Author: pigeon forge insider

Smokies Cuban Cafe

Looking for something a little different than the usual fare that you find along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge? If your tongue happens to prefer being stimulated by a variety of tastes, let us suggest that you try a dish at the Smokies Cuban Cafe sooner rather than later.

Located at 3526 Parkway between light Nos. 7 and 8 in Pigeon Forge, Smokies Cuban Cafe is THE place in the Smoky Mountains to find authentic homemade Cuban dishes, pastries and turnovers. Actual Cuban visitors have given the restaurant high marks for its Cuban offerings.

It’s not just lunch and dinner that’s being served at Smokies Cuban Cafe, their breakfast menu is very unique. From toasted Cuban bread and butter to a hearty breakfast featuring a tomato sandwich with salt, garlic and olive oil on Cuban bread. If it’s something more locally-based that you prefer, eggs and ham, or an omelet can be found on the menu as well.

Moving on to the lunch menu, you’ll find the traditional Cuban sandwich, a Cuban burger, steak or pork. One of the highlights on the lunch menu is the croquette sandwich made with ham, pork and croquettes.

The dinner menu, which if you choose can also be ordered from at lunch, is loaded with Cuban delights. From masitas d puerco (fried pork chunks) to bistec empanisado (breaded steak) or ropa vieja (shredded beef). There’s bistec pollo (grilled chicken steak) for all the chicken lovers out there. And ohhhhh those side…. Choose from stuffed potato, empanadas, plantains, tostones, croquettes or black beans. Both lunch and dinner entrees come with a choice of three sides.

At Smokies Cuban Cafe you can eat there, order take-out, have it delivered, or have an event catered.

Smokies Cuban Cafe is open Monday – Saturday, 10 am-10pm. For additional information call 865-365-1700 or check them out online at www.smokiescubancafe.com

After you visit Smokies Cuban Cafe, check out our list of BEST Pigeon Forge restaurants if you’re going to be in the area for bit and enjoy all the delicious offerings that can be found in Pigeon Forge.

Dollywood’s Daredevil Falls

I love a good log flume and Daredevil Falls at Dollywood is one of those must ride, rides each and every time I visit the park.  From the speed of the line, to the 60 foot plunge at the end of the ride, this is one of those thrill rides that combines speed with water and makes the whole experience awesome.  Add to this the fact that they take a souvenir photo of you halfway down the final plunge and you can also pick up something to remember not only the day by but also that particular ride.

The log flume and log flume style rides have been around for a long time.  In 1998, Dollywood added its own large capacity, long drop log flume to its line u of thrill rides.  As a themed ride it is beautifully done.  You are walking through a lumber camp in the Smokies – easy to imagine, seeing as you are in the Smokies already.  You get into the flume log, which looks like a log itself and you start your float around to the lift.  From the bear in the tent to the flapping of the bats wings in the cave, this leisurely float around the ride is great.  You then start the ride up the lift to the top of the ride and the waiting plunge.  At the top of the ride you are in the recreation of the lumber mill itself, complete with a saw that looks like it might saw the log you are in, in half.  You continue around the top of the ride until you get to the plunge.  You fall 60 feet down at 60 miles per hour, with your heart in your throat.  Even the most seasoned thrill seeker will feel their heart race after this plunge.

And of course, on the way down you get your picture taken.  This picture is of the whole car, so if you planned it right and you have your whole party in the boat with you, you get a souvenir of all of your expressions as you were in mid-fall, at 60 miles an hour.  This is a great way to commemorate the day.

Remember how I mentioned the speed of the line you wait in?  It is one of the quickest ride sin the park.  The logs never stop.  You simply step onto the platform and then into the moving log itself.  This constant motion keeps the line moving.  Even from the very back of the line, there is a constant flow of traffic on and off the ride.  You never feel like you have to wait very long, plus the queue itself is under cover so you are not left baking in the sun either.

Make sure that you leave time in your schedule for the Daredevil Falls the next time you go to Dollywood.  It is an awesome ride, with a great theme and a thrilling drop at the end.  Plus, if it is a hot day outside you get drenched at the end of the plunge.  So, take the plunge, get the photo and get ready for a

Dolly Parade in Pigeon Forge TN

Tips and information for the 2012 Dolly Parade in Pigeon Forge, TN. The annual Dolly Parton Parade kicks off the opening of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge…get the inside scoop!

The 2013 Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge, TN will be held on May 10 starting at 6 p.m. Dolly’s Homecoming Parade, or as us locals know it – the Dolly Parade, will travel along the Pigeon Forge parkway between traffic lights 3 through 6 and will feature over 100 different units including numerous marching bands, twirlers, cheer and dance teams, performers from various Pigeon Forge theaters, car clubs, and so much more! The star of the parade is none other than the grand marshal…Dolly Parton! The Dolly Parade is considered Dolly’s homecoming back to her hometown and she often makes surprise appearances the day after the parade at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

This parade is arguably one of the most anticipated and attended family events that is safe, fun, and FREE! If you’re looking for free things to do in Pigeon Forge then this is a great option. The children will experience clowns, animals, music and more that is sure to make them smile, clap, and jump for joy. Then you’ll jump for joy at the money you’re saving while keeping them entertained! You can also find all sorts of coupons for Pigeon Forge to keep the frugal fun going. If you find your children, spouse, or curious bystanders asking, “How old is Dolly Parton?” you can inform everyone of exactly what Dolly Parton’s age is…she was born January 19, 1946, which makes Dolly 67 years old….or young…depending on who you’re trying to flatter.

Insider Tip: The parade route fills up extremely fast with chairs and people well before the Dollywood Parade starts at 6. Either bring some cheep chairs and put them in a spot you want to “hold” or just sit out there with the family…bring a picnic-style lunch, games, and anything else you use to keep your kids happy and you sane. Better yet, if you are staying in a hotel with a road-side balcony between traffic light 3 through 6, you’ll have a GREAT view of the entire parade route. You won’t get the suckers and tootsie rolls that the people on the street get, but at least you’ll be able to use the bathroom any time you feel the need.

Don’t miss the 2013 Dolly Parton Parade in Pigeon Forge and the homecoming festivities at Dollywood!

Southern Gospel Museum

Pigeon Forge is not only known for its major attractions like Dollywood theme park and a number of renowned dinner shows that now align the parkway, it’s also a town that welcomes in a number of gospel enthusiasts each year with a handful of conferences and events. So it’s only right that Pigeon Forge is also home to the Southern Gospel Museum.

The museum gets more than its share of foot traffic during the year with more than 1 million coming through the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s doors to observe the information and displays about the legends of gospel, gospel song writers and gospel musicians. The museum offers more gospel music memorabilia than you can shake a stick at and is located at one of the most traveled to parts of town – Dollywood, the state’s most visited theme park.

gospelhalloffameLearn about such legendary Southern gospel performers as the Vaughan Radio Quartet, the Stamps All-Star Quartet, the Speer Family, the LeFeveres, the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Rangers, the Sunshine Boys, the Happy Goodmans, the Statesmen, the Harmoneers, the Florida Boys, the Oak Ridge Quartet, the Weatherfords, the Rebels, the Gaither Vocal Band, the Martins, the Isaacs, the McKameys and many others. In fact, more than 350 artifacts are on display at the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame, representing more than 100 groups and individuals.

Stop by the gift shop at the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and check out one of the largest selections of gospel music in the United States. For more information about the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.sgma.org.

Car Shows Abound in 2013

Car Shows in Pigeon Forge are like the changing of the seasons every year. They’re a Tennessee tradition around here and you can literally tell what season it is by which car show is occurring that weekend.

Every year classic car enthusiasts from across the country travel to the Smoky Mountains to attend some of the many car shows that roll into town and align the Parkway. Rare and unique makes and models, as well as custom cars and shows specific to certain models, are showcased during the various car shows scheduled throughout the year. This includes the always popular Yellow Mustang show in Pigeon Forge  where, you guessed it, yellow mustang owners roll into town to flaunt their sun-drenched Ford muscle cars.

As mentioned, these Pigeon Forge car shows are characterized by the numbers of people that spend the day walking the Parkway, gawking at the cars, new automotive products, swap meet items, and interactive displays from vendors. Workshops are also available for those who are seeking answers to technical questions about autos.

Pigeon Forge Car Show Schedule:
Grand Spring Rod Run
From: April 19 – 21, 2013
Contact: 865-687-3976
Yellow Mustang Show
From: May 2 – 5, 2013
Location: Inn at Christmas Place
Contact: 1-888-465-9644
35th Annual F-100 Supernationals & All Ford Show
From: May 16 – 18, 2013
Contact: (423) 623-4644
Chevy Classic Round Up
From: May 16 – 19, 2013
Location: Inn at Christmas Place
Contact: 1-888-465-9644
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Classic Car Show
From: June 7 – 8, 2013
Location: Music Road Convention Center
Contact: (865) 379-9595
All Chevy GMC Supernationals
From: June 14 – 15, 2013
Contact: (423) 623-4644
Shades of the Past Rod Run XXXI
From: September 6 – 7, 2013
Location: Dollywood’s Splash Country
Contact: Dan Daper
Contact Phone: (865) 995-2009
Grand Fall Rod Run
From: September 12 – 15, 2013
Contact: (865) 687-3976

If you’ll be coming to Pigeon Forge, TN for one of the 2013 car shows, take of look at renting one of the many luxury log cabins just minutes from all the action on the Parkway. Some of the BEST Pigeon Forge cabins can be found at local resorts like Sugar Maple Cabins, Majestic Mountain Vacations, Sherwood Forest Resort, and Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals. Each are relatively close to the Parkway and offer a number of amenities like hot tubs, theater rooms, and extraordinary views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood’s Mountain Slidewinder

Dollywood is full of water rides and during the summer you will find that they are a respite from the heat of the day and loads of fun.  The Mountain Slidewinder is one of those water rides.  Based out of the Owens Farm section of the park, you climb the actual hillside itself to get to the Slidewinder and then you and a set of friends enjoy the fast, exhilarating ride down the mountain.

Owens Farm is the section of Dollywood is where the new Barnstormer ride is located.  Once you are in this section, look over behind the Pig Pen play area and you will see signs directing you to the entrance for the Mountain Slidewinder.  You will start your journey to the top of the slide from there but you can also watch the other people come down from the same spot.  The last of the ride is right in front of you, a huge ride down on a raft with a splash down at the bottom before the riders walk up one way and the rafts go up the other way.  Continue walking up the small mountain path, following the signs and maybe stopping to rest on the way up, it is a bit of a hike.

When you get to the top, prepare to get in line and wait for a few minutes.  The loading of this ride takes a little longer then some of the others in the park but it is worth the wait.  They will line you up and determine by the weight of the group of people who goes in what line and on which sled.  After you have been divided up, they help you get onto the sleds and then you begin your descent.  The speed you pick up on this ride is amazing.  After the long walk up the mountain, you will be surprised at how quickly you wind your way back down.  Twisting and turning, gravity causing you to pick up speed as you fly down the waterslide.  As you go you will feel like you are going to fly off the slide, but trust me, that is why they weighed you, to make sure that you r group was the perfect size to give you speed and safety on your way down.

This is one of those hidden treasures in Dollywood.  People walk right past this ride all the time without realizing it is there.  Take the time to make the climb.  Enjoy the sense of exhilaration on your way back down. Take your friends up and down the Mountain Slidewinder as any times as you can.

2013 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge

Information on the massive 2012 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee including registration info, phone numbers, dates, where to stay, etc during one of the largest car shows in Pigeon Forge…the 2012 Rod Run.

Metal and Chrome will shine on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge April 19th through 21st for the 2013 Grand Spring Rod Run. Cars, cars and more cars! From shiny, chromed-up, vintage models to the unique fixer-upper, there will be cars to look at, cars to drool over and cars to buy. Being one of the largest car shows in the southeast it should not be missed; all gearheads need to attend. With thousands of cars to look at and admire, vendors from all over the country, and a parade of cars on the strip each evening that never seems to end, this is the car show to end all cars shows.

Starting at traffic light No. 3 in Pigeon Forge and running almost all the way down the Parkway, cars are parked in every available parking space facing the road. Literally thousands of cars. My suggestion is park and walk both sides, you don’t want to miss a thing. You can see cars of every description, especially cherry, vintage, American steel: ’58 Corvettes parked next to Model Ts; a ’55 Bel-Air parked next to a ’38 Studebaker Bus. It is a car museum spread out before your eyes. But one of the nicest things is that the owners of these cars will be sitting near them. Look for the lawn chairs near the car and they can tell you everything from where they got it, to what they have done to it and with it. They love to tell the story of their car. Be prepared for humor, heartbreak and high jinks. The cars start rolling in on Tuesday and Wednesday but by Friday the ‘gallery’ is packed. After you have had at least your first fill of the cars go visit the vendors booths.

Each year the Grand Rod Run brings in vendors from all over the country. You will see vendor booths, sponsor booths and demonstrations of all sorts. If you like the mechanical end of the car industry, get ready to spend hours and hours around the vendors booths. From Hunter’s Custom Automotive to Ausley’s Chevelle, Camaro Central to ET Motorgear you will find professionals who know how to keep your car running or how to take your car from nice to fabulous. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and get the answers that may make your car pain your car passion. Once you have gotten your fill from the vendors, head back to the strip.

The parade of cars is continuous but, especially at night, you will get to experience the excitement of the car show. There is an almost constant parade of cars as the owners fire up their machines and cruise the strip. You will see the same cars that you were looking at earlier rumbling up and down the streets of Pigeon Forge. Thousands of pounds of steel, chrome and glass doing what they were meant to do… cruise. The sight is like taking a step back in time. So, journey to the past with the Grand Spring Rod Run in April. Relive those times in the past and share those memories with your family.

It just doesn’t get much bigger nor action-packed than this. The Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run is the first of the big three car shows that literally take over Pigeon Forge every year. The other two car shows are Shades of the Past and the Fall Grand Rod Run. Call it a hat-trick, tri-fecta, or three’s a charm…but these three shows are definitely the ones to see! Add in the Sevierville Spring Corvette Expo & Auction March 22 & 23 and you have classic car lover’s paradise in the Smokies. If you want to be a spectator, participant, or even a car show vendor then we have all of the information you need. Continue reading “2013 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge”

No Way Jose’s

There are very few people that will turn up their nose at a great Mexican restaurant.  If your family is in the mood for great Mexican food in a relaxed atmosphere, then look no further then No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina.

No Way Jose’s has locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  In Pigeon Forge, they are located behind Calhoun’s, behind the Walden’s Landing shopping area.  When you are on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, find traffic light #3, look for the Walden’s Landing Shopping complex and pull in.  Head toward Calhoun’s and then pull toward the back of the shopping mall from Calhoun’s and you will see No Way Jose’s.  It sits back behind the main part of Walden’s Landing looking like an unassuming Mexican restaurant.  What it actually is, is some of the best Mexican food that you can find in the Smoky Mountains.  And it is their food, the presentation, the ingredients and the quality of the food that makes it a wonderful place to eat.

Let’s look at their appetizers first.  In particular let us look at their Mucho! Mucho! Nachos.  This is a big plate of nachos, with all the fixings.  If you are looking for comfort food for one or a great way to start your meal at No Way Jose’s, you cannot go wrong with their nachos.  Piled high with all the fixin’s and completely customizable have them v=create the best plate of nachos you have ever had.  Or maybe you are thinking pizza works as an appetizer.  If so, Papa’s Mexican Pizza brings all of the best ingredients into one place, on top of a tortilla, ready to be divided up and shared.

And then for entrees you have a ll of the traditional items that you will find at any Mexican restaurant plus some items that you will not see anywhere else.  One of my personal favorite items on the menu is a burrito called the Taco Burrito.  This burrito has all of the stuffings of a great taco, inside a burrito.  When you cut into it, the taste is like a taco with all of the bake din goodness of a burrito.  Or maybe, just maybe you were thinking about dinner and a movie while you were in the Pigeon Forge area.  Right now, they are running a special called Mexican and a Movie for Two!  This comes with Chile Con Queso, Flaming Sizzling Fajitas for two and Homemade Flan for dessert, along with two movie tickets.  And, with the movie theater being located in Walden’s Landing, this is a great deal.

No Way Jose’s
104 Walden’s Main Street
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-429-7779
http://nowayjosescantina.com

Wear City Park Opens!!!

Pigeon Forge is now officially home to a brand new municipal park. Wear City Park opened this past Friday to a number of onlookers as well as kids looking to take advantage of the new playground and athletic fields.

This was the first phase of the Wear Family City Park which is located a half-mile off the parkway on Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge.

In all, the park will take up 118 acres. The first 40 acres will feature five lighted baseball and softball fields, a lighted football field, a playground, two shelters, a basketball court, concession stands, restrooms and walking trails.

Everyone in attendance on opening-day enjoyed their share of popcorn, hot dogs as well as a fireworks display, and a number of old-time games.

As mentioned, everything that is now open represents just the first phase of the park, which will eventually include Waldens Creek and the possibility for additional walking or biking trails.

The Forever Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed to raise funds to help build and maintain the new Wear City Park, was credited for their role in getting the new facilities up and running.

City Manager Earlene Teaster said a park was needed in Pigeon Forge that generations could enjoy, as well as another mark on the city’s resume everyone could be proud of.

“This is a tremendous asset for Pigeon Forge,” she said. ‘We’re excited about what it’s going to do for our kids in the community.”

They also credited the Wear family, who sold the old farm used for the park.

“It means so much for us that so many generations of this community will be able to come here and enjoy this property and make memories for their families the same way our family did or so many years,” Charlotte Wear said.

Love Running 5K’s? Come to Pigeon Forge!

If you’re into running 5K’s, you might want to check into all that Pigeon Forge has to offer. Not only are they gearing up for the annual February Freeze on Feb. 9, a few other 5K’s are currently in the works. And not to leave anyone out, Pigeon Forge’s next door neighbor Sevierville completes their calendar year with the annual Santa Hustle 5K run at the Wilderness resort each December.

Recently, the Pigeon Forge Planning Commission took up just that exact subject. The Smoky Mountain area has shown a renewed interest planning for a number of yearly 5K’s that you really just didn’t a handful of years ago.

The first 5K event on the list is actually a race that has been run before, and many would like to keep it that way. Titled the Preserving the Mountain in Me 5K, which is put on by the environmental group Keep Sevier Beautiful, it’s an annual Pigeon Forge 5K that is scheduled this year for April 27. For anyone interested, the race will begin in the city parking lot and end on the Pigeon Forge Greenway.

“Showcasing the greenway is a big part of our mission,” said Laura Howard, executive director of Keep Sevier Beautiful. “It’s an underutilized part of our community. It’s a great area that shows off our natural beauty.”

Races like Preserving the Mountain in Me are “a great way to raise awareness and generate funds,” Howard said. “It’s also about getting our citizens outside and into some physical activity.”

Also on the planning commission’s agenda is the 5K in May, a May 4 race that will benefit Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries.

So as you can see, Pigeon Forge is gearing up for a year that could feature as many as three 5K’s within the first half of the year. Couple those with Sevierville’s Santa Hustle 5K in December and you’ve pretty much got a runner’s paradise in the Smoky Mountains. Next time you feel like runnin’, lace up your sneakers come on over to Pigeon Forge. You’re bound to run into a 5K on the way.