Gatlinburg, Tennessee has more than 3,500 residents, and nearby Pigeon Forge has slightly less than 5,500. Yet these two communities host an average of 10 million visitors annually. How could this be?
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.
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Things to know:
Region: Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge
Average temperature: Low 39 degrees, high 69 degrees F.
Extra Stops: Check out Hillbilly Golf in Pigeon Forge, known as “the world’s most unusual miniature golf.” You’ll also find the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park and the Dinosaur Walk Museum in Pigeon Forge, to name a few.
Average population: About 9,000.
Photos courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism and Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Center.
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