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Area Information

PIGEON FORGE
Bordered by the dramatic natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is a site to behold. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee was a quiet little mountain town until the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934. Now it’s one of the country's most convenient vacation spots with some 11 million visitors each year. And talk about a perfect spot, it’s only a one-day drive for over half of the U.S. population.

The city of Pigeon Forge dates back to 1820 when pioneer Isaac Love established an iron forge here. Later, his son William built a mill next to the river. The Old Mill, as it is known today, remains operational. The iron forge and flocking pigeons along the river likely gave the town its name.

What about things to do on vacation with your family? There are music shows for just about any taste, theatres, dinner shows, go-karts, helicopter tours, outlet shopping malls, craft and art galleries, unique restaurants, Wilderness Wildlife Week™, QuiltFest and WinterFest, just to name a few ...

GATLINBURG
A popular vacation resort, Gatlinburg rests on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. Highway 441, which connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina through the national park. Thus the town is nicknamed, “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.”

Perhaps no other state proudly showcases its unique culture and history the way Tennessee does. And there's no better display of that culture and history than in Gatlinburg. The Tennessee Heritage Trail, recently developed by the State to highlight the cultural heritage of Tennessee, has numerous Gatlinburg-area locations designated as integral stops along the Trail.

Talk about things to do on vacation... golf, miniature golf, downhill snow skiing, Class IV whitewater, hundreds of miles of area streams for fishing and hiking. There's also numerous festivals, and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community - established in 1937, it’s the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Open year-round, the "loop" offers the best in a wide range of crafts and stores featuring pottery, quilting, woodcarving, candle making, weaving, broom making and painting.

SEVIERVILLE
Sevierville is situated in an area where the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains give way to the Tennessee Valley, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located approximately ten miles south. Several major state and federal highways intersect in Sevierville (pronounced like severe-ville.) U.S. Route 441, commonly called "The Parkway," connects Sevierville with Knoxville to the north and the national park and Cherokee, North Carolina to the south.

Founded in 1795 it is the eighth oldest town in the state, and is located in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Smoky Mountains.  John Sevier, war hero and first governor of Tennessee, gives Sevierville its name. Given that more than 11 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year, it's understandable why Sevierville has become a popular vacation destination.

There are music shows for just about any taste here, theatres, dinner shows, extraordinary outlet mall shopping, golf, spas, fine restaurants, great fishing and hiking.  Additionally, check the calendar of events for annual cook-offs, festivals and shows.