Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacations

Part of the answer lies in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which displays gentle traces of Southern Appalachian culture in its historic log and stone cabins, outbuildings and grist mills. And then there’s the Tennessee Heritage Trail, which includes stops in both towns and features three distinct pathways: Arts and Crafts, History and Music, including Tennessee’s Appalachian folk and bluegrass roots.

Yet another part of the answer is the result of pure acumen in business. From the first tourist attractions – Pigeon Forge Pottery in Pigeon Forge and Noah Ogle’s Gatlinburg store, circa 1850 (which sold anything you could imagine) – the area has grown to include more than 70 world-class family attractions, plus a myriad of arts, crafts and retail shops. It didn’t hurt that country legend Dolly Parton established her theme park, Dollywood, here in 1986. But there’s a definite superlative edge to this area, from the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum. You will not find a more diverse and surprising selection of family entertainment anywhere else.