Dollywood
If you're in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you have to take your family to Dollywood, one of the Smoky Mountain's most famous attractions. Named for Dolly Parton, this terrific theme park spans over 125 acres and provides its visitors with amusement park rides for all ages. In addition to the many rides, you'll marvel at the selection of gospel music as well as mountain, bluegrass and country sounds that Dollywood has to offer in its more than a dozen stage shows. Then there are the demonstrations of crafts, such as blacksmithing, wood-carving and glass blowing to make your visit complete. For these many reasons, Dollywood is one of the country's most popular family destinations.
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard,
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(800) 365-5996
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Tour throughout the Great Smoky Mountains by treating your family to any one of several helicopter tours that are available from Scenic Helicopter Tours. You can see what it is like by taking an introductory flight for less than $10 per person. This helicopter ride takes you about 1000 feet up so you can experience the beauty that you will certainly want to photograph. Once you are back on the ground and ready to extend the experience, you can choose from about 10 other programs that range in price from about $25 to $250 per person, depending on the time you'll spend in the air.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
2174 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-6342
Antique Cars
The Smoky Mountain Car Museum will provide many lasting memories for your family, whether they are into cars or history. Many of the more than 25 antique cars and other vehicles have a history that simply waits to be told. For example, you'll see the tricked-up Aston Martin that James Bond drove in the movie, "Goldfinger." Then there is the Mercedes CPE that was driven by Elvis Presley. There is even the bullet-proof Cadillac that belonged to Mobster Al Capone. If you are starved for more history, the Smoky Mountain Car Museum has on display old-time gas pump globes on display.
Smoky Mountain Car Museum
2970 Pigeon Forge Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-3433
Mountain Valley Winery
When you go to the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge, you don't give a thought to that fact that some of the best wines in the south is made from grapes grown at Mountain Valley Winery, the largest wine producer in Tennessee. You and your family can take a tour of the winery, free of charge, where you'll gain an appreciation for the staff's dedication and skill to produce wines that have won numerous awards. Along the way, you can stop at the winery's tasting bar to sample its latest production and choose those that you want to take home.
Mountain Valley Winery
2174 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-6334
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
