Author: pigeon forge insider

Greenway Trail Closed

For those of you who haven’t already noticed, Pigeon Forge’s Greenway Trail is currently closed and runners, walkers, cyclists, and others are encouraged to find different running/walking locales for the time being.

Construction in the area officially began on November 8 and has been closed since. The area is located between Jake Thomas Road and the parking lot for the new LeConte Center.

In all, the greenway in Pigeon Forge makes up around 4 miles from its starting point on one end of town to its conclusion on the other end. It runs along beautiful neighborhoods and through the business district as well. Most people start out from Patriot Park to take in the entire trail. The trail even offers a reprieve at the Plaza at Butler Street and Ashley Avenue. Here, you’ll find park benches, a water fountain, as well as a memorial dedicated to English McCarter, who was a former city commissioner. Want to get out and enjoy the Little Pigeon River? The greenway is a great way to do that as well.

As noted, the greenway can be found in Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park, home to many of the town’s recreational activities. Flagpoles featuring flags from all 50 states surround the park’s perimeter which runs beside a 0.6 mile paved walking/running trail. You’ll also notice a historic patriot missile on display, a Liberty Bell replica in size and scale, and WinterFest lighting displays during the holiday season. One of Pigeon Forge’s mos historic attractions, the Old Mill, is located beside the park. It was built in 1830. Families and large groups can rent out the park’s pavilion, complete with 14 picnic tables and four electrical outlets, by calling 865-429-7373.

Patriot Park’s walking/running trail connects to the greenway. From Patriot Park you can cross Old Mill Avenue and continue along the greenway past several homes to the mini-park/trail-head. The greenway then turns and runs along the river to Jake Thomas Road and then continues to the city’s new parking area. This trail will eventually continue past the Riverwalk Village at LeConte Center, formally known as Belle Island and currently under construction.

Cupcake Boom

In this town, people don’t even look the other way when something new opens up. However, a cupcake movement has seemed to occur overnight in Pigeon Forge with businesses specializing in the small pastries popping up at a rapid pace.

In fact, Pigeon Forge has 3 newly minted cupcake shops and all three seem to be doing well, and are very popular among tourists and locals alike. You can surely pin some of pastry’s popularity on hit television shows like Cupcake Wars and Cake Boss. Either way, next time you’re planning a trip to Pigeon Forge put one of these bakeries on your “to do” list.

Nom Nom’s Cupcake Factory is the perfect little snack stop in Pigeon Forge. Located at the Walden’s Landing shopping center, Nom Nom’s three display cases hit you right in the face as you walk in the door. In those cases, you’ll find 20 plus varieties of cupcakes on a given day. From Chocolate Mint to Strawberries and Cream, you’re sure to find a flavor that will appeal to you. In fact, you’ll more than likely find a handful of flavors you’d like to try.

Another of the new cupcake shops is Gigi’s Cupcakes. They offer beautifully decorated cupcakes and each one has about 3-4 inches of icing on top. If you’re lucky you’ll walk in there when they’re offering one of their specials like, “Buy 3 get 1 free”. They offer cupcakes like Cinnamon Roll, Wedding Cake, Blackberry Cobbler, Grasshopper, and Midnight Magic. There are new flavors added every day and currently feature gluten-free Fridays. They also do weddings and have calendar of flavors for each day. So, if you’re going to be there on Friday, you can choose from Carrot Cake, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Coconut Macaroon, Midnight Magic, Miss Princess, Mochachino, Orange Cranberry Walnut, Sticky Bun, Strawberry Shortcake, Wedding Cake, White Midnight Magic. Check out the Gigi’s Cupcakes schedule.

AnnOlivia’s Sweet Shop is the newest cupcake shop in the area and recently moved from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. They are known for their glittered cupcakes and offer around 10 different flavors each day. Tasty treats like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and Italian Creme were found on their menu, as well as unique pastries like the Maple Bacon cupcake.

The Mafia House

For all of you out there who are fans of such movies like the Godfather series, Goodfellas, and other gangster movies, The Mafia House in Pigeon Forge may be a place you should visit for a big slice of pizza. That is, if you haven’t already.

The Mafia House is the only Mafia-themed restaurant in East Tennessee according to their menu and guests can come in and experience the last century in mob history while they chow down on their choice of a large selection of Italian pizza pies.

Glancing at the menu, you can’t help but notice the mob-themed fare, starting with appetizers. Choose from such appropriate starters as Black Book Brushcetta, U Got Whacked Wings, and Godfather Garlic Knots among others. Sicily salads follow the appetizers before you get to the real meat of The Mafia House menu – the pizzas. Choose from small (14″) medium (16″) and large (18″) New York traditional hand-tossed pizzas. Toppings include everything from Italian sausage to pepperoni to black olives and everything in between.

They also offer a number of specialty pizzas in the same sizes including the “Palermo”, which is perfect for pepperoni lovers, the “Meat Eater”, the “Hoffa” which is like a Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham, the “Stakeout” Supreme, the “Milanese” which has no sauce but does have mushrooms, onions, green peppers, olives, and mozzarella, and the “Velachi” which is grilled chicken, red onions, mozzarella, BBQ sauce.

Calzones and pastas are next up on the menu and are highlighted by “The Don” – a Mafia-style tour of Sicily. Further, it’s the house marinara atop a bed of spaghetti, topped with breaded Parmesan, rope sausage link, and Italian meatballs.

A number of cold cut bus, as well as hot subs, fall next on the menu with cold cut subs including the Italian, Ultimate Italian, Genoa Salami and Provolone, and Black Forest Ham & Cheese. “Machine Gun Subs”, or hot subs, include the Chicago Italian Beef, Italian Beef Marinara, Sausage and Peppers, Italian Beef and Sausage, Meatball Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, and Sausage Parmesan.

Hey, there’s even a kid’s menu. The little ones can choose from spaghetti and marinara, spaghetti and meatballs, and fettuccine alfredo. And of course, they serve cheesecake at The Mafia House.

The Mafia House
1440 Upper Middle Creek
Sevierville, TN 37863
(865) 365-1615

Titanic’s Sweetheart Month

If a renewal of your wedding vows is something you’ve been planning, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge wants to assist you in making it one of the most memorable celebrations possible. For an entire month, the attraction is opening up one of its prize displays to couples looking to renew their vows.

Titled Sweetheart month at the Titanic Museum Attraction, the month of February will be devoted renewing that important promise. They’ve gone so far as to allow couples to renew their vows on the museum’s Grand Staircase. And couples have the entire month of February to make it happen. But act fast, cause dates and times can fill up quickly.

Outside of the fateful turn of events, it was said that the maiden Titanic voyage was laced with anticipation, as well as romance when it set sail on April 10, 1912. There were exactly 12 couples traveling aboard the Titanic who were on their honeymoon. In addition to all the couples, there were also a number of young, brides-to-be sailing to America, anxious to begin the next phase of their life.

The power of love will be on full display during the Titanic attraction’s Sweetheart Month this February in Pigeon Forge. The attraction’s focus on love, romance, and the enduring spirit of those who lost their lives aboard the Titanic will be on full display in February. Renew your vows in the most memorable of ways: on the Titanic Museum’s Grand Staircase. All vow renewal ceremonies will be presided over by the ship’s captain.

Again, act fast as reservations are required. If you’re looking for a place to stay within a short distance of the Titanic attraction, check out these Pigeon Forge cabins, as well as these Pigeon Forge cabin rentals and these Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Keep the romance alive and renew your vows during Sweetheart Month at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge this year with a special ceremony on the grand staircase. It’ll be a memory to last a lifetime!

Titanic Pigeon Forge
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
800-381-7670

Saddle Up! 2013

One of Pigeon Forge’s most popular events is back for its 13th go round this year, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Saddle Up! (Feb. 20-24), the area’s premiere western extravaganza returns to Pigeon Forge featuring everything cowboy, country, and cool. We’re talking about cooks, musicians, historians, and a slew of other western enthusiasts.

If you want to hear some great country and bluegrass, as well as taste some of the finest in country cookin’, Saddle Up! is the time to be in Pigeon Forge. The 13th annual Saddle Up in Pigeon Forge won’t be lacking for western talent! It’s going to be a week packed with outstanding cowboy entertainment and activities. Stories & Strings, an award winning concert series, returns after being well received last year, along with three other wildly popular concerts, the annual chuck wagon cookoff, Cowboy Dance and Cowboy Church. A special photography exhibit titled “Capturing the Old West” and video presentation by award-winning photographer Ken Jenkins, is a new addition for 2013.

Saddle Up guests will hear an all-star lineup of performers including award-winning poets and singers, fancy fiddlers, amazing yodelers and hall-of-fame musicians. We’re proud to welcome Brenn Hill, Chris Isaacs, Waddie Mitchell, The Quebe Sisters Band, Dave Stamey, Sourdough Slim, T. Scot Wilburn and the Shut Up -N- Playboys, and Wylie & the Wild West.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, Feb. 20

10-11 a.m.

Cornbread Sampling
Kent Rollins & the Red River Ranch Chuck Wagon
Old Mill Square
Free

Thursday, Feb. 21

3 p.m.

“Capturing the Old West”
Video presentation and Western photography exhibit
Ken Jenkins, award-winning photographer
Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge
Free

6 p.m.

Intimate Evening Concerts
The Quebe Sisters Band
Mama’s Farmhouse
$54.88 tax inclusive

Wylie & the Wild West
Partridge & Pear
$54.88 tax inclusive

Friday, Feb. 22

11 a.m.

Chuck Wagon Sampling
Kent Rollins Red River Ranch Chuck Wagon
Smoky Mountain Guitars
Free

Noon

Stories & Strings concert
(doors open at 11:30 a.m.)
Smoky Mountain Guitars
$16.46 tax inclusive

  • Bobby Black
  • Brenn Hill
  • Joey McKenzie
  • Sourdough Slim
  • Dave Stamey
  • T. Scot Wilburn

3 p.m.

Saddle Up Concert
Sponsored by the Inn at Christmas Place
Grand Majestic Theater
$16.46 tax inclusive

  • Dave Stamey
  • Chris Isaacs
  • Brenn Hill
  • Sourdough Slim
  • T. Scot Wilburn and the Shut Up -N- Playboys

7 p.m.

Saddle Up Concert
Sponsored by Premier Media
Grand Majestic Theater
$16.46 tax inclusive

Waddie Mitchell, Chris, Isaacs, Dave Stamey
Wylie Gustafson
The Quebe Sisters Band

Saturday, Feb. 23

9 a.m.

Buckeroo Roundup
Clabough’s Campground
Entertainment and cowboy-themed activities
Free

Noon

Chuck Wagon Lunch
Clabough’s Campground
$10 per plate, tax inclusive

6 p.m.

Saddle Up Concert
Sponsored by Riverside Towers
Grand Majestic Theater
$16.46 tax inclusive

  • Cal Farley Youth Performer
  • Waddie Mitchell
  • The Quebe Sisters Band
  • Sourdough Slim
  • Brenn Hill
  • Wylie & the Wild West

8:30 p.m.

Cowboy Dance
Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge
T. Scot Wilburn and the Shut Up -N- Playboys
With special guests
$5 tax inclusive

Sunday, Feb. 24

8:30 -10:30 a.m.

Chuck Wagon Breakfast
Kent Rollins & the Red River Ranch Chuck Wagon
Stages West
$5 tax inclusive

10:30 a.m.

Cowboy Church
Stages West
Free

What’s NEW in 2013? RiverRush at Dollywood’s Splash Country!

The state’s first water coaster is set to open in May at Dollywood’s Splash Country, appropriately named RiverRush. RiverRush comes on the heels of the Wild Eagle roller coaster that debuted at Dollywood Theme Park during the 2012 season.

Over the past year, the Wild Eagle has drawn rave reviews from organizations across the country. All the praise was just another reason park officials, and the head lady herself, decided it was time to look at expanding Splash Country and adding to the park’s growing list of attractions.

“At Dollywood, we made history with Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster, so I thought, why not do it again at Dollywood’s Splash Country with my new RiverRush water coaster,” Dolly Parton said. “You know me. I love making a big splash, and RiverRush is all that and a whole lot more!”

“RiverRush is a product of the next generation of water coasters, and we are thrilled that Dollywood’s Splash Country will be home to Tennessee’s first and only water coaster for families to enjoy,” said Amy Owenby, Vice President of Waterparks.

RiverRush is a hydromagnetic coaster that combines all of the powerful climbs, plunging drops, thrilling twists, and tight turns of a traditional roller coaster, but uses water to its advantage in bringing the newest and most exciting experience to the park’s guests.

RiverRush’s four-person toboggan-style boats are propelled by a large conveyor belt 237 feet at first before plunging 25 feet at a 45-degree drop. RiverRush’s tube track rises four stories and takes riders through the trees as it navigates three additional drops along the way. We’re talking a series of hairpin turns, dark tunnels, and rushing water that will leave riders wanting to ride again and again. In all, the RiverRush track take up over an acre near the park’s newly developed Big Bear Plunge white water rafting inspired slide.

If you were to stretch out the entire track in a straight line, it would measure 1,175 feet, just one foot less than New York City’s tallest building, One World Trade Center, dubbed Freedom Tower, which will stand 1,176 feet upon completion.

Dollywood’s Splash Country is right next door to Dollywood theme park. In all, Dollywood’s Splash Country is a 35-acre water adventure park and was recently named America’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. The water park’s operating season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features 23 water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, leisure pool and two interactive children’s play areas. For more information, visit www.Dollywood.com.

Titanic Museum Exhibits for 2013

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is always finding new and unique ways to change it up and keep things fresh at their Smoky Mountain location. This month will see the museum close for a few days in order to put up new exhibits before unveiling them to the public.

For 2013, Titanic’s theme will be The Year of the Child. It’s a part of the Titanic story that most don’t think about when discussing that fateful day. This year those children will be at the forefront of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Their personal stories will headline the attraction and you can see what shaped their lives as they prepared to board the Titanic. In the Titanic’s words, “Some survived. Some did not. All will be honored.”

But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to see of your favorite exhibits from the past year. The re-creation of the hull is the same, where you learn it took three million rivets to build the ship; there were three anchors and the center anchor weighed 15.5 tons.

Another interesting fact about the people who boarded the Titanic is most of them did not know how to swim in 1912. You can still sort through photographs of those people and wonder who actually survived the crash and who didn’t. It was a different time and most of these people had their lives in front of them. What were they thinking as they boarded the ship? All types of questions come to mind as you peruse the various exhibits.

There are three rare Teddy bears on exhibit currently at the museum; and each has a story. Other highlighted exhibits include a leather coin purse, the size of a 50-cent piece, now valued at $20,000. Some of these exhibits on display at the Branson, Missouri Titanic attraction may even make their way to the Pigeon Forge site this year.

Come find out about the sacrifices married couples made as a part of the ship’s maiden voyage. Read about the story of Isador and Ida Strauss; she refused to leave his side when all knew those who stayed on the ship would perish. Reverend William Lahtinen and his wife, Anna Amelia, as well as Reverend Ernest Carter and his wife, Lilian – their stories are on full display. Find out about these couples, their lives, and each one’s Titanic story.

The year 2013 is going to be one to remember at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Come see for yourself and find out the real story of its crew and passengers.

LeConte Center Construction Remains On Schedule

Everything is moving forward according to plan on Pigeon Forge’s LeConte Center. In fact, most city officials consider it a pretty smooth process so far when you look at such things as schedule for completion and the project’s budget.

Construction work began in October 2011 for the center, which is primarily slated to host trade shows and religious gatherings, as well as some sporting events such as gymnastics and cheerleading.

The center can accommodate up to 10,000 people, so a large group focus is where the LeConte Center will begin once it opens its doors. It will operate on a year-round schedule. And as of today, 13 weeks’ worth of events are booked from the time the LeConte Center officially opens. The first is the International Gift Exposition in the Smokies/Souvenir Super Show, scheduled for November. To say that things have been moving right along would be an understatement. The engine was running before it was even installed.

In September 2014, the center will host the National Quartet Convention. The southern gospel music event will move from Louisville, Ky., where it has been held since 1993. The Louisville event attracts about 40,000 participants.

From an outsider’s point of view, the first thing that catches your eye is a 100,000-square-foot, clear-span hall. The design and the hall’s amenities were exactly what Pigeon Forge was looking for in a building needed to bring in trade shows, sporting events, festivals and large assemblies like the National Quartet Convention.

Following the International Gift Exposition, The Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association will take up the center’s next two booking slots. They are expected to bring large conferences in December of 2013 and January 2014.

Meanwhile, the National Quartet Convention is a group that was founded by JD Sumner in 1957. Sumner is a legend in the gospel world and former backup singer for Elvis Presley.

Among their 2012 National Quartet Convention event performers are the Gaither Vocal Band, the Hoppers, the Kingdom Heirs, Gold City, Greater Vision, the Booth Brothers, Legacy Five, Triumphant Quartet and the Isaacs.

The LeConte Center is a $45 million events facility that is on schedule to open in September.

Boy Scout Day at Dixie Stampede

Come join the cast of the Dixie Stampede as they honor some of our local youth on Boy Scout Day at the Dixie Stampede, January 26.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show in Pigeon Forge, TN is one of the most popular dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. It has been here for many years and has remained arguably the one dinner show that families visit each time they come to this area. If you have never been to the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show I definitely recommend it. It costs about $35 per adult, but you get a good meal with the famous Dixie Stampede Cream of Vegetable Soup and about 2 hours worth of entertainment.

If you’re looking for Dixie Stampede Coupons be sure to get your copy of the free Pigeon Forge Coupon book by clicking here. The coupon book includes a $3 off coupon for Dixie Stampede…the best coupon available. You can also check out the official Dixie Stampede Special Offers page at http://www.dixiestampede.com/specialoffers.php, but there aren’t any better deals than the $3 off found in the free Pigeon Forge coupon book.

One of the novelties is that they have no silverware. Your hands are your fork and knife! Some people love it and others thinks it’s nasty…either way it’s fun to dig in and wipe your hands on your neighbor moist towelette (I always wanted to say moist towelette in a sentence).

For more information call 865-774-8114

Wear Farm City Park Nears Completion

According to city of Pigeon Forge officials, the much anticipated Wear Farm City Park is on track to open in March, just in time for spring. And with construction almost complete, expect the area to receive its fair share of looky loos up until then.

The new park was scheduled for completion in March and the forecast is still the same. All the major work has been completed and all the remains are small tasks within the project. Things like landscaping, piecing together the new playground, as well as spring planting are just a few of the remaining to-dos.

The park’s grand opening is scheduled for March, but a date has yet to be set. Later that month, little league baseball games are slated to commence.

Wear Farm City Park replaces nearby City Park, which was torn down to make way for a wastewater facility. Aside from little league baseball diamonds and football fields, picnic areas, walking trails, a basketball court and play areas are a few of the other major amenities that will be included in the park construction.

In all, Wear Farm City Park, located at 647 Wears Valley Road, will be a 118 acre multi-use park. Pigeon Forge is hopeful to start scheduling summer sporting events soon and well be available to large groups by then. As part of the park’s first 40 acre phase, five lighted baseball diamonds, a lighted football field, one multi-purpose field, two full playgrounds, three pavilions, a basketball court, walking trails, and concession stands are scheduled for construction.

The new Wear Farm City Park carries a price tag of about $7.8 million.