3 great days in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

9am: Start the day the hearty way

Whatever you choose at Sawyer’s Farmhouse—from the kid-friendly M&M-stuffed pancakes to the hand-breaded chicken and waffles—expect it to be filling, so stop here for breakfast and you’ll likely be set until dinner time.

11am: Shop—then ship out to the Titanic

Stock up on super-fresh groceries at the Friday Sevierville Farmers Market (pictured), open from 7 a.m.–noon, and local wine at the Smoky Mountain Winery, which offers free tastings. Then, get your fill of history at the Titanic Museum, a somewhat unexpected find in a landlocked mountain town. Founded by a Hollywood producer turned undersea explorer, the museum houses more than 400 exhibits, making it the largest permanent collection of Titanic artifacts. You’ll experience what it felt like to walk the halls and cabins of the ship, descend a life-sized replica of the grand staircase, and test how well you’d manage walking on a sloping deck.

1pm: Family fun

Spend the afternoon at The Island, a shopping and entertainment hub where highlights include a 200-foot-tall observation wheel, thrill rides, restaurants, and about 40 shops. Plus, just outside the complex is Stages West, a top spot for cowboy boots and Western wear.

3pm: Sample some moonshine

Afterward, head to Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery’s moonshine tasting room, The Barn, in Pigeon Forge. Tours are available, too, at the brand’s Gatlinburg distillery, The Holler, and include live bluegrass. Despite being booze-focused, the whole experience is both family and dog-friendly.

5pm: Marvel at mountain views

Jaw dropping vistas are everywhere in the Smokies, and there are many ways to enjoy them. Hop on the Swiss-style Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster for a ride through thick forests with twisting turns, or for something more serene, stroll across Gatlinburg’s glass-paneled pedestrian Skybridge, which spans a steep valley. Alternatively, whiz to the top of the mountain in one of the area’s many gondola rides, like Anakeesta adventure park’s Chondola. 

7pm:Seek out local flavors

Pick up something for dinner at Whole Earth Grocery & Cafe, or head back into town to Timberwood Grill at The Island, where you can indulge in Southern classics like brisket sandwiches and fried chicken. Finish on a sweet note at the Old Mill Creamery, with a scoop of whiskey ribbon ice cream.

9am: Hit the mountain trails

With 800 miles of trails, bike paths, and sightseeing stop-offs, the Smokies have something for everyone. The hike to Abrams Falls is a favorite, rewarding trekkers with a postcard-perfect scene at the waterfall. The five-mile round trip hike is accessed via the trailhead at Cades Cove, reached with a scenic drive along Cades Cove Loop Road. For an easier and shorter hike, try the 1.3-mile round trip to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades where the path was once a logging railroad, making it easy to traverse.

Noon: Stop for lunch

By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so follow your nose to Lil Black Bear Café for lunch. Choose from favorites like chicken salad, a scrumptious Reuben with piled-high corned beef, or the popular fried bologna sandwich.

2pm: Golf, but not as you know it

One thing you’ll see a lot of in Pigeon Forge is miniature golf, with each course’s theme more fantastical than the next (think pirates and colorful candylands). Fantasy Golf or Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf are two great options.

7pm: Dinner and a show

Tonight’s entertainment is Dolly Parton’s Stampede. This over-the-top dinner theater features a four-course feast, horse-riding stunts, pyrotechnics, and musical performances. Afterwards, commemorate your trip with a souvenir that’s just as cheesy and fun as Pigeon Forge itself: sepia-toned old-timey photos of your whole crew, complete with Wild West costumes. You’ll spot these studios all over town but Old Time Photos stays open late and is less than five minutes away.

9am: Brunch on Benedicts

Grab breakfast at locals favorite Brick & Spoon. Their specialty is Benedicts, with a full menu dedicated to the decadent breakfast, as well as a “build your own Bloody Mary” option.

Noon: Dollywood thrills

Finish your long weekend with a bang, at Dolly Parton’s Appalachia-inspired Dollywood (pictured), open March through December. Spend your time on exhilarating rides, learning from local craftsmen, or checking out one of the many festivals hosted there. In summer, save time for the adjoining water park, Dollywood Splash Country. Dollywood is known for surprisingly good dining options—notably Aunt Granny’s, the Front Porch Café, and Till & Harvest—so you truly won’t have to leave… until it’s time to head home.