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Looking for a place that is a epic-center for family fun and exploration? I was pleasantly surprised for my first visit to Pigeon Forge, TN! I am from Georgia so I road tripped here, and it only took 4 hours to get to this fun town from my home. It was a quick road trip but I was amazed at all the things to do here as a first time visitor!

It was my first time in Pigeon Forge and it’s not only an amazing place to be during the winter holidays, it’s one of the most spectacular places to see. I felt like I was in a Holiday Movie.

Pigeon Forge enforce mask mandates while traveling and off the island of Pigeon Forge. While reading this post, know I abided by the mask mandated and social distanced at each location.

So much to do. I went during the holiday, but this is a geat tourist place to do anytime of the year. Its a place where toys come to life and holiday music plays all around. Get into the spirit of the holiday season with an abundance of holiday shows and things to do during the holidays and beyond in Pigeon Forge.

 Fun Things to do in Pigeon Forge for First Timers

See The Winterfest Lights

Throughout town, visitors and locals alike delight in the millions of holiday lights that shine bright, creating a dazzling winter wonderland that is like no other. Make the most of a chilly evening & take in the glittering Winterfest lights in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg. From November to February, Pigeon Forge comes alive with millions of shimmering holiday lights, and there’s nothing like snuggling up with family to make it all even more magical. I instantly felt like I was in a Hallmark movie as I was in the middle of all the Winterfest fun as I stayed at Margaritaville Island and Resort & Island of Pigeon Forge.

Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights – See Holiday Lights in Pigeon Forge! Along the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, you’ll see bear, deer, fox and other critters native to the Smoky Mountains “wandering” through Pigeon Forge. Sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and tall, tall trees are seen on Island Drive and throughout the Island in Pigeon Forge.Even the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel shows off the holiday spirit with red, green and white lights.

Learn more about the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights here.

Stay at Margaritaville Island and Resort

Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains already provide plenty of inspiring adventure, and now you can enjoy it with a tropical twist. Margaritaville Island Hotel brings the vacation state of mind to Tennessee, with high-end accommodations, inviting amenities and island-inspired bars and restaurants. Our relaxing retreat combines the laid-back, welcoming attitude of the islands with warm, genuine Southern Appalachian hospitality, creating an experience that makes you feel right at home while ensuring you have all the luxurious comforts you could ask for.

I love the location. This is a great getaway relaxation spot right smack in the middle of the Island of Pigeon Forge. In the next things to do in Pigeon Forge, you will see how the Island of Pigeon Forge is its own attraction site in itself. With being walking distance and even backdrop from my Suite at Margaritaville Island and Resort, fun is right at my footsteps. Best part of this stay, is that I felt like I was literally on a fun island in the middle of Tennessee. You still get all the perks of a beach resort staying here, pool (heated all year round), island themed decor and of course margaritas galore! Its always 5′ o clock here!

This place is also very family friendly so bring the kids and enjoy as well!

Fun All Day and Night on The Island of Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a giant family fun center and entertainment complex that its own tourist attraction in the middle of the city. Settled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, The Island boasts over 80 shops, restaurants and attractions. Our destination combines all things fun in a safe environment for families and friends of all ages where you can eat, shop, play and stay. The Island a one-stop-shop for family-fun.

The Island’s centerpiece is a massive, 200-foot ferris wheel that promises to deliver some of the most breathtaking views in the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is the largest observation wheel in Tennessee. Its so much fun things to do during the day and at night. Coming during the holidays and walk through all the Winterfest lights and get into the spirit.

Experience the Interactive 7D Adventure

My friend and I were able to have a social distance interactive experience here. Its limited seating, spaced out and mask are definitely a requirement. If you like thrills but not too much of the shakes and bolts of a rollercoaster ride this is the experience for you. It was so much fun and I won!

Dine at Mama’s Farmhouse

At Mama’s Farmhouse they like to do things differently than most all-you-can-eat restaurants. They serve food family style, which means no buffet lines for you to stand in. They bring a portion of each of their items on the menu that day to your table for you to try.

A southern comfort spot. Great for all you can eat without the buffet and great economically. Check out the Mama’s Farmhouse dining experience here.

Take Interactive Photos at Beyond the Lens Museum

Beyond the Lens! Family Fun is a highly-interactive and immersive experience for all ages. Pairing old-school nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, you’ll stir up forgotten memories and have a chance to make some new ones. 

Learn about the events and public figures who shaped our culture, and experience the games and entertainment that will shape our future. With dozens of thrilling photo opportunities scattered throughout, you’ll take those picture-perfect memories home with you.

I am used to taking lots of photos but its fun to be apart of an interactive photo experience too mixed with pop culture. This was a cute interactive photo museum to visit! Great for all ages as long as you want to strike a pose!

Pose with your favorite stars at Hollywood Wax Museum

Rub elbows with Hollywood luminaries and laugh it up while posing for your own inspired pictures. Props are provided to make it even more fun! Imagine you pumping iron with Hollywood heavyweights, taking the stage with singing superstars, or even posing for the paparazzi at a movie premiere.

You all know as a journalist I get to interview and meet some of the hottest celebrities. With it being a pandemic that was literally virtually impossible without Zoom. That was the only way I was meeting and chatting with celebs until I got to this Wax Museum. Can you believe this is my very first wax museum experience. This was fun. I got to take selfies and fun photoshoots with celebrities I never thought I would meet such as Hugh Hefner, Audrey Hepburn, Beyonce, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake, Channing Tatum, The Rock, Leonardo Dicaprio, Prince and so much more.

Yes this was also social distancing friendly. They have low capacity admission to this museum and only take you mask off if around the “celebs” by yourself. In real life I am sure this year I wouldn’t have been able to take photos with these stars without a mask so this was the way. Pandemic friendly photo opps safely here!

Learn about American’s Criminal History Alcatraz East Crime Museum

The museum incorporates the castle-like look of the 1898 Tennessee State Prison just outside of Nashville and the watch towers of Alcatraz.

Explore American History from a different perspective. Five unique galleries burrow deep into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, the penal system, victims, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement and the Judiciary Branch of government.

The 25,000 sq ft facility is located at the entrance to the Island in Pigeon Forge, Alcatraz East has 20 exhibit areas highlighting 5 themes:
*History of American Crime
*Consequences of Crime
*CSI
*Crime Fighting
*Counterfeit & Pop Culture

Explore and have child-like wonder at Wonderworks

One of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge, WonderWorks Indoor Amusement park, is one of the best Pigeon Forge Attractions. With over 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind. The attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.

After you’ve explored the exhibits, venture up to the basement where you’ll find action-packed entertainment for all ages!

Climb through obstacles three stories above the ground in the glow-in-the-dark Indoor Ropes Course, compete against opponents and battle in our in a fast-paced, black-lit Laser-Tag arena and experience a whirlwind adventure in our 4D XD Motion Theater!

4D XD Motion Theater

This one-of-a-kind experience combines 3D film with special effects and full motion seating, ranging from subtle sensations to intense vibrations.

The 4D XD Motion Theater experience will virtually transport you from your seat into the big-screen action and adventure!

There is something to do for all ages while Visiting Pigeon Forge. There is a plethora of things to do in this amazing city you will have to come back over and over again to have a new experience. So many attractions and things to do, I am already planning my next road trip here!

For more info on things to do in Pigeon Forge, visit the official website here.

Have you ever been to Pigeon Forge?