Oh, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, and the Smokies – how we love you! From cherished childhood memories to making new ones with our own little family, this destination holds a special place in our hearts.
Let's talk about the convenience of the distance from Dallas, Hiram, and Acworth – just about a four-hour drive. It's the perfect weekend or longer trip to enjoy all that this incredible area has to offer. With endless activities for all ages, it's a delightful reminder of slower times and genuine family fun.
Picture go-kart tracks, arcades, ice cream, cozy cabins, condos, and refreshing swimming pools. It's a recipe for an unforgettable adventure! And when you add Dollywood itself to the mix, get ready for an amazing experience right in your backyard.
Design by Stephanie Freeman
During our visit, we made a stop at Zoo Knoxville on the way up – a place I had never been in my almost 40 years of coming to the Smokies. Let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations! The zoo is fantastic, with a wide variety of animals and a pristine environment. We particularly enjoyed the red pandas, lions, and tigers, who were all active and playful.
Our first full day was packed with excitement as we visited The Track for go-karts, bumper boats, and mini-golf – a place where I spent countless hours as a child. Seeing my little one enjoy the same rides in Kid's Country that I did was a priceless moment. And when rain threatened, we headed over to The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge for some indoor fun and indulged in delicious ice cream from Cream & Sugar Sweet Shop.
As the day wound down, we returned to our cozy condo in Gatlinburg to relax by the pool. Watching our daughter make new friends and experiencing her joy was heartwarming. But the adventure didn't end there! In the evening, we ventured into downtown Gatlinburg for a delightful dinner at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina – hands down, the best Mexican food around. And of course, we couldn't resist playing more games at the arcade in Acradia below the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Next up, it was time for a staple of our Smoky Mountains visits – the Log Cabin Pancake House. The breakfast was simply amazing, bringing back memories of my childhood. And to continue our adventure, we embarked on a hike to Grotto Falls. While I couldn't join in this time due to work obligations, my husband, parents, and our almost 4-year-old daughter had a wonderful time. Scarlett's determination and walking prowess even earned her a hiking patch from her proud dad!
The evening found us back in downtown Gatlinburg, where we enjoyed more games and delicious treats. And then, Thursday arrived – Dollywood day! We delighted in all the rides, with special attention to the Country Fair and Wildwood Grove areas, which offered tons of fun for our daughter. A valuable tip: get your child's height checked when entering the park – it saves time and prevents arguments later on. And let's not forget the mouthwatering pizza at Iron Horse Pizza – a must-try!
Of course, we couldn't resist a visit to The Grist Mill for the famous cinnamon bread – a treat that truly lives up to its dream-like reputation. We loved it so much that we made sure to grab some for breakfast the next day too!
After a brief "parent break," my husband and I indulged in some thrill rides, including the Wild Eagle.
From there, we shifted back into parent mode and headed to the splash pad. Luckily, I had thought ahead and brought a change of clothes and a towel for Scarlett. Gramps, on the other hand, should have been more prepared – after all, he's just a big kid at heart! 😉
Next on Scarlett's agenda was riding the Dragonflier. Despite being tall enough, she wasn't quite ready for the speed and declared it "too fast" for her liking. And just like that, she was done for the day. With it being 7 pm and no nap all day, she quickly fell asleep in the car. It was probably for the best as we made a stop at the bakery and took a leisurely stroll back to our vehicle. It was a day filled with fun, but also quite eventful!
Sadly, Friday marked our departure day, but not before Scarlett got to ride go-karts with her daddy – which, according to her, were way too fast! Meanwhile, my husband took the opportunity to visit Company Distilling in Townsend, while we stopped by the Binanza. Daddy and Gramps had their own little adventure with Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge. It was the perfect end to an incredible trip.
What a journey it had been! We created countless memories and cherished experiences. With our Dollywood season passes, it didn't break the bank either. I highly recommend you find your own family fun in the Smokies. From Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, Dollywood, and the breathtaking surroundings, this destination offers something for everyone. Embark on your own adventure and embrace the magic of the Smoky Mountains!
