Archive for the ‘United States’ Category

New York City: Meet the Line-up Police!

Monday, March 10th, 2008

Sheree with ExpodiskSheree with ExpodiskPhoto by Sheree Zielke

New York City has an ample supply of police and security personnel; that’s commonly known.  However, there is another type of policing official you might not know about: the “line-up police.”

If you are a theatre-lover, or a lover of the Bard’s works, and you plan to take in New York’s famous Shakespeare in the Park event, then you are guaranteed to meet the Big Apple’s line-up police.

Read on . . .

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New Orleans: It’s Business as Usual come Hell or High Water!

Monday, March 3rd, 2008

Are you wondering about the state of affairs in New Orleans?  Has the “City That Care Forgot” managed to recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina?  Information on New Orleans recovery can now be easily accessed at the city’s brand new “Recovery Projects Information” site.

It’s been more than 2-1/2 years since the Big Easy was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  The massive hurricane, complete with high winds and high waters, hit New Orleans on August, 29, 2005.  Protective city levees broke, and the majority of the city was flooded.  Luckily, one of New Orleans most popular historic areas, the French Quarter, was spared; that’s where I am headed in a couple of weeks.

According to the Bush administration, it’s expected that it will take a quarter century for New Orleans to fully recover from Katrina.  But where tourism is concerned, it’s business as usual.    Read on . . .

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Brownsville, Texas: Home to One of the Top-rated Zoos in the United States!

Saturday, February 23rd, 2008

 

It wasn’t my first choice.  It wasn’t even my second, third or fourth choice, but we are still bound for a place we’d never heard of before: Brownsville, Texas.

 

It’s a really nice place,” my travel advisor said.”  But I merely shook my head.

 

“Where the heck is Brownsville?  And why would anyone want to go there?” I asked.

 

“It’s right on the Gulf of Mexico just near South Padre Island,” she added.  “It’s a really pretty place with Spanish influence.  And the beaches are out of this world.”

 

“Yeah, but I’ve never even heard of Brownsville.  Never mind South Padre Island.”

 

“Trust me,” she said.  “The price is right, and you’ll love it.”

 

Yes, I never planned in my wildest dreams that I would be bound for Brownsville, Texas, but now I can hardly wait to get there.

 

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Exotic Travel Destinations: Explore Without Leaving Your Armchair!

Saturday, February 23rd, 2008

Is it hard for you or someone else you know to go traveling?  Maybe you are a grandparent who would love to take a grandchild traveling, but can’t afford the expense.  Or maybe you have some spare time; you like playing computer games, and you would like to explore some unfamiliar cities.  Here’s a cheap solution; it’s called Big Fish Games.

The online games site offers a variety of “hidden object” games that take the player to well-known tourist spots in big metropolitan areas around the world, like Rome, Venice, Sydney, and San Francisco.

The site’s “Travelogue 360” games take players to Paris and Rome. Sydney, Australia, and San Francisco, California are featured in the site’s “Big City Adventures” games.

The games are challenging and can be easily understood by nearly any age of player.  And best of all, they are fun!

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New York City: Good-bye High Life! No More Park Lane for Me!

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

It’s that time again; I’ve resisted long enough.  I must return to one of my favorite spots in the world: New York City.  Besides the fact I am addicted to NYC, I made a personal promise to myself that I would visit the Big Apple on every major holiday.  I’ve already done Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s Day.  So, now it’s time for one of the biggest hooplas of all:  Independence Day!

Airfares from Canada, especially if we fly on our own major holiday, Canada Day, are cheap, so now I must find a NYC hotel.  My husband and I took a liking to the Helmsley Park Lane (we’ve stayed there 3 times before), so I pulled up the hotel’s website, input our travel dates, and voila.  Yikes!  So much for the high life.

Read on…

 

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Holiday Travel – Park City, Utah

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

Why Vacation in Park City, Utah?

There are 5 cities in the United States named, Park City, but only one of them plays host to one of the largest independent film festivals in the world, the Sundance Film Festival.  And only one of them was home to the 2002 Olympic Games. That’s Park City, Utah.

Besides the annual film festival, Park City is highly touted as one of America’s best mountain resort towns and skiing destinations (“Home to the Greatest Snow on Earth”).

Park City is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, which are part of the Rocky Mountain range.  The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is nearby.  The surrounding hills, once filled with silver and gold, turned poor prospectors into millionaires during the area’s rich mining years.

In 1870, with the discovery of gold, miners advanced on this mountainous Utah area, pickaxes and hopes of fast riches, held high.  But the boom ended with the flooding of the mines.

The vibrant city was all but deserted until the 1930s when a new boom was begun: skiing.  The area’s Park City Ski Club turned lemons into lemonade, or rather a deserted mine dump into a ski jump, thus planting the seeds for this modern day world class ski resort city.

Park City, once a boom town, is now populated by less than 7500 residents.  The town is considered to be part of the Utah’s capital city’s metropolitan area; it is a short drive away, just 32 miles from Salt Lake City.

While Park City has been home to many cultures, the

English and the Germans settlers comprised the majority of the peoples who first chose this mountain area as their home base; followed closely by the Irish.

Park City has a moderate climate with temperatures rarely going above 85 F in the hottest summer month of the year, July.  Winter temperatures demand full parkas, toques, scarves and warm mittens because below freezing is the norm in the winter months (November through March).  Average snowfall is an adequate 350 inches in the resort areas, and just short of 150 inches in the populated areas.  The abundance of snow makes Park City the perfect place for a snow sport or ski vacation.

But Park City, Utah has more to offer than just winter skiing; this mountain town is a popular summer destination, too.

Must Sees in Park City, Utah!

Park City Sunday MarketThis fun-for-all, open-air market runs from mid-June through mid-October.  Tourists will be treated to great food, fresh produce, admirable arts and crafts, and a variety of local talent including strolling musicians, bands, clowns and even, belly dancers.  Sommeliers should take note because wine tasting is offered, too.

The market is easily located on Park City’s Main Street between Heber Avenue and 9th Street.  It is open from 9 – 3 PM every Sunday except during the Kimball Arts Festival.
Utah Olympic Park – While no longer used for Olympic events, this park still hosts the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, and its exhibits and activities are open to the general public, daily.

Kimball Art Center – For 30 years, tourists and locals have been treated to the finest visual arts through this city center, via a variety of exhibitions and special events.

And of course, an absolute must see are Park City’s world class ski resorts.  There are three major ski hills to choose from: Park City Mountain, the exclusive Deer Valley, and The Canyons.  These can be visited year round.

Museums & Theatres in Park City, Utah

History buffs and museum lovers won’t be disappointed by Park City’s collection.  Everything from skiing history to the town’s mining background is amply covered by the area’s museums.

Alf Engen Ski Museum – Here’s a ski lover’s dream.  Everything you wanted to know about skiing, and more, including the 2002 Winter Olympics, all housed at the Utah Olympic Park.

Real museum fans should plan a quick side trip into Salt Lake City which is accessible easily by car or bus.  Utah’s capital city has over a dozen museums including the Utah Museum of Natural History, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts, the Classic Cars International Auto Museum, and the Museum of Utah Art & History.
If you have an interest in mining history, the Kennecott Copper Mine and Visitor Center is a short 28-mile ride southwest of Salt Lake City.

Back in Park City, the Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre is available to those theater-oriented folks on a year-round basis; it just underwent a major renovation.

The Park City Performing Arts Foundation offers a wide variety of dance and musical performances in its 1300-seat theater.

The Park City Film Series keeps film lovers happy on Friday and Saturday nights with an eclectic blend of independent films.

Outdoor Recreation in Park City, Utah

Recreational activities are endless in Park City, regardless of season.  In the winter, there are the usual activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and sleigh rides.

Ski Resorts – World class skiing and snowboarding awaits the thrill seekers.  Hop onboard a bus or stay in a resort to take advantage of this spectacular skiing.  Choose from Park City Mountain, the exclusive Deer Valley, or The Canyons.

Golf – Park City Golf Course is located within the town limits.  The course was first opened back in 1963 as a nine-hole course, but since has increased to a full 18-hole course, complete with all the expected amenities, including a Pro shop.  Take a virtual tour of the course and plan your links strategy in advance.

But there are many golf courses to choose from in the Park City area:  Wasatch Mountain Golf, Soldier Hollow Golf Course, Homestead Resort Golf Club, Pete Dye Canyon Golf Course, Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, or the Jeremy Ranch Golf & Country Club.
Fun-for-the-Whole-Family Activities – Utah Olympic ParkDon’t pass up the chance to see the Olympic Park.  Since the 2006 Olympics, the park is now a fun zone for visitors offering a variety of activities including bobsled rides, an Alpine slide, ziplines, and aerial shows.  Entrance to the park is FREE!
City Parks – If you choose to stay within the town limits, but still want to get out for a walk and fresh air, there are two city parks to choose from: South End City Park and Rotary Park.  Set in the area’s beautiful mountain location, the parks are a great place to spend some family time; they both come complete with barbeque pits and picnic tables.  Rotary Park has a mountain stream flowing through the property, and it is conveniently located just back of the Park City Golf Course.

Summer Recreation – How much time do you have?  Park City offers many fun and exciting summer outdoor adventures including a huge number of excursions.  Take part in a full or half day rafting adventure on the Provo River; go fly-fishing, horseback riding, or hiking; try river luging, kayaking or go mountain biking. Or plan a full week’s whitewater rafting excursion on the Green or Yampa rivers.  And with over 90 mountain lakes, there will be plenty of boating opportunities, too.

There are guides for every sport who will see even the most uninitiated through a safe and fun experience.  Even women will find their wilder side catered to with the area’s Femme Fatale adventure weekend.

Heber Valley Railroad – Train aficionados will love this 100-year old steam train.  The company offers everything from a Raft ‘n Rail adventure to Murder Mysteries.  Heber City is located on Highway 40, just 18 miles from Park City.

Disabled? No problem.  The Park City locals want everyone to enjoy their stay and have set up special services for those needing assistance during their holiday.

Festivals, Fairs, and Concerts in Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah could be considered a world cultural capital with its summer cornucopia of festivals and concerts; the city hosts more than 3 dozen musical events every summer.

Deer Valley Music Festival – The Deer Valley Music Festival is just one of a dozen festivals that Park City offers.  It runs mid July to mid August and features classical, opera, chamber and pops music.

Park City’s Jazz Festival follows in the 3rd week of August.

The Autumn Classics Music Festival is held from the end of September into the beginning of October.

Park City Winterfest 2007Moonlight snowshoeing, sled dog races, Alpine skiing competitions, ice carving competitions, live entertainment, and great food comprise this hugely popular 9-day winter event.  The festival kicks off at the beginning of February and ends with a huge fireworks display on a Sunday evening.

Sundance Film Festival – Robert Redford, the handsome American actor, is probably the most famous name acquainted with this popular world class film fest.  In fact, the festival is named after one of Redford’s movie characters, the Sundance Kid.

The festival is designed to give new independent film makers a shot at stardom; directors like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh have the Sundance Festival to thank for their trip into the Hollywood limelight.

The festival, once held in September, is now held in January, during the peak of the skiing season.  Tourists can do a double whammy this way; get their fill of film and snow with a single visit.

Kimball Arts Festival – This annual summer event takes place at the beginning of August.  Crammed with family activities, a children’s play zone, a beer garden, great foods, 30 live bands, and the works of some of the top artists in the nation, the Kimball Arts Festival is well worth a visit.

Shuttle buses are the only way to get around during this time, as the Park City Main Street is closed to cars.  You’ll join the 100-thousand others who attend this festival in a weekend filled with live entertainment, and 100s of art works ranging from photography to oils to jewelry.

Calendar of Events – Park City has so many festivals, they are too numerous to mention.  Best to check in at the city’s Chamber of Commerce web site for current events and dates.

Dining in Park City, Utah

No shortage of food types here.  Hungry diners will find everything from full 5-course gourmet fare to simpler burger, pizza, or taco menu items. Italian, Asian, Mexican, American, French?  It’s all here in Park City.

But since this town is run by both its seasons and the arrival of tourists, restaurants open and close their doors at different times throughout the year.  Use this dining guide when planning which restaurants you will visit during your Park City stay.

Here are some of the top-rated eateries on Park City’s Main Street and in the town’s general vicinity:

  • Prime Steak House
  • Texas Red’s Pit BBQ & Chili Parlor
  • Bistro 412
  • Zoom
  • Red Banjo Pizza Parlour
  • The Eating Establishment
  • Davanza’s Pizza
  • Wahso Asian Grill
  • Adolph’s (French Cuisine)
  • 350 Main Restaurant (seafood)
  • Grappa Italian Restaurant
  • Dynamite Dom’s Restaurant
  • Chimayo Restaurant
  • Loco Lizard Cantina

Getting to Park City, Utah

Airports


The nearest commercial airport to Park City is the Salt Lake City International Airport.  Most major and some smaller airlines, like Salmon Air, fly into this major American hub airport.

You’ll need to get from the Salt Lake City airport to Park City by van or rental car.  Van-sharing options are available.  Prices range from $110 US to $132 US per person.  Or maybe only a limousine will do?  Try this link for details on all forms of transportation from the airport.

Arriving by Car

Car Travel -Be sure to check out the Utah Visitor Centers. These links may be helpful in your trip planning.  Do you need a Utah Highway Map?  And here is a handy Driving Distance guide.

Car Rentals – If you are used to driving, then rent a car to get around this area.  Car Rentals – Some discounts are also available.

Bus – Park City is not served by major bus companies, but Salt Lake City certainly is, including Greyhound.

A light rail transit system also operated within the Salt Lake City area: the Trax.  Up to date route and time information is available through the Utah Transit Authority Information site.

Train

Amtrak has regular daily stops in Salt Lake City.

Getting around Park City, Utah & Area

Park City offers free transit service from mid-April through mid-November to the outlying Summit areas, between 7:30 AM and 10:30 PM.  Bus signs are blue with white letters; routes are identified by colors and times.
The city’s Historic Main Street Trolley operates daily from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

HOT Savings Links

Park City Lodging Deals

Utah Travel Deals

Handy Contacts

Park City Vacation Planner Guide

Book a Park City Sleigh Ride

Olympic Park Museums

Park City Map
Park City Street Map

Utah Travel Guide

Salt Lake City and General Area Map

Cheers,

Sheree Zielke

Holiday Travel – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

Why Vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?

Passenger pigeons were once the major inhabitants of this old civil war city located in eastern Tennessee.  The passenger pigeons are no more, but Pigeon Forge is thriving and is now one of the hottest tourist destinations in the southern United States.

You might know Pigeon Forge best as the home of one of the United States largest amusement parks, Dollywood.  Designed by the popular buxom blonde-haired country singer, Dolly Parton, Dollywood draws thousands of tourists year round.  But there is more to Pigeon Forge than just an amusement park.

With a population of just over 5,000, Pigeon Forge now plays host to over 10 million tourists a year who pass through this quaint city on their way to the Great Smoky National Park.  Pigeon Forge is just a short 23-mile drive from Knoxville, Tennessee and 148-miles from Atlanta, Georgia.  Located in the county of Sevier, Pigeon Forge has a rich civil war history.  In fact, Sevier County was named for war hero, John Sevier, one of the “Overmountain Men” who fought in the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780.

Pigeon Forge was settled back in the late 18th century; the city got its name from the flocks of passenger pigeons that once made the area their home, and the iron forge that Isaac Love set up on the banks of the river in the early 19th century.  Love’s son, William, followed the forge with his own construction of a water-powered gristmill in 1830.  This nearly 180-year old mill, with its poplar log and huge granite river rock construction, is now one of the major tourist attractions in the area.

Pigeon Forge once belonged to the neighboring state of North Carolina, and was once part of the State of Franklin (named after Ben Franklin), later known as Tennessee.  Located on the Little Pigeon River, Pigeon Forge is home to a wide range of peoples and cultures including those of American Indian, Italian, British, German, Norwegian, Swiss, and Canadian descent.

Pigeon Forge experiences a full range of weather types because of its mountain setting.  May is the wettest month; July is the hottest month with temperatures averaging between 65 and 87 degrees F.  Winters can get quite cold with temperatures falling to the low 20s, but snowfall is minimal with less than 6 inches accumulating through the winter months.

Pigeon Forge is the perfect spot for families.  The area’s crime rate is almost non-existent when compared to other American cities and cities in the rest of the state.

The Parkway is the major route through Pigeon Forge; tourists will be charmed to find that many attractions are just off the Parkway.  In fact, a local will tell you how to find an attraction by the number of the traffic light in its vicinity.

Must Sees in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

Family-oriented entertainment abounds in the Pigeon Forge area from the Dollywood amusement park and the new Dollywood Splash Country to Terry Evanswood Magic Beyond Belief magic show, and the Black Bear Jamboree dinner theatre.

The Black Bear Jamboree is a hugely popular attraction located along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. You enter in through a toy store where you are surrounded by stuffed bears.  Once inside the theatre, diners are treated to true southern fare with generous servings of Southern fried chicken, BBQ ribs, roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.  A souvenir video tape is offered for purchase at the end of the evening. There is an early seating at 5:30 which is perfect for the younger kids, and a late seating at 8:00 PM.

For those who prefer more of an historical adventure, the Old Mill is not to be missed.  This very photogenic historic site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  Grains are still ground under the weight of 4600-pound river rocks (French Buhrs), and then baked into a variety of breads (like Chocolate Chip Cherry Sourdough) offered for sale to the public.  Tourists of all ages will love the small village filled with shops like the Candy Kitchen and the Toy Bin, in the Old Mill Square. If you want a preview of the Old Mill, try this Motion Cam Video link.

Or perhaps lush gardens are more your style of vacation?  Then you simply must visit one of Pigeon Forge’s newest attractions,
Parrot Mountain and Gardens. Visit the Prayer Garden or the Secret Garden.  Or pay a visit to a replica of Jesus’ tomb.  Spend time with baby birds in the attraction’s unique petting zoo.  Or feed exotic tropical birds nectar from your hand.  The Parrot Mountain and Gardens are open 7 days a week, with extended hours June through August.

Are you a Baby Boomer, yearning for the good times of the 50s?  Look no farther than Pigeon Forge and its American Jukebox Theater.  You’ll find this popular nostalgic treat on Teaster Lane just off the Parkway.  Choose from a 50s Rock ‘n Roll or a Country’s Greatest Hits show.  If you visit in November and December, you’ll be treated to the theater’s “Back to the 50s Christmas Show.” No matter which show you choose, or when you visit, those nostalgic cravings in you are sure to be pleased.

No matter what your age or interest, a visit to Pigeon Forge simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Smoky Mountains, located in the Blue Ride Mountain range.  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is touted as “the most visited national park in America.”  Visit this stunning geographical area in any season for exquisite views of flora and fauna.  You shouldn’t find the park too crowded since it covers about 520-thousand acres.  Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Centre to evaluate the numerous ways to spend time in this gorgeous Tennessee park.

And you simply must take a ride on the Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley line.  Choose to ride the Main Street trolley which runs every 20-25 minutes, the Valley Trolley which runs every 40-45 minutes, the Dollywood and Dolly’s Splash Country trolleys which run every 15-20 minutes, or the Gatlinburg trolley which runs every 30 minutes.

Sights and Attractions in Pigeon Forge!

DollywoodThis popular amusement park is open from the end of March through the end of December.  The park includes a huge variety of activities and musical events.  Thrill ride lovers won’t be disappointed with the park’s 40 rides, like the wooden Thunderhead ride.  Step back in time and take a ride aboard the Dollywood Express, an authentic coal-powered steam train.  There’s no better way to see the Smoky Mountain scenery while listening to Dolly Parton tunes.  The train ride takes about 20 minutes and totals 5 miles in length.

Have trouble getting around or do you travel with someone with special needs?  You will find this 2007 Dollywood Disability Guide helpful.

Be sure to set aside a couple of days for this remarkable park.

Dollywood Splash CountryJust try to get the kids out of this wild water park once they see all it has to offer.  Boasting 23 highly imaginative slides and rides like the Bear Mountain Fire Tower and the Mountain Scream body slide, families will find this water park one of the best they’ve ever visited.  From the slides and pools designed for the little tykes to the hair-raising deep water offerings for the wild and crazy, Dollywood Splash Country is an attraction not to be missed when visiting Pigeon Forge.

Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and MuseumFans of gospel music will not want to miss an opportunity to visit this tribute to a uniquely American music genre.  Located in Dollywood, the museum has been operating since 1999.

The Old Mill – As Pigeon Forge’s oldest and best known attraction, one should not miss this 24-foot tall old-timer.  Set aside a couple of hours to enjoy the mill and the surrounding Old Mill Square with its quaint shops.  Be sure to taste a local favorite: Pecan Logs.

Outdoor Recreation!

Maybe you aren’t into amusement parks and gospel concerts.  How about a little outdoors adventure?  Pigeon Forge has it all from whitewater rafting to backpacking.

Whitewater Rafting – Mountains and whitewater rafting go together like BBQ beef and baked beans.  Choose from a number of adventure companies and outfitters who will take you and your family for a safe and thrilling unforgettable adventure on the Pigeon River.

Hiking and Backpacking – Nobody can visit the Smoky Mountains and not do at least a little hiking, even if that’s just a short walk up a trail in this beautiful area.

For those more vigorous and adventurous hikers, there are plenty of options including the Smoky Mountain Llama Treks.  Enjoy your hike while pack llamas carry your gear.  A number of excursions are offered from day trips to 2-day treks.

Water SportsJet skiing, canoeing, and boating?  The Smoky Mountain area has water experiences for all levels of experience.

Swimming in the Smoky Mountain Park waters, however, is not recommended as the icy cold temperatures of the mountain streams can lead to hypothermia, year-round.  And there are NO life-guarded areas anywhere in the Park.

Fishing – Fishing in the Smoky Mountains?  Of course; year-round, too.  With over 2-thousand miles of streams and an abundance of lakes, you are almost sure to hook yourself a fine rainbow or brown trout.  But stay out of trouble and be sure to read up on the area’s fishing regulations first.

Camping – With 10 major campsites and an abundance of hook-ups, a camping vacation may be the perfect way to save on accommodations when visiting the Pigeon Forge area.  Campsites can be reserved up to five months in advance.

Some group camping areas like those within the Smoky Mountain National Park are reserved for tents only, and must be reserved in advance.  No vehicles are allowed.

Golf – Duffers haven’t been forgotten.  Pigeon Forge offers an 18-hole course, originally designed by William Langford, and later renovated by Bob Cupp and Associates.  The course is open year-round and features all the usual amenities, including a Pro shop.

Other outdoor recreational activities include go-karts, miniature golfing, laser tag, bungee jumping, bumper boats, and helicopter tours.

Festivals, Fairs, and Concerts in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge has an abundance of festivals and concerts year round.  But perhaps one of the best known is the Dollywood’s KidsFest which runs from mid-June to the beginning of August.

In addition, Dollywood plays host to numerous other popular Southern festivals including these:

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival; National Gospel and Harvest Celebration; and the hugely popular Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival featuring giant toy soldiers, acrobatics, great food, and fireworks.

Pigeon Forge, in keeping with its cultural roots, hosts many craft festivals throughout the year, especially in the spring and the fall.  Local wares, pottery, and local foods are available to the eager tourists hoping to take a bit of Southern comfort home with them.
But don’t wait for a festival; take a trip around the 8-mile Smoky Mountain area crafts loop.

Check out a full year of featured events for the Pigeon Forge area.

Dining and Nightlife in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge has many dining options from gourmet meals to more economical family fare.  For a nostalgic treat, take a step back in time to Red’s Diner for an old-fashioned inexpensive meal of burgers and shakes.  The restaurant is located at Jukebox Junction in Dollywood.
Here are some top-rated eateries in the Pigeon Forge area and all are conveniently located along the Parkway:

  • Log Cabin Pancake House
  • Apple Tree Family Inn
  • Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
  • Country Kitchen Restaurant
  • Smokies Breakfast House
  • Geno’s Pizza
  • Alabama Grill
  • Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
  • TGI Friday’s
  • Cracker Barrel

Getting to Pigeon Forge

A trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?  The only question remaining is not IF you will go, but HOW SOON you can go.  And how are you going to get there.  Here are some transportation links that should help with the travel planning.

Airports – Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg share a small airport (GKT).  It’s located about 4 miles from Pigeon Forge in Sevierville.  A major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS), a 24-mile drive from Pigeon Forge.

Another airport is located in Morristown, Tennessee (MOR) while a fourth airport is located in Greeneville, Tennessee (CGY), and a fifth airport in Asheville, Tennessee (AVL).

Bus – Greyhound Bus Lines The nearest terminal is in the city of Knoxville, 24 miles away.
Train – The nearest Amtrak station is located in Toccoa, Georgia which is 85 miles outside of Pigeon Forge.

HOT Savings Links

Pigeon Forge Attractions Coupons & Discount Show Tickets

Dollywood 2-Park Value Discounts

Dollywood Splash Country Discounts

American Jukebox Theatre Coupon

Smoky Mountain Coupons

Handy Contacts

Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide

Smoky Mountains Travel Planner

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke