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7 Tips For A Stress-Free Vacation In Pigeon Forge

Are you ready for your dose of Southern charm? Pigeon Forge is a family-favorite destination for most of us. The rolling hills, the lush forests, and the beautiful wildflowers are a sight to behold. But what takes the cake are the stunning sunsets. When they paint the sky in purple, pink, and orange hues, you can’t help but gaze at its beauty. Besides the natural wonders, this quaint mountain town has super fun and thrilling activities for everyone in the family. You can go for a hike, take a bird’s eye view of the Smokies from a giant Ferris wheel, and experience the thrill of white water rafting.

If you’re a first-time traveler, you must wonder how to keep your epic mountain vacation stress-free. And to help you with that, we have just the right tips. So, grab your notebook and take notes.

1. Plan Ahead, Plan Well

A family vacation’s fun and excitement can soon become stressful if you don’t know where to start planning. How will you reach Pigeon Forge? Where will you stay? What are the must-do activities? What time is the best time to be in Pigeon Forge? You must plan it all.

With Google close at hand, it shouldn’t be such a problematic task. Find out about the Pigeon Forge area by reading blogs and checking the websites of businesses in the region.

You can share your load of planning with your partner. Download a planning app, grab some sweet tea, and get at it.

2. Tickle Your Funny Bone

Grumpy attitudes can be a family vacation’s biggest stressor, so plan your Pigeon Forge family activities with the intent that everyone returns home with a wide smile. Include the Comedy Barn Theater on your list for a night of giggles and ultimate fun. It is the oldest and the most loved comedy theater in the world.

Witness the jugglers amaze you with their skills, or the ventriloquists leave you in splits with their antics.

With so much fun and laughter, it’s sure to be a hit among everyone. The best thing about the show is that you can be up on the stage and have your minutes of fame! If this sounds like your ideal family night, visit the website to book your seats.

3. Schedule More Outdoor Fun

Nothing beats a day of fresh air and sunshine. There are a lot of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Pigeon Forge. To make the most of your vacation, explore different parts of the Smoky Mountains with a hike or a bike ride. The best trails to explore are Alum Cave Trail, Porters Creek Trail, and Laurel Falls. For a one-of-a-kind experience, take your family on a horseback ride.

Take some time out for fishing or whitewater rafting. The thrill-seekers can even try ziplining or riding a mountain coaster!

4. Pack Smart

When you’re packing for a family trip, it’s easy to overstuff. But lugging suitcases and backpacks can add to stress levels. So, try packing light.

Make a list of what you will need, so you don’t forget anything. Also, make sure everyone in the family has their bag so there’s no confusion about who should carry what. Trust us; it can get frustrating fast.

However, do keep the weather in mind before you pack. Due to its high elevation, Pigeon Forge can get surprisingly cold at night. Therefore, pack some warm clothes, or you’ll freeze your toes outdoors!

5. Book Your Accommodations in Advance

What’s your travel style? Are you more of a spontaneous stay-where-you-land kind of traveler? Or do you prefer to plan and book hotels in advance? We recommend the latter. It’s smart, it’s stress-free, and it can save you from a lot of last-minute hassles.

Pigeon Forge has several motels, hotels, and resorts that are affordable yet comfortable. But if you want the beautiful landscape to talk to you through your window, consider renting a cabin. These are considerably larger than hotels and provide all the modern amenities for a cozy stay. When renting a cabin, you can enjoy an entire evening sitting by the fireplace, grilling in the backyard, or playing board games with your family.

6. Don’t Be Too Rigid

It’s alright to plan and book everything in advance. But don’t get too rigid with the plans. Have a few free days to explore the city and enjoy its beauty. And if someone in your family wants to check out a certain attraction, let them do it. After all, it’s the small things that bring more joy.

Pigeon Forge is close to several cities in Tennessee. Make sure you take time to explore the nearby area as well. You can take a few detours, from exploring Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park to spending time in Dollywood.

You can also take a road trip to Sevierville for a fun shopping spree and stop at some small towns for lunch.

7. Make Arrangements for Your Pet

If you’re taking your furry friend to Pigeon Forge, you’re in for the time of your life. Dogs are adorable travel partners. But most importantly, this beautiful mountain town welcomes dogs with warm smiles and much love. You can find multiple pet-friendly cabins, restaurants, and shops to spend quality time with your four-legged therapist.

But it won’t help if you don’t have a plan. Make arrangements for your pet before you land in Pigeon Forge. Make a list of cabins you can check out, know where you can go for lunch, and find out where the closest vet is. You can also take your pup for a hike on the nearby trails. Keep the leash on at all times, though.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes during a family vacation, things don’t always go according to plan. The key is to roll with the punches and try to make the best of a bad situation. Don’t let it spoil your vacation spirit. Smile, laugh it off, and make some fun memories.

When in Pigeon Forge, expect the unexpected. Whether it’s a sudden thunderstorm or a scenic view you didn’t anticipate, take it all in.

The best thing about Pigeon Forge is that it has something to offer everyone. Even if you’re not a fan of the outdoors, the city also offers fantastic restaurants, comedy shows, and shopping centers. So, don’t be afraid to take a break from your usual routine and try something new while you’re here.