to your cabin in Pigeon Forge and being able to see the mountains perfectly clear with no tall hotels or attractions blocking your view. This is only one of the major benefits of renting a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN and this is only the outside of the cabin! Keep reading to find out what surprises await on the inside of these amazing Pigeon Forge cabin rentals!

At Carey Cabins, you will find modern conveniences in a rustic, yet modern setting. In most of the cabins you will find a floor-to-ceiling stacked-stone fireplace, fully stocked kitchen, corner jacuzzi tub, wrap around decks, and even fireplaces in the master suite! Talk about the perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon in Pigeon Forge! You may find yourself spending the entire vacation inside your cabin!

If you’re looking for a little entertainment or you’re the competitive type, you won’t have to pay extra or even leave your cabin as you will have your very own game loft! Carey Cabins come equipped with pool tables along with an amazingly beautiful view of the mountains…everyone is a winner in the game loft!

Finally, after a long day exploring Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smokey Mountains head out to your back deck of your cabin and soak in the hot tub while taking in the breathtaking mountain views. This is the ultimate end to a perfect vacation day! Then on the following morning, brew a fresh cup of coffee, head out to the same back deck and watch the mountains come to life as the sun rises over the Great Smoky Mountains. There aren’t words to describe the view…you have to experience it for yourself!

Here are some comments from recent visitors:

“We had a great time at the cabin on our vacation. Our kids loved the area. We had a blast at Dollywood and Splash Country and plan to go again in the future. Anita was very helpful and patient with all my many questions. Thanks again!”

“Everything was great!! Your cabin is very nice with all the amenities(Hot Tub, grille, etc…) The weather & view were great!!! I will definitly come back for another stay very soon. Thanks for everything.”

“Beautiful cabin…highly recommend! Great location between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You won’t be disappointed! Beautiful view, loved the hot tub and sitting on the deck! Great vacation spot!”

Carey Cabins is currently offering a $50 gas discount when you book online through their website. With the rising gas prices this discount helps a lot…plus the cabins are amazing! This is honestly a great deal for some of the best cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Carey Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge Contact Info:

Tell them that Inside Pigeon Forge sent you!
Visit the Carey Cabins website: http://www.careycabins.com
Contact Carey Cabins: 1-866-370-3273

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

Carey Cabins in Pigeon Forge TN

Pigeon Forge, TN definitely has a lot of attractions, malls, shows, restaurants, and other activities that unfortunately aren’t free. Unless you’re loaded with money you would probably like to know how to save as much as possible so that you can do as much as possible! If you search online for “Pigeon Forge Coupons” you will see something like 27,000 websites. Not only are you wanting to save money on your Pigeon Forge vacation, but you want to save time from searching all of those websites for legitimate discounts! Fortunately for you we have done all of the dirty work and have separated the honest coupons from the scams and hidden agendas. In the list below you will find a ton of the best Pigeon Forge Tennessee coupons to help save you as much money as possible during your next vacation to Pigeon Forge, TN.

Click on any of the links below to jump directly to any of the sections of Pigeon Forge coupons.

• Hotel Coupons
• Cabin Rental Coupons
• Entertainment Coupons
• Dining Coupons
• Shopping Coupons
• Other Discounts
• Coupon Books

Hotel Coupons

My Pigeon Forge – Official City Website
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/coupons/pigeon_offers_all.asp
Numerous hotel coupons and discounts

Smoky Mountain Navigator
http://smokymountainnavigator.com/index.asp?mid=71
Coupons for The Inn at Christmas Place, Music Road Hotel, Park Place on the River, and other coupons for hotels in Pigeon Forge.

Smoky Mountain Coupons
http://www.smokymountainscoupons.com/pflodging.html
Hotel coupons for Best Western, Econo Lodge, Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn, La Quinta Inn, and other hotels in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

Cabin Rental Coupons

My Pigeon Forge – Official City Website
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/coupons/pigeon_offers_all.asp
Numerous Cabin Rental Coupons

PigeonForge.com
http://www.pigeonforge.com/coupons/
Lots of coupons for cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. Cabin rental coupons for MountainTop Resorts, Carey Cabins, Alpine Mtn. Chalets, and many other cabin, condo, and chalet rentals.

Smoky Mountain Navigator
http://smokymountainnavigator.com/index.asp?mid=71
Cabin rental coupons for Sunset Cottages, Fireside Cabins, Acorn Cabin Rentals, Aunt Bugs Cabin Rentals, and many more.

Smoky Mountain Coupons
http://www.smokymountainscoupons.com/pflodging.html
Coupons for Cabins USA, Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals, Smoky Mountain Lake Rentals, Heartland Cabin Rentals, and other discounts on cabin rentals, chalets, and condominiums in Pigeon Forge, TN and Gatlinburg.

Entertainment Coupons

(Coupons for Dinner Shows, Attractions, Theme Parks, and more)

Discount Show Tickets
http://discountshowtickets.com/pigeonforgediscounttickets.html
This is the best place to save money on tickets to Comedy Barn, Black Bear Jamboree, Miracle Theater, Magic Beyond Belief, and the Blackwood Breakfast Show. There’s no catch…no timeshare tours or anything…just an easy way to save money!

My Pigeon Forge – Official City Website
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/coupons/pigeon_offers_all.asp
Many coupons for attractions, dinner shows, theaters, race tracks, etc.

Dollywood Coupons
http://www.dollywood.com/special-offers/default.aspx?track=DWMPOFFERS
The official list of current special offers and coupons for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood doesn’t broker out discounts to third parties much any more, so if you see discounts from other places then it is probably timeshare bait. The official Dollywood website is the only trusted source of Dollywood coupons. Be sure to check out our best tips for visiting Dollywood as well.

Dixie Stampede Coupons
http://dixiestampede.com/specialoffers.php
If you’re looking for Dixie Stampede coupons, then you’ll have to do just the same as Dollywood above…stick with the official website. Dixie Stampede offers combo passes with other attractions, which will save you some money.

Smoky Mountain Navigator
http://smokymountainnavigator.com/index.asp?mid=71
Coupons for Black Bear Jamboree, Comedy Barn, Miracle Theater, Magic Beyond Belief, WonderWorks and more

Smoky Mountain Coupons
http://www.smokymountainscoupons.com/outdooract.html
Horseback riding coupons, ATV adventures, and discounts on golf in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Gatlinburg, TN.

Dining Coupons

My Pigeon Forge – Official City Website
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/coupons/pigeon_offers_all.asp
Various restaurant coupons. Be sure to check out our top 10 list of the best Pigeon Forge Restaurants.

Smoky Mountain Navigator
http://smokymountainnavigator.com/index.asp?mid=71
Coupons for the Old Mill Restaurant, Alamo Steakhouse, Corky’s BBQ, and more.

Shopping Coupons

Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet (Red Roof Mall)
http://www.pigeonforgefactoryoutlet.com/coupons.asp
G. H. Bass & Company, Carter’s, New York New York, Oneida and more

Smoky Mountain Coupons
http://www.smokymountainscoupons.com/shopping.html

Five Oaks Mall Coupons
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/center/SEV/coupons/by_brand
While not technically in Pigeon Forge, Five Oaks Mall in Sevierville offers the best outlet shopping in the area. Be sure to check out our best shopping tips for Pigeon Forge as well!

Other Pigeon Forge Coupons and Discounts

What To Do in Pigeon Forge, TN
http://www.sunnydayguide.com/smoky_mountains/sm_free_guide.php
Numerous coupons for Pigeon Forge that you can download and print out. They have many coupons for shows, restaurants, shopping, and more.

My Pigeon Forge – Official City Website
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/coupons/pigeon_offers_all.asp
Wedding chapel coupons and special offers for various tourist attractions.

Coupons Books That You Can Order

Smoky Mountain Navigator
http://smokymountainnavigator.com/index.asp?mid=1&mid2=231

What To Do in Pigeon Forge
http://www.sunnydayguide.com/smoky_mountains/sm_free_guide.php

Pigeon Forge Tourism
http://www.pigeonforgetourism.com

I’m sure we have missed more great websites that offer coupons for Pigeon Forge, TN. If you know of any other Pigeon Forge coupons and discount websites, please share them in the comment section below! Hopefully this list will save you some money and provide you with a better vacation to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

The Ultimate Pigeon Forge Coupons List

If you plan on coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the first time (or even the 100th time) you are probably wondering where is the best place to stay in Pigeon Forge. The list below contains the top 10 Pigeon Forge hotels as rated by visitors from various sources. With each hotel listing you will find an address, phone number, map, hotel reviews, hotel coupons, discounts and website where applicable. This list of hotels in Pigeon Forge should take care of your search. Also, be sure to check out the top 10 list of Gatlinburg hotels if you plan on visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

Top 10 Hotels in Pigeon Forge

#1) The Inn at Christmas Place
119 Christmas Tree Ln
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 428-5123
(865) 868-0525
(888) 465-9644 - Toll Free
Reviews and Directions
Hotel Discounts and Specials
innatchristmasplace.com

#2) Music Road Inn
314 Henderson Chapel Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 286-2243
(866) 429-8803
Reviews and Directions
Hotel Coupons and Specials
musicroadinn.com

#3) Comfort Inn Apple Valley
1850 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862-0855 (right on the border of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville)
(865) 428-1069
(865) 429-0777 - Fax
Reviews and Directions
Hotel Special Offers
comfortinn.com

#4) Twin Mountain Inn and Suites
4030 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
866-825-8466
Map & Directions
Hotel Coupons and Discounts
twinmountaininn.com

#5) Park Tower Inn
201 Sharon Dr
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-8605
Reviews and Directions
parktowerinn.com

#6) Music Road Hotel
303 Henderson Chapel Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-7700
Hotel Reviews and Directions
Hotel Discounts and Coupons
musicroadhotel.com

#7) Red Roof Pigeon Forge
2510 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-6633
(865) 908-4191 - Fax
Hotel Reviews and Directions
Hotel Coupons and Special Offers
redroof.com

#8) Valley Forge Hotel
2795 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-7770
Hotel Reviews and Directions
valleyforgeinn.net

#9) Willow Brook Lodge
035 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-5334
Hotel Reviews and Map
Hotel Coupons
willowbrooklodge.com

#10) James Manor
2735 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-4007
Hotel Reviews and Directions
jamesmanor.com

You may have a different review of one of these hotels in Pigeon Forge or may have a recommendation of a hotel that didn’t make the top 10. If so, please leave a comment at the bottom of the page to share your Pigeon Forge hotel reviews with others!

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

Top 10 Pigeon Forge Hotels

If you plan on visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee then there is one thing that you are definitely going to do…eat. If you’re anything like us you want to eat somewhere unique to the area that you can’t have back home or anywhere else. Fortunately, there are numerous Pigeon Forge restaurants to choose from and we have compiled a list of the top 10 places to eat in Pigeon Forge to help narrow down your decision on where to eat. Also, if you plan on visiting Gatlinburg, TN then be sure to check out the top 10 best places to eat in Gatlinburg, TN as well! These lists are compiled completely of restaurants that are unique to the area except for one bonus addition to the Pigeon Forge list. So if you’re looking for the best place to eat in Pigeon Forge, TN then I can guarantee you’ll find it within this list of the top 10 Pigeon Forge restaurants.

#1) Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
(Perhaps the best southern meal and experience you can get in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Applewood Restaurant is technically in Sevierville, TN but it’s so close to Pigeon Forge that we included it on the list as this is one place that people continue to come back to on each visit to Pigeon Forge. The servings are large, so an insider tip is to split an entree with someone…you can pay just a tiny bit extra to get more vegetables and believe me it is plenty for two people!)
220 Apple Valley Rd
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 429-8644
(865) 428-1222
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com

#2) Old Mill Restaurant
175 Old Mill Ave # 7
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-3463
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
old-mill.com

#3) Bullfish Grill
(Steak and Seafood)
2441 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-1000
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
bullfishgrill.com

#4) Smoky Mountain Brewery
2530 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-1400
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
smoky-mtn-brewery.com

#5) Kinkaku Japanese Steak House
3152 Parkway # 1
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 774-7698

#6) Little Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse
2430 Teaster Ln # 212
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-0555
Restaurant Reviews and Directions

#7) Calhoun’s
2532 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-1500
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
calhouns.com

#8) Huck Finn’s Catfish Chicken and Steaks
3334 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-3353
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
huckfinnsrestaurant.com

#9) Log Cabin Pancake House
(*Insider Note: This has long been a favorite place to eat breakfast in Pigeon Forge, TN since it opened in 1973. We highly recommend Log Cabin Pancake House on your next visit!)
4235 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-5748
Reviews and Directions

#10) Alamo Steakhouse
3050 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-9998
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
alamosteakhouse.com

Bonus
#11) Johnny Carino’s Italian Grill
(*Insider Note: As much as we tried to keep from including chain restaurants in this list, Carino’s is a great restaurant that is arguably the best Italian restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN. Therefore, it is listed as a bonus addition to the list of best restaurants in Pigeon Forge.)
2425 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 868-0790
Restaurant Reviews and Directions
carinos.com

If you have comments about any of the restaurants in this list or have other recommendations for restaurants in Pigeon Forge, TN then please share your thoughts in the comment area below. Also, be sure to check out the Top 10 Pigeon Forge Hotels list to help make your Pigeon Forge vacation planning even easier!

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

Top 10 Restaurants in Pigeon Forge

So you, your family, and friends have decided to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN for the day and you’re looking for some tips on making the experience more enjoyable. Well you’ve come to the right place as we’ve compiled the best tips on Dollywood coupons, the best days to visit, what to wear, ways to save money, and more! Here’s our list of 10 tips that will make your day at Dollywood much more enjoyable!

1. It’s Dollywood…not Dollyworld or Dolly World - Many people mistakingly call the theme park “Dollyworld” I suppose since it sounds close to “Disneyworld”. Dolly’s theme park, though, is named Dollywood as a play on words to Hollywood. So now that you know how it’s pronounced, spelled, etc you don’t have to come to town asking for information about Dollyworld. This should save you at least a laugh or two!
2. Ride the Trolley - Parking is $6 for a standard-sized vehicle and $9 for RV’s or anything larger. A trolley ride is .50 per person and it will take you right to the entrance of Dollywood. So yeah, you would have to have 24 people riding the trolley to equal the cost of parking! You can park at Patriot Park for free and then hop on a Dollywood trolley that runs every 15 minutes. More information can be found at the Pigeon Forge Trolley website.
3. Eat Before You Go - This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember. Food at Dollywood can be pricey, so try to fill up before you enter the park and then try to make it through the day on snacks purchased at Dollywood or a single meal. A local favorite is Red’s Diner in the 50’s section. The burger, fries, and shakes are great!
4. Dollywood Provides Water - You are not allowed to brink snacks or liquids into the park, but Dollywood does provide free cups of water in their restaurants and plenty of water fountains. If anything, this keeps you from carrying bottles around all day. Keep this in mind as water is a good thing if you’re in the heat.
5. Dress for Action - Dress according to how you plan to enjoy Dollywood. If you plan on riding lots of rides (especially the water rides), plan on wearing light clothing that will dry quickly. Sandals are a good choice as well if you have a comfortable pair…and be sure they attach to your feet with velcro or other straps in order to keep them from flying away on certain rides!
6. When to Visit - Wednesdays and Thursdays are typically the least busy days. Saturdays are nuts and should be avoided…unless you like waiting in lines.
7. Purchase Tickets at Home - If you need to buy tickets, then purchase them at home. Information can be found on Dollywood’s Ticket Page
8. Consider a Season Pass - If you’ll be spending more than one day at Dollywood or if you plan on going back at least one more time during the year, then get a season pass…it’s cheaper, plus it comes with extra benefits…like free parking if you don’t like the trolley.
9. Get Dollywood’s Latest Info - Dollywood provides downloads of the latest schedules, maps, guides, etc on their Download Page.
10. Dollywood Coupons: One of the biggest questions we get asked is where to find coupons for Dollywood. Unfortunately, Dollywood doesn’t broker out discounts to third parties much any more, so if you see discounts from other places then it is probably timeshare bait. The official Dollywood website is the only trusted source of Dollywood coupons. There you can find the official list of current special offers and coupons for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
    http://www.dollywood.com/special-offers/default.aspx?track=DWMPOFFERS

The following tips were provided by “Charlie” in the forums in his winning entry into the Inside Pigeon Forge Getaway Giveaway where users submitted their best tips for visiting Pigeon Forge, TN.

Charlie’s Tips for Visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN

1. Wear a fanny pack/belt bag to hold items such as keys, camera, money, sun screen, sun glasses, lip balm, first aid kit (details later) and whatever else you may need.
2. If you are taking a digital camera and are parking in a large lot, take a photo of the row/section sign so that you can easily locate you vehicle after a long exhausting day.
3. Don’t carry bottles of water around all day, they offer free cups of ice water at most all of the restaurants
4. (probably my best tip!) Take several small zip lock type baggies with you for your camera and any other valuables you need to protect from water. They will take up little room in you pack/bag and will protect your camera should you visit any water type attractions. I have seen so many people looking forlornly at their cameras after a water ride, please protect yours. Whether it is an expensive digital camera or an inexpensive disposable one, nothing is worse than losing cherished vacation photos to water.
5. Get to the park early and head straight for the back. It will be a lot less crowded and you will be working your way back toward your end destination. The front of the park always fills up first.
6. To save money on eating if you have a large group, pack a picnic lunch. You can have your hand stamped at the gate, go find a nice, quiet, relaxing spot in the forest and eat your lunch, then return to the park.
7. As I’m sure many others have mentioned, if you can, take advantage of Dollywoods’ After 3 PM, Next Day Free option.

If you’re still looking for more Dollywood tips, check out their Tips Page for even more ideas! We also have information on ways to visit Pigeon Forge on a budget, so be sure to check that out as well!

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

Tips for Visiting Dollywood

Pigeon Forge, TN has arguably become the place to shop (mostly outlet shopping malls) in the southeast over the past couple of decades. Numerous local craft shops lured visitors in years ago and provided unique Appalachian gifts that were nearly impossible to find anywhere else. As years passed, more and more stores began popping up and Pigeon Forge saw its first large outlet mall in what the locals called the “Red Roof Mall”. Years later the Belz Factory Outlet Mall opened up on the north end of Pigeon Forge with a couple of outdoor strip malls flanking it on the sides and in the front. While the Red Roof Mall and Belz Factory Outlets are currently the anchors of Pigeon Forge outlet malls, there are quite a few smaller strips of stores that carry unique items. Across the parkway from the Belz mall is Walden’s Landing, which also has a miniature golf course for Dad and the kids while Mom goes shopping!

If outlet shopping is your thing, I would highly suggest sliding over to Five Oaks Mall in Sevierville (about 1/4 mile from the Pigeon Forge City limit). While not “technically” in Pigeon Forge, Five Oaks offers the highest quality shopping and tons of stores. Some of the stores you’ll find at Five Oaks are:

• Coach
• Old Navy
• Gap
• Banana Republic
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Carter’s
• Children’s Place
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• Brooks Brothers
• Strasburg Children
• Hartstrings
• Nautica
• Bath & Body Works
• Disney
• Kirkland’s
• many many many more

There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and even a Starbucks to quench your appetite. You could literally spend all day here…and many do!

If you decide to go shopping at Five Oaks Mall in Sevierville, TN then I highly suggest reading the following tips. I’ve shopped, eaten, and even worked in that shopping center and I can’t stress enough how much the following tips will help you enjoy your time.

• GO EARLY - Okay, this is probably a no-brainer, but if you’re going on a weekend then you better plan on arriving before the mall opens (9am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays). The parking lots fill up quickly and it soon turns into a game of musical chairs trying to find someone leaving. The best area to be in (if you plan on hitting most of the stores) is around The Chop House. This way you can shop at the store in the front of your mall and drop of your nags as you make your way to the back of the mall.
• Have a Backup Parking Plan - If you don’t arrive early, and can’t find a parking spot, drive straight to the back and go down the small road between Tommy Hilfiger and Banana Republic. This circles back behind Old Navy and pops out right beside the Disney outlet. Behind Old Navy is a parking garage and a field for overflow parking.
• Shopping Coupons and Discounts - As soon as you get out of your car, head over to one of the mall offices to grab a coupon book. This will potentially save you a ton of money. Be sure to also visit their coupon page for the best coupons and discounts for their stores:
  http://www.tangeroutlet.com/center/SEV/coupons/by_brand
• Have a Plan - Don’t just wander around aimlessly. Know what stores are available before you go by visiting The Five Oaks Directory to see the full list of stores and even download a printable map with store locations and phone numbers!
• Dress Smart - I’ve seen too many people complain about their feet or that they’re hot or cold. This is an outdoor strip mall that requires a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. It could be hot, cold, wet, or dry…be prepared! You’ll enjoy shopping much more when your “dogs aren’t barking” (That’s southern for “my feet hurt!”)
• Fun for the Spouse and Kids - If your husband and children need something to do then they will love the Ripley’s Old McDonald Miniature Golf & Arcade! The NASCAR Speedpark is also within walking distance and provides enough fun for the entire day…you’ll probably be ready to go before they will be!
• Ask About Return Policies - Some outlet store purchases cannot be returned to their “normal” stores you may find in another town. Be sure to ask where you are allowed to return or exchange your purchases.
• The Tanger Guarantee - Any purchase made at Five Oaks is apparently guaranteed in price for 30 days after your purchase. If you find it advertised cheaper somewhere else, then bring the advertisement in with your receipt to the mall office and they will refund you the difference!

If you follow just one of those tips, you’ll have a better time than most. There are lots of bargains and a lot of stores…don’t get overwhelmed and pack a TON of patience. The parking, lines, and waits to eat can be a pain at times…but such is the price apparently for a sweet pair of shoes! Oh, and my personal vote for lunch and dinner would be The Chop House located right in the middle of the mall. Their soup & salad for lunch is hard to beat in taste & price!

Map to Five Oaks Mall in Sevierville, TN

View Larger Map

Address:
1645 Parkway, Suite 960
Sevierville, TN 37863
Phone: (865) 453-1053
Fax: (865) 429-8626

Regular Hours:
Monday - Saturday
9:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday
10:00am - 7:00pm

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

The Best Places to Shop in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN seems to be the place to have major car shows each year with the biggest arguably being the Spring Grand Rod Run, Shades of the Past,and the Fall Grand Rod Run. Hotel owners froth at the mouth for these Pigeon Forge car shows, and the locals stock up on ear plugs & food supplies as we listen to engines rev for about 72 hours straight and are locked up at home while all of the roads are congested. There’s not much complaining though as you guys bring in tons of revenue and keep our property taxes low! So here’s the Pigeon Forge car show schedule for 2008 complete with contact information and official websites for each event.

If you know of any other car shows in Pigeon Forge, TN then please share the info in the comment area below!

Article from the Inside Pigeon Forge TN website.

2008 Pigeon Forge Car Show Schedule